Catheters come in different sizes, types, and materials. Sizes are noted in “French” and designated as even numbers between 10 Fr to 24 Fr. The typical catheter size for adults ranges between 14 Fr to 18 Fr.

Straight catheters are typically made of silicone or latex, though some stiffer models are made from vinyl. These are often used for self-catheterizations and self-urethral dilations to manage urethral strictures.

Coudé catheters – “coudé” meaning “elbow” in English – has a curved tip, usually sized at 16-18 Fr for men. This curved tip is helpful for men with enlarged prostates or post-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. 3-way and hematuria catheters have an extra port, which allows irrigation of clots, as required.

Hematuria catheters may be used in larger sizes (22-24 Fr) to help in preventing blood clot obstructions. Some catheters may be more rigid with metal coils to keep the lumen open to allow hand irrigation, but hematuria catheters generally allow for continuous bladder irrigation, usually with normal saline solution, to prevent new clotting. In cases of continuous irrigation, it will be important to assure input is about the same as output.

Suprapubic tubes are placed percutaneously with a surgical procedure in cases where urethral catheterization may be ‘difficult to impossible’, or if a permanent indwelling catheter is required.

The potential for complications of urological catheters is a big category of its own and is discussed in a separate presentation.

Size 10 – 24 (French or Fr) Adults: 14, 16, 18 Types Straight catheters Coude catheters 3-way catheters Suprapubic catheters Materials Latex Silicone

Medicare

This list shows the categories of urological supplies that may be covered by Medicare. Private insurance varies widely according to policies, but any coverage that is included may follow similar documentation guidelines. These products include intermittent or indwelling catheters, condom or external catheters, drainage bags, irrigation trays and supplies, and tape, when deemed medically necessary.

Intermittent catheters Indwelling catheters Condom/external catheters Drainage bags Irrigation trays and supplies Tape

Documentation for urological supplies

Why is it important?

Documentation is the key to assuring evidence-based and best practice services and supplies for beneficiaries. Clear and concise documentation that follows guidelines can help to ensure that adequate monitoring of prescribed therapy and supplies, progress or challenges to progress in reaching patient-centered goals, and patient adherence capacity takes place. Errors can be minimized through standardized and tailored documentation of all of the elements that lead to clinical decisions and interventions. Quality assurance and continuous improvement can be measured with appropriate documentation. Proper documentation can also be used as a malpractice defense to demonstrate the appropriateness, and adequacy, of care and treatment.

 

Appropriate documentation that follows checklists, guidelines, and policies can lead to accurate reimbursement for costs as well as to prevent wasted time, beneficiary frustration and burden. Assuring adequate and timely documentation supports timely delivery of products and services as well.

Promotes good clinical practices and guides treatment plan Assists in monitoring treatment, progress and compliance Minimizes errors in treatment, improves outcomes Quality assurance Malpractice defense Accurate reimbursement Timely service and product delivery