Summary & Overview
HCPCS K0051: Cam Release Assembly for Footrest or Legrest, Replacement Only
HCPCS Level II code K0051 denotes a replacement cam release assembly for a footrest or legrest used in seating and mobility devices. Nationally, this code matters because replacement components contribute to maintenance, safety, and continued function of durable medical equipment (DME) for patients with mobility needs. Proper coding affects coverage determinations, supplier billing, and device longevity.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find how K0051 is categorized, the clinical context for its use as a DME component replacement, and what service settings typically apply. The publication outlines common payer coverage considerations, typical sites of service, and the role of replacement parts in ongoing patient care.
This analysis provides benchmarks for coding and billing practice, highlights policy considerations that influence coverage decisions, and summarizes clinical context relevant to when a cam release assembly is billed separately. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable. The content is intended for a national audience of billing professionals, DME suppliers, and health policy analysts seeking concise guidance on code K0051 and its operational implications.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code K0051 describes a cam release assembly, footrest or legrest, replacement only, each. This item is a replacement component intended for seating and mobility equipment that secures or adjusts a footrest or legrest through a cam-release mechanism.
Service type: Durable medical equipment component replacement
Typical site of service: Durable medical equipment (DME) supplier, outpatient clinic, or patient residence
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient who uses a manual or power wheelchair presents to durable medical equipment (DME) service or a wheelchair repair clinic because the cam release assembly on the footrest or legrest has failed. The device may no longer lock or release properly, presenting a safety risk for transfers or ambulation. Typical patients include individuals with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other mobility-limiting conditions who rely on wheelchairs for daily mobility.
The clinical workflow begins with a telephone or in-person request for repair. A DME technician or clinician inspects the wheelchair to confirm the broken cam release assembly on the footrest or legrest. The technician documents the wheelchair make/model, part number, and photos of the broken component. The cam release assembly is ordered as a replacement part (K0051) and installed at the DME shop or during an on-site service call. The technician verifies proper function of the footrest/legrest locking and release mechanisms and completes the repair note, including serial numbers and part usage. Billing is submitted for the replacement part using K0051; if appropriate, modifiers reflecting place of service or unusual circumstances are appended according to payer policy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
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