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The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules state that A Group 3 PWC with Single Power Option (K0856-K0860) or with Multiple Power 
Options (K0861-K0864) is covered if: 
A. The Group 3 criteria IV(A) and IV(B) are met; and 
B. The Group 2 Single Power Option (criteria II[A] and II[B]) or Multiple Power Options (criteria III[A] and 
III[B]) (respectively) are met. 
 
III. A Group 2 Multiple Power Option PWC (K0841-K0843) is covered if all of the coverage criteria (a)-(e) for 
a PWC are met and if: 
A. Criterion 1 or 2 is met; and 
B. Criteria 3 and 4 are met. 
1. The beneficiary meets coverage criteria for a power tilt AND recline seating system (see Wheelchair Options 
and Accessories policy) AND THE SYSTEM IS BEING USED ON THE WHEELCHAIR. 
2. The beneficiary uses a ventilator which is mounted on the wheelchair. 
3. The beneficiary has had a specialty evaluation that was performed by a licensed/certified medical 
professional, such as a PT or OT, or practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation 
wheelchair evaluations and that documents the medical necessity for the wheelchair and its special features (see 
Documentation Requirements section). The PT, OT, or practitioner may have no financial relationship with the 
supplier. 
4. The wheelchair is provided by a supplier that employs a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional 
(ATP) who specializes in wheelchairs and who has direct, in-person involvement in the wheelchair selection 
for the beneficiary. 
 
V. A Group 3 PWC with no power options (K0848-K0855) is covered if: 
A. All of the coverage criteria (a)-(e) for a PWC are met; and 
B. The beneficiary's mobility limitation is due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal 
deformity; and 
C. The beneficiary has had a specialty evaluation that was performed by a licensed/certified medical 
professional, such as a PT or OT, or practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation 
wheelchair evaluations and that documents the medical necessity for the wheelchair and its special features (see Documentation Requirements section). The PT, OT, or practitioner may have no financial relationship with the 
supplier; and 
D. The wheelchair is provided by a supplier that employs a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology 
Professional (ATP) who specializes in wheelchairs and who has direct, in-person involvement in the 
wheelchair selection for the beneficiary. 
 
If the PWC base is not covered, then related accessories will be denied. 
 
You can find this information in the  Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Power Mobility Devices (L33789). 
 
 
Elevating legrests (E0990, K0046, K0047, K0053, K0195) are covered if: 
1. The beneficiary has a musculoskeletal condition or the presence of a cast or brace which prevents 90 degree 
flexion at the knee; or 
2. The beneficiary has significant edema of the lower extremities that requires an elevating legrest; or 
3. The beneficiary meets the criteria for and has a reclining back on the wheelchair. 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Options/Accessories 
(L33792). 
 
Expandable Controller - An electronic system that is capable of accommodating one or more of the following 
additional functions: 
a. Proportional input devices (e.g., mini, compact, or short throw joysticks, touchpads, chin control, head 
control, etc.) other than a standard proportional joystick. 
b. Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
c. Operate 3 or more powered seating actuators through the drive control. (Note: Control of the power seating 
actuators though the Control Input Device would require the use of an additional component, E2310 or E2311.) 
An expandable controller may also be able to operate one or more of the following: 
d. A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) 
e. Other electronic devices (e.g., control of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chair's 
drive control) 
f. An attendant control 
 
A power tilt seating system (E1002) includes: a solid seat platform and a solid back; any frame width and 
depth; detachable or flip-up fixed height or adjustable height armrests; fixed or swingaway detachable legrests; 
fixed or flip-up footplates; a motor and related electronics with or without variable speed programmability; a 
switch control which is independent of the power wheelchair drive control interface. 
 
A power leg elevation feature (E1010, E1012) involves dedicated motor(s) and related electronics with or 
without variable speed programmability which allows the legrest to be raised and lowered independently of the 
recline and/or tilt of the seating system. It includes a switch control which may or may not be integrated with 
the power tilt and/or recline control(s). 
 
Column II code is included in the allowance for the corresponding Column I code when provided at the same 
time. When multiple codes are listed in column I, all the codes in column II relate to each code in column I. 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Article: Wheelchair Options/ Accessories - Policy Article 
(A52504). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.