HCPCS K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

HCPCS Level II code K0831 describes a power wheelchair, group 2 standard with a seat elevator and captain's chair, specified for a patient weight capacity up to and including 300 pounds; service type is durable medical equipment power mobility device provision and typical site of service is home or community/patient residence where durable mobility equipment is used.

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HCPCS K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is a 72-year-old individual with advanced degenerative joint disease, spinal stenosis, or progressive neuromuscular weakness who requires a powered mobility device with a seat elevator and captain's chair to transfer safely and perform activities of daily living. The patient’s weight is within the device limit (up to and including 300 pounds). The clinical workflow begins with an evaluation by a physiatrist, occupational therapist, or wheelchair clinic specialist who documents mobility deficits, ADL limitations, home environment barriers, and prior conservative mobility aids tried (canes, walkers, manual wheelchair). A trial or demonstration of a Group 2 standard power wheelchair with a seat elevator is performed to assess fit, postural support, maneuverability, and transfer ergonomics. The clinician documents medical necessity, objective functional limitations, and prescribed options (captain’s chair, seat elevator) in the plan of care. A face-to-face or telehealth visit may generate a detailed prescription and justification for the power wheelchair. The durable medical equipment supplier verifies the prescription, conducts a home assessment when indicated, obtains payment authorization from the payer (e.g., Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, Medicare), and schedules delivery, setup, and user training. Post-delivery, follow-up visits with therapy or the prescribing clinician document device use, any adjustments, and ongoing need or complications.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97542`	Wheelchair management/propulsion training	Performed by therapy to train patient in powered wheelchair use and safe propulsion.
`97760`	Orthotic(s) management and training; initial fitting and training	Used when additional seating or positioning orthoses are provided and fitted alongside the wheelchair.
`99456`	Work-related or medical disability evaluation (impairment rating)	Employed when functional capacity or disability determination is required to support payer authorization (note: selection depends on payer requirements).
`99070`	Supplies and materials (over and above)	Billed when non-routine supplies or accessories related to setup are provided beyond standard DME provisions.
`97162`	Physical therapy evaluation, moderate complexity	Used when a physical therapist performs a moderate-complexity face-to-face mobility evaluation that supports the device prescription.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
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…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
80	CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…	- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
82	Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…	- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
208VP0000X	Pain Medicine Physician	Pain Medicine is a primary medical specialty based on a distinct body of knowledge and a well-defined scope of clinical practice that is founded on sc…
3336C0004X	Compounding Pharmacy	A pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of components into a drug preparation as the result of a Practitioner's Prescription Drug Order or init…
364S00000X	Clinical Nurse Specialist	A registered nurse who, through a graduate degree program in nursing, or through a formal post-basic education program or continuing education courses…
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…
152W00000X	Optometrist	Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injurie…
376J00000X	Homemaker	An individual who provides general household activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, when the individual regularly respo…
207PH0002X	Hospice and Palliative Medicine (Emergency Medicine) Physician	An emergency medicine physician with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illn…

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Durable Medical Equipment (DME)1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Prior Authorization for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-10-01
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Devices	Cigna	2026-08-15
Push-Rim Activated Power-Assist Device (E0986) — Manual Wheelchair Accessory	moda_health_plan_inc	2026-08-13
Beds and Mattresses (for Ohio Only)	Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans	2026-08-01
Pneumatic Compression Devices (for Nebraska Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Beds and Mattresses (for Kentucky Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Indications for Coverage — Hospital beds, support surfaces, and safety enclosure beds (DME)	Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans	2026-08-01
Enteral Nutrition (Oral and Tube Feeding) (for Pennsylvania Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Pediatric Gait Trainers and Standing Systems (for Tennessee Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Beds and Mattresses (for Kansas Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01

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
`97542`	Wheelchair management/propulsion training	Performed by therapy to train patient in powered wheelchair use and safe propulsion.
`97760`	Orthotic(s) management and training; initial fitting and training	Used when additional seating or positioning orthoses are provided and fitted alongside the wheelchair.
`99456`	Work-related or medical disability evaluation (impairment rating)	Employed when functional capacity or disability determination is required to support payer authorization (note: selection depends on payer requirements).
`99070`	Supplies and materials (over and above)	Billed when non-routine supplies or accessories related to setup are provided beyond standard DME provisions.
`97162`	Physical therapy evaluation, moderate complexity	Used when a physical therapist performs a moderate-complexity face-to-face mobility evaluation that supports the device prescription.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
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…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
80	CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…	- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
82	Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…	- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
208VP0000X	Pain Medicine Physician	Pain Medicine is a primary medical specialty based on a distinct body of knowledge and a well-defined scope of clinical practice that is founded on sc…
3336C0004X	Compounding Pharmacy	A pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of components into a drug preparation as the result of a Practitioner's Prescription Drug Order or init…
364S00000X	Clinical Nurse Specialist	A registered nurse who, through a graduate degree program in nursing, or through a formal post-basic education program or continuing education courses…
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…
152W00000X	Optometrist	Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injurie…
376J00000X	Homemaker	An individual who provides general household activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, when the individual regularly respo…
207PH0002X	Hospice and Palliative Medicine (Emergency Medicine) Physician	An emergency medicine physician with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illn…

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Durable Medical Equipment (DME)1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Prior Authorization for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-10-01
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Devices	Cigna	2026-08-15
Push-Rim Activated Power-Assist Device (E0986) — Manual Wheelchair Accessory	moda_health_plan_inc	2026-08-13
Beds and Mattresses (for Ohio Only)	Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans	2026-08-01
Pneumatic Compression Devices (for Nebraska Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Beds and Mattresses (for Kentucky Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Indications for Coverage — Hospital beds, support surfaces, and safety enclosure beds (DME)	Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans	2026-08-01
Enteral Nutrition (Oral and Tube Feeding) (for Pennsylvania Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Pediatric Gait Trainers and Standing Systems (for Tennessee Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01
Beds and Mattresses (for Kansas Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-08-01

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 K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

Sign up for hcpcs K0831 policy alerts

OpenPayer

HCPCS K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

Sign up for hcpcs K0831 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

HCPCS K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

Sign up for hcpcs K0831 policy alerts

HCPCS K0831: Power Wheelchair Group 2 with Seat Elevator, Captain's Chair

Sign up for hcpcs K0831 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code K0831 describe?

What clinical documentation and workflow support ordering this power wheelchair?

Which CPT codes are commonly associated with services related to this power wheelchair?

Which claim modifiers might be used when billing for K0831?

Which payers are mentioned as covering K0831 and what payer actions are described?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code K0831 describe?

What clinical documentation and workflow support ordering this power wheelchair?

Which CPT codes are commonly associated with services related to this power wheelchair?

Which claim modifiers might be used when billing for K0831?

Which payers are mentioned as covering K0831 and what payer actions are described?

References