Seat Elevation Equipment (Power Operated) on Power Wheelchairs

A. General

Power seat elevation equipment used with a power wheelchair raises and lowers users while they remain in the seated position. This equipment uses an electromechanical lift system to provide varying amounts of vertical seat to floor height. It does not change the seated angles or the seat’s angle relative to the ground.

Complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs are defined in 42 CFR §414.202.

Effective for services performed on or after May 16, 2023, power seat elevation equipment is reasonable and necessary for individuals using complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs, when the following conditions are met:

1. The individual has undergone a specialty evaluation that confirms the individual’s ability to safely operate the seat elevation equipment in the home. This evaluation must be performed by a licensed/certified medical professional such as a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or other practitioner, who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations; and,

2. At least one of the following apply:

1. The individual performs weight bearing transfers to/from the power wheelchair while in the home, using either their upper extremities during a non-level (uneven) sitting transfer and/or their lower extremities during a sit to stand transfer. Transfers may be accomplished with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment (e.g. sliding board, cane, crutch, walker, etc.); or,
2. The individual requires a non-weight bearing transfer (e.g. a dependent transfer) to/from the power wheelchair while in the home. Transfers may be accomplished with or without a floor or mounted lift; or,
3. The individual performs reaching from the power wheelchair to complete one or more mobility related activities of daily living (MRADLs) such as toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming and bathing in customary locations within the home. MRADLs may be accomplished with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment.

C. Nationally Non-Covered Indications

N/A

D. Other

The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) has discretion to determine reasonable and necessary coverage of power seat elevation equipment for individuals who use Medicare covered power wheelchairs other than complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs.

(This NCD last reviewed May 16, 2023.)

Cross-references: Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, “Covered Medical and Other Health Services.” Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapters 20, “Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS),” 23, “Fee Schedule Administration and Coding Requirements.”