HCPCS Level II · Specialty absorptive dressings
A6256: specialty absorptive dressing with border, pad more than 48 sq. in.
A sterile specialty absorptive wound cover, with an adhesive border, pad more than 48 sq. in., billed per dressing.
Illustration, not the exact productAt a glance
- Billing unit
- Each (per dressing)
- Size band
- Pad more than 48 sq. in.
- Adhesive border
- With any size border; the pad size sets the code
- PCSS products
- 2 lines, 2 sizes
Official CMS descriptor
How CMS describes A6256
“Specialty absorptive dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing”
- Code
- A6256
- Short descriptor
- Absorpt drg > 48 sq in w/bdr
- Code added
- January 1, 1997
- Action effective date
- January 1, 2009
- Status in this file
- Active (no termination date)
PCSS products
What PCSS carries under A6256
PCSS suggests A6256 as the typical HCPCS category for these product sizes.
Pad size, not overall size. The CMS descriptor says “with any size adhesive border”, so the code follows the pad size, not the overall dressing size. The border isn't counted.
Super absorbent, adherent
Super absorbents
Size PCSS suggests A6256 for
- 8×8
Silicone super absorbent, bordered
Super absorbents
Size PCSS suggests A6256 for
- 8×8
PCSS's suggested HCPCS categories (July 2026) are for reference only, based on product type and pad size. It's a reference, not a coding determination. Confirm final coding with your billing staff.
Sizes are shown as PCSS lists them. For a bordered dressing, check the pad's dimensions before choosing a band.
General product information, not clinical advice.
Size band
Pad size sets the band
CMS splits this dressing type into 3 bands: pad 16 sq. in. or less, pad more than 16 up to 48 sq. in. and pad more than 48 sq. in. Multiply the pad's length by its width: a 8×8 in. pad is 64 sq. in., which falls in A6256's band (more than 48 sq. in.). For this bordered code, measure the pad only: the adhesive border isn't counted.
Usual change frequency (LCD L33831)
- Super absorbents
- Up to once per day without a border; up to every other day with a border.
Listed for the PCSS product group, in PCSS's plain-words summary of the LCD.
LCD L33831(opens in a new tab)Medicare notes for A6256
PCSS has no code-specific Medicare notes for A6256. The documentation checklist covers what dressing orders and notes need to show.
Medicare details checked against CMS sources on October 6, 2026. Not billing, coding or legal advice.
Related codes
Specialty absorptive dressings: other codes
Codes PCSS carries open their own page; the rest open in the full lookup.
Questions
A6256: common questions
Answers draw on the CMS descriptor, PCSS's suggested codes and the Medicare notes on this page.
What is HCPCS code A6256?
A6256 is a Level II HCPCS code. Its CMS long descriptor reads “Specialty absorptive dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing”, and its short descriptor is “Absorpt drg > 48 sq in w/bdr” (October 2026 Alpha-Numeric HCPCS File, CMS).
What does PCSS suggest A6256 for?
PCSS suggests A6256 as the typical HCPCS category for Super absorbent, adherent (8×8); Silicone super absorbent, bordered (8×8). PCSS's suggested HCPCS categories (July 2026) are for reference only, based on product type and pad size. Confirm final coding with your billing staff.
Does the adhesive border count toward the pad size for A6256?
No. A6256's CMS descriptor says “with any size adhesive border”, so the code follows the pad size, not the overall dressing size; the border isn't counted. Confirm final coding with your billing staff.
How often are super absorbents usually changed under Medicare?
Under LCD L33831, the usual change frequency for super absorbents: Up to once per day without a border; up to every other day with a border.
Wholesale portal
Wholesale pricing and stock orders.
Sign in to view wholesale pricing and order supplies for your practice. New customers create an account and sign the Net-30 agreement online; Aubrey countersigns to open ordering.
Help: (803) 422-2710Your practice’s wholesale account
View your catalog pricing, save business and ship-to details, and order once Aubrey has countersigned your agreement. Patient-direct orders follow the separate Equipia route described in How to order.
How to order