HCPCS K0017: Detachable Adjustable-Height Armrest Base, Replacement - OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

HCPCS K0017: Detachable Adjustable-Height Armrest Base, Replacement

HCPCS Level II code K0017 denotes a detachable, adjustable-height armrest base sold as a replacement part for mobility or seating devices. Nationally, this code matters because it identifies non-physician durable medical equipment (DME) components that are billed separately from the primary mobility device, affecting claims processing, supplier billing, and patient access to replacement parts.

Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and billing considerations for replacement armrest components, typical sites of service for supply and delivery, and the payer landscape relevant to reimbursement and coverage determinations.

This publication provides benchmarks and policy context for K0017, summarizes payer coverage patterns where available, and outlines operational issues suppliers and billing teams commonly encounter when submitting claims for replacement DME parts. Data gaps are identified where input information is not provided. The goal is to give clinicians, DME suppliers, and billing professionals a clear national-level reference for classifying and coding detachable, adjustable-height armrest bases under HCPCS Level II code K0017.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicareK0017HCPCS Level IIdurable medical equipmentDME replacementmobility devicearmrestmedical billingDME coding

Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code K0017 describes a detachable, adjustable height armrest, base, replacement only, each. The code represents a durable medical equipment replacement part intended to restore or replace the armrest assembly for a mobility device or seating system.

Service type: Durable medical equipment — replacement part

Typical site of service: Durable medical equipment supplier, outpatient durable medical equipment setting, or patient residence when delivered by supplier

Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 72-year-old patient with a power wheelchair presents to durable medical equipment (DME) services for a replacement detachable, adjustable-height armrest (K0017) after wear and tear and a fractured mounting bracket from prolonged use. The patient uses the wheelchair for community mobility due to chronic hemiparesis following a prior stroke and reports pain and instability when resting the forearm. The DME clinician evaluates the wheelchair, documents the need for a single replacement armrest assembly (each), verifies wheelchair model compatibility, measures and documents adjustable-height range required, and records photos of the damaged component. The supplier submits a claim to the patient’s primary payor (for example, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, or Medicare) with supporting documentation including the beneficiary’s medical necessity statement, itemized invoice for K0017, and any applicable modifier (for example TC for technical component if applicable). The armrest is delivered and fitted; staff documents installation, patient education on adjustment and maintenance, and any serial numbers or warranty details for durable medical equipment records.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`52`

HCPCS K0841: Power Wheelchair Group 2 Standard, 300 lb Capacity

HCPCS-K0070-REAR-WHEEL-ASSEMBLY-PNEUMATIC-TIRE-REPLACEMENT

HCPCS Level II K0070: Rear Wheel Assembly with Pneumatic Tire

HCPCS-K0824-POWER-WHEELCHAIR-HEAVY-DUTY-301-450-LB

HCPCS Level II K0824: Power Wheelchair, Heavy Duty 301–450 lb

HCPCS-K0455-CONTINUOUS-PARENTERAL-INFUSION-PUMP

HCPCS K0455: Infusion Pump for Continuous Parenteral Medication

HCPCS-K0105-IV-HANGER-INFUSION-SUPPLY

HCPCS K0105: IV Hanger, Each

HCPCS-K0864-POWER-WHEELCHAIR-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-601LBS-PLUS

HCPCS Level II K0864: Power Wheelchair, Extra Heavy Duty, 601+ lbs

HCPCS-K0835-POWER-WHEELCHAIR-GROUP-2-STANDARD-300LB-CAPACITY

HCPCS K0835: Power Wheelchair Group 2 Standard, 300 lb Capacity

HCPCS-K0840-POWER-WHEELCHAIR-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-601LBS-PLUS

HCPCS K0840: Power Wheelchair, Extra Heavy Duty (601+ lb)

HCPCS-K0607-REPLACEMENT-AED-GARMENT-BATTERY

HCPCS K0607: Replacement Battery for Garment-Style Automated External Defibrillator

HCPCS-K0554-THERAPEUTIC-GLUCOSE-CONTINUOUS-MONITOR-RECEIVER

HCPCS K0554: Receiver for Therapeutic Continuous Glucose Monitor

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Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`221100000X`	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)	Physiatrists commonly document medical necessity and functional benefit for wheelchair components.
`3336C0003X`	Durable Medical Equipment Supplier	Suppliers perform assessment, fitting, and installation of `K0017` armrests.
`174400000X`	Occupational Therapy	Occupational therapists evaluate seating and positioning needs and recommend armrest adjustments.
`207RH0000X`	Physical Therapy	Physical therapists perform mobility evaluations and may recommend replacement armrests for function.
`367A00000X`	Orthotics & Prosthetics	O&P practitioners may be involved for custom mounting or modification of wheelchair components.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M62.81`	Muscle weakness (generalized)	Weakness may increase reliance on wheelchair and need for stable arm support; armrest replacement improves safety.
`I69.351`	Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, affecting right dominant side	Post-stroke hemiparesis commonly requires adaptive seating and armrests for support and function.
`G81.90`	Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting unspecified side	Indicates motor impairment where arm support via adjustable armrest is clinically beneficial.
`M54.2`	Cervicalgia	Neck pain with upper extremity symptoms may require adjustment of armrest height to improve comfort.
`R26.2`	Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified	Patients with mobility impairment often use wheelchairs and require properly fitted armrests for transfers and stability.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97530`	Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact by the provider; each 15 minutes	Performed by occupational or physical therapy before or after armrest replacement to assess functional impact and train the patient on new adjustment features.
`97161`	Physical therapy evaluation, low complexity	Initial PT evaluation that may result in recommendation for armrest replacement to improve positioning.
`99213`	Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, typically 15 minutes	Used when a clinician documents medical necessity and orders the replacement armrest during an outpatient visit.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (except spectacles), provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or procedure	May be used by some payors when billing for additional nonstandard supplies related to installation, per payer policy.
`97110`	Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility	Used in rehabilitation sessions associated with seating adjustments and to document functional improvements after armrest replacement.

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