For any of the above hospital beds (plus those coded E1399 – see Policy Article Coding Guidelines), if documentation does not support the medical necessity of the type of bed billed, payment will be based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative.

Additionally, the economic climate also influences hospital bed pricing. Factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuations in healthcare funding can impact the overall costs associated with hospital beds. For instance, during periods of economic downturn, hospitals may face budget constraints that limit their ability to invest in new equipment, leading to a reliance on older, potentially less efficient beds. This scenario can create a cycle of escalating costs, as hospitals are forced to allocate more funds toward the maintenance of outdated equipment instead of investing in new technologies.

4) The patient requires traction equipment, which can only be attached to a hospital bed.