AACU, WOCN Society Urge Safeguards in Medicare Catheter Bidding
AACU, WOCN Society Urge Safeguards in Medicare Catheter Bidding
Article by the American Association of Clinical Urology and Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society, Urology Times, September 23, 2026
In a recent Urology Times article, the American Association of Clinical Urology (AACU) and Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) raise concerns about the inclusion of urological and ostomy supplies in Medicare’s Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program.
The organizations emphasize that catheter and ostomy product selection is an individualized clinical decision and caution that inappropriate substitutions could lead to complications, loss of independence, and additional healthcare utilization. They also highlight the potential administrative burden on clinicians if new documentation, product authorization, or substitution requirements create delays in patient care.
AACU and WOCN outline safeguards they believe CMS should implement if the program moves forward, including a streamlined physician authorization process, access to a meaningful range of products, timely delivery and replacement procedures, and monitoring of patient outcomes and administrative burden.