BALTIMORE--A new power chair accessory code and four new cushion codes have been added to the Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule.

In its quarterly fee schedule update, CMS said the following new HCPCS codes and payments would take effect for claims with dates of service on or after July 1, 2006:

K0733--power wheelchair accessory, 12 to 24 amp hour sealed lead acid battery, each (e.g. gel cell, absorded glassmat);
K0734--skin protection wheelchair seat cushion, adjustable, width less than 22 inches, any depth;
K0735--skin protection wheelchair seat cushion, adjustable, width 22 inches or greater, any depth;
K0736--skin protection and positioning wheelchair seat cushion, adjustable, width less than 22 inches, any depth; and
K0737--skin protection and positioning wheelchair seat cushion, adjustable, width 22 inches or greater, any depth.

In late 2004, the adjustable cushion codes were separated from the non-adjustable codes and temporarily assigned to the miscellaneous wheelchair code, resulting in a "processing nightmare," according to Dave McCausland, senior vice president of planning and government affairs for Belleville, Ill.-based The Roho Group.

"It's definitely a step in right direction," he said of the new codes. "It should make claims processing for [suppliers] providing adjustable cushions much easier."

To view additional payment and coding changes included in the update, click here.