Forearm Crutch

Forearm crutches are lengths of reinforced aluminum tubing topped with guides for the patient’s forearms. The patient passes their hands through the guides and grips the handles affixed to the tubing. These crutches are usually used to steady the gait of an individual with neuromuscular disease or other permanent disability.

HCPCS Code:

E0110 – Forearm crutch (pair)
E0111 – Forearm crutch (ea)
(to be used only when providing a single crutch)

Category:

Inexpensive/Routinely
Purchased

Common Diagnosis:

(check for current coding)

781.2 Gait Abnormality
340.0 Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
715.9 Osteoarthritis
428.0 Congestive Heart Failure
733.00 Osteoporosis
714.0 Rheumatoid Arthritis
343.9 Cerebral Palsy

Coverage Information

Requires a detailed written order

The patient has impaired ambulation and there is a potential for ambulation.

• The patient has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs his/her ability to participate in one or more mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADL) in the home; AND
• The patient is able to safely use the cane or crutch; AND
• The functional mobility deficit can be sufficiently resolved by use of a cane or crutch. Documentation Requirements: in addition to the basic Medicare documentation (proof of delivery, AOB, detailed written order, etc.)
• The detailed written order form must contain the patient’s name, and a description of the item provided, physician signature and date, and the start date of the order if different than the physician signature date.