Summary & Overview
HCPCS E0245: Tub Stool or Bench for Bathing
HCPCS Level II code E0245 identifies a tub stool or bench used as a durable medical equipment bathing aid. Nationally, this code matters because it supports safe bathing and personal care for patients with mobility limitations, reducing fall risk and facilitating independent hygiene. Coverage and reimbursement for E0245 affect access to in-home supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and post-acute patients.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context—why a tub stool or bench is used—and an outline of the payer landscape typically relevant to such equipment. The publication also summarizes common billing considerations, typical sites of service, and where to find policy updates and coverage criteria.
This piece provides benchmarks and policy summaries relevant to procurement and billing for durable medical equipment, highlights clinical scenarios in which a tub stool or bench is appropriate, and identifies where payer policies often differ. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E0245 describes a tub stool or bench. This item is classified as durable medical equipment intended to provide a stable seating surface for patients during bathing or toileting activities. The service type derived from the description is durable medical equipment / bathing aid. The typical site of service for E0245 is the home or other ambulatory residential settings where personal bathing assistance or accessibility adaptations are needed.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an older adult or patient with limited mobility, obesity, recent lower-extremity injury, or postoperative restrictions who requires assistance for bathing and toileting. A home health nurse or durable medical equipment (DME) supplier evaluates the patient and documents functional limitations, need for a safe seated toileting surface, and caregiver support. The DME supplier delivers a E0245 tub stool or bench to the patient’s residence. The clinical workflow includes: referral from primary care or physical therapy; home assessment documenting inability to safely use the bathtub or shower floor; selection of an appropriately sized tub bench with non-slip feet and backrest as indicated; delivery and in-home setup; patient and caregiver education on safe transfer and maintenance; and documentation of medical necessity with supporting diagnoses and functional assessments for payer submission. Typical sites of service are the patient’s home, assisted living facility, or long-term care residence where bathroom accessibility is limited.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Rarely used for DME; only when additional documented work or complexity beyond standard delivery is medically necessary (e.g., complex home installation requiring significant additional labor). |