For Medical Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions about Stomico Ostomy Products
- Will Stomico products work with my brand or type of wafer or appliance?
- I have a one-piece system, can I use the pliers?
- How do I use Stomico Ostomy Pliers?
- Will Stomico products assist all types of ostomates?
- Will the disc cut through the adhesive cover?
- Why do I need to twist the pliers after I punched the pliers?
- Which direction do I twist when cutting?
- I have an oval shaped stoma. Can I use the pliers?
- What do I do if I need more strength?
- I used to get a clean cut when I punched the pliers, but I'm not getting a clean cut anymore. What do I do?
- How do I replace the disc?
- How often will the discs need to be replaced?
- Where do I get replacement discs?
- Will my insurance pay for the pliers and cutting discs?
- Does Medicare cover the cost of the pliers and discs?
- Where can I purchase Stomico Ostomy Pliers?
- Are the Stomico Ostomy Pliers safe?
- Are the Stomico Ostomy Pliers FDA approved?
- Will the Stomico Ostomy Pliers cut convex skin barriers/wafers?
1. Will Stomico products work with my brand or type of wafer or appliance?
Stomico products work with most brands and types. Consult your ET Nurse to determine if the Stomico Ostomy Pliers are compatible with your brand or type.
2. I have a one-piece system, can I use the pliers?
Yes, you can cut stoma openings in some one-piece systems. Refer to #1 above. Click here to read more about using Stomico's Ostomy Piers with one-piece system.
3. How do I use Stomico Ostomy Pliers?
Simply measure, punch and attach the skin barrier.
4. Will Stomico products assist all types of ostomates?
Yes, colostomy, urostomy and ileostomy patients can benefit from this improved method of preparing correctly sized openings in skin barriers/wafers.
5. Will the disc cut through the adhesive cover?
No. While the Cutting Discs are sharp, they are designed to cut through the wafer material, not the adhesive cover. Place the cutting edge against the wafer material, not the adhesive cover.
6. Why do I need to twist the pliers after I punched the pliers?
This twisting motion completes the cutting process. If the adhesive cover does not cut through, simply peel away the completely cut stoma opening from the wafer or appliance.
7. Which direction do I twist when cutting?
Always twist clockwise. Twisting counter clockwise will loosen the disc.
8. I have an oval shaped stoma. Can I use the pliers?
Yes. If the oval is slight, use the measuring rule to find the correct size hole that will allow the cut opening to fit over the largest diameter of the stoma. If the oval is significant, after selecting the Cutting Disc size for the width, make two holes next to each other to create the oval opening, and then use the pliers to remove the small edges that are left where the holes overlap. Click here for a illustration on how to cut an oval shaped stoma.
9. What do I do if I need more strength?
You may want to try the TWO HAND method. Once the cutting edge is placed properly against the wafer material simply grip with both hands and squeeze.
10. I used to get a clean cut when I punched the pliers, but I'm not getting a clean cut anymore. What do I do?
The Cutting Discs will dull with use. Your Cutting Disc probably needs to be replaced. Simply screw the old Cutting Disc off (it is recommended that you use a soft cloth to grasp the Cutting Disc to ease removal and prevent slight cuts even though the Cutting Disc is dull) and dispose of properly. Screw on the new Cutting Disc. Don’t forget to order a replacement Cutting Disc.
11. How do I replace the disc?
The Cutting Disc simply screws on and off of the threaded end of the punch-pliers. A soft cloth will assist with grasping the Cutting Disc for ease of removal and to prevent slight cuts. Remember to dispose of the used Cutting Disc properly.
12. How often will the discs need to be replaced?
Cutting Disc replacement depends upon frequency of use. Replacement frequency generally ranges from twelve to thirty six months.
13. Where do I get replacement discs?
You can purchase Cutting Disc replacements at our online store or at participating medical supply companies.
14. Will my insurance pay for the pliers and discs?
You will need to contact your insurance company to find out what is specifically covered and the reimbursement level. It has been suggested to ask for a prescription for the products from your doctor and submit it and your receipt to your insurance company.
15. Does Medicare cover the cost of the pliers and discs?
CMS did not issue HCPC codes for Stomico products. From CMS: “Individual insurance contractors have the necessary flexibility to classify specific products into HCPCS Level 11 code categories and establish their own coding instructions in accordance with their policies and program operating needs”.
16. Where can I purchase Stomico Ostomy Pliers?
Stomico Ostomy Pliers and Cutting Discs can be purchased at our online store. You may also purchase pliers and cutting discs at participating medical supply companies..
17. Are the Stomico Ostomy Pliers safe?
Yes. The patented Pliers and Cutting Disc never touch your skin.
18. Are the Stomico Ostomy Pliers FDA approved?
Yes, the product is registered with the FDA.
19. Will the Stomico Ostomy Pliers cut convex skin barriers/wafers?
Yes, the Stomico Ostomy Pliers can be used to cut stoma openings in convex skin barriers/wafers.
