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National Wound Care Access Crisis: Insights from Recent Survey

A significant number of clinicians have reported disruptions in wound care services following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adjustment made in January 2026. This change standardized the reimbursement rate for cellular, acellular, and matrix-like products (CAMPs) at approximately $127.14 per cm², a move that many believe undermines patient care. A survey, conducted by the Wound and Hyperbaric Association (WHA), collected feedback from 130 clinicians across 36 states, with a focus on understanding the impact of these changes on access to critical wound care.

The Current Landscape

The 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule introduced a fixed payment structure, which some experts view as a barrier to the seamless delivery of necessary wound treatment. Reports indicate that 61% of respondents voiced concerns over delays in authorization for qualified patients. Additionally, 58% expressed that the new payment structure has harmed their ability to provide timely and appropriate wound care – particularly affecting populations such as the homebound elderly, those in rural areas, and patients with fragile health.

The survey highlighted that 53% of providers saw an increase in treatment denials despite patients meeting coverage criteria, complicating efforts to manage wounds effectively. All these issues culminated in significant concerns over worsening conditions for patients, including the potential escalation to more severe medical interventions, such as surgery.

Widespread Operational Disruptions

According to the survey results, nearly half of the respondents noted a reduction in their operational capacity, with almost 45.4% reporting clinic closures or plans to close wound care practices. This raises alarms over access to care, especially for those in need of immediate assistance. With access to essential wound care compromised, a staggering 85.4% of providers shared firsthand accounts of negative outcomes, such as increased infections, amputations, and heightened hospitalization rates.

The survey also identified a disproportionate impact on smaller, non-facility providers who may struggle under the new fixed payment, as opposed to hospital-based settings which continue to receive higher reimbursements for procedures that utilize CAMPs. For example, hospital outpatient departments may receive up to $746.61 separately for utilizing CAMPs, while providers in non-facility sites receive only about $127.14 per cm².

A Call for Policy Reevaluation

The data from the WHA survey underscores the urgent need for CMS to revisit the current reimbursement policy to ensure that it does not unfairly penalize community-based care providers. Stakeholders from various care settings are advocating for a reassessment of the reimbursement framework, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate access to advanced wound therapies and preserving equity across different sites of care.

Furthermore, the supply constraints reported in the survey may lead to a shifting of care towards more expensive institutional settings, countering efforts for financial stewardship and optimal care delivery. As wound care specialists mobilize to articulate these challenges, the overarching goal remains clear: safeguard access to quality wound care and have appropriate financial structures in place to do so.

About Tiger BioSciences

Headquartered in Conshohocken, PA, Tiger BioSciences is at the forefront of tissue engineering, specializing in the research, development, and distribution of CAMPs. The company champions clinical initiatives focused on enhancing patient access and clinical outcomes while promoting sustainable healthcare practices in wound care management.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the insights derived from this survey reflect a critical moment for wound care provisions in the United States, propelling industry stakeholders towards impactful changes in policies for the welfare of countless patients relying on timely and effective treatments.