On Jan. 8, 2026, HMP posted the first part of my interview on the Viewpoints section of “Wounds” (HMP Global Learning Network). This segment is about “The Impact of CTP Changes on Provider Types.” You can access content here: The Impact of CTP Changes on Provider Types | WOUNDS, including the full transcript and a summary. The big winner from the recent pricing changes is the Hospital Based Outpatient Department (HOPD) which is finally out from under badly implemented “package pricing.” HOPD can finally afford to use CTPs/skin subs and can treat large wounds!
Two of the take-home messages are:
- In the USA, CMS flat CTP pricing (~$127/cm²): Replacing HOPD packaged pricing corrects prior losses and enables hospital outpatient departments to treat large wounds (e.g., VLUs, pressure ulcers) by purchasing products per cm² below the flat rate.
- Care-setting effects: HOPDs benefit most; skilled nursing facilities and brick-and-mortar offices remain viable; home/mobile practices may be most affected depending on their economic models, though not all rely on CTP margins.
Thank you, HMP!
If you want to understand the impact on the HOPD better, here’s a very oversimplified visual!
- 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is Out (and CMS Did Not “Package Price” Cellular Tissue Products / Skin Substitutes in the Doctor’s Office) – Caroline Fife M.D.
- The Other Side of the CTP/Skin Substitute Story – How Poorly-Crafted CMS Policies for Package Pricing in HOPDs Created This Mess – Caroline Fife M.D.
- Breaking News! OPPS Proposed Rule is Out! – Caroline Fife M.D.
- A New Era for Cellular Tissue Products / Skin Substitutes – Caroline Fife M.D.
