General information, not medical advice or an insurance coverage decision. MedraxDME operates as an out of network supplier. Coverage, supplier enrollment requirements and patient responsibility depend on the plan and an individual review.
A supply item with specific features
The CMS: October 2026 HCPCS release and quarterly updates describes A4351 as a straight tip intermittent urinary catheter, with or without specified nonhydrophilic coatings. It is an individual supply item rather than an indwelling catheter, an external collection device or a complete insertion supply kit.
A similar photograph does not establish that two catheters are interchangeable. The treating clinician should select the appropriate design and size. Confirm the manufacturer model, tip, material, coating and package contents with the dispensing team. Do not substitute products or change catheterization technique using this glossary.
A material change from January 2026
CMS revised A4351 and A4352 effective January 1, 2026. Hydrophilic catheter categories now have separate codes, including A4295 for the straight tip form and A4296 for the curved tip form. CMS: 2026 DMEPOS code changes and CMS: DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 update and catheter codes.
An old catalog or claim description may still associate hydrophilic products with A4351. That historical wording should not be used without checking the current product classification and service date. Ask the supplier to reconcile any mismatch between the prescription, package and current code. A code update alone is not a clinical reason to change a catheter that your clinician has selected.
Quantity follows the actual order and policy
The CMS: Urological Supplies coverage policy L33803 and CMS: Urological Supplies policy article A52521 govern relevant Medicare coverage and documentation. A published maximum is not a universal entitlement or a direction for how often a patient should catheterize. Your care plan, documented need and the applicable benefit determine the request.
Ask which records are needed, who will provide them and how future supplies will be arranged. Discuss changes in need with the clinical team rather than simply increasing a website quantity. Explore urology supplies and the catheter insurance guide to prepare an inquiry. Do not submit urinary symptoms, prescriptions or insurance identifiers through the public callback form.
Questions and answers
Are hydrophilic straight catheters still A4351 in 2026?
CMS separated hydrophilic catheter coding from A4351 starting January 1, 2026. The exact product and current classification must be checked.
Sources and updates
- CMS: October 2026 HCPCS release and quarterly updates
- CMS: 2026 DMEPOS code changes
- CMS: DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 update and catheter codes
- CMS: Urological Supplies coverage policy L33803
- CMS: Urological Supplies policy article A52521
Read our editorial and correction policy. For current plan rules, check the applicable official policy and contact your plan. Tell us about a correction.