Every day people with neurogenic bladders have to insert a catheter 4-8 times to empty their bladders. Intermittent catheterization is the preferred method of neurogenic bladder care and is proven and effective. Cleaning and reusing catheters, however, is a time consuming daily practice. But with a new U.S. Medicare policy change backed by Coloplast Corp., life just got better.

People using intermittent catheters no longer need to reuse their catheters due to a new Medicare coverage policy effective April 1, 2008. The change affects nearly 1 million Americans living with permanent conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida. Additionally, it affects those who have other permanent conditions requiring bladder management or experience urinary incontinence or retention in the outpatient setting.

This online press kit is dedicated to providing the information and resources needed to better understand this overwhelmingly positive change in catheter guidelines that:

• Improves patient care
• Gives consumers personal product choices
• Cuts healthcare costs
• Reduces exposure to bacteria
• Encourages a healthier approach to bladder management and catheter use