Summary & Overview
HCPCS E1150: Wheelchair with Detachable Arms, Elevating Legrests
HCPCS Level II code E1150 identifies a manual wheelchair with detachable arms and desk- or full-length swing-away detachable elevating legrests. The code denotes durable medical equipment used to provide seated mobility while offering adjustable lower-extremity elevation for patients with specific clinical needs. Nationally, wheelchairs coded under E1150 matter for mobility access, functional independence, and DME benefit management.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical context, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations tied to DME coverage. The publication outlines benchmarking and utilization themes, summarizes relevant policy updates affecting HCPCS Level II wheelchair coverage, and clarifies the operational details that influence claims processing and documentation requirements.
This summary provides policy and operational context for clinicians, DME suppliers, and billing professionals seeking clear, national-level information on how E1150 is used, documented, and adjudicated across major payers. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code E1150 describes a wheelchair with detachable arms and desk- or full-length swing-away detachable elevating legrests. This equipment is classified as a durable medical equipment mobility device designed to support patients who require seated mobility with the option to elevate the lower extremities.
Service Type: Durable Medical Equipment — Manual Wheelchair with Elevating Legrests
Typical Site of Service: Home, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and other community settings where durable mobility aids are used.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 72-year-old patient with advanced osteoarthritis and limited mobility is evaluated by a primary care physician and a physical therapist after multiple falls and increasing difficulty transferring and performing activities of daily living. The clinician documents persistent bilateral knee pain, decreased endurance, and impaired balance that make ambulation unsafe. After a mobility evaluation and seating assessment, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers and clinicians determine that a manual wheelchair with detachable arms and desk-length or full-length swing-away detachable elevating legrests is clinically appropriate to improve safety, independence, and positioning.
The clinical workflow includes: a face-to-face evaluation and documentation of functional limitations and home environment; a written order from the prescribing physician specifying E1150 and required accessories; measurement and seating assessment by a qualified occupational therapist or physical therapist; prior authorization submission where required (including diagnosis codes, justification of mobility impairment, and supplier quote); delivery and fitting of the wheelchair; patient/family training on safe transfers and maintenance; and follow-up to document continued medical necessity and any adjustments.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier — standard reporting |