HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

HCPCS Level II code K0018 describes a replacement detachable, adjustable-height upper armrest component sold individually for durable medical equipment, intended as a replacement part for wheelchairs or mobility chairs; service type is replacement part for mobility device and the typical site of service is durable medical equipment supplier, outpatient prosthetics/orthotics shop, or home delivery and installation.

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HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 72-year-old Medicare beneficiary with osteoarthritis and decreased upper-limb strength presents to a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier and an outpatient orthotics clinic requesting a replacement armrest for an existing powered wheelchair. The patient reports wear of the detachable, upper portion of an adjustable-height armrest after several years of daily use, resulting in discomfort and reduced lateral support when transferring and propelling the chair. The wheelchair technician inspects the device, documents the make/model and serial number, confirms compatibility of the replacement part, measures required armrest height and mounting interface, and orders a single replacement upper armrest part. The supplier obtains prior authorization when required by the payor, bills the replacement part as K0018 (detachable, adjustable height armrest, upper portion, replacement only, each), records the wheelchair and patient identifiers in the claim, and ships the component to the patient. If installation or repair labor is provided by a qualified technician, that service is documented separately and billed per local billing rules.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97530`	Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact	Performed by occupational therapy to assess upper-limb function and need for armrest modification prior to ordering parts
`97110`	Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance	Used in pre- or post-adjustment rehabilitation to address weakness contributing to wheelchair support needs
`97001`	Physical therapy evaluation	Initial evaluation documenting seating and mobility limitations that support medical necessity for replacement parts
`99070`	Supplies and materials (durable medical equipment)	Used when billing for nonlisted supplies and components provided in conjunction with therapy or clinic visits
`A9270`	Non-covered item or service (example code for DME supplies)	Sometimes used by suppliers to report miscellaneous DME accessory charges when no specific HCPCS exists

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Hematology (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2084P0800X	Psychiatry Physician	A Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, …
347C00000X	Private Vehicle	An individual paid to provide non-emergency transportation using their privately owned/leased vehicle.
246QH0600X	Histology Specialist/Technologist	Technologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Specialist/Technologist, Pathology
2471Q0001X	Quality Management Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in quality management.
225500000X	Respiratory/Developmental/Rehabilitative Specialist/Technologist	General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.
335E00000X	Prosthetic/Orthotic Supplier	An organization that provides prosthetic and orthotic care which may include, but is not limited to, patient evaluation, prosthesis or orthosis design…

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

25 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
G56.01	Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
G56.02	Carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper limb
G56.21	Lesion of ulnar nerve, right upper limb
G56.22	Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb
M19.011	Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
M19.012	Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
M19.071	Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot
M19.072	Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot
M25.511	Pain in right shoulder
M25.512	Pain in left shoulder

Showing 1–10 of 25

HCPCS K0001: Standard Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0002-STANDARD-HEMI-LOW-SEAT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0002: Standard Hemi (Low Seat) Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0003-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0003: Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0004-HIGH-STRENGTH-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0004: High Strength, Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0005-ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0005: Ultralightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0006-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0006: Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0007-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0007: Extra Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0008-CUSTOM-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0008: Custom Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0009-OTHER-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR-BASE

HCPCS K0009: Other Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0010-STANDARD-WEIGHT-FRAME-POWER-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0010: Standard Weight Frame Motorized/Power Wheelchair

Showing 1–10 of 135

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97530`	Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact	Performed by occupational therapy to assess upper-limb function and need for armrest modification prior to ordering parts
`97110`	Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance	Used in pre- or post-adjustment rehabilitation to address weakness contributing to wheelchair support needs
`97001`	Physical therapy evaluation	Initial evaluation documenting seating and mobility limitations that support medical necessity for replacement parts
`99070`	Supplies and materials (durable medical equipment)	Used when billing for nonlisted supplies and components provided in conjunction with therapy or clinic visits
`A9270`	Non-covered item or service (example code for DME supplies)	Sometimes used by suppliers to report miscellaneous DME accessory charges when no specific HCPCS exists

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Hematology (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2084P0800X	Psychiatry Physician	A Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, …
347C00000X	Private Vehicle	An individual paid to provide non-emergency transportation using their privately owned/leased vehicle.
246QH0600X	Histology Specialist/Technologist	Technologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Specialist/Technologist, Pathology
2471Q0001X	Quality Management Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in quality management.
225500000X	Respiratory/Developmental/Rehabilitative Specialist/Technologist	General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.
335E00000X	Prosthetic/Orthotic Supplier	An organization that provides prosthetic and orthotic care which may include, but is not limited to, patient evaluation, prosthesis or orthosis design…

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

25 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
G56.01	Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
G56.02	Carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper limb
G56.21	Lesion of ulnar nerve, right upper limb
G56.22	Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb
M19.011	Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
M19.012	Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
M19.071	Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot
M19.072	Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot
M25.511	Pain in right shoulder
M25.512	Pain in left shoulder

Showing 1–10 of 25

HCPCS K0001: Standard Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0002-STANDARD-HEMI-LOW-SEAT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0002: Standard Hemi (Low Seat) Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0003-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0003: Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0004-HIGH-STRENGTH-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0004: High Strength, Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0005-ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0005: Ultralightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0006-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0006: Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0007-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0007: Extra Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0008-CUSTOM-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0008: Custom Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0009-OTHER-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR-BASE

HCPCS K0009: Other Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0010-STANDARD-WEIGHT-FRAME-POWER-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0010: Standard Weight Frame Motorized/Power Wheelchair

Showing 1–10 of 135

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

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OpenPayer

HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References

HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

Sign up for hcpcs K0018 policy alerts

HCPCS Level II K0018: Detachable Adjustable-Height Upper Armrest, Replacement Only, Each

Sign up for hcpcs K0018 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

When should I use HCPCS code K0018?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with K0018 and what do they indicate?

What documentation is expected when billing for a K0018 replacement armrest?

What other codes might appear on a claim with K0018?

Which payers commonly cover K0018 and are prior authorizations necessary?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

When should I use HCPCS code K0018?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with K0018 and what do they indicate?

What documentation is expected when billing for a K0018 replacement armrest?

What other codes might appear on a claim with K0018?

Which payers commonly cover K0018 and are prior authorizations necessary?

References