Group 3 and Group 4 refer to the coding of the power wheelchair base. Both Group 3 and Group 4 chairs are considered complex rehab technology (CRT). CRT requires a physician face-to-face appointment, an OT/PT evaluation, and an ATP directly involved in the equipment recommendation/selection. For a full description, download the Permobil Power Wheelchair Guide.

Group 3: Considered for clients whose mobility limitation is due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal deformity to qualify under Medicare guidelines. Group 3 bases have expanded functionality and tend to be more adaptable and versatile than less costly Group 2 power mobility bases (e.g., greater power seat function options/ranges, improved suspension, ability to interface alternative drive controls, etc.). The F5 Corpus VS Group 3 has many of the Group 4 base benefits listed below, with a top speed of 5.8 mph

Group 4: Typically considered for high activity use. When compared to the Group 3, Group 4 bases are typically designed to: provide maximum stability to accommodate greater amounts of seat elevate, anterior tilt, & standing; include suspension that is designed for multiple terrains to further reduce the transmission of vibration to the wheelchair user; typically have a higher speed motor package; and can typically handle larger obstacles and inclines.

Scenarios that would benefit from the F5 Corpus VS, Group 4 option include:

• Consumer requires a faster driving speed to meet the demands of daily life

• Consumer has a history of high/heavy usage of equipment and would benefit from twice the warranty and the preventative maintenance plan

• The equipment was provided in a setting that does not directly work through a dealer network and would therefore benefit from the additional warranty time and maintenance support from Permobil

• Funding source will be with the client for the life of the chair and sees the value in a longer warranty and preventative maintenance plan

• Individual chooses to private pay for the equipment, and would therefore benefit from a longer warranty and preventative maintenance including a one-time replacement of common wear/tear items

Your client may still quality for the Group 4 base. Recommendation of the Group 3 or Group 4 option should be based on the client’s functional needs. If the Group 3 option does not meet the client’s functional needs (e.g., a higher top speed is required, the client is a hard user and would benefit from the longer warranty and maintenance package), you may have justification to pursue the Group 4 option. It is important to note that coverage of a Group 4 base varies by funding source.

Coverage of power standing varies depending on the funding source. While some funding sources may not cover, there are many that will consider coverage with the proper medical and functional justification.

It is not uncommon for standing to initially be denied by the funding source. This does not necessarily mean your client will not get their equipment, but it does add time to the process. There are several levels of appeal available that allow for further information to be provided to the insurance company for reconsideration. The equipment provider and you as the clinician are often involved in this process. If you need assistance for an appeal or a denial, click here.

If the power standing function is denied despite appeal, there are a variety of alternative funding options available to help support items that are functionally and/ or medically required, yet not covered by your client’s funding source. For more information on alternate funding options, click here.

Contact your Permobil Territory Sales Manager, Clinical Educator, or equipment provider for additional information and to schedule a trial today

Consider reading the Permobil White Paper: A systematic review of the evidence for power standing wheelchairs for a summary of the evidence of the clinical, functional, and psychosocial benefits of power standing

Ready to recommend and justify the F5 Corpus VS? Sign-up for free access to funding and justification resources here.

Scenarios that would benefit from the F5 Corpus VS, Group 4 option include:

• Consumer requires a faster driving speed to meet the demands of daily life

• Consumer has a history of high/heavy usage of equipment and would benefit from twice the warranty and the preventative maintenance Plan

• The equipment was provided in a setting that does not directly work through a dealer network and would therefore benefit from the additional warranty time and maintenance support from Permobil

• Funding source will be with the client for the life of the chair and sees the value in a longer warranty and preventative maintenance plan

• Individual chooses to private pay for the equipment, and would therefore benefit from a longer warranty and preventative maintenance including a one-time replacement of common wear/tear items

It is not uncommon for standing to initially be denied by the funding source. You and your client should have the opportunity to appeal if a denial occurs. In preparing for the appeal, if you would like additional funding information and support, click here.

If the power standing function is denied despite appeal, there are a variety of alternative funding options available to help support items that are functionally and/ or medically required, yet not covered by your client’s funding source. For more information on alternate funding options, click here.

No, now that the Group 3 F5 Corpus VS is available, there is no longer a need for the F3 to F5 Corpus VS conversion. If you already have a conversion package quote in our system, we will continue to honor that quote for the life of the quote.

Yes, it is possible to upgrade a Permobil F5 Corpus VS from the Group 3 to the Group 4 base. When billing the F5 VS as an upgrade from a Group 3 to Group 4, the provider will bill 2 claim lines. The first line identifies the product being provided to the client and the second line identifies the product the client qualifies for under the coverage guidelines. The two claim lines should be billed as followed:

• Claim Line #1: K0884 NU BP KH GA

• Claim Line #2: K0861 NU BP KH KB KX GK

In this scenario, the client’s financial liability is the difference between the submitted upgrade and the submitted charge for the covered item plus any deductibles and coinsurance. In certain billing scenarios, the 2 claim line item billing process may not be possible, for example, beneficiaries with Medicaid.

If the provider intends to collect payment from the client for the upgrade, a properly executed ABN is required to inform the client of their financial obligation.

Contact your Permobil Territory Sales Manager for additional information and to schedule a trial today

Consider reading the Permobil White Paper: A systematic review of the evidence for power standing wheelchairs for a summary of the evidence of the clinical, functional, and psychosocial benefits of power standing

Does the clinician you are working with need assistance with justifying the F5 Corpus VS? You or the clinician you are working with may sign-up for free access to funding and justification resources here.