Untangling the Terminology: CTPs, HCT/Ps, CAMPs & More

If you’re a medical professional working in a wound center, you’ve likely noticed that the terminology surrounding advanced grafting products can be… a bit inconsistent. One day it’s a “skin substitute,” the next it’s a “CTP,” and then you’re seeing terms like “CAMPs” or “HCT/Ps” pop up in clinical or regulatory documents.

So what’s the deal with all these different names?

Let’s break it down.

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 now in effect 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.

This term is used in CPT/HCPCS language and includes a wide range of products: traditional grafts, bioengineered skin equivalents, and other advanced materials applied to chronic wounds like DFUs and VLUs.

While “skin substitute” and “CTP” are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to note that “skin substitute graft” refers to the application/procedure, whereas “CTP” often describes the product category itself.

Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps)

Here’s where things get more regulatory.

“HCT/P” is an FDA term defined under 21 CFR Part 1271. These products are regulated under either Section 361 (less stringent) or Section 351 (biologic licensing) of the Public Health Service Act.

Not all CTPs are considered HCT/Ps, and not all HCT/Ps are used in wound care—but if a product is human-derived and designed to affect the structure or function of the body, this term often comes into play from a compliance perspective.

Cellular, Acellular, and Matrix-Like Products (CAMPs)

This is a newer classification that’s showing up in some clinical literature and industry publications. “CAMPs” was coined to reflect the evolving variety of advanced wound healing materials on the market—especially those that may not fit neatly under older terms like CTP or skin substitute.

It’s a helpful term when talking about innovative scaffolds, biosynthetic matrices, or hybrid technologies that support cell infiltration or tissue remodeling.

Other Terms You Might Hear

• Biologic Dressings – A bit of a dated term, sometimes used to refer to earlier CTPs or tissue grafts

• Advanced Therapies – A catch-all term used to differentiate from standard wound dressings

• Living Skin Equivalents (LSEs) – Refers to specific bioengineered, often bilayered, grafts with living cells

Final Thoughts

As wound care continues to evolve, so does the language we use to describe the tools and therapies at our disposal. From regulatory terms like HCT/Ps to reimbursement-focused phrases like CTPs and skin substitute grafts, each label carries specific implications for clinical practice, billing, and compliance.

Understanding these distinctions isn't just about semantics—it's about speaking the same language across disciplines, staying aligned with policy, and ultimately ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Whether you're navigating a new Medicare LCD or evaluating product choices for your facility, a clearer grasp of this terminology can help you move forward with confidence.