HCPCS K0739: Repair/Service, DME, Non-Oxygen Equipment

Learn more about K0739 coding and billing practices. Enhance your understanding and improve your efficiency.

## **What is HCPCS code K0739?** HCPCS code K0739, maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has a full description of: "Repair or nonroutine service for durable medical equipment other than oxygen equipment requiring the skill of a technician, labor component, per 15 minutes." It is used to bill for the labor component of repair or nonroutine service performed on beneficiary-owned Durable Medical Equipment (DME), excluding oxygen equipment. The purpose of this code is to secure reimbursement for the technical labor required to fix or mend malfunctioning DME, such as wheelchairs or hospital beds, ensuring the equipment is restored to safe and effective operation for the patient's health and mobility needs. One unit of service equals 15 minutes of a skilled technician's time, making it a time-based labor code. It is essential for the repair to be both reasonable and necessary, and it is not covered if the beneficiary's equipment is still under warranty or during a capped rental period.

## **Documentation requirements** Detailed documentation is crucial for claims submission and audit purposes. The supplier must maintain detailed records showing: - **Continued medical need**: Documentation from the treating physician/practitioner that the DME item being repaired continues to be reasonable and necessary for the beneficiary's condition. - **Reasonableness and necessity of repair**: Documentation from the treating physician or supplier that the repair itself is reasonable and necessary. - **Detailed repair report**: A detailed explanation justifying the repairs, including the description of the beneficiary owned equipment being repaired (narrative description, manufacturer, brand name/number), description of what was repaired or replaced, detailed explanation justifying replacement of any component or part, the labor time required to restore the item's functionality, and the description of why the repair took more than one day to complete (if applicable). - **Comparison to replacement**: Documentation that the expense for repairs does not exceed the estimated expense of purchasing or renting another item for the remaining period of medical need.

## **Billing requirements** When billing with K0739, follow these guidelines: - **Units**: Bill one unit of K0739 for every 15 minutes of technician labor time. Rounding rules may apply, and some DME MACs limit the total units of service allowed for common repairs. - **Narrative requirement**: A narrative description is required on all claims for repair labor. This narrative must include what is being repaired, the amount of time for the repair (in 15-minute increments), the HCPCS code of the item being repaired, and the supplier Price List (PL) amount. - **Parts**: Parts used for the repair are generally billed separately using their specific HCPCS codes. If a part does not have a specific code, a Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) code like E1399 may be used, which also requires a detailed narrative. - **Modifiers**: Specific local codes or state-specific modifiers (e.g., U-series modifiers) may be required by some payers for certain repairs).

## **Other relevant codes** - **E1399**: Durable medical equipment, miscellaneous - **K0740**: Repair or nonroutine service for oxygen equipment requiring the skill of a technician, labor component, per 15 minutes - **L4205**: Repair of orthotic device, labor component, per 15 minutes - **L7520**: Repair of prosthetic device, labor component, per 15 minutes - **K0462**: Temporary replacement equipment, all forms of equipment (rented, purchased, or furnished as a gift) that is furnished to the beneficiary without cost for temporary use while the beneficiary's own equipment is being repaired

Frequently asked questions

When a covered DME item needs repair that requires a technician’s skill, and the repair is medically necessary and not routine maintenance.

No, K0739 covers only the labor component (technician's time) of the repair. Replacement parts are billed separately using their specific HCPCS code or a miscellaneous code like E1399 with an appropriate narrative.

K0739 is for the labor component of repairing non-oxygen durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, hospital beds), while K0740 is specifically for the labor component of repairing oxygen equipment.