What are Medicare’s coverage criteria for motorized or power wheelchairs?
A power wheelchair may be covered when all of the following criteria are met: • The patient s condition is such that without the use of a wheelchair the patient would otherwise be bed or chair confined. • The patient s condition is such that a wheelchair is medically necessary and the patient is unable to operate a scooter (POV), wheelchair, walker, cane or crutch in their home. • The patient is capable of safely operating the controls for the power wheelchair. A patient who requires a power wheelchair usually is totally non-ambulatory and has severe weakness of the upper extremities due to a neurological or muscular disease/condition. If the documentation does not support the medical necessity of a power wheelchair it will be denied as not medically necessary. For the correct steps to see if you qualify a power wheelchair please call us for a free guide. What is Medicare’s coverage of power operated Vehicles (POVs) or scooters? A power operated vehicle (POV) or scooter is covered when
