LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (July 13, 2015)—Hollister Incorporated is responding to the positive feedback to the VaPro Plus touch-free hydrophilic intermittent catheter by consolidating the product line to focus attention on this closed system catheter. The VaPro Plus intermittent catheter is the only prehydrated and ready-to-use hydrophilic catheter with a protective tip and sleeve and an integrated collection bag. All VaPro catheter styles use the same catheter design, making it easy for customers to switch from one VaPro catheter to another. Clinicians only need to use one training approach and consumers only need to use one learning approach.
“Both clinicians and consumers have expressed a strong preference for the VaPro Plus catheter with an integrated collection bag,” said Patrick Noble, U.S. general manager, continence and critical care. “By focusing our portfolio on the product that our clinicians and customers prefer, Hollister can better serve their needs and help to ensure access to the product in the U.S. market.”
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a policy clarification that catheters coded in the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) category A4353 must include a collection chamber. The VaPro catheter was coded A4353 by the Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding contractor (PDAC) three times between September 2013 and March 2015. The VaPro catheter HCPCS coding has not changed, however in light of this recent news, VaPro catheters without a collection bag are subject to recoding. The VaPro Plus catheter, which does include an integrated collection bag, is not expected to be impacted by this policy clarification.
People using the straight tip VaPro catheter without collection bag will be transitioned to the VaPro Plus catheter throughout the summer. The three VaPro catheter SKUs with coudé tip will not be discontinued. All VaPro catheters will still be sold in several European markets.
Hollister will work closely with suppliers to ensure a smooth transition from the VaPro catheter to the VaPro Plus catheter, including pricing and inventory adjustments.
For more information or to request a product sample, visit hollisterpeoplefirst.com/vapro.
