K-Levels
Medicare defines K-Levels based on an individual’s potential functional ability.
K0 – Non-ambulatory and without potential to ambulate. (No walking ability)
K1 – The patient has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation (walking) on level surfaces at a fixed cadence (speed). This is the typical level of the limited and unlimited household ambulator.
K2 – The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation (walking) on low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. This is typical of the limited community ambulator.
K3 – The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation (walking) with variable cadence (speed). This is the typical level of the community ambulator who can traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise beyond simple locomotion.
K4 – The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation (walking) that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. This is the typical level of prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.
