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Tag: Wheelchair


Also Noted

DOT proposes strengthening travel safety for wheelchair users 

March 5, 2024HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation on Feb. 28 published a notice of proposed rulemaking to strengthen its rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to ensure passengers who use wheelchair can travel safely and with dignity. The proposed rule – “Safe and Accessible Air Travel” – would require that airlines do better in accommodating passengers with disabilities by setting new standards for prompt, safe, and dignified assistance; mandating enhanced...

travel safety, United Spinal Association, Wheelchair


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Tom Ryan

News

HME bills move to full committee 

November 15, 2023HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – The Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee in the House of Representatives has approved two HME-related bills, AAHomecare has reported.  The bills, The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) and The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 5371), will now move to the full E&C Committee for consideration in the coming weeks, the association says.   “This is a major step forward for our priority legislation in the House,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president...

carbon fiber, reimbursement relief, titanium, Wheelchair


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Sen. Hassan

Mobility

Senators ask CMS to reconsider ‘in-the-home' requirement 

September 18, 2023HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., are asking CMS to conduct a full review of its national coverage determination (NCD) for mobility assistive equipment for Medicare beneficiaries, including its interpretation of the “in-the-home" requirement.  Current Medicare coverage limitations on equipment used outside the home can limit a beneficiary’s access to mobility equipment and their communities,...

In the home restriction, mobility assistive equipment, National coverage determination, Wheelchair


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Also Noted

Bill strengthens access to titanium wheelchairs 

September 11, 2023HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow for code upgrades for titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs under Medicare. “Stronger patient access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs will allow more individuals with mobility challenges to function independently and take part in their communities,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “Working to build support for this measure has...

AAHomecare, Carbon, Legislation, titanium, Wheelchair


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Vendors

Upbeat retail outlook for scooters, wheelchairs

August 25, 2023John Andrews

The potential for the scooter and wheelchair sector is strong and continues to grow, manufacturers in the field say. The aging population is constantly increasing, and more seniors and consumers overall want products that go above Medicare allowables. Pent-up demand in the wake of the pandemic is also a factor.  “The current demand for mobility products continues to be strong across all categories,” said Jeff Distasio, vice president of sales for Duryea, Pa.-based Pride Mobility. “We...

scooter, Wheelchair


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Mobility City

Also Noted

Mobility City expands into new communities 

August 14, 2023HME News Staff

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mobility City Holdings has opened six new franchise locations. The locations are in Gwinnett County, Ga.; Orange County, Calif.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Montgomery County, Pa.; Southfield, Mich.; Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and Richmond, Va. "We are thrilled to be able to offer our services to even more people," said Diane Baratta, CEO, Mobility City holdings. "Mobility City is all about helping people live their best lives, and we are so proud to be able to do that in five...

Mobility, Mobility city, scooter, Wheelchair


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Mobility

OIG: Medicare overpaid for wheelchair repairs

August 10, 2023HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – Medicare paid $30.1 million in repair costs for wheelchairs that exceeded the federally recommended limit during their reasonable useful lifetime, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General.  Under Medicare, if the DME MACs determine that a beneficiary-owned wheelchair (after the 13-month rental period) will not last the full 5-year reasonable useful life (RUL), the supplier is responsible for replacing the wheelchair without charging the beneficiary...

Medicare, Wheelchair


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Weesie Walker

Mobility

NRRTS develops ‘constitution’ for repairs

July 21, 2023Liz Beaulieu, Editor

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS, with help from a team of clinicians, has developed a best practice guideline for wheelchair service, preventative maintenance and repair – something the organization hopes will, eventually, serve as a vehicle for better coverage and reimbursement.    NRRTS put out the four-page guideline – which was developed by Jack Fried, MS; Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP; Richard Schein, PhD, MPH; Gede Pramana, PhD; Madelyn Betz, MS, ATP; Weesie Walker,...

Mark Schmeler, National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS), Weesie Walker, Wheelchair


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Also Noted

Wheelchair users push priorities during Roll on Capitol Hill 

July 10, 2023HME News Staff

WASHINGTON – About 100 wheelchair users from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., recently for the United Spinal Association’s 11th Roll on Capitol Hill. They led more than 160 office visits with legislators and their staff to discuss three policy priorities: improve air travel protections, wheelchair coverage and accessible ground transportation. “I always say that this ‘isn’t my thing,’” said wheelchair user Meg Hammond, who represented Ohio....

Roll on Capitol Hill, United Spinal Association, Wheelchair


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Also Noted

Massachusetts Medicaid pays for wheelchair repairs 

July 5, 2023HME News Staff

BOSTON – The Medicaid program in Massachusetts has added new procedure codes and corresponding rates for shipping fees and wheelchair repair evaluation, according to NCART. The new codes and rates went into effect July 1. They are: Code A9901, $3, DME delivery, set up and/or dispensing service component of another HCPCS code.  Modifier U7: Used in conjunction with K0739 for direct service components when an in-person evaluation is performed for the repair of a mobility system RE-1...

Medicaid, NCART, Wheelchair


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