Modifiers: Reporting Wound Dressings

When reporting dressings for wounds, it is important to indicate if the dressing is the primary or secondary dressing as well the number of wounds the dressing will be used for.

Primary Dressing: May be therapeutic or protective coverings applied to wounds either on the skin or caused by an opening to the skin or lesions may be applied to lesions.

Secondary Dressing: Examples may be tape elastic bandages or a roll of gauze used to secure the primary dressing.

Modifiers A1-A9 indicate the number of wounds the dressing was applied to. These are informational only, but very important for proper reimbursement for wound care.

NOTE: It would not be appropriate to use A1-A9 modifiers for gradient compression stocking/wraps (HCPCS A6531, A6532 or A6545).

A1  Dressing for one wound
A2  Dressing for two wounds
A3  Dressing for three wounds
A4  Dressing for four wounds
A5  Dressing for five wounds
A6  Dressing for six wounds
A7  Dressing for seven wounds
A8  Dressing for eight wounds
A9  Dressing for nine wounds

AW  Item furnished in conjunction with a surgical dressing

Example: Patient has three wounds but only two need a dressing; you would use modifier A2, indicating you are only dressing two wounds.

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