A6238 - Large sterile wound dressing with adhesive border (16-48 square inches)

Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

Last updated: 11/28/2025

What is a HCPCS Code?

HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.

Detailed Description

This code represents a hydrocolloid wound dressing that is sterile and designed to cover wounds. The dressing pad itself measures between 16 and 48 square inches (roughly 4x4 inches to 7x7 inches) and comes with an adhesive border of any size around the edges to help secure it to the skin. Hydrocolloid dressings are specialized wound covers that help maintain a moist healing environment. Each unit of this code represents one individual dressing.

Additional Information

This is a supply code for the dressing material itself. The actual application, wound assessment, and medical care are billed separately. Dressing change frequency depends on wound condition and healthcare provider instructions.

Category

Medical Supplies - Wound Care

Medical Specialty

Wound Care/General Medicine

Expected Costs

We expect this to normally be in the range of:

$15 - $50

This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Healthcare provider assessment of wound
  • Proper wound cleaning
  • Determination that hydrocolloid dressing is appropriate for wound type

What to Expect After

  • Regular dressing changes as prescribed
  • Wound monitoring for signs of infection
  • Follow-up appointments as scheduled by healthcare provider

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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