⚡ Lithium Batteries for Power Wheelchairs — Correct Coding
Purpose: Clarify correct HCPCS coding for lithium-based batteries used with power wheelchairs (PMDs) and related accessories.
(Based on DME MAC Joint Publication — Revised Guidance)
🔋 Overview
Medicare distinguishes between lithium and lithium-ion batteries:
| Battery Type | Description | Rechargeable? | Typical for Powerchairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion | Rechargeable, high capacity, long life | ✅ Yes | ✅ Power wheelchairs (K0800–K0898) and power assist systems (E0986) |
| Lithium (standard) | Disposable, single-use | ❌ No | ❌ Not used in powerchairs |
Warning
Only lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) are used in power mobility devices.
Do not code PMD batteries as “lithium” (A4235, A4602, K0604, K0605) — those are for other device types.
🧾 Correct HCPCS Code for PMDs
| HCPCS Code | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| E2397 | Power wheelchair accessory, lithium-based battery, each | For all lithium-ion powerchair batteries or power assist systems (E0986) |
Tip
E2397 covers both replacement and original lithium-ion batteries for power mobility devices.
If two batteries are supplied, bill E2397 x 2.
⚙️ Documentation Requirements
Check
- The powerchair base (K0800–K0898) or power assist system (E0986) must be listed on the claim or referenced in the Claim Note.
- Documentation must confirm the battery is lithium-ion (rechargeable) and used with a covered PMD.
- Keep manufacturer specifications showing it’s lithium-ion in your records.
- If replacing a battery, note the original purchase date and confirm beneficiary-owned equipment.
- Include PDAC-approved make/model if available.
Claim Narrative Example:
“Replacement lithium-ion battery for K0861 power wheelchair.”
💡 Common Billing Scenarios
| Situation | Correct Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New powerchair delivered with lithium-ion batteries | E2397 x 2 | Batteries billed as accessories at initial setup |
| Replacement lithium-ion battery | E2397 | Document that beneficiary owns the powerchair |
| Power assist system (E0986) lithium-ion pack | E2397 | Applies to manual chairs with assist motors |
| Lead-acid or sealed gel batteries | E2365 / E2366 | Use only if NOT lithium-ion |
⚠️ Denial Prevention Tips
Warning
- Never use A-codes or K-codes (A4601, K0604, etc.) for powerchair batteries — those apply only to infusion pumps or SGDs.
- Don’t omit the base HCPCS reference in your claim or documentation — E2397 alone without a PMD context can trigger development requests.
- Check your PDAC file or manufacturer data sheet if the battery chemistry is unclear.
- Verify replacement frequency — multiple replacements within 12 months can raise red flags.
🧾 Modifier Guidance
| Modifier | Use |
|---|---|
| NU | New battery |
| RB | Replacement (used if replacing within useful life) |
| KX | Coverage criteria met |
| LT / RT | Use only if base documentation requires it (rare) |
Tip
Most replacement battery claims = E2397 NU KX RB (when replacing one lithium-ion battery on a patient-owned PMD).
✅ Summary
- ✅ Code E2397 for all lithium-ion batteries used with power mobility devices (K0800–K0898) or power assist systems (E0986).
- ✅ Bill per battery, not per set.
- ✅ Include base HCPCS (wheelchair code) in your narrative or Claim Note.
- ✅ Use proper modifiers (NU, RB, KX).
- ✅ Keep PDAC or manufacturer documentation verifying lithium-ion chemistry.
📚 References
- DME MAC Joint Publication: Lithium Batteries Correct Coding (Revised)
- CMS DMEPOS Fee Schedule & Payment Policies
- PDAC Coding Verification Database
- CGS Jurisdiction C Supplier Manual — Power Mobility Devices
Info
💬 Pro tip: Some PMD manufacturers include both battery types in literature — always verify it’s “lithium-ion (rechargeable)” before coding E2397.
Document it once, and future replacement claims will sail through review.