HCPCS Code Updates Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a list of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) changes affecting mobility and rehab DME with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2008. The list, released in mid-December, also includes information on codes to be discontinued — though those codes will continue to be valid for claims with dates of service on or before Dec. 31, 2007. There will be no grace period during which discontinued codes can still be used for claims with dates of service in 2008. CMS says the existence of a code on this list “does not necessarily indicate coverage. ”To download a pdf of the entire DME code list, including items in respiratory, orthotics, etc., visit www.trustsolutionsllc.com/MedPolicies/DME%20Region%20C/2008%20Update%20Article.pdf.
Here is a partial list of affected mobility/rehab codes, but this list is not comprehensive, so consult the complete list for code and product descriptions/ details (narratives).
New Narratives: A5105: Now reads, “Urinary suspensory with leg bag, with or without tube, each.” E0630: Now reads, “Patient lift, hydraulic or mechanical, includes any seat, sling, strap(s) or pad(s).” E0705: Now reads, “Transfer device, any type, each.” E2205: Now reads, “Manual wheelchair accessory, handrim without projections (includes ergonomic or contoured), any type, replacement only, each.” E2373: Now reads, “Power wheelchair accessory, hand or chin control interface, compact remote joystick, proportional, including fixed mounting hardware.”
Discontinued Code: E2618: Formerly “Wheelchair accessory, solid seat support base (replaces sling seat), for use with manual wheelchair or lightweight power wheelchair, includes any type mounting hardware.” New instructions: Crosswalk to code K0108 for manual wheelchairs and replacement on power wheelchairs; or Not separately billable for power wheelchairs at initial issue.
Added (New) Codes: E2227: Manual wheelchair accessory, gear-reduction drive wheel, each. E2228: Manual wheelchair accessory, wheel braking system and lock, complete, each. E2312: Power wheelchair accessory, hand or chin control, interface, mini-proportional remote joystick, proportional, including fixed mounting hardware. E2313: Power wheelchair accessory, harness for upgrade to expandable controller, including all fasteners, connectors and mounting hardware, each. E2397: Power wheelchair accessory, lithium-based battery, each.