HCPCS Code E0247: Transfer Bench for Tub or Toilet With or Without Commode Opening

Use HCPCS code E0247 to bill for a transfer bench for tub or toilet, with or without commode opening, classified as durable medical equipment.

Use Code

## **What is HCPCS Code E0247?** HCPCS code E0247 refers to a "Transfer bench for tub or toilet with or without commode opening." It falls under the category of bathing supplies in durable medical equipment (DME). This transfer bench is designed to help patients with mobility limitations safely transfer in and out of a bathtub or toilet facilities, reducing fall risk and improving bathroom safety. Some benches include a commode opening, allowing them to double as an integrated seat for toileting support or work in combination with other bathroom aids such as commode chairs. E0247 is a Level II HCPCS code maintained by CMS and used for billing and reimbursement under Medicare and other insurers. It helps providers and suppliers submit accurate claims for durable medical equipment that supports safe bathing and toileting. While E0247 specifically describes a transfer bench, it is related to other bathroom mobility aids such as bathtub seats, bathtub lifts, and patient lifts, which have their own HCPCS codes and coverage criteria. It is distinct from devices like seat lift mechanisms and bidet toilet seats, which fall under different HCPCS categories and are billed separately. Transfer benches under this code, including options with detachable arms and commode functionality, are typically prescribed for patients with lower-body weakness, balance impairments, or disabilities that prevent independent transfers.

## **HCPCS code E0247 documentation requirements** Proper documentation is required to establish medical necessity and support payment for HCPCS code E0247 (transfer bench). ### **Physician order** A valid prescription or standard written order (SWO) must be on file before billing. The order must include the beneficiary’s name, order date, description of the item (e.g., transfer bench, HCPCS E0247), quantity, and the prescriber’s name, NPI, and signature. ### **Medical necessity documentation** The patient’s medical record must clearly document why a transfer bench is required. This may include inability to safely step into or out of a bathtub or shower due to weakness, limited mobility, balance issues, risk of falls, or recovery from surgery or injury. The record should indicate that the item is needed for the patient to perform bathing safely in the home. ### **Functional assessment** Documentation should describe the patient’s functional limitations, such as impaired balance, decreased range of motion, or neurologic conditions that prevent safe transfers. These objective findings help justify the medical necessity of the transfer bench. ### **Record retention** Suppliers must retain the prescription and supporting documentation in the patient’s record and make it available to Medicare or other payers in case of audit or medical review. ### **Prior authorization** Effective October 1, 2023, in Michigan and generally applicable under Medicare guidelines, E0247 does not require prior authorization unless the U3 modifier is appended to request manual pricing review.

## **HCPCS code E0247 billing requirements** Billing for HCPCS code E0247 must follow Medicare and payer-specific DME guidelines to ensure proper claim processing and reimbursement. ### **Claim submission** Claims should accurately report HCPCS code E0247 and include all required claim elements, such as the patient’s information, place of service, quantity, and prescribing provider details. ### **Modifiers** Most Medicare claims for E0247 do not require a modifier. However, some state Medicaid programs or commercial payers may require the U3 modifier for manual pricing requests. Always verify modifier requirements with the payer before claim submission. ### **Payer coverage** E0247 is billed under the Medicare Part B DME benefit and must comply with Medicare’s general coverage criteria and any applicable Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). Prior authorization is not required under Medicare but may be required by certain Medicaid or commercial plans. ### **Payment considerations** Transfer benches are generally purchased (not rented) under DME billing rules. Reimbursement rates may vary by region and payer contracts, so providers should confirm current fee schedule rates. have separate coding and billing requirements under durable medical equipment policies.

## **Other relevant codes** - **E0246**: Transfer tub rail attachment - **E0248**: Transfer bench, heavy duty, for tub or toilet with or without commode opening - **E0245**: Tub stool or bench - **E0244**: Raised toilet seat - **E0243**: Toilet rail

Frequently asked questions

HCPCS code E0247 is defined as a transfer bench for the tub or toilet, with or without a commode opening. It is used to aid patient mobility and safety during bathing or toileting, helping prevent falls and improve independence in bathroom facilities.

HCPCS A4217 is for sterile water or saline solution, 500 ml, used for intravenous infusion or irrigation during medical treatments, hydration, or surgical procedures.

The HCPCS Level II code for a bathtub chair or stool is E0245, used to provide seating support for patients during bathing.

HCPCS codes for diabetic test strips vary but commonly include A4253, used to bill for blood glucose test strips for diabetes monitoring.