Wound Care 101 – What They Didn’t Tell You

If you have a wound that has not healed, the information on this page is about the most advanced wound treatment options.   

Medically, After 30 days, non healing wounds become eligible for advanced wound care. At this point, closing non healing wounds becomes urgent. The longer a wound is open, the more severe the consequences can become. For example, In 2022, 431,429 Limbs Were AMPUTATED due to Inefficient Wound Care. By reading this page, you will learn the most effective types of advanced wound care practiced today, along with how to start receiving effective wound care quickly.  

WE HAVE HELPED MANY PEOPLE RECEIVE EFFECTIVE CARE. We Can Help You Too.   

Please feel welcome to call us 1-800-736-5155 with your questions. Knowing when to and who to ask for help is critically important for getting quality care for non healing wounds. Wounds that have failed to heal after 4-6 weeks of traditional medical care, are considered non-healing, or chronic wounds.

Chronic or Non-Healing Wounds become eligible for the most aggressive and effective treatment options because of the severe health dangers they pose. Venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and arterial ulcers, as well as wounds caused by radiation therapy, surgical complications, and some skin cancers are examples of wounds that may need advanced wound care in order to close. 

* At the bottom of this page we have included additional details about each type of wound.

Non Healing wounds pose multiple dangers, including infection, tissue damage, and potential amputation. Infections can spread to surrounding tissues or even the bloodstream, causing serious systemic infections like sepsis. Non healing wounds can also lead to chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and psychological distress. 

LEARN ABOUT THE MOST EFFECTIVE ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CHRONIC WOUNDS:

There are three primary ways that advanced wounds are commonly treated. These are considered the most effective treatment options for chronic wounds today. Understanding each one, along with how to begin getting care as quickly as possible can become the difference in closing the wound, or not. Insurance and where you are receiving care also have an impact on what kind of care you are eligible for, or will receive. More on this topic in a bit. Methods for Advanced Wound Care for Non-Healing Chronic Wounds Include:

 DEBRIDE, CLEAN, AND WRAP METHOD 

Generally speaking, the first step for managing a wound is to clean the wound and keep it moist. Infections must be neutralized before the process of closing the wound can begin. With this method, once a wound is cleaned and debrided, it gets wrapped. There are various types of wound wraps for various kinds of wounds. This method is often used in conjunction with other methods for managing chronic wounds.   

Where to Receive Treatments:

• A general doctor’s office
• In a hospital
• In skilled nursing facilities
• In home care situations

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN CHAMBER FOR WOUND CARE

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) speeds up wound healing by increasing the amount of oxygen available to the body’s tissues. This is achieved by breathing pure oxygen at a higher pressure than normal in a pressurized chamber. The extra oxygen can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, enhance the immune system, and fight certain types of infections, all of which contribute to faster wound healing. 

For this method to be effective, up to 40 Two Hour treatments may be required. Additionally, persons with mobility issues may have difficulty with this therapy.  

Where To Receive Treatments:

• A specialty facility 
• A hospital

ALLOGRAFT BASED WOUND WRAPS

Allograft-based wound wraps are almost 100% Successful for closing wounds. This highly effective and sought after treatment was just approved for coverage by Medicare Part B at the end of 2023. Allograft Wraps can be applied in your home or medical office. They are non-surgical and considered easy to use.  

There are various different types of allograft based wound wraps, each varying in production method and quality.  To understand the differences in quality, one must first understand what an allograft wound wrap is. In simple terms, these are wound wraps made from amniotic tissue. Amniotic tissue refers to the placenta, including the amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid, which forms the inner layer surrounding the fetus during pregnancy. The amniotic membrane is a nutrient rich two-layered structure, with the amnion being the innermost layer that surrounds and contains the amniotic fluid. Amniotic wound wraps are almost 100% successful for closing wounds.

DUE TO THE HIGH LEVELS OF GROWTH FACTORS AND OTHER KEY NUTRIENTS, AMNIOTIC WRAPS ARE ALMOST ENTIRELY EFFECTIVE FOR WOUND CARE. 

• The primary way allograft wound wrap patches work is by providing nutrients, growth factors, and healing factors directly to the wound.
• Allograft wound wraps are typically applied once every 5 to 10 days.
• The primary difference between this and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is that an allograft patch is consistently making contact with a wound, whereas a hyperbaric chamber works while you are receiving treatments.
• The Allograft Patch is always making contact with and nourishing the wound, while a hyperbaric chamber works while you are in the chamber.
• Even though Medicare part B just recently started covering allograft based wound wraps, they are not new.

Medicare Part B and Tricare provide coverage for just about any type of amniotic wound wrap.

Where To Receive Treatments:

• A specialty facility 
• A hospital
• In Your Home
• A medical office

HOW TO RECEIVE TOP QUALITY WOUND CARE WHILE AVOIDING TRAIN WRECKS AND DISASTERS

• Medical billing affects you more than you know. Amniotic Allograft Wound Wraps can be complicated to bill (insurance) for. 
• MANY PRACTICES WILL NOT PERFORM PROCEDURES THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO BILL FOR. This is why not all wound care practices offer hyperbaric oxygen chambers of allograft wound wraps.
• Different kinds of insurance cover different products / brands. There are different types of hyperbaric oxygen chambers and wound wraps. Although Medicare Part B and Tricare cover just about anything that insurance will cover, many plans LACK coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage Plans (often called Medicare Part C) are all unique in their coverage of Allograft Wraps.
  • Medicaid and Under 65 Years of Age insurance plans are unique in their benefits.
  • Locating a facility that uses HIGH QUALITY wound care products that accepts YOUR INSURANCE is CRITICAL in receiving proper wound care.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers and Allograft Wound Wraps are often NOT COVERED FOR SMOKERS. Tobacco users should discontinue with use in order to get treatment. 
• ADVANCED WOUND CARE is NOT available for patients of Skilled Nursing Facilities. This has to do with the cost of the wrap and the way in which skilled nursing facilities are paid by insurance carriers for providing care. 
• If you are receiving HOME CARE you will not be eligible for ADVANCED WOUND CARE. This is due to billing regulations pertaining to home care. 

WE HAVE HELPED MANY PEOPLE CONNECT WITH THE RIGHT FOR THEM PRACTITIONER. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION SO WE CAN HELP YOU TOO.

YOU NEED WOUND CARE – WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS

Once you have found a Wound Care provider that you are comfortable with, and that is accepting new patients, you will have just a few more small steps to complete before care can begin. 

• Advanced Wound Care can take place in a Doctor’s office or in your home. Mobile Wound Care is rapidly gaining popularity today.
• For home treatment, you may be asked to complete Online Patient Intake Forms. These are the same forms you would complete in an office, but for home visits you will typically have to complete the intake process online.
  
• Authorization from your insurance carrier can take between 2-7 days.
   
• If you have infected wounds, the infections will be treated first, before you receive advanced wound care.
• With allograft wound wraps, you can expect up to 8 non surgical treatments. 

Receiving Care for your Wounds can be Easier than you may think or expect. The absolute most important step, right now, if you have a wound and are thinking about getting care, or know you need better care, is to raise your hand and ASK FOR HELP! 

Do NOT wait. A non healing wound will only get worse if left untreated. We have connected many people with Advanced Wound Care providers and we can help you too! Please complete the form below for a complimentary consultation. 

Additional information about different types of wounds can be found below:

Specific Types of Non-Healing Wounds:

• Venous Ulcers:

• • Often located in the legs and ankles, these ulcers are caused by poor blood flow in the veins, leading to tissue damage and swelling.
• Diabetic Ulcers:
  • These ulcers typically affect the feet and legs and are a common complication of diabetes, often resulting from poor blood circulation and nerve damage. 

• Pressure Ulcers:

• • Also known as bedsores, these ulcers occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often in areas where bone is close to the skin. 

• Arterial Ulcers:

• • These ulcers are caused by poor blood flow in the arteries, leading to a 
  • lack of oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues. 

• Wounds from Radiation Therapy:

• • Radiation therapy can cause skin damage and ulcers, which may take a long time to heal. 

• Surgical Wounds:

• • Wounds that do not heal properly after surgery can be due to various factors, including infection, poor blood flow, or underlying medical conditions. 

• Wounds from Skin Cancer:

• • Some skin cancers can lead to ulcers that may be slow to heal. 

When a non healing wound is NOT treated, it becomes much more dangerous. Here’s a more detailed look at the dangers:

• Infections:
  • Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can enter the wound and cause a localized infection, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and warmth.

• Spread of infection to surrounding tissues:
  • If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, causing cellulitis or osteomyelitis (bone infection).
• Systemic infections:
  • Infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to a serious systemic infection called sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
• Tissue Damage and Amputation:
  • Necrosis (tissue death): Poor blood flow can cause tissue damage and necrosis, especially in conditions like peripheral vascular disease.
  • Amputation: In severe cases, the damage may become so extensive that amputation of the affected limb becomes necessary to prevent the spread of infection or to save the patient’s life.

• Chronic Pain and Reduced Quality of Life
• Chronic pain

Non-healing wounds can cause persistent pain, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. 

• Reduced mobility:
  • Pain and wound size can limit mobility and make it difficult to perform daily tasks.

• Psychological distress:
  • The physical and emotional impact of a non-healing wound can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Other Complications:

• Excessive scar tissue:
  • Wounds that don’t heal properly can lead to the formation of excessive scar tissue, which can restrict movement and function.

• Edema:
  • Swelling caused by fluid buildup can occur, especially in the legs, and can hinder wound healing.

• Periwound dermatitis:
  • Skin damage around the wound can occur, especially with moisture-related issues.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION – HYPERLINK OXYGEN CHAMBER 

For wound care, Medicare, Medicaid, and many commercial insurance plans may cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Specifically, HBOT may be covered when used to treat certain non-healing wounds or diabetic ulcers, but coverage can vary based on the specific plan and the individual’s condition. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Conditions Covered:

HBOT is often covered for conditions like diabetic wounds, radiation tissue damage, crush injuries, necrotizing soft tissue infections, and gas gangrene. 

Coverage Requirements:

Most insurance plans require that standard wound care methods have failed to produce results before HBOT is considered. Additionally, some plans may require a specific wound grading or other criteria to be met. 

Pre-authorization:

Many plans require pre-authorization or pre-certification before HBOT can be initiated. 

Medicare:

Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for certain conditions and when performed in a chamber. 

Private Insurance:

Many commercial insurance plans follow similar guidelines to Medicare for HBOT coverage. 

Out-of-Pocket Costs:

Out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly depending on the individual’s insurance plan, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. 

Checking Coverage:

It’s always recommended to check with your specific insurance plan to understand their coverage for HBOT and to determine if pre-authorization is required. You may also want to ask your doctor or the wound care center for assistance with coverage verification. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation of how HBOT promotes wound healing:

• Increased Oxygen Delivery:
  • HBOT delivers 100% pure oxygen to the body at two to three times normal air pressure. This significantly increases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry, allowing for better delivery of oxygen to tissues, including the wound site.
• Angiogenesis:
  • The increased oxygen levels in the tissues stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). These new blood vessels bring more oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the wound, which are essential for the healing process.
• Enhanced Immune Function:
  • HBOT can strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections that can hinder wound healing.
• Stimulation of Growth Factors:
  • HBOT may stimulate the release of growth factors that promote healing, including collagen formation and new skin cell growth.
• Infection Control:
  • The extra oxygen can also help to weaken or kill certain bacteria and pathogens that may be present in the wound, further aiding in healing.
• Reduced Inflammation:
  • HBOT can help reduce inflammation and swelling at the wound site, which can further promote healing.