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    v1.0.31
    OpenPayerBilling CodesProsthetic ProceduresHCPCS hcpcs-l5973-microprocessor-ankle-foot-endoskeletal-system
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    HCPCS Level II L5973: Microprocessor-Controlled Ankle-Foot System

    HCPCS Level II code L5973 describes an endoskeletal, microprocessor-controlled ankle-foot system that provides powered dorsiflexion and/or plantarflexion control and includes the required power source; this prosthetic device is classified as a lower-limb prosthesis service used for ambulatory mobility support and is typically provided and fitted in prosthetics and orthotics clinics or specialized outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Speech Therapy for Autism Disorders - Medical Policy, Physical Performance Test or Measurement, Sensory Integration Therapy and Auditory Integration Training.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 45–70-year-old adult with significant ankle-foot instability or drop foot resulting from peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord pathology, stroke, or severe post-traumatic deformity. The patient presents to an orthopedic prosthetist and rehabilitation physician for evaluation after prior conservative measures (bracing, physical therapy) have failed to provide adequate gait stability or energy efficiency. Clinical workflow: initial evaluation by a physiatrist or prosthetist includes history, gait and functional assessment, and documentation of ambulatory limitations. Diagnostic testing may include gait laboratory analysis, casting or digitized limb measurement, and imaging to assess limb alignment and residual limb status. The microprocessor-controlled endoskeletal ankle-foot system described by L5973 is selected when dynamic dorsiflexion and/or plantar flexion control with an integrated power source is required to restore safer, more energy-efficient ambulation. Fitting and fabrication occur in a prosthetics clinic; subsequent tuning, training, and follow-up include prosthetic alignment, device calibration, and outpatient physical therapy to optimize gait. Prior authorization and medical necessity documentation typically reference functional deficit, therapeutic goals, and prior conservative care.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    97760Orthotic management and training, initial encounter, which includes assessment, fitting and training with orthosis, upper or lower extremity(s), two or more visitsOften billed for initial prosthetic/orthotic training and gait training after fitting of a microprocessor-controlled ankle-foot system
    97763Orthotic/prosthetic management and training, initial encounter for subsequent encountersUsed for follow-up device adjustments and ongoing training sessions
    97750Physical performance test or measurement (e.g., timed walk)Used to document functional baseline and post-fitting outcome measures to support medical necessity
    99070Supplies and materials (over and above those usually included with the service)Used when additional non-routine components, batteries, or special supplies are provided with the prosthesis
    L-codesData not provided — not in listData not available in the input.

    Related Modifiers

    5 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    81Modifier -81 indicates a physician served as a minimal assistant surgeon for part—not all—of an operative procedure. Use when a physician’s assisting role is limited and does not represent full…- Use CPT modifier -81 when a physician acts as a minimum assistant surgeon who assists during only part (a limited portion) of an operative procedure; append -81 to the primary surgical CPT code to…
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    93Modifier 93 denotes that a billed service was delivered synchronously via audio-only telecommunications (real-time telephone or other audio-only system). The AMA added modifier 93 in CPT Appendix A…- When to use: Apply modifier -93 when a synchronous, real-time, two-way patient–provider encounter is conducted entirely via audio-only (telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only…
    [object Object]
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207L00000X
    3336C0003X
    2086S0122X
    163WR0006X
    163WW0000X
    261QR0400X
    2865C1500X
    163WP0807X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Physical Medicine, Rehab & Therapies1 / 2

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Speech Therapy for Autism Disorders - Medical PolicyHealth-New-England2026-12-01
    Physical Performance Test or MeasurementCigna2026-11-15
    Sensory Integration Therapy and Auditory Integration TrainingColorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans2026-11-01
    Skilled Nursing and Skilled Rehabilitation Services (Outpatient)Anthem2026-10-01
    Habilitation and Rehabilitation Therapy (Occupational, Physical, and Speech) (for New Mexico Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Physical Therapy/Medicine Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Cognitive Rehabilitation Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Speech Language Pathology/Therapy Services Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Occupational Therapy Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Biomagnetic TherapyConnectiCare2026-09-11

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-L5000-PARTIAL-FOOT-SHOE-INSERT-LONGITUDINAL-ARCH-TOE-FILLER

    HCPCS Level II L5000: Partial Foot Shoe Insert with Longitudinal Arch, Toe Filler

    HCPCS-L5010-PARTIAL-FOOT-MOLDED-SOCKET-ANKLE-HEIGHT-TOE-FILLER

    HCPCS L5010: Partial Foot Molded Socket, Ankle Height, With Toe Filler

    HCPCS-L5020-PARTIAL-FOOT-MOLDED-SOCKET-TIBIAL-TUBERCLE-TOE-FILLER

    HCPCS L5020: Partial Foot Molded Socket with Toe Filler

    HCPCS-L5050-ANKLE-SYMES-MOLDED-SOCKET-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS L5050: Ankle/Symes Molded Socket with SACH Foot

    HCPCS-L5060-ANKLE-SYMES-METAL-FRAME-MOLDED-LEATHER-SOCKET-ARTICULATED-ANKLE-FOOT

    HCPCS L5060: Ankle/Symes Metal Frame with Molded Leather Socket

    HCPCS-L5100-BELOW-KNEE-MOLDED-SOCKET-SHIN-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS Level II L5100: Below-Knee Molded Socket with Shin and SACH Foot

    HCPCS-L5105-BELOW-KNEE-PLASTIC-SOCKET-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS L5105: Below-Knee Plastic Socket Prosthesis with SACH Foot

    HCPCS-L5150-KNEE-DISARTICULATION-MOLDED-SOCKET-EXTERNAL-KNEE-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS L5150: Knee Disarticulation Molded Socket with External Knee and SACH Foot

    HCPCS-L5160-KNEE-DISARTICULATION-MOLDED-SOCKET-BENT-KNEE-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS Level II L5160: Knee Disarticulation Molded Socket, Bent Knee Configuration

    HCPCS-L5200-ABOVE-KNEE-MOLDED-SOCKET-SINGLE-AXIS-KNEE-SACH-FOOT

    HCPCS Level II L5200: Above-knee Prosthesis with Molded Socket and Single-axis Knee

    Showing 1–10 of 472

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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