It’s all about access, engineering … and physics. The spring 2024 coding and funding decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for power seat elevation was a textbook case of good news and bad news. The good news: CMS, citing how seat elevation can support and facilitate transfers and reaching tasks, affirmed…
Seat Elevation: Why a Heavy-Duty Code Matters
CMS Issues HCPCS Code Updates Effective April 1
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' second biannual 2024 HCPCS coding cycle included changes to hardware codes.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released lists of HCPCS coding changes effective April 1, 2025. The list, published March 11, includes updates on codes and modifiers that are new, revised or discontinued for the second biannual 2024 HCPCS coding cycle. Wheelchair transit accessories: Two new codes CMS reported that Palmetto GBA,…
NCART Recaps 2024 Achievements, Sets Slate for 2025
Repair reform and Medicare coverage for power standing top the priorities list.
The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has recapped its 2024 successes while also setting its priorities for 2025. In a Feb. 7 newsletter to members, NCART said, “When NCART was formed, the focus was on federal legislation to protect CRT [Complex Rehab Technology] by keeping it out of competitive bidding. Mission accomplished!…
Nov. 6 HCPCS Public Meeting to Include Discussion on CRT Seat Elevation, Joystick Hardware
NCART and Palmetto GBA have asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make coding changes.
The Nov. 6-8 second biannual HCPCS public meeting includes a request to revise the Medicare reimbursement for HCPCS code E2298, defined as Complex rehabilitative power wheelchair accessory, power seat elevation system, any type.” The applicant — the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) — is recommending that language be changed to “Complex Rehabilitative…
Mobility Management: August 2024 issue
Read about how Medicare Advantage plans are restricting access to Complex Rehab Technology, and why Medicare’s seat elevation coding and allowable decision could deny bariatric wheelchair riders from using these critically important, medically necessary systems. • CRT’s Medicare Advantage Problem • The Clinician Task Force’s Cara Masselink: “There’s a Lot to Protect” • Seat Elevation:…
NCART Announces Appeal of Medicare CRT Seat Elevation Allowable
In June, CMS increased the allowable by $13.62.
The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) is appealing the latest Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allowable decision for seat elevation on Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power wheelchairs. In a July 17 bulletin, NCART said it had submitted a HCPCS coding application “to formally appeal” the CMS decision to increase that…
CMS Raises CRT Seat Elevation Medicare Allowable by $13.62
Joel Kaiser, director of the division of DMEPOS policy, responded to NCART’s recalculation request.
The Medicare allowable for seat elevation on a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power chair is getting a very modest increase. In a June 25 bulletin, the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) said it had been notified that the allowable for HCPCS code E2298 — Complex rehabilitative power wheelchair accessory, power seat elevation…
Commentary: Barbie Reigns, Seat Elevation Coverage Intrigues in Q1
Reviewing Mobility Management’s most-read stories this quarter.
The most-read Mobility Management story of Q1 2024 was bright pink and purple. Barbie Goes to Seating Clinic, published Jan. 23, was inspired by Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, program coordinator at the Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa (Fla.). Lauren passionately advocates for independent mobility for young children, which is…
Briefly: Medtrade Announces Attendance; Medicare Seat Elevation Coverage Now in Effect
Featuring Medtrade, NCART, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medtrade Reports Robust Growth in Dallas Attendance at Medtrade, held March 26-28 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, grew by double digits, event officials said in a March 28 news announcement. “This year’s Medtrade attracted more than 2,300 qualified attendees,” Kerry Tyler, Medtrade’s associate show director, said. “That’s an increase of almost…
CMS Issues Final Coding, Benefit Category, Payment Determinations for Seat Elevation
New coding will go into effect in April.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its final coding, benefit category, and payment determinations for seat elevation on power wheelchairs. The determinations were included as part of CMS’s Second Biannual 2023 HCPCS Coding Cycle. CMS said new coding actions would be effective starting April 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted. CRT industry…