Summary & Overview
HCPCS E0247: Transfer Bench for Tub or Toilet with or without Commode Opening
HCPCS Level II code E0247 identifies a transfer bench for tub or toilet with or without a commode opening — a commonly used durable medical equipment (DME) item that supports safe lateral transfers for patients with mobility impairments. Nationally, this code matters because it represents a routine, low-cost intervention that can reduce fall risk and support independent activities of daily living, affecting utilization patterns across home health, long-term care, and outpatient durable medical equipment suppliers.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of coverage considerations and payer policies where available, common billing practices tied to the code, and the clinical contexts in which E0247 is typically used. The publication summarizes benchmarks and policy-relevant points — including where data are available and where input data are not provided — and provides clinical context for why a transfer bench is prescribed.
This overview is intended for billing professionals, DME suppliers, case managers, and policy analysts seeking a practical reference on E0247, including expected sites of service, typical use cases in mobility and bathing/toileting assistance, and the role this equipment plays in patient safety and functional independence.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E0247 describes a transfer bench for tub or toilet with or without commode opening. This durable medical equipment item facilitates lateral transfers for patients with mobility limitations and can be used to assist with bathing or toileting.
Service type: Durable medical equipment (DME) for patient transfer and bathing/toileting assistance
Typical site of service: Home or other residential settings, and settings where patients require assistive devices for tub or toilet transfers such as assisted living or long-term care facilities.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an older adult with limited lower-extremity mobility, balance impairment, or recent lower limb surgery who requires a stable seating surface to transfer into and out of a bathtub or onto a toilet. The device described by billing code E0247 is a transfer bench designed to span the tub rim (or be used adjacent to a toilet) and may include a commode opening. The clinical workflow begins with an outpatient evaluation by a physical therapist or occupational therapist documenting functional limitations, home safety concerns, and the patient’s ability to perform transfers. A prescribing clinician (primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or geriatrician) documents medical necessity and orders the durable medical equipment. Prior to delivery, the supplier confirms measurements and home environment compatibility. After delivery and setup, a therapist provides training on safe transfers, positioning, and routine maintenance. Follow-up occurs to assess ongoing need, fit, and any required adjustments.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | General default when no specific modifier applies |
22 |