Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study reviewed the prevalence of replacement parts for Group 3 power wheelchairs (PWCs) among Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2019. Findings will support future research on value-based care models for wheelchair part replacements.
Primary Author and Speaker: Chelsea M. McClammer
Additional Authors and Speakers: Corey Morrow
Contributing Authors: Mark Schmeler, Richard Schein
PURPOSE: Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for a replacement wheelchair every 5 years but require replacement parts and repairs in those 5 years, leading to wheelchair breakdown. A user manual with projected timelines for replacement parts would guide users and therapists to avoid time without their wheelchairs due to wheelchair breakdown. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of replacement parts over the lifespan of a Group 3 power wheelchair (PWC).
DESIGN: This was a retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis of Medicare beneficiaries if they had an approved billing claim for a Group 3 PWC in 2013 and were trackable through 2019.
METHOD: Wheelchair parts and repairs were identified using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). HCPCS codes for wheelchair parts were categorized into the following: armrests, back support, batteries, battery chargers, electronics, frames, leg rests, motors, power systems (i.e., seat elevators), seat cushions, seating system (i.e., supports and straps), wheelchair type, wheels and tires, and repair services.
RESULTS: There were 276 Group 3 PWC users in this cohort. Preliminary results show very few replacement parts in 2013 as most claims were for initial chair accessories. In 2014, there were 548 repair services (49.8% of all HCPCS codes) and the 3 most commonly replaced parts were electronics (10.1%), batteries (7.6%), and wheels/tires (4.3%). These proportions held until 2018, when replacement cushions (8.1%) surpassed batteries (4.2%) in the top 3 most commonly replaced parts. We will report on the prevalence and timeline of replacement parts across the categories for each year.
CONCLUSION: This study describes the yearly prevalence of replacement parts for Group 3 PWC. The results will guide future studies on implementing a value-based care model for wheelchair parts replacement within a health system.
References
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