Summary & Overview
HCPCS E1036: Extra-Wide Multi-Positional Patient Transfer System, Bariatric
HCPCS Level II code E1036 identifies an extra-wide, multi-positional patient transfer system with an integrated seat, operated by a caregiver and rated for patient weights over 300 lbs. The code captures durable medical equipment (DME) used to facilitate safe transfers for bariatric or larger patients in non-acute care environments. Nationally, accurate coding for bariatric transfer systems matters for patient safety, care coordination, and appropriate DME coverage across payers.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the purpose of the device. The publication provides benchmarking and policy-oriented content relevant to billing and coverage—highlighting where payers commonly position such durable equipment in benefit designs and documentation expectations. It also outlines coding precision considerations for institutions and billing teams to ensure correct claim submission when furnishing caregiver-operated transfer systems for patients exceeding 300 pounds.
This national-level summary is intended for billing managers, DME providers, clinical teams, and policy analysts seeking clear background on the device and its billing classification under HCPCS Level II code E1036.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E1036 describes a multi-positional patient transfer system, extra-wide, with integrated seat, operated by caregiver, patient weight capacity greater than 300 lbs. This durable medical equipment item is designed to assist caregivers in moving patients who require support for transfers while seated, offering multiple positioning options and an extra-wide frame to accommodate larger or bariatric patients.
Service Type: Durable Medical Equipment — patient transfer device
Typical Site of Service: Home health, long-term care facilities, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and other non-acute care settings where caregiver-operated transfers occur
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a bariatric adult with limited mobility and a body weight exceeding 300 lbs who requires assisted transfers between bed, commode, wheelchair, and shower in an institutional or home-care setting. The device E1036 (multi-positional patient transfer system, extra-wide, with integrated seat, operated by caregiver, patient weight capacity greater than 300 lbs) is delivered and set up by durable medical equipment services. The clinical workflow begins with a physician or qualified practitioner documenting medical necessity for a transfer aid due to diagnoses such as morbid obesity, advanced osteoarthritis, neurologic weakness, or recent surgery limiting safe independent transfers. A DME supplier arranges delivery, assesses home or facility environment for adequate space and floor support, provides caregiver training on safe operation and positioning, and documents the face-to-face or telehealth assessment as required by payer policies. Follow-up includes periodic reassessment for device fit, repairs or maintenance, and replacement when medically necessary. Typical sites of service include patient homes, skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation units, and assisted living facilities.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard submission when no modifier applies |
22 | Increased procedural services | Unusual caregiver training or extensive customization beyond standard delivery |
52 | Reduced services | Partial delivery or limited accessory provision compared with full device |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Service aborted before completion (rare for DME delivery events) |
62 | Two surgeons/dual services | Not typically used for DME; applicable when two providers share technical responsibility |
78 | Return to operating/procedure room | Not commonly used for DME; apply if device-related procedure requires return to OR |
80 | Assistant at surgery | Not typically applicable; include only if an assistant billed related clinical procedure |
82 | Assistant not available | Rarely used for DME; see institutional policy if an assistant component is billed |
AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist assistant | When an advanced practice clinician performs components of the face-to-face assessment or fitting under payer rules |
QK | Medical direction of two or more CRNAs by an anesthesiologist | Not typically applicable to DME delivery but listed for completeness when anesthesia services intersect |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
334U00000X | Physical Therapist | Performs functional mobility assessment and documents need for transfer device |
2085R0201X | Rehabilitation Care Provider | Rehabilitation physician overseeing mobility and safe transfer goals |
221S00000X | Home Health Agency | Coordinates delivery and caregiver training in the home setting |
251B00000X | Durable Medical Equipment Supplier | Supplies, fits, and maintains the transfer system |
207RC0000X | Occupational Therapist | Performs activities-of-daily-living assessment and seat/transfer fitting |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
E66.01 | Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories | Increased body mass often necessitates extra-wide, higher-capacity transfer systems |
M19.90 | Osteoarthritis, unspecified site | Pain and decreased mobility that impair safe independent transfers |
G82.20 | Paraplegia, unspecified | Significant mobility impairment requiring caregiver-operated transfer systems |
G81.90 | Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting unspecified side | Unilateral weakness that limits safe transfers; caregiver assistance required |
Z96.651 | Presence of right artificial hip joint | Post-operative transfer precautions and limited weight-bearing may require transfer system |
Z74.01 | Bed confinement status | Patients confined to bed frequently need mechanical transfer aids for repositioning |
R26.89 | Other abnormalities of gait and mobility | General mobility impairment supporting need for transfer device |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
97161 | Physical therapy evaluation: low complexity | Initial PT evaluation documenting transfer deficits and justification for E1036 delivery |
97162 | Physical therapy evaluation: moderate complexity | Used when multiple comorbidities and moderate complexity support device necessity |
97110 | Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance | Pre- or post-delivery therapy to improve safe transfers using the device |
97530 | Therapeutic activities, direct one-on-one | Functional transfer training with caregiver and patient involving the device |
99456 | Work-related or medical disability examination (impairment rating) | Occasionally used when work status documentation or durable medical equipment impact must be certified |