Suction Pumps (CPB 0503, reviewed 2026-07-02)
Aetna considers home model respiratory suction pumps medically necessary as durable medical equipment for members who have difficulty raising and clearing secretions because of cancer or surgery of the throat or mouth, dysfunction of the swallowing muscles, a tracheostomy, or unconsciousness or an obtunded state. Gastric suction pumps are medically necessary for members who are unable to empty gastric secretions through normal gastrointestinal functions. Wound suction is considered medically necessary only when the quantity of exudate exceeds the capacity of conservative measures such as surgical dressings and wound fillers to contain it. Aetna considers subcutaneous peritoneal ascites pumps such as the alfa-pump System experimental, investigational, or unproven for managing ascites and for the other indications the policy lists.