If you are using a hydrophilic intermittent catheter, you need to update your prescription.

Starting in 2026, your hydrophilic catheter prescription will need to be updated in order for you to continue receiving your current product. You can act NOW to make sure you are set up for 2026.

What do you need to know?

Hydrophilic catheter

A hydrophilic catheter is a type of urinary catheter that comes with a coating that becomes slippery when activated with water. This helps to reduce friction during insertion and withdrawal and can help minimize discomfort and risk of urinary tract damage during use.

To continue receiving your hydrophilic intermittent catheter, your prescription should include the word “hydrophilic” in the description or brand name/item number.

Brochure

Download this brochure and bring it to your supplier or prescribing clinician.

Download brochure

What does this mean for you?

You will need a new prescription to continue receiving your current hydrophilic intermittent catheter.

- You’ll still be able to use the same catheter you know and trust

- Ensures you have access to the catheter your clinician prescribed

What can you do?

- Talk to your supplier or prescribing clinician about getting a new prescription.

- Ask them to update your prescription to include the word “hydrophilic” or the brand name/item number

- Download the guide below to help you in your conversation

When should you act?

Now! If you update your prescription with the word “hydrophilic” or brand name/item number it will work in 2025 (old billing codes) and in 2026 (new billing codes).

What are your rights?

If your supplier tells you that your preferred catheter is “not covered” it often means they decided not to provide it. This is different from your insurance saying they won’t pay for it. Insurance plans do not decide which type of intermittent catheter your clinician prescribes.

Why does this change matter?

These new billing codes protect your ability to use the catheter that you and your clinician determined works best for your anatomy, your routine, and your lifestyle. It reduces the chances of being switched to a different type of catheter.

Need help getting your catheter?

If at any point you are told you cannot receive the catheter your clinician prescribed, call us. We can help you find a supplier who will honor your prescription and support your choice.

Call us at 1.866.226.6362

Frequently Asked Questions

About the change:

Why are there new billing codes?

Until now, all intermittent catheters—whether basic or advanced—have been lumped under the same billing codes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) now recognize that hydrophilic catheter technology matters and have introduced new, specific billing codes for hydrophilic products.

Is this only for Medicare?

No. While CMS sets the standard, most private insurance companies and Medicaid programs also follow these codes.

Can I update my prescription before 2026?

Yes and we recommend starting the process early to avoid any supply gaps.

Impact on my prescription:

Why do you need an updated prescription?

Starting in 2026, new billing codes are being introduced for hydrophilic intermittent catheters. These new codes are designed to recognize the value of innovative catheter technology—and that’s good news for you. To continue receiving your current hydrophilic intermittent catheter, your prescription must be updated to include the word “hydrophilic” or the brand name/item number.

Who updates prescriptions?

Your prescribing clinician will need update your prescription. Typically, your supplier will work directly with your clinician to update this on your behalf.

How can you update your prescription?

Talk to your supplier or prescribing clinician about getting a new prescription. You can use the conversation guide in the brochure when discussing the update with them.

Is this update mandatory for all hydrophilic intermittent catheter users?

Yes, the update is required for all current users.

Insurance and billing codes:

Could insurance companies deny hydrophilic intermittent catheters after the change?

They shouldn’t, but you will need to ensure your prescription is worded correctly. If you have issues, contact Coloplast Care at 1.866.226.6362.

What is a HCPCS code?

HCPCS (Heathcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are the billing codes used on insurance claims to identify the intermittent catheter that you currently receive.

What is a billing code?

A billing code, specifically referred to in this context as a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code, is a standardized code used in medical billing to identify specific medical devices or procedures, allowing insurers to determine coverage and reimbursement.

Working with your supplier:

Who is your supplier?

Your supplier is the medical products company from whom you currently receive your intermittent catheters. You can usually find their contact details on your invoices or delivery paperwork. If you are still unsure, contact your prescribing clinician or your insurance company.

Can your supplier refuse to send your preferred intermittent catheter?

They can choose not to provide it. This is different from your insurance saying they won’t pay for it. Insurance plans do not decide which type of intermittent catheter your clinician prescribes.

What if your supplier does not provide the intermittent catheter prescribed to you?

Call Coloplast Care at 1.866.226.6362 for assistance in finding a supplier who will honor your prescription.

Transition and timeline:

When should you talk to your supplier or clinician about updating your prescription?

Now. We recommend beginning the process now so everything is ready for January 1, 2026.

How do you know which type of intermittent catheter you currently use?

a) You can check your current product and look for the word “hydrophilic” on the label.

b) You can check your current prescription or medical records for details about your intermittent catheter type.

c) Contact your supplier and ask them to share details on which intermittent catheter you are using.

Will your product change?

No. Your intermittent catheter will be the same. Only the billing code your supplier uses will change. If you do not get your intermittent catheter, please contact Coloplast Care at 1.866.226.6362

General questions:

Who can you contact for more information about the billing coding update?

Contact Coloplast Care at 1.866.226.6362 or speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the new billing codes?

a) An overview of the current billing codes and new billing codes are included below.

Old billing code	New billing code: Effective 2026
HCPCS A4353 Intermittent urinary catheter, with insertion supplies	HCPCS A4296 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; coude (curved tip), hydrophilic coating, each
HCPCS A4352 Intermittent urinary catheter; coude (curved) tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each	HCPCS A4296 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; coude (curved tip), hydrophilic coating, each
HCPCS A4351 Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each	HCPCS A4295 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, hydrophilic coating, each

b) The new codes will not be effective January 1, 2026.

c) All hydrophilic intermittent catheter prescriptions should have the word “hydrophilic” or brand name/model number on the prescription as that will work now and in 2026.

Current Codes	New Codes: Effective January 1, 2026
A4351 Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each	A4351 (revised) Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, etc.), each

	A4295 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, hydrophilic coating, each

A4352 Intermittent urinary catheter; coudé (curved) tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each	A4352 (revised) Intermittent urinary catheter; coudé (curved) tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, etc.), each


	A4296 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; coudé (curved tip), hydrophilic coating, each

A4353 Intermittent urinary catheter, with insertion supplies	A4353 (unchanged)* Intermittent urinary catheter, with insertion supplies

	A4297 (new) Intermittent urinary catheter; hydrophilic coating, with insertion supplies

What if your prescription is updated with only the new billing codes before January 1, 2026?

If you update your prescription with only the new billing codes before January 1, 2026, they will not be recognized as active so will not work. Instead make sure the word “hydrophilic” or the brand name/item number is on your prescription as that will work now and in 2026.

HCPCS A4353

Intermittent urinary catheter, with insertion supplies

HCPCS A4297 (new)

Intermittent urinary catheter; hydrophilic coating, with insertion supplies

HCPCS A4352

Intermittent urinary catheter; coude (curved) tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each

HCPCS A4296 (new)

Intermittent urinary catheter; coude (curved tip), hydrophilic coating, each

HCPCS A4351

Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, with or without coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer, or hydrophilic, etc.), each

HCPCS A4295 (new)

Intermittent urinary catheter; straight tip, hydrophilic coating, each

Reimbursement Disclaimer: Coloplast Corp. provides this information for your general reference and related to the reimbursement of Coloplast products only. Reimbursement, coverage and payment policies can vary from one insurer and region to another, and may change over time. Coloplast does not guarantee coverage or payment of products.

Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.