Wheelchair and mobility assist devices
Mobility assist devices (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.)
Wheel-Chair and mobility devices: Requirements needed for the coverage of power mobility devices were clarified by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2006 in response to a dramatic increase in power wheelchair prescriptions. The requirements include a face-to-face history and examination between the patient and medical practitioner, a written prescription for the power wheelchair, adequate cognition and judgment to use the power chair in a safe manner, the inadequacy of manual devices (canes, walkers, manual chairs) to correct impaired mobility, and documentation that the power chair will correct a mobility deficit in the home. A power wheelchair for impaired community mobility (work, shopping, etc.) is not covered under the Medicare program.