Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II E1140: Wheelchair with Detachable Arms and Swing-Away Footrests
HCPCS Level II code E1140 identifies a manual wheelchair with detachable arms (desk or full length) and swing-away detachable footrests. Nationally, this code matters because it standardizes billing for a commonly prescribed durable medical equipment (DME) item that supports mobility, activities of daily living, and safe transfers for patients across outpatient, home, and long-term care settings. Coverage and payment for E1140 influence access to appropriately configured wheelchairs and can affect procurement and inventory decisions for suppliers.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical and billing context for E1140, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with HCPCS Level II claims, and where to find related codes. The publication summarizes national billing considerations and presents practical benchmarks and policy-related updates relevant to DME suppliers, billing professionals, and clinical teams who document wheelchair needs.
This analysis also outlines the clinical scenarios in which a detachable-armed, swing-away footrest manual wheelchair is selected, and highlights documentation elements and claim-line practices pertinent to reimbursement. Data not available in the input is identified explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E1140 describes a wheelchair with detachable arms (desk or full length) and swing-away detachable footrests. This code represents a durable medical equipment item intended to provide mobility assistance for patients who require a manual wheelchair with configurable arm and foot support.
Service Type: Durable Medical Equipment (Mobility/Manual Wheelchair)
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient durable medical equipment suppliers, home use, and institutional settings such as long-term care facilities or skilled nursing facilities.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with mobility limitation due to chronic neurologic disease (for example, post-stroke hemiparesis, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury) or severe musculoskeletal impairment (for example, advanced osteoarthritis or major lower-extremity amputation) who requires a durable medical equipment wheelchair with detachable arms and swing-away detachable footrests for daily mobility and functional independence. The clinical workflow begins with a clinician evaluation (physiatrist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist) documenting functional deficits, medical necessity, and anticipated home/environmental use. A DME supplier evaluates seat width, depth, and arm/footrest requirements, obtains supplier measurements, and provides product specifications for E1140. Prior to delivery, the supplier confirms payer coverage, obtains any required prior authorization, and documents trial fittings and training for safe transfers, propulsion, and braking. Follow-up visits with the prescribing clinician or therapy team occur as needed to address fit, skin integrity, pressure risk, and functional outcomes.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard billing when no special circumstances apply |