Seat Lift

CMS National Coverage Determination | ncd_id=221 | manual_section=280.4 | coverage_level_code=2 | national_coverage_type=True | under_review=False | lab_ncd=False

Reimbursement may be made for the rental or purchase of a medically necessary seat lift when prescribed by a physician for a patient with severe arthritis of the hip or knee and patients with muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular diseases when it has been determined the patient can benefit therapeutically from use of the device. In establishing medical necessity for the seat lift, the evidence must show that the item is included in the physician's course of treatment, that it is likely to effect improvement, or arrest or retard deterioration in the patient's condition, and that the severity of the condition is such that the alternative would be chair or bed confinement. Coverage of seat lifts is limited to those types which operate smoothly, can be controlled by the patient, and effectively assist a patient in standing up and sitting down without other assistance. Excluded from coverage is the type of lift which operates by a spring release mechanism with a sudden, catapult-like motion and jolts the patient from a seated to a standing position. Limit the payment for units which incorporate a recliner feature along with the seat lift to the amount payable for a seat lift without this feature.

Cross Reference: See the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual , Chapter 13 §90. Revision History: 05/1989 - Moved statement on payment for certain seat lifts from section 60-9, and added cross-reference. Effective date NA. (TN 36) Benefit Categories: 23 - Durable Medical Equipment Transmittal: transmittal_number=36 | transmittal_issue_date=1989-05-01