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HCPCS E0117: Articulating, Spring-Assisted Underarm Crutch

HCPCS Level II code E0117 designates an articulating, spring-assisted underarm crutch provided per device. This durable medical equipment code is nationally relevant because underarm crutches remain a common mobility aid prescribed for a range of musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. Proper coding affects claims processing, supplier reimbursement, and patient access to appropriate assistive devices. Key payers in the national landscape include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Readers will find a concise overview of what E0117 represents, typical settings where the device is supplied, and how the code fits into durable medical equipment billing. The publication outlines benchmarks and payer coverage patterns, notes policy or coding updates when applicable, and provides clinical context to explain when an articulating, spring-assisted underarm crutch may be selected over other mobility aids. The content is intended to inform billing staff, DME suppliers, clinicians, and policy analysts about coding implications and common administrative considerations linked to E0117. Data not available in the input will be explicitly identified in relevant sections.

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code E0117 describes an articulating, spring-assisted underarm crutch, billed per device. Service type: Durable medical equipment (DME) — mobility/assistive device. Typical site of service: Outpatient settings, home health, medical equipment suppliers, and patient residence.

This code covers provision of a single underarm crutch designed with articulating and spring-assisted features to improve gait and reduce user effort. It applies when the device is furnished to assist ambulation for patients who require upper-limb support due to injury, surgery, neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions. If additional components, fittings, or delivery services are provided, separate billing and documentation considerations may apply.

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HCPCS E0117: Articulating, Spring-Assisted Underarm Crutch

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 68-year-old patient presents to an orthopedics clinic after a fall at home resulting in a nondisplaced femoral neck fracture treated nonoperatively and limited weight bearing. The patient demonstrates adequate upper-extremity strength but requires mobility assistance to ambulate safely at home and during rehabilitation. After assessment by the orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist, an underarm articulating, spring-assisted crutch is selected for improved energy efficiency, shock absorption, and joint protection during gait training. The clinic documents medical necessity, trains the patient on proper fitting and use, and arranges durable medical equipment (DME) delivery. Typical workflow: clinician documents diagnosis and weight-bearing status, orders DME using billing code E0117, selects appropriate modifiers if required, obtains prior authorization from the patient’s payor (for example, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, Medicare), coordinates physical therapy gait training, and completes follow-up to assess fit and function.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	When documentation supports substantially greater work or complexity for fitting, customizing, or modifying the crutch beyond standard practice.
`52`	Reduced services	When a lesser service than described by the code is provided (for example, partial delivery or limited fitting).
`53`	Discontinued procedure	When preparation began but delivery was discontinued due to patient condition or contraindication.
`59`*	Distinct procedural service	Not in raw list; omitted per instructions.
`62`	Two surgeons	Applicable only if two qualified clinicians are actively involved in ordering and fitting in a facility setting (rare for DME).
`78`	Return to operating room	Not typical for DME; rarely used.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Rare for DME provision; used when an assistant performed documented hands-on fitting.
`82`	Assistant not qualified	Rare; used if an unqualified assistant performed services under supervision.
`AS`	Accredited or institutional specialty modifier	Used by certain payors to indicate ambulatory surgical center resources; seldom used with DME.
`KA`*	Not in list; omitted.
`KR`	Payment adjustment for nonparticipating supplier	When supplier is nonparticipating and payment adjustments apply.
`LL`	State-specific modifier	When state-specific rules require a specific modifier to indicate locality-based pricing or rules.
`QK`	Medical direction of certified registered nurse anesthetists	Not applicable to DME; omitted.
`QX`	Ordering/modifier for DMEPOS	Used to identify specific billing relationships in DMEPOS programs when applicable.
`RB`	Replacement of DME items	When billing for replacement of lost or damaged crutches rather than initial issue.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207Q00000X`	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons commonly order DME like crutches after fracture or joint procedures.
`225100000X`	Physical Therapy	Physical therapists conduct gait assessment and training, advise on appropriate crutch selection and fit.
`332B00000X`	Durable Medical Equipment Supplier	DME suppliers provide, fit, and deliver `E0117` items and handle billing and repairs.
`368000000X`	Occupational Therapy	Occupational therapists may assess home mobility needs and recommend DME for ADLs.

*Only modifiers from the provided raw list were considered. Modifiers not present in the input were not listed.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`S72.002A`	Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture	Femoral neck fractures often require limited weight bearing, prompting need for underarm crutches.
`S72.001A`	Fracture of unspecified part of neck of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture	As above for left-sided injury.
`M16.11`	Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hip	Hip osteoarthritis causing gait impairment where crutches may be prescribed to offload joint.
`M16.12`	Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip	Same clinical relevance for left hip disease.
`M25.551`	Pain in right hip	Symptomatic hip pain that may necessitate temporary ambulatory assistance.
`M25.552`	Pain in left hip	As above for left hip pain.
`Z96.651`	Presence of right artificial hip joint	Postoperative patients with hip arthroplasty may require crutches during recovery.
`Z96.652`	Presence of left artificial hip joint	Same relevance for left-sided arthroplasty.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97161`	Physical therapy evaluation: low complexity	Performed before issuing `E0117` to document functional status and need for ambulatory assistive device.
`97110`	Therapeutic exercise	Used in rehabilitation to strengthen upper extremity and core to safely use underarm crutches.
`97116`	Gait training (includes stair climbing)	Directly related to teaching the patient to ambulate with `E0117` and document progress.
`97530`	Therapeutic activities	Functional mobility training that supports the clinical justification for a spring-assisted crutch.
`99456`	Work-related or medical-legal evaluation (local)	May be used if documentation is required for return-to-work or disability justification when DME is provided.

HCPCS E0100: Cane, Adjustable or Fixed, With Tip

HCPCS-E0105-CANE-QUAD-THREE-PRONG-MOBILITY-AID

HCPCS E0105: Cane, Quad or Three Prong, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0110-FOREARM-CRUTCHES-PAIR-DME-MOBILITY

HCPCS E0110: Forearm Crutches, Pair, Complete with Tips and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0111-CRUTCH-FOREARM-DURABLE-MEDICAL-EQUIPMENT

HCPCS E0111: Crutch Forearm, Includes Tip and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0112-UNDERARM-WOOD-CRUTCHES-PAIR

HCPCS E0112: Underarm Wooden Crutches, Pair, with Pads and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0113-CRUTCH-UNDERARM-WOOD-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED-WITH-PAD-TIP-HANDGRIP

HCPCS Level II E0113: Crutch Underarm, Wood, with Pad, Tip and Handgrip

HCPCS-E0114-UNDERARM-CRUTCHES-PAIR-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED

HCPCS E0114: Underarm Crutches, Non-Wood, Pair, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0116-UNDERARM-CRUTCH-NON-WOOD-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED

HCPCS E0116: Underarm Crutch, Non‑Wood, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0118-LOWER-LEG-PLATFORM-CRUTCH-SUBSTITUTE

HCPCS E0118: Lower Leg Platform Crutch Substitute

HCPCS-E0130-RIGID-PICKUP-WALKER-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED-HEIGHT

HCPCS E0130: Walker, Rigid (Pickup), Adjustable or Fixed Height

Showing 1–10 of 670

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	When documentation supports substantially greater work or complexity for fitting, customizing, or modifying the crutch beyond standard practice.
`52`	Reduced services	When a lesser service than described by the code is provided (for example, partial delivery or limited fitting).
`53`	Discontinued procedure	When preparation began but delivery was discontinued due to patient condition or contraindication.
`59`*	Distinct procedural service	Not in raw list; omitted per instructions.
`62`	Two surgeons	Applicable only if two qualified clinicians are actively involved in ordering and fitting in a facility setting (rare for DME).
`78`	Return to operating room	Not typical for DME; rarely used.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Rare for DME provision; used when an assistant performed documented hands-on fitting.
`82`	Assistant not qualified	Rare; used if an unqualified assistant performed services under supervision.
`AS`	Accredited or institutional specialty modifier	Used by certain payors to indicate ambulatory surgical center resources; seldom used with DME.
`KA`*	Not in list; omitted.
`KR`	Payment adjustment for nonparticipating supplier	When supplier is nonparticipating and payment adjustments apply.
`LL`	State-specific modifier	When state-specific rules require a specific modifier to indicate locality-based pricing or rules.
`QK`	Medical direction of certified registered nurse anesthetists	Not applicable to DME; omitted.
`QX`	Ordering/modifier for DMEPOS	Used to identify specific billing relationships in DMEPOS programs when applicable.
`RB`	Replacement of DME items	When billing for replacement of lost or damaged crutches rather than initial issue.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207Q00000X`	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons commonly order DME like crutches after fracture or joint procedures.
`225100000X`	Physical Therapy	Physical therapists conduct gait assessment and training, advise on appropriate crutch selection and fit.
`332B00000X`	Durable Medical Equipment Supplier	DME suppliers provide, fit, and deliver `E0117` items and handle billing and repairs.
`368000000X`	Occupational Therapy	Occupational therapists may assess home mobility needs and recommend DME for ADLs.

*Only modifiers from the provided raw list were considered. Modifiers not present in the input were not listed.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`S72.002A`	Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture	Femoral neck fractures often require limited weight bearing, prompting need for underarm crutches.
`S72.001A`	Fracture of unspecified part of neck of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture	As above for left-sided injury.
`M16.11`	Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hip	Hip osteoarthritis causing gait impairment where crutches may be prescribed to offload joint.
`M16.12`	Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip	Same clinical relevance for left hip disease.
`M25.551`	Pain in right hip	Symptomatic hip pain that may necessitate temporary ambulatory assistance.
`M25.552`	Pain in left hip	As above for left hip pain.
`Z96.651`	Presence of right artificial hip joint	Postoperative patients with hip arthroplasty may require crutches during recovery.
`Z96.652`	Presence of left artificial hip joint	Same relevance for left-sided arthroplasty.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97161`	Physical therapy evaluation: low complexity	Performed before issuing `E0117` to document functional status and need for ambulatory assistive device.
`97110`	Therapeutic exercise	Used in rehabilitation to strengthen upper extremity and core to safely use underarm crutches.
`97116`	Gait training (includes stair climbing)	Directly related to teaching the patient to ambulate with `E0117` and document progress.
`97530`	Therapeutic activities	Functional mobility training that supports the clinical justification for a spring-assisted crutch.
`99456`	Work-related or medical-legal evaluation (local)	May be used if documentation is required for return-to-work or disability justification when DME is provided.

HCPCS E0100: Cane, Adjustable or Fixed, With Tip

HCPCS-E0105-CANE-QUAD-THREE-PRONG-MOBILITY-AID

HCPCS E0105: Cane, Quad or Three Prong, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0110-FOREARM-CRUTCHES-PAIR-DME-MOBILITY

HCPCS E0110: Forearm Crutches, Pair, Complete with Tips and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0111-CRUTCH-FOREARM-DURABLE-MEDICAL-EQUIPMENT

HCPCS E0111: Crutch Forearm, Includes Tip and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0112-UNDERARM-WOOD-CRUTCHES-PAIR

HCPCS E0112: Underarm Wooden Crutches, Pair, with Pads and Handgrips

HCPCS-E0113-CRUTCH-UNDERARM-WOOD-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED-WITH-PAD-TIP-HANDGRIP

HCPCS Level II E0113: Crutch Underarm, Wood, with Pad, Tip and Handgrip

HCPCS-E0114-UNDERARM-CRUTCHES-PAIR-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED

HCPCS E0114: Underarm Crutches, Non-Wood, Pair, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0116-UNDERARM-CRUTCH-NON-WOOD-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED

HCPCS E0116: Underarm Crutch, Non‑Wood, Adjustable or Fixed

HCPCS-E0118-LOWER-LEG-PLATFORM-CRUTCH-SUBSTITUTE

HCPCS E0118: Lower Leg Platform Crutch Substitute

HCPCS-E0130-RIGID-PICKUP-WALKER-ADJUSTABLE-FIXED-HEIGHT

HCPCS E0130: Walker, Rigid (Pickup), Adjustable or Fixed Height

Showing 1–10 of 670

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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HCPCS E0117: Articulating, Spring-Assisted Underarm Crutch

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Billing Code Overview

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HCPCS E0117: Articulating, Spring-Assisted Underarm Crutch

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References