See an indicative K-level in four questions
Assess a lower limb amputee's ability or potential to walk with a prosthesis through four yes/no questions; see the indicative level in the Medicare Functional Classification (MFCL) and its definition.
Questions
Answer each question for the person's current ability or for the potential expected with a suitable prosthesis and rehabilitation.
Indicative level
The indicative level appears here as you answer the questions.
All levels
- K0A situation in which a prosthesis provides no functional gain.
- K1The limited and unlimited household ambulator.
- K2The limited community ambulator.
- K3The community ambulator who can traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic or exercise activity that demands prosthetic use beyond simple locomotion.
- K4The prosthetic demands of the child, active adult or athlete.
Indicative only
K-levels are a US Medicare coverage classification; other assessments are used in Turkey and Europe. The level is assigned by the treating clinician or prosthetist based on a documented assessment. This tool does not diagnose and does not recommend prosthetic components.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Local Coverage Determination L33787: Lower Limb Prostheses. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33787
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Run this measurement automatically from a scan in your clinic
In a 30-minute demo we'll show the same calculation on a 3D scan, with your own case. Your result is added to the form automatically.
Result added to the form
No calculated result yet — you can still send the form.
Frequently asked questions
What are K-levels (MFCL) and who uses them?
K-levels are the functional classification used by US Medicare for coverage of lower limb prostheses (Medicare Functional Classification Level, MFCL). Five levels, K0 to K4, describe a person's ability or potential to walk with a prosthesis. They are widely referenced in the literature and the prosthetics industry internationally, but they are not a universal standard; in Turkey and Europe other assessment scales and reimbursement rules apply.
How is a K-level determined?
The level is assigned by the treating clinician and prosthetist. They assess the person's current ability, or the potential expected with a suitable prosthesis and rehabilitation, taking into account history, pre-amputation activity, comorbidities, strength, balance and motivation. Standardised tools such as the AMPPRO may also be used. The assessment should be documented.
How does the K-level relate to prosthetic foot and knee choice?
Under Medicare, which classes of components are covered depends on the K-level. In general, simpler components suited to a fixed cadence are used at lower levels, while energy-storing feet and more advanced knee systems that support variable cadence come into consideration from K3 upwards. Component choice depends not only on the level but on the person's goals, residual limb condition and clinical assessment; this tool does not recommend components.
Can the K-level change over time?
Yes. The level can rise with rehabilitation, gains in strength and balance, or growing experience with the prosthesis; it can fall with new health problems, ageing or reduced activity. That is why it is reassessed at regular intervals and whenever a replacement prosthesis is considered.