Providers and clinicians are always looking for ways to improve safety, independence, and long-term outcomes for their patients, especially those who rely on power mobility devices for daily function. One of the most meaningful (and now Medicare-covered) features in this space? Seat elevation.
Previously considered an out-of-pocket luxury, seat elevation is now recognized by Medicare as a medically necessary benefit for many power wheelchair users. If you’re not yet leveraging this for your patients, or offering Group 2 chairs that include it, now is the time.
View the Flyer for More Seat Elevation Details
Looking for product specifications or ordering details?
Seat elevation refers to the power-assisted feature that allows users to raise or lower the height of their wheelchair seat vertically. This function provides key mobility benefits, enabling users to:
The 2023 Medicare reimbursement change acknowledges the medical necessity of seat elevation for users and now covers seat elevation for qualifying individuals using
Important for Medicare Billing: K0830 and K0831 are the only HCPCS codes that can be used for Group 2 non-complex standard-weight power wheelchairs with seat elevation. To use these codes, the make and model must be listed on the PDAC Product Classification List with no discontinuation date.
Tip for Providers: When evaluating for seat elevation, document how it supports safe and efficient transfers, reduces fall risk, and/or facilitates reach to perform MRADLs — especially for patients with limited upper body strength or poor balance.
For years, seat elevation was seen as a “nice-to-have” feature. Now, it’s understood as a foundational part of functional mobility for many patients — especially those with limited strength, balance, or transfer ability.
Here’s why it matters:
Whether moving from bed to chair, toilet to chair, or into a vehicle, transfer safety is a top priority. Being able to raise the seat to match the transfer height can:
Seat elevation allows users to reach items on shelves, counters, or cabinets — empowering them to:
Elevating to eye level during conversations or group settings:
Poor ergonomics during transfers can lead to injuries over time. Seat elevation aligns the user with surfaces and supports:
Merits Health Products offers two flagship Group 2 models that support seat elevation, both of which are officially PDAC-approved – making billing and compliance simpler for providers.
Feature | Vision Sport (K0830/K0831) | Vision Super (K0824/K0825 w/ K0108) |
Seat Elevation | Yes | Yes |
Classification | Group 2 Standard | Group 2 Heavy Duty |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 400 lbs w/ seat elevation |
Who Qualifies | Most standard-weight users | Users who weigh 285 lbs or more – not just 300+ |
Turning Radius | 20” turning radius with robust independent suspension | 21” turning radius with robust independent suspension |
Best For | Standard drive-only power wheelchair applications | Heavy duty drive-only power wheelchair applications |
Key Benefits | Compact, easy to service, great for MRADLs | High stability, ideal for heavier users |
Codes to Know:
Visit the Merits website for order forms, owners’ manuals, or additional help from our team.
Contact a Merits Rep for More Info
A: Medicare may cover seat elevation for patients who require it to safely perform mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs), such as transferring from a wheelchair to a bed or toilet, reaching overhead objects, or performing hygiene tasks. Clinical documentation is required to support medical necessity.
A: Vision Sport is a standard powerchair for light to moderate users. Vision Super offers greater weight capacity and is ideal for heavier users requiring more stability.
A: Yes. The Vision Sport (K0830/K0831) weight capacity is 300 lbs, while the Vision Super (K0824/K0825 w/ K0108) supports up to 400 lbs with power seat elevation as an optional feature. Note: A user weighing 285 lbs or more may qualify for a heavy-duty base – they do not need to reach 300 lbs.
Seat elevation is more than a mobility upgrade — it’s a clinically significant function that improves safety, reduces injury risk, and supports independence in daily life.
With Merits’ Vision Sport and Vision Super, you gain:
Enhance Patient Care Today! Download an Order Form
Help your clients live more independently — and help your service stay at the forefront of assistive mobility.