Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
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 say that a Group 3 power wheelchair can be covered only for enrollees who have a mobility 
limitation that is due to: 
1. A neurological condition; 
2. Myopathy; or 
3. Congenital skeletal deformity. 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Power Mobility Devices L33789 (eff 1/1/17). 
 
The rules say that a power seating system  tilt only, recline only, or combination tilt and recline  with or 
without power elevating leg rests will be covered if criteria 1, 2, and 3 are met and if criterion 4, 5, or 6 is met: 
1. The beneficiary meets all the coverage criteria for a power wheelchair described in the Power Mobility 
Devices LCD; and 
2. A specialty evaluation that was performed by a licensed/certified medical professional, such as a 
physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) or practitioner who has specific training and 
experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations of the beneficiarys seating and positioning needs. 
The PT, OT, or practitioner may have no financial relationship with the supplier; and 
3. 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. 
4. The beneficiary is at high risk for development of a pressure ulcer and is unable to perform a functional 
weight shift; or 
5. The beneficiary utilizes intermittent catheterization for bladder management and is unable to 
independently transfer from the wheelchair to bed; or 
6. The power seating system is needed to manage increased tone or spasticity. 
 
If these criteria are not met, the power seating component(s) will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.  
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination for Wheelchair Options/Accessories, L33792. 
 
The rules say that the term interface in the code narrative and definitions describes the mechanism for 
controlling the movement of a power wheelchair. Examples of interfaces include, but are not limited to, 
joystick, sip and puff, chin control, head control, etc.  The term controller describes the microprocessor and 
other related electronics that receive and interpret input from the joystick (or other drive control interface) and 
convert that input into power output which controls speed and direction. A high power wire harness connects 
the controller to the motor and gears. 
 An expandable controller is capable of accommodating one or more of the following additional functions: 
 Other types of proportional input devices (e.g., mini-proportional or compact joysticks, touchpads, chin 
control, head control, etc.) 
 Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
 Operate 3 or more powered seating actuators through the drive control. 
 A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) 
 Other electronic devices (e.g., control of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chair's 
drive control) 
 An attendant control 
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Article for Wheelchair Options/Accessories, 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.