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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiAll Plans · Coverage · Medical Policy · General Practice, GeriatricsMedium impact

Commode Chairs

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

A standard stationary commode chair is considered medically necessary when the patient is physically incapable of using regular toilet facilities, such as when confined to a single room, confined to one level of the home with no toilet on that level, or confined to the home with no toilet facilities. A stationary commode chair with detachable arms is considered medically necessary when the patient meets those criteria and needs extra width or detachable arms to facilitate transfers. An extra wide, heavy-duty stationary commode chair is considered medically necessary when the patient meets the standard criteria and weighs 300 pounds or more.

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What to do

Action · 6 steps
01Billing team: Bill a standard stationary commode chair only when the patient is physically incapable of using regular toilet facilities under one of the listed situations.
02Billing team: Bill a commode chair with detachable arms only when the patient meets the standard criteria and needs extra width or detachable arms for transfers.
03Billing team: Bill an extra wide, heavy-duty stationary commode chair only when the patient meets the standard criteria and weighs 300 pounds or more.
04Coverage is limited to a stationary commode, and mobile commode chairs are considered not medically necessary.
05Seat lift mechanisms (E0170, E0171, E0172), footrests (E0175), toilet rails (E0243), raised toilet seats (E0244), transfer benches (E0247, E0248), patient lifts for toilets (E0625) and wheelchair commode seats (E0968) are considered not medically necessary.
06For Federal Employee Program members, follow FEP guidelines.

Codes mentioned

E0163E0165E0167E0168E0170E0171E0172E0175E0243E0244E0247E0248E0625E0968

Original notice

Commode Chairs
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related policy hubs

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi policiesGeneral PracticeGeriatricsCode E0163Code E0165Code E0167Code E0168Code E0170Code E0171Code E0172Code E0175Code E0243Code E0244Code E0247Code E0248Code E0625Code E0968

Summaries are AI-assisted. Always confirm against the original payer notice.

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