Heating Pads and Heat Lamps

Medicare covers standard electric heating pads (HCPCS E0210) when the device is within a defined Medicare benefit category and is reasonable and necessary for relieving pain, reducing stiffness, relaxing muscles, or decreasing inflammation and when all statutory, regulatory, and documentation requirements are met. Moist electric pads (E0215), water-circulating pads with pumps (E0217) and their replacement parts, unspecified pads billed as E1399 without meeting coding definitions, and heat lamps (E0200/E0205) are considered not reasonable and necessary and will be denied. Claims require a Standard Written Order/WOPD prior to billing/delivery, correct coding, and maintained proof of delivery; failure to meet these documentation or coding requirements will result in denial.

"An item is covered only if it is in a defined Medicare benefit category, is reasonable and necessary for diagnosis/treatment or to improve function of a malformed body member, and meets applicable ..."