Face-to-Face Exam Requirements for Medicare Power Mobility

• 
  

The face-to-face examination is one of the most critical — and misunderstood — components of Medicare power mobility approval.

This exam establishes the medical foundation for the wheelchair request and must be completed correctly to avoid delays or denials.

What Is the Face-to-Face Exam?

The face-to-face exam is a clinical visit where a physician or qualified practitioner evaluates:

• Mobility limitations

• Functional deficits

• Medical conditions impacting ambulation

It must occur before the wheelchair is ordered.

What Medicare Expects to See

The exam documentation should include:

• Clear description of mobility limitations

• Explanation of how limitations affect daily activities

• Confirmation that limitations occur within the home

• Diagnoses that support mobility impairment

  
  

What Medicare Does Not Accept

• Generic statements (“difficulty walking”)

• Notes copied from unrelated visits

• Focus on community mobility only

• Missing or inconsistent diagnoses

Best Practices for Providers

• Use condition-specific language

• Reinforce therapist findings

• Avoid vague functional descriptions

• Ensure the exam date aligns with the order

Why This Matters

Even strong therapist evaluations can be overridden by a weak face-to-face exam. Alignment between providers is essential.

👉 For clinician guidance and documentation support, visit our Clinician Resources page.