3M Skin & Wound Care Division announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) has created a new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code that will describe the application of 3M™ Coban™ 2 Layer Compression System; CPT code 29581 – “Application of multi-layer venous wound compression system, below the knee.” The code will become effective January 1, 2010.

“The specific code with established payment will now allow for greater patient access to multi-layer compression systems, which are the cornerstone in the treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLUs),” said Nancy Larson, Vice President and General Manager, 3M Skin & Wound Care Division. “Nearly 2.5 million people are affected annually in the United States by venous leg ulcers (Brem, et al., 2004), which can have significant quality of life impact for patients, including pain, decreased mobility, and impaired activities of daily living.”

“The AMA’s decision is a significant step as it will enable the clinician to choose the compression bandage most appropriate for treating the patient’s problem rather than basing it on reimbursement, and it will allow many patients to receive compression therapy when it otherwise may not have been available,” said Terry A. Treadwell, MD, Director of Wound Care Services, Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery, Alabama. “The code will also help improve overall treatment for patients with venous ulcers as they can receive the standard of care – compression therapy.”

"We are very pleased that the AMA has created a unique CPT code that describes the application of a multi-layer system,” said Cheryl Loegering, Reimbursement Manager, 3M Skin & Wound Care Division. “By creating this code specific to multi-layer systems, the AMA has recognized the wide-spread acceptance of this procedure and the clinical evidence supporting the use of multi-layer systems.”

In addition to the publication of the CPT code, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Outpatient Prospective Payment final rule (CMS-1414-FC), and CPT code 29581 has been assigned to the APC payment group 0058 which has a 2010 payment rate of $71.03.

About 3M™ Coban™ 2 Layer Compression System

Innovative Coban 2 Layer Compression System provides effective therapeutic compression for the treatment of edema associated with venous leg ulcers and related conditions. Designed for patients of all sizes, shapes and lifestyles, comfortable Coban 2 Layer Compression System enables patients to wear their normal shoes helping them return to daily living activities and improving their quality of life. Coban 2 Layer Compression System is patient-preferred and stays in place (doesn’t slip), leading to successful patient compliance. For more information about the Coban 2 Layer Compression System, visit www.3M.com/Coban2Layer.

About 3M Skin and Wound Care

From easy-to-use, effective wound care dressings to its innovative compression system, 3M is a leader in providing solutions that are focused on simplifying and improving skin health. As part of 3M Health Care, 3M Skin and Wound Care Division offers an extensive line of products in the areas of skin and wound care, IV therapy, dressing and device secural, and skin closures. Key brands include Tegaderm, Coban, Cavilon and Steri-Strip.

About 3M Health Care

3M Health Care, one of 3M’s six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help health care professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery and health information markets. For more information, visit www.3M.com/healthcare.

3M, Cavilon, Coban, Steri-Strip and Tegaderm are trademarks of 3M.