E0981 HCPCS code: Wheelchair accessory, seat upholstery, replacement only, each

E0981 is the HCPCS Level II code for wheelchair accessory, seat upholstery, replacement only, each. The 2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule pays $49.23 to $91.00 (NU, new equipment, purchased) depending on the state. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on DME suppliers. Medicare volume fell 7% from 2022 to 2024 (1,780 to 1,660 services). In 2024, 429 suppliers billed Medicare for E0981 (purchases), serving 1,637 beneficiaries; California, Texas, Wisconsin accounted for 45% of services. Its average fee ranks 10 of 30 E09 codes billed NU (family range $20.79–$817.33); rural fees run 1% higher.

Code details

2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule for E0981

How the E0981 fee compares

Who bills E0981 (2024)

Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.

Medicare utilization for E0981, 2022–2024

States with the most E0981 services (2024)

NCCI unit limits (MUE)

Medicare policy articles for this code

• A52504: Wheelchair Options/Accessories - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance

What changed for E0981

• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (NU) rose 2.2%: $53.77 to $54.98
• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (RR) rose 2.3%: $5.41 to $5.54
• 2026-01-01: Average state fee (UE) rose 2.2%: $40.49 to $41.40
• 2004-01-01: E0981 added to HCPCS Level II
• Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01

Frequently asked questions

What is HCPCS code E0981?

E0981 is the HCPCS Level II code for wheelchair accessory, seat upholstery, replacement only, each. Short descriptor: "Seat upholstery, replacement".

How much does Medicare pay for E0981?

Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule, non-rural state fees are NU (new equipment, purchased): $49.23–$91.00; NU (new equipment, purchased): $49.22–$113.58; RR (rental (monthly)): $5.01–$9.10; RR (rental (monthly)): $5.02–$11.36; UE (used equipment, purchased): $37.26–$68.23; UE (used equipment, purchased): $37.26–$85.15. Rural fees can be higher.

Does Medicare cover E0981?

Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.

Did the Medicare fee for E0981 change in 2026?

The average non-rural state fee for NU moved from $53.77 in 2025 to $54.98 in 2026 (+2.2%). CMS's next quarterly HCPCS and DMEPOS update takes effect January 1, 2027.

How many units of E0981 can be billed per day?

1 on DME suppliers (NCCI medically unlikely edits).

Related E09 codes

• E0900 — Traction stand, free standing, pelvic traction, (e.g., buck's) ($21.75–$233.96)
• E0910 — Trapeze bars, a/k/a patient helper, attached to bed, with grab bar ($13.20–$19.86)
• E0911 — Trapeze bar, heavy duty, for patient weight capacity greater than 250 pounds, attached to bed, with grab bar ($50.56–$65.54)
• E0912 — Trapeze bar, heavy duty, for patient weight capacity greater than 250 pounds, free standing, complete with grab bar ($94.71–$145.86)
• E0920 — Fracture frame, attached to bed, includes weights ($55.91–$90.91)
• E0930 — Fracture frame, free standing, includes weights ($55.34–$67.27)
• E0935 — Continuous passive motion exercise device for use on knee only ($27.56–$34.49)
• E0936 — Continuous passive motion exercise device for use other than knee
• E0940 — Trapeze bar, free standing, complete with grab bar ($24.33–$39.42)
• E0941 — Gravity assisted traction device, any type ($52.57–$94.48)
• E0942 — Cervical head harness/halter ($0.78–$39.21)
• E0944 — Pelvic belt/harness/boot ($4.82–$79.09)

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Next steps

• Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under E0981
• Watch E0981 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
• Build a full Medicare revenue model for E0981

Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.

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