A6221 HCPCS code: Gauze, non-impregnated, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing
A6221 is the HCPCS Level II code for gauze, non-impregnated, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $51.41 per service for A6221 across 371 services. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. The NCCI unit limit is 9 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume fell 75% from 2022 to 2024 (1,510 to 371 services). In 2024, 4 suppliers billed Medicare for A6221 (purchases), serving 23 beneficiaries.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | A codes — Transportation, medical/surgical supplies and miscellaneous |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 46 — Priced by the Medicare contractor (no national fee) |
| BETOS category | D1A — Medical/surgical supplies |
| Added | 1997-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2009-01-01 |
Who bills A6221 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Suppliers billing rentals | — |
| Suppliers billing purchases | 4 |
| Referring clinicians | 5 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 23 |
| States with claims | 1 |
| Year | Suppliers | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 53 |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4 | 23 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for A6221, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,510 | 53 | $1.72 | $1.33 |
| 2023 | 509 | 0 | $5.08 | $3.63 |
| 2024 | 371 | 23 | $65.58 | $51.41 |
States with the most A6221 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| California | 190 | $97.54 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 9 | Clinical: Data |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A54563: Surgical Dressings - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
What changed for A6221
- 1997-01-01: A6221 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code A6221?
A6221 is the HCPCS Level II code for gauze, non-impregnated, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing. Short descriptor: "Gauze > 48 sq in w/border".
How much does Medicare pay for A6221?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $51.41 per service (average allowed $65.58).
Does Medicare cover A6221?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of A6221 can be billed per day?
9 on outpatient hospital claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related A62 codes
- A6203 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($4.80–$5.70)
- A6204 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($8.86–$10.62)
- A6205 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing
- A6206 — Contact layer, sterile, 16 sq. in. or less, each dressing
- A6207 — Contact layer, sterile, more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., each dressing ($10.47–$12.56)
- A6208 — Contact layer, sterile, more than 48 sq. in., each dressing
- A6209 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, without adhesive border, each dressing ($10.65–$12.82)
- A6210 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing ($28.40–$34.06)
- A6211 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing ($41.86–$50.18)
- A6212 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($13.84–$16.61)
- A6213 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing
- A6214 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($14.68–$17.62)
Building a device that would bill under a code like this? Caduvo matches a device description to HCPCS/CPT codes, Medicare coverage and payment, and the FDA pathway in one report.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A6221
- Watch A6221 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A6221
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.