Summary & Overview
HCPCS K0829: Power Wheelchair, Extra Heavy Duty, Captains Chair, 601+ lbs
HCPCS Level II code K0829 denotes a specialized power wheelchair, group 2 extra heavy duty, captain's chair designed for patients with weight capacity needs of 601 pounds or more. This code captures high-capacity mobility devices that address complex functional and seating requirements and are part of the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit nationally. Coverage, prior authorization, and payment policies for such high-capacity power wheelchairs affect access to mobility for patients with severe obesity or complex physical needs and have implications for suppliers, clinicians, and payers.
Key national payers considered include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a concise overview of coverage considerations and where stakeholders typically look for policy guidance.
Readers will learn: the clinical and device description tied to K0829; common sites of service and the DME context for procurement and fitting; what to expect in payer coverage frameworks and authorization workflows; and how this code relates to broader policy and clinical discussions about high-capacity mobility devices. Data not available in the input regarding associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, related billing codes, and payer-specific reimbursement rates is noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code K0829 describes a power wheelchair, group 2 extra heavy duty, captain's chair, for a patient weight capacity of 601 pounds or more. This device is a durable medical equipment item intended to provide mobility for patients who require a high-capacity power wheelchair.
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Service type: Durable medical equipment (power mobility device)
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Typical site of service: Durable medical equipment provider location, patient home, long-term care facility, or other outpatient settings where mobility devices are supplied and fitted
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with morbid obesity and mobility-limiting musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions who requires a power wheelchair with an extra heavy-duty frame and captain's seat to safely support a body weight of 601 pounds or more. The clinical workflow begins with a treating clinician (physiatrist, rehabilitation medicine physician, or orthopedist) documenting functional limitations (inability to ambulate household distances, falls, skin integrity risk related to immobility, and failed conservative mobility aids). A wheelchair assessment by a certified ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) or occupational therapist evaluates seating, postural support, and specialized durable medical equipment needs. The ATP documents measurements, pressure relief requirements, and justification for a Group 2 extra heavy duty power wheelchair (K0829). The clinician provides a written order and medical necessity statement referencing diagnoses, functional assessment, prior conservative measures, and weight requirement. Documentation is submitted to payors (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, Medicare) for prior authorization when required. After authorization, the supplier delivers and fits the K0829 power wheelchair, trains the patient and caregivers, and documents final fitting, trial use, and any modifications for billing and durable medical equipment records.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
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