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 determination of the medical necessity for certain components/additions to the prosthesis is 
based on the beneficiarys potential functional abilities. Potential functional ability is based on the reasonable 
expectations of the prosthetist, and treating practitioner, considering factors including, but not limited to: 
 
 
1. The beneficiarys past history (including prior prosthetic use if applicable); and 
2. The beneficiarys current condition including the status of the residual limb and the nature of other medical 
problems; and 
3. The beneficiarys desire to ambulate. 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787) - Effective 
January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a level 3 ambulator has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical 
of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have 
vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion. You 
can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787) - Effective 
January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a flex-walk system or equal (L5981) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 
or above. You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that an axial rotation unit (L5986) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or 
above. You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that coverage is extended only if there is sufficient clinical documentation of functional need for 
the technologic or design feature of a given type of foot. This information must be retained in the treating 
practitioner's or prosthetist's files. You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) - Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787) - Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that protective outer surface covering systems (L5962, L5964, L5966) are specialized covers 
intended to be worn over an existing prosthesis. They are used by a beneficiary who has special needs for 
protection against unusually harsh environmental situations where it is necessary to protect the lower limb 
prosthesis beyond the level of protection that is afforded by L5704, L5705, L5706, and L5707. They are not for 
cosmetic or convenience reasons, or for everyday usage in a typical environment. You can find this rule in 
Local Coverage Article: Lower Limb Prostheses - Policy Article (A52496) - Effective August 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that replacement of a prosthesis or prosthetic component is covered if the treating practitioner 
orders a replacement device or part because of any of the following: 
 
1. A change in the physiological condition of the beneficiary; or 
2. Irreparable wear of the device or a part of the device; or 
3. The condition of the device, or part of the device, requires repairs and the cost of such repairs would be more 
than 60% of the cost of a replacement device, or of the part being replaced. 
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Article (LCA) - Lower Limb Prostheses - Policy Article 
(A52496). 
 
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.