Convatec Applied the Wrong Code to EASE Thin Curve Strips

[Diane C]

If you use Convatec's Ease Thin Curve Strips 3cm x 9cm (https://www.edgepark.com/ostomy/leakage ... p/51422163) and also use supplies that act as skin or abdominal fillers on uneven body surfaces underneath your wafer, you'll have difficulty ordering both. Convatec has applied the billing code, A4362, to its EASE strips. With EASE strips, you warm them in your hand and can "square off" your wafer to keep it secure -- NOT serving the same purpose as Eakin seals or especially for me, Stomahesive Strips, which allow me to fill in a crevice from another scar underneath my wafer. Two totally different uses and yet the same billing code is used for very dissimilar products. In my last 2 orders, my suppliers noticed this so I ordered a sheet of Stomahesive material (no hole) to cut my own strips to fill in the crevices where leakage occurs under the wafer but actual Stomahesive Strips are thicker. I also save the material from the stoma hole I cut out to use as filler.

Now that I'm using Medicare AND insurance, I can't get the necessary suppy I want, especially because Medicare and insurance regard these very different products as the same because the billing code is the same. I've used pastes, seals, and other fillers but Stomahesive Strips work best for me. I've also used Brava strips of many shapes, Hy Tape, etc. instead of Convatec's EASE strips to "secure" the faceplate but these others irritate my skin.

I've emailed Convatec and may mail this message. Convatec needs to change the code -- and inform distributors to amend catalogs, etc. It's not a cinch for them but isn't overwhelming if an insert or addendum to the order info is added.

If anyone is contacting Convatec and can mention this, thank you! I'm unsure if ostomy.org has staff or volunteers to help. Advocacy?

If you are using both filler material for uneven skin and EASE strips, you probably won't be able to order both -- or not enough for a month's supply.

Thanks for any help!

[Diane C]

Someone named Lorelei from Convatec left me a kind message and told me to call back. When I called back, she was unavailable and I spoke to another woman. This woman told me that the wrong code for the product, EASE Strips, could not be changed because "the Government and Medicare set it." I found this preposterous since the wrong code for use of this product was applied. I asked, "Didn't Convatec explain the USE of this product so that the correct code could be applied? Isn't it YOUR responsibility to correct it?" She didn't answer the first question and told me I should try to convince Medicare about the code. Or that I could have my doctor write a note that I needed the product no matter what. That's a possibility but I'm incredibly disappointed in Convatec's lack of responsibility and disregard for the needs, comfort, and monetary situation of patients.

I wonder if this issue is something for the Advocacy Department to TRY to take on. If you use EASE strips for squaring off your wafer to have it adhere on TOP, the way the code is ID'd now -- it has the same use as seals, Stomahesive strips, or products to fill in dips and curves UNDERNEATH the wafer to prevent leakage there.

EASE strips don't irritate my skin. I've tried Brava strips, HY pink tape and others, and a host of products. My abdominal skin is bright red right now and my temper is likewise. Other solutions to square off the wafer on the outside? Too much leakage... or the barrier just does not adhere. Maybe always using the non-sting barrier spray or wipe will help. Thank you.

[Diane C]

Very nice woman from Convatec called me today. Admitted the EASE code is wrong. Sending samples of EASE strips as well as LARGE Stomahesive barriers without the hole so I can create my own Stomahesive strips although the manufactured strips are thicker -- will need to apply more of them for leakage prevention. Do wish Convatec would revise the code -- at least for the future! And I still prefer EASE strips for "squaring" off my barrier or wafer.