Tag: Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)

WASHINGTON – The exam for RESNA’s seating and mobility specialist (SMS) certification went on hiatus on Nov. 1 in preparation for a new exam to debut in February.  A group of volunteer subject matter experts has been working for the past two years to update the SMS exam by, among other things, conducting a job analysis, says Andrea Van Hook, executive director of RESNA.  “The exam isn’t necessarily about new technology,” she said. “It’s more...

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab technology stakeholders participated in a call with CMS on Sept. 26 to provide the agency with additional information to support Medicare coverage for power standing systems.  The meeting was led by the ITEM Coalition and attended by Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART, and Cara Masselink, executive director of the Clinician Task Force, as well as physicians, clinicians, manufacturers and consumers.  “I would love to tell you, ‘It’s...

Q. What does access to CRT mean?  A. Access to complex rehab technology (CRT) has been the mantra of stakeholders. While that mantra has been consistent, the issue at the center of each initiative has been different. Initiatives have included attempts to prevent inclusion of CRT items in Medicare’s competitive bidding program, improve HCPCS coding, obtain adequate payment rates, improve processes for obtaining new HCPCS codes, and modify methodologies for developing payment.  Each...

WASHINGTON – National CRT Awareness Week Aug. 14-18 saw more than 120 organizations and hundreds of individuals share stories, write articles, post videos, hold webinars and create new resources for advocacy, according to NCART. “The week accomplished exactly what we set out to do, which was develop a better understanding of complex rehab technology, the people who use it, how it’s prescribed and provided, and why access is so important,” the organization stated in a bulletin....

WASHINGTON – NCART has updated its website with different ways that stakeholders can participate in its upcoming National CRT Awareness Week on Aug. 14-18. Among the ideas:  Download pre-made graphics available on the NCART website and share them on your social media pages.  Make a short video about complex rehab and send it to drenehan@ncart.us or post it to your own social media (Check out this sample: https://vimeo.com/845967059?share=copy).  "Like"...

WASHINGTON – NCART has officially put state Medicaid programs on notice that they should be following Medicare’s lead in implementing a reimbursement increase for complex rehab products and services.  NCART in June sent letters to state Medicaid programs, asking them to increase their reimbursement and to work with the organization and other stakeholders to develop policies that best serve people with disabilities.  “We’re putting a lot of focus on reimbursement...

WASHINGTON - Organizers are trying something different this year to build awareness around CRT Awareness Week, scheduled for Aug. 14-18.  To get the word out, organizers are asking CRT users to submit short videos sharing their personal experiences, detailing the complex rehab technology they use, and explaining the importance of CRT in their lives.  “We'll choose five videos and each day we’ll highlight one of them during CRT Awareness Week,” said Mickae Lee,...

WASHINGTON – As part of National CRT Awareness Week next week, Unite4CRT and NRRTS will present a series of panel discussions on Aug. 17 to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring access to complex rehab technology. The series kicks off at 12:45 EST with a welcome message, followed by a presentation on “Navigating the Public School System When You Have a Disability.” Other presentations: “Traveling With My Wheelchair – What Should I Expect?” “You...

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...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA and the DMERT Group are partnering on a new career pathway to becoming an ATP. They’ve developed a program that will allow DMERT Level 2 Repair Technician Certificate holders to continue their professional career development by gaining the training and necessary skills to successfully become an ATP. “There is a growing need for DME and complex rehab technology repair technicians, as technologies become more intricate and complex,” RESNA stated. “The...