A lift device is used to assist the caregiver(s) in transferring an individual from bed to chair and back or other locations when the individual is unable to assist with the transfer. This document addresses lifting devices for use in the home, including the multi-positional transfer system.

Note: Please see the following related documents for additional information:

• CG-DME-10 Durable Medical Equipment
• CG-DME-25 Seat Lift Mechanisms

Medically Necessary: 

A hydraulic/mechanical lift is considered medically necessary for an individual when all of the following criteria are met:

• when it is used for the transfer of the individual between a bed and a chair, wheelchair, commode, or shower/bath chair; and
• when transfers cannot be performed independently and require the assistance of more than one person, and
• when the individual would be bed confined without the use of a lift; and
• when the individual's condition is such that periodic movement is necessary to improve his/her condition or to arrest/retard deterioration of their condition.

A canvas or nylon sling or seat for a hydraulic/mechanical lift is considered medically necessary as an accessory when ordered as a replacement for the original equipment item and the criteria listed above are met.

A multi-positional transfer system is considered medically necessary in lieu of any of the following mobility assistive equipment, including but not limited to canes, crutches, walkers, rollabout chairs, transfer chairs, manual wheelchairs, power-operated vehicles, or power wheelchairs, when both of the following criteria are met:

• the criteria for a hydraulic/mechanical lift are met; and
• the individual requires supine positioning for transfers.

Not Medically Necessary: 

A hydraulic/mechanical lift or multi-positional transfer system is considered not medically necessary when the criteria listed above are not met.

An electric lift mechanism is considered not medically necessary.

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this document are included below for informational purposes.  Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy.  Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

A lift device is used within the home or place of residence to assist the caregiver(s) in transferring an individual between a bed and a chair, wheelchair, commode, or shower/bath chair and back when the individual is unable to assist with the transfer. A multi-positional transfer system is used to assist the caregiver(s) in transferring an individual who requires the use of a lift along with supine positioning for transfer. Multi-positional transfer systems (e.g. Barton Convertible™ H-250 Chair, Barton™ Medical Corporation, Austin TX) are intended to facilitate an independent and safe transfer for the caregiver and individuals that have medical conditions that precludes the use of a standard transfer device (i.e. hydraulic/mechanical lift).

The medical necessity of a lift for use in the home setting is based on an evaluation of the individual's needs and capabilities in relation to the following components of the definition of medical necessity:

1. The lift is clinically appropriate for the diagnosis or treatment of the individual's illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member; and
2. The lift is not primarily for the convenience of the individual, caregiver, physician or other healthcare provider (NGS, 2010).

An electric lift mechanism is considered not medically necessary as an alternative lift mechanism as it is at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic results for the treatment of an individual's illness, injury or disease.

The following types of lifts and accessories are considered self-help or convenience items and do not meet the definition of durable medical equipment:

• van or car lifts (used to lift wheelchair into a truck or van);
• wheelchair lifts or ramps (e.g., Wheel-O-Vator lift, National Wheel-O-Vator Co., Inc., Roanoke, IL [ThyssenKrupp Access, Grandview, MO]) (provides vertical lift access to stairways or platform ramps for cars/ trunks);
• ceiling lifts, platform lifts, porch lifts, stair lifts, stairway elevators, and other lifts (electric/motorized or non-motorized), addressing accessibility limitations of a home;
• home modifications associated with installation of a lift or access within a home.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). National Coverage Determination for Durable Medical Equipment Reference List. NCD #280.1. Effective May 5, 2005. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/overview-and-quick-search.aspx. Accessed on July 25, 2011.
2. National Government Services, Inc. (NGS). DME MAC Jurisdiction B. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Patient Lifts (L27218). Effective February 4, 2011. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/mcd/viewlcd.asp?lcd_id=27218&lcd_version=14&show=all. Accessed on July 25, 2011.

Barton Convertible™ H-250 Chair
Hoyer Lift
Lift-Aid Chamber Lift
Multi-positional Transfer System
Trans-Aid Lift

The use of specific product names is illustrative only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of allproducts available.