Tag: Complex Rehab Technology
AAH state update: Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Rhode Island
April 4, 2022HME News Staff
The Tennessee Senate has passed SB 2134, legislation to strengthen access to complex rehab technology. It would prohibit insurers from considering the location where CRT products will be used when making a medical necessity determination; require insurers to offer a prior authorization process for coverage determinations; and require insurers to pay 100% of benefits approved in a prior authorization issued by a plan. The legislation now heads to the Tennessee House for consideration. A companion...
Unite4CRT puts issues into focus
February 1, 2022Liz Beaulieu, Editor
Unite4CRT, a group of wheelchair users and complex rehab stakeholders that meets online for monthly “Conversations,” is organizing the first in what will be a series of focus groups to increase its participation and advocacy efforts.
The first focus group, led by Jean Minkel, a PT and ATP, will focus on Medicare’s in-the-home requirement, which restricts beneficiaries to getting wheelchairs that can be used in the home.
“We’re trying to collect people...
Reporter’s notebook: Education, resources abound
February 1, 2022Liz Beaulieu, Editor
NRRTS is working on the fifth course for its CRT Supplier Certificate Program, Weesie Walker, executive director of the organization, announced in December.
Once complete, the organization will also offer courses 1-5 as a module.
“This is something that the industry has needed for a very long time,” she said of the certificate during a Dec. 14 webcast. “The subject matter expert group has put a lot of time and effort into producing the highest quality content to...
Wheelchair survey seeks to gauge satisfaction
December 3, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
PITTSBURGH – Clinicians, suppliers and manufacturers have a unique opportunity to shape a potential new policy for wheelchair service and funding, says the University of Pittsburgh’s Mark Schmeler.
In November, the university, in collaboration with other investigators, launched a survey to identify the benefits and shortcomings of existing policy in the United States and around the world.
“We want to be able to show, when we design our new policy, that we didn’t...
ISS prioritizes patient care
October 29, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
PITTSBURGH – Organizers have moved the International Seating Symposium from October to January, in large part, to make sure clinicians are free to help with COVID-19 patients who are in recovery, says Mark Schmeler.
“We are all, as clinicians, busy taking care of people,” said Schmeler, an associate professor in the Rehabilitation Science and Technology Department at the University of Pittsburgh, which is organizing the event. “You see on the news that ICU beds are...
Invacare sponsors ESPY winner
October 7, 2021HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare is sponsoring Rob Mendez, the inspirational high school football coach and 2019 ESPY winner of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Mendez, who was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, which left him without arms or legs, uses the Invacare Storm Series Torque power wheelchair equipped with Adaptive Switch Labs (ASL) technology. “We are proud to have Coach Rob Mendez represent Invacare,” said Matt Monaghan, chairman, president and CEO of Invacare. “His courage,...
Stakeholders make case for complex rehab
October 1, 2021Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – The Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-in on Sept. 21 drew 184 attendees and resulted in nearly 230 visits with members of Congress, according to organizers NCART and NRRTS.
This year’s virtual format offered a number of benefits, they say, including the ability to “show” members of Congress and their staff complex rehab equipment, says Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS.
“In my group from Georgia, we had a therapist from the Clinician...
MedSupply launches full-service CRT program
August 18, 2021HME News Staff
FRESNO, Calif. – MedSupply has launched MedSupply Mobility Solutions, a full-service complex rehab, seating, positioning and mobility program.
MMS delivers custom mobility equipment, which includes manual and power wheelchairs, adaptive seating and positioning systems and devices requiring evaluation, fitting, configuration, adjustment or programming. Every piece of specialized equipment is custom-made to optimize their customers' function and independence.
"Our goal is...
Braze Mobility names new exec
April 1, 2021HME News Staff
TORONTO – Braze Mobility has named Allan Boyd vice president of business development. Boyd has more than 25 years of experience in complex rehab and served as general manager of Permobil Canada until 2020. Prior to that, he managed Invacare’s seating division. “I am thrilled to have Allan on our team,” said Pooja Viswanathan, CEO and co-founder of Braze Mobility. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for not only his experiences and what he has accomplished in the industry,...
NSM launches education for nurse case managers
January 27, 2021HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility has developed a new NSM University course to educate nurse case managers about complex rehab technology and mobility products. The one-hour course, “Introduction to Complex Rehab Technology & Accessibility Products for Persons with Disabilities,” outlines the differences between standard DME and CRT equipment, and introduces various types of wheelchairs, seating systems and accessories. “Broadening the scope of understanding...