power wheelchair requirments

• By cbright
• Posted December 21, 2007 at 4:49 am

Dear central Florida cALS,
RESNA is the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and certifies Assistive Technology suppliers (ATS), Assistive Technology Practioners (ATP) and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologists (RET).
The RESNA website is at http://www.resna.org/index.php. According to RESNA there has been a recent bulletin from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announcing that a PT or OT, or physician who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations and a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Supplier (ATS) "who specializes in wheelchairs and who has direct, in-person involvement in the wheelchair selection for the patient" must participate in evaluations for specific types of wheelchairs. Please note the "ors" and the "and" in this announcement. This appears to be a very recent update and refers to Medicare beneficiiaries. If private insurance is covering your husband's wheelchair, other rules may apply.

The national ALS Association Advocacy office may be able to confirm the information on the RESNA site for Medicare beneficiaries.

There is a Florida Chapter Care Coordinator in central Florida who is available to assist you with information about selecting an appropriate wheelchair. If you are not in touch with the Florida Chapter Care Coordinator yet, you may reach her at 1-888-257-1717.

Christine Bright, MSW
Care Coordinator
The ALS Association Florida Chapter

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• By Leon
• Posted January 4, 2008 at 11:09 am

Ms. Bright,
As per usual you are right on top of the issues and we all appreciate what you do. My supplement is referring me to Custom Mobility based in Largo to order my powerchair. I do not have a script yet but will this month, maybe? My question, based on ALS conditions, is'nt the Permobile the chair of choice? This group is NESNA certified but does not offer the Permobile that I am aware of. I have a combination of task the chair must do for me and need to know the guidelines in the process of eliminatiion. I do not want to get caught in an insurance tug-of-war and be forced into the wrong evaluation. Clear as mud?
Leon

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• By cbright
• Posted January 7, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Leon,
Actually, in my experience working in the ALS community, persons with ALS have used several brands of power wheelchairs successfully, including Invacare, Quickie, Permobil and Pride. It is important to select a wheelchair and features that meet your progressive needs, in your own home and/or work setting. Health care professionals, such as, a physiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and seating rehab specialist, familiar with the progressive needs of persons with ALS, provide assistance in the evaluation and selection of a power wheelchair. Knowledgeable health care professionals should be able to describe the features available and to explain the guidelines. There are several features for power wheelchairs described in the Living with ALS Manuals #4, pp. 26, 27, 28 located on the internet at http://www.alsa.org/resources/manuals.cfm.

The company, that your insurance plan has referred you to, has told us that it handles several wheelchair brands, including Permobil.

Christine Bright, MSW
The ALS Association Florida Chapter

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• By Leon
• Posted January 8, 2008 at 8:33 am

Christine,
Thank you for that research and putting my concerns at ease. I will put my ALS body in their hands and consider all options. Taking the advice of others to plan well in advance is the key. It is complicated to envision the future coping with ALS. My wife had to remind me of the time it took me nine hours to buy a new car on a cold winter day. Patience Pays!
Thanks, Leon

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• By cbright
• Posted January 8, 2008 at 11:02 am

Dear Leon,
Your input about your needs and comfort is an important part of the wheelchair evaluation. Along with being knowledgeable about wheelchair equipment and about the progressive nature of ALS, trained health care professionals will also listen to your communications about your individual needs and comfort.

As a Care Coordinator in your area, I will stay in touch with you about your wheelchair evaluation.

Christine Bright, MSW
The ALS Association Florida Chapter

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