Important Facts about Male Intermittent Catheters

What is an Intermittent Catheter

Intermittent catheters are generally used when the bladder is full or when the person feels the need to urinate but cannot do so naturally. This is a typical situation where the person uses the intermittent catheter in an as-needed way, rather than keeping the catheter permanently or continuously in their bladder. Only in persons with certain severe cases is it necessary to keep the catheter in the bladder for long-term, because in these cases the patient loses the ability to sense when the bladder is full, making it necessary to use an indwelling catheter to allow continuous bladder drainage. The severe cases include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. These conditions can cause Neurogenic Bladder, a condition where nerve damage interferes with the signals between the brain and the bladder.

Intermittent catheters are medical devices used for bladder drainage in patients who cannot empty their bladder naturally. They are inserted temporarily, allowing urine to drain out, and then removed. Main types of intermittent catheters are as follows.

1) Straight Suction Catheters

Description: A simple, uncoated catheter made from rubber, silicone, or PVC, designed for one-time use.

Features: Basic and cost-effective, requiring lubrication before insertion.

Use: Ideal for patients who are familiar with catheterization and can self-lubricate.

2) Hydrophilic Catheters

Description: Pre-lubricated with a hydrophilic coating that becomes slippery when in contact with water.

Features: Easier to insert and more comfortable for the user as they reduce friction during use.

Use: Recommended for individuals who want less irritation and trauma to the urethra.

3) Closed System Catheters

Description: Comes pre-attached to a collection bag, maintaining a sterile environment during insertion.

Features: Reduces the risk of contamination and infection.

Use: Ideal for individuals with limited mobility or frequent catheterization, especially in public or less sanitary settings.

4) Coude Tip Catheters

Description: Has a slightly curved or angled tip to navigate past obstructions like enlarged prostate or urethral stricture.

Features: Specifically designed for those who have difficulty inserting straight catheters.

Use: Commonly used in male patients with prostate problems.

5) Pre-lubricated Catheters

Description: A straight catheter that comes pre-lubricated, ready for use.

Features: No need for additional lubrication, making the process faster and more convenient.

Use: Suitable for quick, on-the-go catheterization.

6) Antibacterial Catheters

Description: Coated with an antibacterial agent, such as silver or nitrofurazone, to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Features: Helps prevent bacterial colonization on the catheter.

Use: Beneficial for patients prone to frequent UTIs.

Each type of catheter has specific applications depending on the patient's needs, comfort level, and medical condition.

We have introduced the various types of intermittent catheters in this section. The types of intermittent catheters used by male are called male intermittent catheters, such as Straight Male Catheters, Hydrophilic Male Catheters, Coude Tip Male Catheters, Closed System Male Catheters, Pre-lubricated Male Catheters, and Antibacterial Male Catheters. The thing to point out about male intermittent catheters is that they are specifically designed for the male urethra, which is longer than the female urethra, typically about 16 inches (40 cm) in length.

Criterion Best Male Intermittent Catheters Should Satisfy

A male patient can choose one of the types of intermittent catheters referred to in the previous section based his condition or specific needs. The best male intermittent catheters are those able to satisfy criterion such as comfort and ease of insertion, sterility and infection prevention, ease of use, length and size appropriateness, type of tip, material safety, durability and strength, lubrication, minimal handling and hygiene features, and cost and insurance coverage.

Knowing the criterion to meet, here we recommend one of the major male intermittent catheter producers in the world, namely BEVER male intermittent catheters from Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd.

This section addresses how to select the best male intermittent catheters. The next question you may have is does Medicare cover intermittent catheters. If so, as an intermittent catheter the cost of male intermittent catheters can be reimbursed or paid by the Medicare.

Does Medicare Cover Intermittent Catheters

Medicare does cover intermittent catheters under Medicare Part B as part of its durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, but there are specific requirements and limitations. Here's a detailed breakdown of how Medicare covers intermittent catheters:

1) Medicare Part B Coverage

Eligibility: To qualify for coverage, intermittent catheters must be deemed medically necessary by a doctor. This usually means that a patient has a condition that makes self-catheterization essential, such as urinary retention or a neurogenic bladder.

Medical Documentation: A healthcare provider must provide documentation supporting the need for intermittent catheterization, including the frequency and type of catheter required (straight, coude tip, hydrophilic, etc.).

Prescription Requirement: Medicare requires a prescription from a licensed physician for intermittent catheters. The prescription should include details such as the type of catheter and the frequency of use.

2) Quantity and Type of Catheters Covered

Single-Use Catheters: Medicare generally covers up to 200 sterile intermittent catheters per month (one-time use), depending on the patient’s needs. This is because sterile, single-use catheters reduce the risk of infection.

Hydrophilic and Pre-Lubricated Catheters: Medicare covers these types of catheters if they are considered necessary based on the patient's medical condition. These catheters can help reduce friction and make catheterization easier for some patients.

Coude Tip Catheters: If a patient has a medical need for a coude tip catheter (such as an enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), Medicare will cover them when properly documented by the doctor.

3) Cost and Copayment

80% Coverage: Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount for intermittent catheters after the annual deductible is met. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20%, unless they have supplemental insurance (Medigap) that covers this portion.

Medicare Advantage Plans: If a person is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), coverage for intermittent catheters may vary slightly, but these plans are required to cover at least as much as Original Medicare. Patients should check with their plan for specific details on costs and coverage.

4) Suppliers and Equipment Providers

DME Supplier: To receive coverage, you must obtain intermittent catheters from a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. Not all suppliers participate in Medicare, so it’s important to verify that the supplier accepts Medicare to ensure coverage.

Documentation: The supplier will require proper documentation from your doctor, including the medical necessity and prescription.

5) Exceptions and Special Cases

Reusable Catheters: While reusable catheters can sometimes be used multiple times, Medicare typically prefers and covers single-use sterile catheters because of the reduced risk of infections.

Frequency of Use: Medicare will only cover the quantity of catheters necessary based on medical needs. If a patient requires more than the typical amount (200 per month), additional documentation may be required from the healthcare provider to justify this need.

6) Associated Supplies Covered

Lubricant: If needed, Medicare also covers lubricating jelly for use with intermittent catheters.

Insertion Kits: Some patients may require sterile catheter insertion kits, which include gloves, antiseptic wipes, and other supplies. Medicare typically covers these if they are necessary for sterile catheterization.

In summary, Medicare Part B covers intermittent catheters as long as they are medically necessary, prescribed by a doctor, and obtained through an approved DME supplier. You’ll be responsible for 20% of the cost, but supplemental insurance can help cover this.