Untangling the Terminology: CTPs, HCT/Ps, CAMPs & More
- mdavis107
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
If you work in a wound center, you’ve likely noticed that the terminology surrounding advanced grafting products can sometimes feel confusing. One day it’s a “skin substitute,” the next it’s a “CTP,” and then terms like “CAMPs” or “HCT/Ps” show up in clinical and regulatory documents.
Let’s break down the key terms you need to know:
Cellular and/or Tissue-Based Products (CTPs)
“CTP” is one of the most frequently used umbrella terms in both clinical documentation and Medicare policy. These products may be cellular or acellular, derived from human, animal, or synthetic sources, and are designed to support the body’s natural wound healing process.
CTPs were recently highlighted in the nationally adopted Medicare Local Coverage Determination (LCD) titled Skin Substitute Grafts - Cellular and Tissue-Based Products for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Venous Leg Ulcers. This LCD is future effective across all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), further solidifying “CTP” as a key term in reimbursement language.
Skin Substitute Graft
Right alongside “CTP” in the new LCD is the term skin substitute graft—a practical phrase tied closely to procedure coding and claims.
While “skin substitute” and “CTP” are sometimes used interchangeably, it's important to note:
CTP typically describes the product category.
Skin substitute graft refers to the application or procedure itself.
This distinction is crucial for both billing and clinical documentation accuracy.
Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps)
“HCT/P” is a regulatory term defined by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 1271. Products classified as HCT/Ps may fall under either:
Section 361 (less stringent regulation)
Section 351 (requiring biologic licensing)
Not all CTPs are considered HCT/Ps, and not all HCT/Ps are used in wound care. However, if a product is human-derived and intended to affect the structure or function of the body, this term often applies — especially in compliance reviews.
Cellular, Acellular, and Matrix-Like Products (CAMPs)
CAMPs is a newer, evolving classification appearing in some academic and clinical publications. It was coined to better categorize advanced scaffolds, biosynthetic matrices, and hybrid materials that support cellular infiltration and tissue remodeling — many of which don't neatly fit older definitions like CTP or skin substitute.
Other Terms You Might Hear
Biologic Dressings – Early or legacy term for CTPs and tissue grafting products.
Advanced Therapies – A general phrase used to distinguish these products from standard wound dressings.
Living Skin Equivalents (LSEs) – Bioengineered bilayered grafts containing living cells, referenced in product literature and studies.
Final Thoughts
As wound care evolves, so does the language we use to describe therapies. Understanding distinctions between terms like CTPs, skin substitute grafts, HCT/Ps, and CAMPs is critical not only for clinical precision but also for compliance, billing, and regulatory alignment.
By speaking the right "language," you can:
Communicate clearly across teams.
Align documentation with reimbursement guidelines.
Select the best products for improved patient outcomes.
Whether you're navigating Medicare LCDs or making purchasing decisions for your clinic, a firm grasp of terminology will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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