A Guide to Tracheostomy Supplies Covered By Insurance and Their Role in At-Home Care
Tracheostomy care involves a variety of supplies to ensure proper airway management and hygiene. Each of these supplies plays a specific role in maintaining comfort, preventing infections, and ensuring proper breathing. Below is an overview of key supplies used for tracheostomy care at home:
For a breakdown of how much of each supply insurance covers every month check out this blog: Monthly Tracheostomy Supply Replacements: How Much Insurance Covers
1. Tracheostomy Tubes:
The tracheostomy tube is the primary component inserted into the trachea to allow air passage. It is essential for breathing and may need periodic replacement to maintain effectiveness and hygiene.
2. Disposable Inner Cannulas:
Inner cannulas are inserted into the tracheostomy tube and can be removed for cleaning or replacement. These are essential for maintaining a clear airway and preventing mucus buildup that could obstruct breathing.
3. Trach Care Kits:
These kits typically contain items such as cleaning solutions, cotton-tipped applicators, and brushes that are used to clean the tracheostomy tube and stoma site. Proper cleaning helps to prevent infections and ensure the tube remains free of obstructions.
5. Suction Yankauers:
Suction Yankauers are rigid, handheld suction devices typically used during medical procedures to remove secretions from the airway. These are particularly helpful for suctioning oral secretions.
6. Trach-Suction Catheters:
These flexible tubes help remove secretions from the airway, preventing blockages and allowing for easier breathing. They are regularly used to suction mucus from the tracheostomy tube.
7. Suction Canisters:
Suction canisters are used to collect fluids removed from the airway during suctioning. These are disposable and should be replaced when full to maintain cleanliness.
8. Suction Tubing:
This tubing connects the suction catheters to the suction machine, allowing for the transfer of fluids during suctioning.
9. Heat & Moisture Exchangers (HMEs):
HMEs capture exhaled heat and moisture, returning it to the airway to maintain optimal humidity levels. This helps to prevent the airway from drying out, which can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful.
10. Trach Collars:
These collars are used to secure the tracheostomy tube in place, providing stability and comfort around the neck while allowing for efficient airflow.
11. Suction Filter:
Suction filters are used in the suctioning system to prevent large particles from entering the suction machine, ensuring the system stays clean and functional.
12. Speaking Valve:
A speaking valve is a one-way valve that redirects airflow through the vocal cords, enabling speech for individuals with a tracheostomy.
13. Sterile Water:
Sterile water is used for cleaning the tracheostomy tube or with a nebulizer to add moisture to the air, ensuring that the airway remains moist and preventing drying
How UniversalMed Supply Can Help You Get Tracheostomy Supplies Covered by Insurance
At UniversalMed Supply, we understand how important it is to have the right tracheostomy supplies at the right time. Our team is dedicated to helping patients navigate the complexities of insurance coverage for these critical supplies. We work with your insurance provider to collect the necessary documentation for coverage and get regular monthly resupplies so that you always have what you need for proper care. Our goal is to make tracheostomy care as smooth and manageable as possible. To learn more give our tracheostomy product specialists a call at 866.864.6332.
For a more detailed breakdown of Medicare’s coverage of Tracheostomy supplies check out the official CMS Policy Article.
