Straight Tip vs Coude Tip Catheters: Which Is the Right Choice for You?
STRAIGHT TIP | COUDE TIP
Millions of people live with urinary incontinence and/or retention issues. To help alleviate symptoms, urologists often prescribe intermittent catheters. Patients will traditionally begin with a straight tip catheter. However, for those who may experience discomfort or regular urinary tract infections, a curved, or coude tip catheter may be the choice for you.
WHEN YOUR CATHETER DOESN’T FIT QUITE RIGHT
Whenever a straight tip catheter doesn’t fit quite right, our Treatment Specialsts recommend trying a sample of our coude tip catheters. Coude catheters are like their traditional straight tip counterparts, only they feature a curved, angled tip. This can improve and simplify the self-catheterization experience for patients who experience regular discomfort.
Coude tip catheters are most popular among male and pediatric patients.
Other common medical issues that may require patients may make the switch from their straight tip catheter:
- Cancer radiation in the pelvic area
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Urethral strictures or urethral trauma
- Prostate surgery
- Atrophic vagina
- Stoma or false passages
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR COUDE TIPS
Insurance companies like Medicare and Medicade cover coude tip catheters. Your policy dictates what type of catheters and the monthly amount that will be covered. For example, Medicare covers 200 catheters monthly, allowing patients to self-cath up to 7x per day.
Not sure what exactly your insurance covers? Our Treatment Specialists are here to help. We work with insurance companies on your behalf and can review your eligibility, including out-of-pocket options. Every patient is assigned a personal Treatment Specialists who serves as their single point of contact moving forward. Soon, you’ll probably be on a first name basis with them!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUDE TIP CATHETERS
Our coude tip catheters are all made with the same chemical-free materials as straight tip catheters. They are DEHP/DINP & BPA-Free. There are several different varieties of coude tip catheters, including:
- Uncoated intermittent catheters are the starting point for most patients, allow you to control the exact amount of lubricant applied.
- Hydrophilic catheters, which feature a unique coating that self-lubricates the catheter upon exposure to water.
- Closed-system catheter kits also include a self-contained collection bag and are preferred by patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries or live with neurogenic incontinence.
With RA Fischer, you’ll never wonder if your supplies will be on time, or whom you can reach out to for support.
While telehealth may have once been seen as a short-term solution to alleviate the burden of COVID-19 on hospitals, today it is revolutionizing the patient experience. It may not be a complete substitution for personal attention (that’s where our Treatment Specialists here come in), but if you’re experiencing long wait times at your local doctor, don’t hesitate to schedule a telehealth consultation!
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TRY OUR CATHETERS
12 catheters in three different styles, curated to assist new patients in starting their journey.
