FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my order shipped?
  • Shipping is provided at no additional cost for orders over $100, before taxes. Please note that orders containing incontinent products (briefs, pads, etc.) will be charged a flat rate of $15.00 for shipping via ground courier.
  • All orders are discreetly packaged.
  • First orders are shipped via overnight courier to arrive the next business day, where available.
  • All subsequent orders are shipped via ground courier. Please allow enough time to ensure your order arrives on time.
  • You may want to consider our autoship program to ensure you do not run out of your supplies. Please call us for more information.
Where are the prices for your products?
  • As pricing varies by brand, type, etc., please call us for pricing information.
  • Our staff will provide pricing on the varied product types and offer the best priced option(s) for you.
If I have no insurance, what assistance is available from CathetersPlus™?
  • We can explore other funding sources based on your needs or condition.
  • If you do not qualify for other funding, our staff will help you choose the most cost effective option for you.
Is insurance coverage available for my incontinence briefs, pads, etc.?
  • Many of our customers have coverage, however, coverage varies from plan to plan.
  • Please call us and our staff will help determine your coverage. We can prepare letters of quotation or completion of other documents, as required, to assist you.
How does your insurance support work?
  • Provide us with your coverage details and we will contact the provider via 3-way teleconference call.
  • With years of experience, our staff will guide you through the insurance maze using the best terminology and references to maximize your coverage.
  • We will assist with claim form preparation, if required.
Why should I choose CathetersPlus™?
  • For your convenience, CathetersPlus™ offers all major brands and types of catheters, incontinence and ostomy products. We are your one-stop shop for all your incontinence needs
  • We offer free samples of many of our products – a shipping charge may apply.
  • Our staff will assist you with reimbursement support, contacting your insurance or 3rd  party provider to determine and maximize your coverage.
  • We can offer financial assistance to those who qualify.
  • Your first order will be rushed to you via overnight courier, for next business day delivery, where available.
  • For your convenience, we can set up an autoship program. Please call us for details.
  • All orders are packaged discreetly to protect your privacy.
What is a coudé tip catheter and why is it used?

Coudé is a French word meaning bend or elbow. A coudé tip catheter has a slight bend at the insertion tip, and is also known as Tiemann.

Coudé tip catheters are designed for the male anatomy. The coudé tip can navigate the male urethral passage, which is shaped like a hockey stick, without causing trauma. It is also prescribed for use for patients with urethral stricture.

Sometimes what happens when the urethra gets scarred or when the prostate is pressing on the urethra causing restriction on the passage, there may be tight spots along the urethral passage way and the catheter will need to wind its way through.  A straight tip catheter may sometimes buckle where the coudé tip catheter will navigate the passage making it easier to enter into the bladder.

Coudé tip catheters have a marking or notch located at the other end of the catheter and when the marking/notch is facing up, the tip of the catheter is also facing up. It is important to remember that the catheter must remain in this position throughout the catheterization.

Ask your doctor or nurse before using coudé tip catheters to ensure you are using them correctly.

Why doesn’t my bladder work?

Multiple Sclerosis

MS lesions in the brain or spinal cord can disrupt the normal bladder process by interfering with the transmission of signals between the brain and urinary system.

Reference:  https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/symptoms

Spina Bifida

In children born with Spina Bifida, the nerves in the spinal cord that control the bladder may not form properly. The bladder may have difficulty storing urine, emptying itself or both. Clean intermittent catheriztaion (CIC) will be needed to protect the kidneys and prevent urinary tract infections.

Spinal Cord Injury

Depending on your level of spinal cord injury, changes may occur in the way your bladder functions. Before your injury, your brain would send a message to your bladder and  let you know when you had to go. The communication line is now not working and so you need to step in and manage the situation. While this can be frustrating at the start, it is important to note that with appropriate knowledge and training, you can remain independent and in control of your daily routine.

Reference:  http://www.sciontario.org/page/bowel-bladder-care

 

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine or leaking urine. It can happen when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or jog. Or you may have a sudden need to go to the bathroom but cannot get there in time. Bladder control problems are very common, especially among women. They usually do not cause major health problems, but they can be embarrassing.

Incontinence can be a short-term problem caused by a urinary tract infection, a medication, or constipation. In these situations, it gets better when you treat the problem that is causing it.

What is Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)?

Some people’s bladder muscles do not work as well as others. If you are unable to fully empty your bladder, you are at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections which can cause kidney damage. When this happens, your doctor or nurse may recommend clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).  CIC means inserting a catheter through the urethra (bladder opening) into the bladder on a regular basis. Urine flows out of the catheter emptying the bladder.  Your doctor or nurse will tell you how frequently you will need to catheterize.

CIC is used to help manage abnormal bladder function. It prevents the bladder from over filling which can lead to kidney damage. It drains any residual urine that may remain in the bladder if it does not fully empty on its own. This helps to prevent bacteria growth which may cause bladder infections.

Always notify your doctor or nurse if you experience pain during catheterization.

What types of catheters are available?

CathetersPlus provides a wide array of catheters in various sizes (06 – 18 French). Catheters are available in straight or coude tipped, hydrophilic, uncoated;  intermittent, Foley (indwelling) and male external (condom) options.

Catheter-associated supplies and incontinence products are also available and include drainage bags, leg bags, extension tubing, securement devices, briefs, liners, etc.

Please CONTACT US to discuss your specific needs and preferences with our catheter specialists.

 

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