Power Wheelchair Prior Authorization Requirements

Need to know if a power wheelchair or accessory requires prior authorization? This quick reference guide breaks down what you need to get approved before delivery.

Required Prior Authorization

CMS requires prior authorization for the following power wheelchair base codes before delivery and claim submission:

Power Wheelchair Bases

  • K0800-K0802 (Group 1 standard)
  • K0806-K0808 (Group 1 heavy duty)
  • K0813-K0816 (Group 1 standard and heavy duty variants)
  • K0820-K0829 (Group 2 standard and heavy duty)
  • K0835-K0843 (Group 3 standard and heavy duty)
  • K0848-K0864 (Group 4 and Group 5)

Voluntary Prior Authorization

The following accessory codes are available for voluntary prior authorization—you can request approval, but it’s not required:

Power Seating Systems

  • E0950 - Wheelchair accessory, tray
  • E0955 - Wheelchair accessory, headrest extension
  • E1002-E1010 - Power seating systems (tilt, recline, combinations)
  • E1012 - Center mount power elevating leg rest
  • E1029 - Wheelchair accessory, ventilator tray
  • E1030 - Wheelchair accessory, ventilator tray, gimbaled

Positioning and Support

  • E2310-E2313 - Power wheelchair accessories for power seating
  • E2321-E2330 - Power wheelchair accessories
  • E2351 - Power wheelchair accessory, electronic interface
  • E2373 - Power wheelchair accessory, hand or chin control interface
  • E2377 - Power wheelchair accessory, expandable controller

Seating Components

  • E2601-E2608 - Wheelchair back cushion systems
  • E2611-E2616 - Wheelchair seat cushion systems
  • E2620-E2625 - Wheelchair skin protection and positioning accessories

Other Accessories

  • K0020 - Standard wheelchair cushion
  • K0195 - Elevating leg rests

Important Reminders

Six-Month Validity

Prior authorization decisions remain valid for six months after approval. If you don’t deliver the equipment within six months, you’ll need to submit a new prior authorization request.

Fastest Submission Method

Submit prior authorization requests through the myCGS DME Web Portal for the quickest processing times.

Additional Resources

For complete prior authorization instructions and to submit requests, visit the CGS Medicare PMD Prior Authorization page.

priorauth powerchairs compliance