Summary & Overview
HCPCS E0274: Over-bed Table
HCPCS Level II code E0274 designates an over-bed table, a common durable medical equipment (DME) accessory used to provide a stable surface over a patient bed. Nationally, this code matters for billing and inventory management across inpatient, long-term care, and home health settings where bed-side tables support eating, reading, and care activities. Clear coding supports appropriate coverage determinations and accurate claims processing for a frequently supplied DME item.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of coverage considerations, typical sites of service where E0274 is used, and common billing practices for over-bed tables. The publication summarizes benchmarks and reimbursement context where available and highlights any recent policy or coding guidance relevant to DME supply and documentation requirements.
This resource is intended to help billing staff, DME suppliers, and policy analysts understand the clinical context and billing classification for E0274, including what information is typically needed on claims and where to look for payer-specific coverage rules. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E0274 describes an over-bed table. This item is a durable medical equipment accessory designed to provide a stable, flat work or dining surface positioned over a patient bed.
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Service type: Durable medical equipment (DME) accessory
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Typical site of service: Inpatient and outpatient bed settings, including hospital bedside use, skilled nursing facility bedside use, and home use when positioned over a bed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
An adult patient admitted to an acute inpatient ward or receiving home health care requires an adjustable over-bed surface to support meals, medication delivery, reading, or light activities while confined to bed. Typical patients include those recovering from orthopedic surgery, stroke with limited mobility, or progressive neuromuscular conditions that limit ability to sit at a table. The clinical workflow begins with a clinician (registered nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist) assessing the patients functional needs and safety risks. A durable medical equipment (DME) supplier is ordered by the treating physician using the HCPCS code E0274 for an over-bed table. The supplier verifies patient eligibility, documents medical necessity (mobility limitation, inability to use standard furniture, and expected duration of need), delivers and adjusts the table to fit the bed and patient height, and provides brief patient/caregiver education on safe use and cleaning. Follow-up assessments during the hospitalization or home visits confirm continued need or arrange retrieval when no longer required.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard reporting when no special circumstances apply |