Powered Mobility Device
Also written as: PMD — Powered Mobility Device
Any motorised device—including power wheelchairs and scooters—prescribed to individuals unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair.
Full Definition
A powered mobility device (PMD) is a battery-operated mobility aid designed to provide independent locomotion for individuals with significant upper- and/or lower-limb impairments. PMDs encompass power wheelchairs (including power-tilt-in-space and recline configurations) and power-operated vehicles (scooters). In funding and insurance documentation, PMD classifications are governed by HCPCS codes in the US and similar national coding systems elsewhere. Editors must distinguish PMD from the narrower term 'power wheelchair' and should not use the two interchangeably. Documents will frequently refer to Group 1–5 power wheelchairs, reflecting complexity and clinical indication.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'power-operated vehicle'. 'Powered mobility device' is not hyphenated. Abbreviation PMD is acceptable after first-use expansion.
In Context
- "The Letter of Medical Necessity documented that the client required a Group 3 powered mobility device due to bilateral upper extremity weakness." — Insurance funding letter
- "Editors should use 'powered mobility device' as the umbrella term and specify power wheelchair or scooter where the document distinguishes between the two." — Editorial style guide