Intermittent urinary catheters and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often a regular part of life for those living with Spina Bifida. In fact, people with Spina Bifida are nine times more likely to visit the emergency department for a UTI than those without Spina Bifida¹. Many intermittent urinary catheter companies offer types of catheters that can potentially reduce the risk of UTIs. These catheters are known as A4353, closed system, single-sterile insertion, or kit catheters. However, we know there are challenges to obtaining these catheters. Today, Medicare requires those with Spina Bifida get two or more UTIs in a 12-month period in order to qualify for these types of catheters. We want to change that.

The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) and Hollister Incorporated are members of AAHomecare, a coalition of service, product, and patient advocacy organizations working to expand access to Closed System/Kit (53) Intermittent Catheters for all those with spinal cord injuries and Spina Bifida.

We need your support and stories. AAHomecare is preparing to present the impact that this lack of access has on the community living with spinal cord injury and Spina Bifida to those that can enact change.

We invite adults with Spina Bifida who use intermittent catheters to sign the petition and share their stories on the impact UTIs have on their quality of life. We also want to hear from care partners of users of intermittent catheters, and health care professionals who see first-hand the impact of these restrictions. This is your opportunity to voice your support and share your stories. 

Click here to sign on to the petition and share your story >>   The petition is voluntary. We hope you choose to participate to help us expand access.

This blog was sponsored by

1Wang, Hsin-Hsiao S et al. Emergent care patterns in patients with spina bifida: a case-control study. The Journal of Urology vol. 193,1 (2015): 268-73. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2014.06.085