CMS delays final LCD for skin substitutes
By HME News Staff
Updated 8:56 AM CDT, Mon April 14, 2025
WASHINGTON – As part of the transition to the new administration, CMS is reviewing its coverage policies for skin substitute products. This means the final local coverage determinations for skin substitute grafts/cellular and tissue-based products for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers will be delayed until Jan. 1, 2026. “CMS believes it is important to maintain patient access to skin substitute products with high quality evidence of effectiveness,” the agency stated. As such, CMS is asking that any peer-reviewed publications and high-quality findings from other public sources of skin substitute study results be submitted at CAGInquiries@cms.hhs.gov by Nov. 1, 2025. The agency says it will ensure all evidence received will be sent to the MACs to review to determine if revisions to the LCD are appropriate. The agency’s announcement follows an article in the New York Times, “Medicare bleeds billions on pricey bandages and doctors get a cut.”
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