LCD/NCD Portal

L11442

 

LOWER LIMB PROSTHESES

 

Region IV

DME Region

Jurisdiction C

 

01/01/2012

 

• For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must:

o Be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category.

o Be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.

o Meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements. For the items addressed in this local coverage determination, the criteria for "reasonable and necessary", based on Social Security Act § 1862(a)(1)(A) provisions, are defined by the following indications and limitations of coverage and/or medical necessity.

• For an item to be covered by Medicare, a detailed written order (DWO) must be received by the supplier before a claim is submitted.

o If the supplier bills for an item addressed in this policy without first receiving the completed DWO, the item will be denied as not reasonable and necessary..

• A lower limb prosthesis is covered when the beneficiary:

o Will reach or maintain a defined functional state within a reasonable period of time

o Is motivated to ambulate.

 

• FUNCTIONAL LEVELS:

o A determination of the medical necessity for certain components/additions to the prosthesis is based on the beneficiary’s potential functional abilities. Potential functional ability is based on the reasonable expectations of the prosthetist, and treating physician, considering factors including, but not limited to:

 The beneficiary’s past history (including prior prosthetic use if applicable)

 The beneficiary’s current condition including the status of the residual limb and the nature of other medical problems

 The beneficiary’s desire to ambulate.

o Clinical assessments of beneficiary rehabilitation potential must be based on the following classification levels:

 Level 0: Does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility.

 Level 1: Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence.

 Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulator.

 Level 2: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces.

 Typical of the limited community ambulator.

 Level 3: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence.

 Typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.

 Level 4: Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. Typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.

• The records must document the beneficiary’s current functional capabilities and his/her expected functional potential, including an explanation for the difference, if that is the case.

o It is recognized, within the functional classification hierarchy, that bilateral amputees often cannot be strictly bound by functional level classifications.

 

• GENERAL:

o If a prosthesis is denied as not reasonable and necessary, related additions will also be denied as NOT reasonable and necessary.

o When an initial below knee prosthesis (L5500) or a preparatory below knee prosthesis (L5510-L5530, L5540) is provided, prosthetic substitutions and/or additions of procedures and components are covered in accordance with the functional level assessment except for codes L5629, L5638, L5639, L5646, L5647, L5704, L5785, L5962, and L5980 which will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

 When a below knee preparatory prefabricated prosthesis (L5535) is provided, prosthetic substitutions and/or additions of procedures are covered in accordance with the functional level assessment except for codes L5620, L5629, L5645, L5646, L5670, L5676, L5704, and L5962 which will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

o When an above knee initial prosthesis (L5505) or an above knee preparatory (L5560-L5580, L5590-L5600) prosthesis is provided, prosthetic substitution and/or additions of procedures and components are covered in accordance with the functional level assessment except for codes L5610, L5631, L5640, L5642, L5644, L5648, L5705, L5706, L5964, L5980, and L5710-L5780, L5790-L5795 which will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

 When an above knee preparatory prefabricated prosthesis (L5585) is provided, prosthetic substitution and/or additions of procedures and components are covered in accordance with the functional level assessment except for codes L5624, L5631, L5648, L5651, L5652, L5705, L5706, L5964, and L5966 which will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

o In the following sections, the determination of coverage for selected prostheses and components with respect to potential functional levels represents the usual case.

 Exceptions will be considered in an individual case if additional documentation is included which justifies the medical necessity.

 Prostheses will be denied as not reasonable and necessary if the beneficiary’s potential functional level is 0.

 

• FEET:

o A determination of the type of foot for the prosthesis will be made by the treating physician and/or the prosthetist based upon the functional needs of the beneficiary.

 Basic lower extremity prostheses include a SACH foot.

 Other prosthetic feet are considered for coverage based upon functional classification.

o An external keel SACH foot (L5970) or single axis ankle/foot (L5974) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 1 or above.

o A flexible-keel foot (L5972) or multiaxial ankle/foot (L5978) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 2 or above.

o A microprocessor controlled ankle foot system (L5973), energy storing foot (L5976), dynamic response foot with multi-axial ankle (L5979), flex foot system (L5980), flex-walk system or equal (L5981), or shank foot system with vertical loading pylon (L5987) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or above.

o Coverage is extended only if there is sufficient clinical documentation of functional need for the technologic or design feature of a given type of foot.

 This information must be retained in the physician's or prosthetist's files.

o A user-adjustable heel height feature (L5990) will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

 

• KNEES:

o A determination of the type of knee for the prosthesis will be made by the treating physician and/or the prosthetist based upon the functional needs of the patient.

 Basic lower extremity prostheses include a single axis, constant friction knee.

 Other prosthetic knees are considered for coverage based upon functional classification.

o A high activity knee control frame (L5930) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 4.

o A fluid, pneumatic, or electronic knee (L5610, L5613, L5614, L5722-L5780, L5814, L5822-L5840, L5848, L5856, L5857, and L5858) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or above.

o Other knee systems (L5611, L5616, L5710-L5718, L5810-L5812, L5816, and L5818) are covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 1 or above.

o Coverage is extended only if there is sufficient clinical documentation of functional need for the technologic or design feature of a given type of knee. This information must be retained in the physician's or prosthetist's files.

 

• ANKLES:

o An axial rotation unit (L5982-L5986) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 2 or above.

 

• HIPS:

o A pneumatic or hydraulic polycentric hip joint (L5961) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or above.

 

• SOCKETS:

o More than 2 test (diagnostic) sockets (L5618-L5628) for an individual prosthesis are not reasonable and necessary unless there is documentation in the medical record which justifies the need.

 Exception: A test socket is not reasonable and necessary for an immediate prosthesis (L5400-L5460).

o No more than two of the same socket inserts (L5654-L5665, L5673, L5679, L5681, and L5683) are allowed per individual prosthesis at the same time.

o Socket replacements are considered reasonable and necessary if there is adequate documentation of functional and/or physiological need.

 It is recognized that there are situations where the explanation includes but is not limited to:

 Changes in the residual limb.

 Functional need changes.

 irreparable damage or wear/tear due to excessive:

 Beneficiary weight.

 Prosthetic demands of very active amputees.

 

Coding Information

Bill Type Codes:

• Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service.

• Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the policy does not apply to that Bill Type.

• Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the policy should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.

 

Revenue Codes:

• Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service.

• In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory; unless specified in the policy services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.

• Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the policy should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.

 

 

CPT/HCPCS Codes

• The appearance of a code in this section does not necessarily indicate coverage.

 

 

HCPCS MODIFIERS:

 

• EY – No physician or other licensed health care provider order for this item or service

 

• K0 - Lower limb extremity prosthesis functional Level 0 - Does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility

 

• K1 - Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 1 - Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulator.

 

• K2 - Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 2 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator.

 

• K3 - Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 3 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.

 

• K4 - Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 4 - Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. Typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.

 

• LT - Left side

 

• RT - Right side

 

 

HCPCS CODES:

 

L5000 PARTIAL FOOT, SHOE INSERT WITH LONGITUDINAL ARCH, TOE FILLER

L5010 PARTIAL FOOT, MOLDED SOCKET, ANKLE HEIGHT, WITH TOE FILLER

L5020 PARTIAL FOOT, MOLDED SOCKET, TIBIAL TUBERCLE HEIGHT, WITH TOE FILLER

L5050 ANKLE, SYMES, MOLDED SOCKET, SACH FOOT

L5060 ANKLE, SYMES, METAL FRAME, MOLDED LEATHER SOCKET, ARTICULATED ANKLE/FOOT

L5100 BELOW KNEE, MOLDED SOCKET, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5105 BELOW KNEE, PLASTIC SOCKET, JOINTS AND THIGH LACER, SACH FOOT

L5150 KNEE DISARTICULATION (OR THROUGH KNEE), MOLDED SOCKET, EXTERNAL KNEE JOINTS, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5160 KNEE DISARTICULATION (OR THROUGH KNEE), MOLDED SOCKET, BENT KNEE CONFIGURATION, EXTERNAL KNEE JOINTS, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5200 ABOVE KNEE, MOLDED SOCKET, SINGLE AXIS CONSTANT FRICTION KNEE, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5210 ABOVE KNEE, SHORT PROSTHESIS, NO KNEE JOINT ('STUBBIES'), WITH FOOT BLOCKS, NO ANKLE JOINTS, EACH

L5220 ABOVE KNEE, SHORT PROSTHESIS, NO KNEE JOINT ('STUBBIES'), WITH ARTICULATED ANKLE/FOOT, DYNAMICALLY ALIGNED, EACH

L5230 ABOVE KNEE, FOR PROXIMAL FEMORAL FOCAL DEFICIENCY, CONSTANT FRICTION KNEE, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5250 HIP DISARTICULATION, CANADIAN TYPE; MOLDED SOCKET, HIP JOINT, SINGLE AXIS CONSTANT FRICTION KNEE, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5270 HIP DISARTICULATION, TILT TABLE TYPE; MOLDED SOCKET, LOCKING HIP JOINT, SINGLE AXIS CONSTANT FRICTION KNEE, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5280 HEMIPELVECTOMY, CANADIAN TYPE; MOLDED SOCKET, HIP JOINT, SINGLE AXIS CONSTANT FRICTION KNEE, SHIN, SACH FOOT

L5301 BELOW KNEE, MOLDED SOCKET, SHIN, SACH FOOT, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM

L5312 KNEE DISARTICULATION (OR THROUGH KNEE), MOLDED SOCKET, SINGLE AXIS KNEE, PYLON, SACH FOOT, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM

L5321 ABOVE KNEE, MOLDED SOCKET, OPEN END, SACH FOOT, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS KNEE

L5331 HIP DISARTICULATION, CANADIAN TYPE, MOLDED SOCKET, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP JOINT, SINGLE AXIS KNEE, SACH FOOT

L5341 HEMIPELVECTOMY, CANADIAN TYPE, MOLDED SOCKET, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP JOINT, SINGLE AXIS KNEE, SACH FOOT

L5400 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF INITIAL RIGID DRESSING, INCLUDING FITTING, ALIGNMENT, SUSPENSION, AND ONE CAST CHANGE, BELOW KNEE

L5410 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF INITIAL RIGID DRESSING, INCLUDING FITTING, ALIGNMENT AND SUSPENSION, BELOW KNEE, EACH ADDITIONAL CAST CHANGE AND REALIGNMENT

L5420 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF INITIAL RIGID DRESSING, INCLUDING FITTING, ALIGNMENT AND SUSPENSION AND ONE CAST CHANGE 'AK' OR KNEE DISARTICULATION

L5430 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF INITIAL RIGID DRESSING, INCL. FITTING, ALIGNMENT AND SUPENSION, 'AK' OR KNEE DISARTICULATION, EACH ADDITIONAL CAST CHANGE AND REALIGNMENT

L5450 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF NON-WEIGHT BEARING RIGID DRESSING, BELOW KNEE

L5460 IMMEDIATE POST SURGICAL OR EARLY FITTING, APPLICATION OF NON-WEIGHT BEARING RIGID DRESSING, ABOVE KNEE

L5500 INITIAL, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PLASTER SOCKET, DIRECT FORMED

L5505 INITIAL, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION, ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PLASTER SOCKET, DIRECT FORMED

L5510 PREPARATORY, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PLASTER SOCKET, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5520 PREPARATORY, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, THERMOPLASTIC OR EQUAL, DIRECT FORMED

L5530 PREPARATORY, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, THERMOPLASTIC OR EQUAL, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5535 PREPARATORY, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PREFABRICATED, ADJUSTABLE OPEN END SOCKET

L5540 PREPARATORY, BELOW KNEE 'PTB' TYPE SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, LAMINATED SOCKET, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5560 PREPARATORY, ABOVE KNEE- KNEE DISARTICULATION, ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PLASTER SOCKET, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5570 PREPARATORY, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION, ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, THERMOPLASTIC OR EQUAL, DIRECT FORMED

L5580 PREPARATORY, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, THERMOPLASTIC OR EQUAL, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5585 PREPARATORY, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION, ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, PREFABRICATED ADJUSTABLE OPEN END SOCKET

L5590 PREPARATORY, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION ISCHIAL LEVEL SOCKET, NON-ALIGNABLE SYSTEM, PYLON NO COVER, SACH FOOT, LAMINATED SOCKET, MOLDED TO MODEL

L5595 PREPARATORY, HIP DISARTICULATION-HEMIPELVECTOMY, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, THERMOPLASTIC OR EQUAL, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL

L5600 PREPARATORY, HIP DISARTICULATION-HEMIPELVECTOMY, PYLON, NO COVER, SACH FOOT, LAMINATED SOCKET, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL

L5610 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, HYDRACADENCE SYSTEM

L5611 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE - KNEE DISARTICULATION, 4 BAR LINKAGE, WITH FRICTION SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5613 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE-KNEE DISARTICULATION, 4 BAR LINKAGE, WITH HYDRAULIC SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5614 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, EXOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE-KNEE DISARTICULATION, 4 BAR LINKAGE, WITH PNEUMATIC SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5616 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, UNIVERSAL MULTIPLEX SYSTEM, FRICTION SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5617 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, QUICK CHANGE SELF-ALIGNING UNIT, ABOVE KNEE OR BELOW KNEE, EACH

L5618 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, SYMES

L5620 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, BELOW KNEE

L5622 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, KNEE DISARTICULATION

L5624 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, ABOVE KNEE

L5626 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, HIP DISARTICULATION

L5628 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TEST SOCKET, HEMIPELVECTOMY

L5629 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, ACRYLIC SOCKET

L5630 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SYMES TYPE, EXPANDABLE WALL SOCKET

L5631 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION, ACRYLIC SOCKET

L5632 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SYMES TYPE, 'PTB' BRIM DESIGN SOCKET

L5634 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SYMES TYPE, POSTERIOR OPENING (CANADIAN) SOCKET

L5636 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SYMES TYPE, MEDIAL OPENING SOCKET

L5637 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, TOTAL CONTACT

L5638 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, LEATHER SOCKET

L5639 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, WOOD SOCKET

L5640 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, KNEE DISARTICULATION, LEATHER SOCKET

L5642 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, LEATHER SOCKET

L5643 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, HIP DISARTICULATION, FLEXIBLE INNER SOCKET, EXTERNAL FRAME

L5644 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, WOOD SOCKET

L5645 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, FLEXIBLE INNER SOCKET, EXTERNAL FRAME

L5646 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, AIR, FLUID, GEL OR EQUAL, CUSHION SOCKET

L5647 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE SUCTION SOCKET

L5648 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, AIR, FLUID, GEL OR EQUAL, CUSHION SOCKET

L5649 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ISCHIAL CONTAINMENT/NARROW M-L SOCKET

L5650 ADDITIONS TO LOWER EXTREMITY, TOTAL CONTACT, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION SOCKET

L5651 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, FLEXIBLE INNER SOCKET, EXTERNAL FRAME

L5652 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SUCTION SUSPENSION, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION SOCKET

L5653 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, KNEE DISARTICULATION, EXPANDABLE WALL SOCKET

L5654 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, SYMES, (KEMBLO, PELITE, ALIPLAST, PLASTAZOTE OR EQUAL)

L5655 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, BELOW KNEE (KEMBLO, PELITE, ALIPLAST, PLASTAZOTE OR EQUAL)

L5656 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, KNEE DISARTICULATION (KEMBLO, PELITE, ALIPLAST, PLASTAZOTE OR EQUAL)

L5658 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, ABOVE KNEE (KEMBLO, PELITE, ALIPLAST, PLASTAZOTE OR EQUAL)

L5661 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, MULTI-DUROMETER SYMES

L5665 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, SOCKET INSERT, MULTI-DUROMETER, BELOW KNEE

L5666 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, CUFF SUSPENSION

L5668 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, MOLDED DISTAL CUSHION

L5670 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, MOLDED SUPRACONDYLAR SUSPENSION ('PTS' OR SIMILAR)

L5671 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE / ABOVE KNEE SUSPENSION LOCKING MECHANISM (SHUTTLE, LANYARD OR EQUAL), EXCLUDES SOCKET INSERT

L5672 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, REMOVABLE MEDIAL BRIM SUSPENSION

L5673 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE/ABOVE KNEE, CUSTOM FABRICATED FROM EXISTING MOLD OR PREFABRICATED, SOCKET INSERT, SILICONE GEL, ELASTOMERIC OR EQUAL, FOR USE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM

L5676 ADDITIONS TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, KNEE JOINTS, SINGLE AXIS, PAIR

L5677 ADDITIONS TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, KNEE JOINTS, POLYCENTRIC, PAIR

L5678 ADDITIONS TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, JOINT COVERS, PAIR

L5679 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE/ABOVE KNEE, CUSTOM FABRICATED FROM EXISTING MOLD OR PREFABRICATED, SOCKET INSERT, SILICONE GEL, ELASTOMERIC OR EQUAL, NOT FOR USE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM

L5680 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, THIGH LACER, NONMOLDED

L5681 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE/ABOVE KNEE, CUSTOM FABRICATED SOCKET INSERT FOR CONGENITAL OR ATYPICAL TRAUMATIC AMPUTEE, SILICONE GEL, ELASTOMERIC OR EQUAL, FOR USE WITH OR WITHOUT LOCKING MECHANISM, INITIAL ONLY (FOR OTHER THAN INITIAL, USE CODE L5673 OR L5679)

L5682 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, THIGH LACER, GLUTEAL/ISCHIAL, MOLDED

L5683 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE/ABOVE KNEE, CUSTOM FABRICATED SOCKET INSERT FOR OTHER THAN CONGENITAL OR ATYPICAL TRAUMATIC AMPUTEE, SILICONE GEL, ELASTOMERIC OR EQUAL, FOR USE WITH OR WITHOUT LOCKING MECHANISM, INITIAL ONLY (FOR OTHER THAN INITIAL, USE CODE L5673 OR L5679)

L5684 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, FORK STRAP

L5685 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, BELOW KNEE, SUSPENSION/SEALING SLEEVE, WITH OR WITHOUT VALVE, ANY MATERIAL, EACH

L5686 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, BACK CHECK (EXTENSION CONTROL)

L5688 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, WAIST BELT, WEBBING

L5690 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, BELOW KNEE, WAIST BELT, PADDED AND LINED

L5692 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, PELVIC CONTROL BELT, LIGHT

L5694 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, PELVIC CONTROL BELT, PADDED AND LINED

L5695 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE, PELVIC CONTROL, SLEEVE SUSPENSION, NEOPRENE OR EQUAL, EACH

L5696 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION, PELVIC JOINT

L5697 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION, PELVIC BAND

L5698 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY, ABOVE KNEE OR KNEE DISARTICULATION, SILESIAN BANDAGE

L5699 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, SHOULDER HARNESS

L5700 REPLACEMENT, SOCKET, BELOW KNEE, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL

L5701 REPLACEMENT, SOCKET, ABOVE KNEE/KNEE DISARTICULATION, INCLUDING ATTACHMENT PLATE, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL

L5702 REPLACEMENT, SOCKET, HIP DISARTICULATION, INCLUDING HIP JOINT, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL

L5703 ANKLE, SYMES, MOLDED TO PATIENT MODEL, SOCKET WITHOUT SOLID ANKLE CUSHION HEEL (SACH) FOOT, REPLACEMENT ONLY

L5704 CUSTOM SHAPED PROTECTIVE COVER, BELOW KNEE

L5705 CUSTOM SHAPED PROTECTIVE COVER, ABOVE KNEE

L5706 CUSTOM SHAPED PROTECTIVE COVER, KNEE DISARTICULATION

L5707 CUSTOM SHAPED PROTECTIVE COVER, HIP DISARTICULATION

L5710 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, MANUAL LOCK

L5711 ADDITIONS EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, MANUAL LOCK, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL

L5712 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FRICTION SWING AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL (SAFETY KNEE)

L5714 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, VARIABLE FRICTION SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5716 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC, MECHANICAL STANCE PHASE LOCK

L5718 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC, FRICTION SWING AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5722 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, PNEUMATIC SWING, FRICTION STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5724 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FLUID SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5726 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, EXTERNAL JOINTS FLUID SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5728 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FLUID SWING AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5780 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, PNEUMATIC/HYDRA PNEUMATIC SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5781 ADDITION TO LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS, VACUUM PUMP, RESIDUAL LIMB VOLUME MANAGEMENT AND MOISTURE EVACUATION SYSTEM

L5782 ADDITION TO LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS, VACUUM PUMP, RESIDUAL LIMB VOLUME MANAGEMENT AND MOISTURE EVACUATION SYSTEM, HEAVY DUTY

L5785 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL SYSTEM, BELOW KNEE, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5790 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5795 ADDITION, EXOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP DISARTICULATION, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5810 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, MANUAL LOCK

L5811 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, MANUAL LOCK, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL

L5812 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FRICTION SWING AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL (SAFETY KNEE)

L5814 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC, HYDRAULIC SWING PHASE CONTROL, MECHANICAL STANCE PHASE LOCK

L5816 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC, MECHANICAL STANCE PHASE LOCK

L5818 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC, FRICTION SWING, AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5822 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, PNEUMATIC SWING, FRICTION STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5824 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FLUID SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5826 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, HYDRAULIC SWING PHASE CONTROL, WITH MINIATURE HIGH ACTIVITY FRAME

L5828 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, FLUID SWING AND STANCE PHASE CONTROL

L5830 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, SINGLE AXIS, PNEUMATIC/ SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5840 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE/SHIN SYSTEM, 4-BAR LINKAGE OR MULTIAXIAL, PNEUMATIC SWING PHASE CONTROL

L5845 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL, KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, STANCE FLEXION FEATURE, ADJUSTABLE

L5848 ADDITION TO ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, FLUID STANCE EXTENSION, DAMPENING FEATURE, WITH OR WITHOUT ADJUSTABILITY

L5850 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE OR HIP DISARTICULATION, KNEE EXTENSION ASSIST

L5855 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP DISARTICULATION, MECHANICAL HIP EXTENSION ASSIST

L5856 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL FEATURE, SWING AND STANCE PHASE, INCLUDES ELECTRONIC SENSOR(S), ANY TYPE

L5857 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE-SHIN SYSTEM, MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL FEATURE, SWING PHASE ONLY, INCLUDES ELECTRONIC SENSOR(S), ANY TYPE

L5858 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, ENDOSKELETAL KNEE SHIN SYSTEM, MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL FEATURE, STANCE PHASE ONLY, INCLUDES ELECTRONIC SENSOR(S), ANY TYPE

L5910 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, BELOW KNEE, ALIGNABLE SYSTEM

L5920 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE OR HIP DISARTICULATION, ALIGNABLE SYSTEM

L5925 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, KNEE DISARTICULATION OR HIP DISARTICULATION, MANUAL LOCK

L5930 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIGH ACTIVITY KNEE CONTROL FRAME

L5940 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, BELOW KNEE, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5950 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5960 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP DISARTICULATION, ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL (TITANIUM, CARBON FIBER OR EQUAL)

L5961 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, POLYCENTRIC HIP JOINT, PNEUMATIC OR HYDRAULIC CONTROL, ROTATION CONTROL, WITH OR WITHOUT FLEXION AND/OR EXTENSION CONTROL

L5962 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, BELOW KNEE, FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE OUTER SURFACE COVERING SYSTEM

L5964 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, ABOVE KNEE, FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE OUTER SURFACE COVERING SYSTEM

L5966 ADDITION, ENDOSKELETAL SYSTEM, HIP DISARTICULATION, FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE OUTER SURFACE COVERING SYSTEM

L5968 ADDITION TO LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS, MULTIAXIAL ANKLE WITH SWING PHASE ACTIVE DORSIFLEXION FEATURE

L5970 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FOOT, EXTERNAL KEEL, SACH FOOT

L5971 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, SOLID ANKLE CUSHION HEEL (SACH) FOOT, REPLACEMENT ONLY

L5972 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FOOT, FLEXIBLE KEEL

L5973 ENDOSKELETAL ANKLE FOOT SYSTEM, MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED FEATURE, DORSIFLEXION AND/OR PLANTAR FLEXION CONTROL, INCLUDES POWER SOURCE

L5974 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FOOT, SINGLE AXIS ANKLE/FOOT

L5975 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, COMBINATION SINGLE AXIS ANKLE AND FLEXIBLE KEEL FOOT

L5976 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, ENERGY STORING FOOT (SEATTLE CARBON COPY II OR EQUAL)

L5978 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FOOT, MULTIAXIAL ANKLE/FOOT

L5979 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, MULTI-AXIAL ANKLE, DYNAMIC RESPONSE FOOT, ONE PIECE SYSTEM

L5980 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FLEX FOOT SYSTEM

L5981 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, FLEX-WALK SYSTEM OR EQUAL

L5982 ALL EXOSKELETAL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, AXIAL ROTATION UNIT

L5984 ALL ENDOSKELETAL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, AXIAL ROTATION UNIT, WITH OR WITHOUT ADJUSTABILITY

L5985 ALL ENDOSKELETAL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, DYNAMIC PROSTHETIC PYLON

L5986 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESES, MULTI-AXIAL ROTATION UNIT ('MCP' OR EQUAL)

L5987 ALL LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, SHANK FOOT SYSTEM WITH VERTICAL LOADING PYLON

L5988 ADDITION TO LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS, VERTICAL SHOCK REDUCING PYLON FEATURE

L5990 ADDITION TO LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, USER ADJUSTABLE HEEL HEIGHT

L5999 LOWER EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS, NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

L7367 LITHIUM ION BATTERY, REPLACEMENT

L7368 LITHIUM ION BATTERY CHARGER, REPLACEMENT ONLY

L7510 REPAIR OF PROSTHETIC DEVICE, REPAIR OR REPLACE MINOR PARTS

L7520 REPAIR PROSTHETIC DEVICE, LABOR COMPONENT, PER 15 MINUTES

L7600 PROSTHETIC DONNING SLEEVE, ANY MATERIAL, EACH

L8400 PROSTHETIC SHEATH, BELOW KNEE, EACH

L8410 PROSTHETIC SHEATH, ABOVE KNEE, EACH

L8417 PROSTHETIC SHEATH/SOCK, INCLUDING A GEL CUSHION LAYER, BELOW KNEE OR ABOVE KNEE, EACH

L8420 PROSTHETIC SOCK, MULTIPLE PLY, BELOW KNEE, EACH

L8430 PROSTHETIC SOCK, MULTIPLE PLY, ABOVE KNEE, EACH

L8440 PROSTHETIC SHRINKER, BELOW KNEE, EACH

L8460 PROSTHETIC SHRINKER, ABOVE KNEE, EACH

L8470 PROSTHETIC SOCK, SINGLE PLY, FITTING, BELOW KNEE, EACH

L8480 PROSTHETIC SOCK, SINGLE PLY, FITTING, ABOVE KNEE, EACH

 

 

Documentations Requirements

• Section 1833(e) of the Social Security Act precludes payment to any provider of services unless "there has been furnished such information as may be necessary in order to determine the amounts due such provider.”

o It is expected that the beneficiary's medical records will reflect the need for the care provided.

o The beneficiary's medical records include the physician's office records, hospital records, nursing home records, home health agency records, records from other healthcare professionals and test reports.

o This documentation must be available upon request.

 

• PRESCRIPTION (ORDER) REQUIREMENTS

 

• GENERAL (PIM 5.2.1)

o All items billed to Medicare require a prescription. An order for each item billed must be signed and dated by the treating physician, kept on file by the supplier, and made available upon request. Items dispensed and/or billed that do not meet these prescription requirements and those below must be submitted with an EY modifier added to each affected HCPCS code.

 

• DISPENSING ORDERS (PIM 5.2.2)

o Equipment and supplies may be delivered upon receipt of a dispensing order except for those items that require a written order prior to delivery. A dispensing order may be verbal or written. The supplier must keep a record of the dispensing order on file. It must contain:

 Description of the item

 Beneficiary's name

 Prescribing Physician's name

 Date of the order and the start date, if the start date is different from the date of the order

 Physician signature (if a written order) or supplier signature (if verbal order)

o For the “Date of the order” described above, use the date the supplier is contacted by the physician (for verbal orders) or the date entered by the physician (for written dispensing orders).

o Signature and date stamps are not allowed. Signatures must comply with the CMS signature requirements outlined in PIM 3.3.2.4.

o The dispensing order must be available upon request.

o For items that are provided based on a dispensing order, the supplier must obtain a detailed written order before submitting a claim.

 

• DETAILED WRITTEN ORDERS (PIM 5.2.3)

o A detailed written order (DWO) is required before billing. Someone other than the ordering physician may produce the DWO. However, the ordering physician must review the content and sign and date the document. It must contain:

 Beneficiary's name

 Physician's name

 Date of the order and the start date, if start date is different from the date of the order

 Detailed description of the item(s) (see below for specific requirements for selected items)

 Physician signature and signature date

o For items provided on a periodic basis, including drugs, the written order must include:

 Item(s) to be dispensed

 Dosage or concentration, if applicable

 Route of Administration

 Frequency of use

 Duration of infusion, if applicable

 Quantity to be dispensed

 Number of refills

o For the "“Date of the order"” described above, use the date the supplier is contacted by the physician (for verbal orders) or the date entered by the physician (for written dispensing orders).

o Frequency of use information on orders must contain detailed instructions for use and specific amounts to be dispensed. Reimbursement shall be based on the specific utilization amount only. Orders that only state “PRN” or “as needed” utilization estimates for replacement frequency, use, or consumption are not acceptable. (PIM 5.9)

o The detailed description in the written order may be either a narrative description or a brand name/model number.

o Signature and date stamps are not allowed. Signatures must comply with the CMS signature requirements outlined in PIM 3.3.2.4.

o The DWO must be available upon request.

o A prescription is not considered as part of the medical record. Medical information intended to demonstrate compliance with coverage criteria may be included on the prescription but must be corroborated by information contained in the medical record.

 

 

• MEDICAL RECORD INFORMATION

 

• GENERAL (PIM 5.7 -5.9)

• The Indications and Limitations of Coverage and/or Medical Necessity section of this LCD contains numerous reasonable and necessary (R&N) requirements.

o The Nonmedical Necessity Coverage and Payment Rules section of the related Policy Article contains numerous non-reasonable and necessary, benefit category and statutory requirements that must be met in order for payment to be justified.

o Suppliers are reminded that:

 Supplier-produced records, even if signed by the ordering physician, and attestation letters (e.g. letters of medical necessity) are deemed not to be part of a medical record for Medicare payment purposes.

 Templates and forms, including CMS Certificates of Medical Necessity, are subject to corroboration with information in the medical record.

 Information contained directly in the contemporaneous medical record is the source required to justify payment except as noted elsewhere for prescriptions and CMNs.

 The medical record is not limited to physician’s office records but may include records from hospitals, nursing facilities, home health agencies, other healthcare professionals, etc. (not all-inclusive).

 Records from suppliers or healthcare professionals with a financial interest in the claim outcome are not considered sufficient by themselves for the purpose of determining that an item is reasonable and necessary.

• PROOF OF DELIVERY (PIM 4.26, 5.8)

o Proof of delivery (POD) is a Supplier Standard and DMEPOS suppliers are required to maintain POD documentation in their files.

 For medical review purposes, POD serves to assist in determining correct coding and billing information for claims submitted for Medicare reimbursement.

 Regardless of the method of delivery, the contractor must be able to determine from delivery documentation

 That the supplier properly coded the item(s).

 That the item(s) delivered are the same item(s) submitted for Medicare reimbursement.

 That the item(s) are intended for, and received by, a specific Medicare beneficiary.

o Suppliers, their employees, or anyone else having a financial interest in the delivery of the item are prohibited from signing and accepting an item on behalf of a beneficiary (i.e., acting as a designee on behalf of the beneficiary).

 The signature and date the beneficiary or designee accepted delivery must be legible.

o For the purpose of the delivery methods noted below, designee is defined as “Any person who can sign and accept the delivery of durable medical equipment on behalf of the beneficiary.”

o Proof of delivery documentation must be available to the Medicare contractor on request.

 All services that do not have appropriate proof of delivery from the supplier will be denied and overpayments will be requested.

 Suppliers who consistently fail to provide documentation to support their services may be referred to the OIG for imposition of Civil Monetary Penalties or other administrative sanctions.

o Suppliers are required to maintain POD documentation in their files. There are three methods of delivery:

 Delivery directly to the beneficiary or authorized representative

 Delivery via shipping or delivery service

 Delivery of items to a nursing facility on behalf of the beneficiary

 

• Method 1—Direct Delivery to the Beneficiary by the Supplier

o Suppliers may deliver directly to the beneficiary or the designee.

o In this case, POD to a beneficiary must be a signed and dated delivery slip. The POD record must include:

 Beneficiary's name

 Delivery address

 Sufficiently detailed description to identify the item(s) being delivered (e.g., brand name, serial number, narrative description)

 Quantity delivered

 Date delivered

 Beneficiary (or designee) signature and date of signature

 The date of signature on the delivery slip must be the date that the DMEPOS item was received by the beneficiary or designee.

 In instances where the supplies are delivered directly by the supplier, the date the beneficiary received the DMEPOS supply must be the date of service on the claim.

 

• Method 2—Delivery via Shipping or Delivery Service Directly to a Beneficiary

o If the supplier utilizes a shipping service or mail order, the POD documentation must be a complete record tracking the item(s) from the DMEPOS supplier to the beneficiary.

o An example of acceptable proof of delivery would include both the supplier’s own detailed shipping invoice and the delivery service’s tracking information.

o The supplier’s record must be linked to the delivery service record by some clear method like the delivery service’s package identification number or supplier’s invoice number for the package sent to the beneficiary.

o The POD record must include:

 Beneficiary's name

 Delivery address

 Delivery service's package identification number, supplier invoice number or alternative method that links the supplier's delivery documents with the delivery service's records.

 Sufficiently detailed description to identify the item(s) being delivered (e.g., brand name, serial number, narrative description)

 Quantity delivered

 Date delivered

 Evidence of delivery

o If a supplier utilizes a shipping service or mail order, suppliers must use the shipping date as the date of service on the claim.

o Suppliers may also utilize a return postage-paid delivery invoice from the beneficiary or designee as a POD. This type of POD record must contain the information specified above.

 

• Method 3—Delivery to Nursing Facility on Behalf of a Beneficiary

o When a supplier delivers items directly to a nursing facility, the documentation described for Method 1 (see above) is required.

o When a delivery service or mail order is used to deliver the item to a nursing facility, the documentation described for Method 2 (see above) is required.

o Regardless the method of delivery, for those beneficiaries that are residents of a nursing facility, information from the nursing facility showing that the item(s) delivered for the beneficiary’s use were actually provided to and used by the beneficiary must be available upon request.

 

• REPAIR/REPLACEMENT (BPM Ch 15, §100.2)

o Adjustments and repairs of prostheses and prosthetic components are covered under the original order.

 Claims involving the replacement of a prosthesis or major component (foot, ankle, knee, and socket) must be supported by a new physician's order.

o The prosthetist must retain documentation of the prosthesis or prosthetic component replaced, the reason for replacement, and a description of the labor involved irrespective of the time since the prosthesis was provided to the beneficiary.

 This information must be available upon request.

 It is recognized that there are situations where the reason for replacement includes but is not limited to:

 changes in the residual limb

 functional need changes

 irreparable damage or wear/tear due to:

 excessive beneficiary weight

 Prosthetic demands of very active amputees.

 

 

• POLICY SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

o When submitting a prosthetic claim, the billed code for knee, foot, ankle and hip (HCPCS codes L5610-L5616, L5710-L5780, L5810-L5840, L5848, L5856, L5857, L5858, L5930,L5961,L5970-L5987) components must be submitted with modifiers K0 - K4, indicating the expected beneficiary functional level.

 This expectation of functional ability information must be clearly documented and retained in the prosthetist's records.

 The simple entry of a K modifier in those records is not sufficient.

 There must be information about the beneficiary’s history and current condition which supports the designation of the functional level by the prosthetist.

o Refer to the Supplier Manual for more information on documentation requirements.

 

Sources of Information and Basis for Decision

 

A25528 - Lower Limb Prostheses - Policy Article - Effective January 2011

 

Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Lower Limb Prostheses (L11442)