About Foley & Indwelling Catheters
Foley catheters stay in the bladder for a period of time, held in place by a small balloon filled with sterile water after insertion. This collection includes two-way and three-way Foley catheters, coudé-tip Foleys and complete insertion trays from Bard Medical and Amsino Urological. It sits within Urology & Catheter Supplies, alongside intermittent catheters, male external catheters and urinary drainage bags.
Three attributes define an indwelling catheter:
- French size, the outer diameter, with each Fr equal to one-third of a millimeter.
- Balloon volume in mL, commonly 5 mL or 30 mL.
- Material: latex, silicone-coated latex, or all-silicone for latex-free use.
These specifications, and the catheter change interval, are set as specified by your clinician. Trays bundle the catheter with items such as gloves, lubricant, drape and antiseptic, while standalone catheters let you use your own supplies.
To reorder, read the REF number on the catheter package or tray lid. It encodes French size, balloon volume, material and tip style, so it is more exact than searching by description. Listings state whether you are buying one catheter, one tray or a box.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which French size and balloon volume to order?
Order the French size, balloon volume, material and tip exactly as specified by your clinician or on your current prescription. These details are printed on the catheter package. If anything changes, such as a different size or material, confirm it with your prescriber before switching.
Are Foley catheters covered by insurance?
Foley catheters and insertion trays are commonly covered with a prescription, under HCPCS codes such as A4338 for latex two-way and A4344 for all-silicone two-way catheters. Those codes are shown for reference only. Whether a catheter is covered, and how many are allowed, depends on your payer and plan.
Should I buy a single catheter, a tray or a box, and how do I reorder?
A tray includes the catheter plus insertion supplies, while a standalone catheter does not. Listings state whether the unit is one piece or a box. To reorder the identical item, search for the REF number on your current package, which matches size, balloon, material and tip.