Tag: seat elevation

WASHINGTON – A record 300-plus advocates participated in the NCART/NRRTS Virtual Congressional Fly-in on Sept. 14.  Those advocates, who included consumers, clinicians, providers, manufacturers, family members, caregivers and others, held meetings with 292 congressional offices throughout the day.  “In the weeks ahead, we will be carrying out the important task of following up with offices on the ‘congressional asks’ presented,” said Don Clayback in an...

WASHINGTON – CMS has opened the National Coverage Determination for seat elevation systems used with power wheelchairs, but the agency is not reconsidering coverage for power standing systems at this time.  CMS said in May it would commit to re-opening the NCD, nearly two years after the ITEM Coalition submitted a formal request to reconsider the NCD for mobility assistive equipment to include coverage for these systems.   “Now is the time for Medicare – the largest...

WASHINGTON – CMS has opened the National Coverage Determination for seat elevation systems used with power wheelchairs, but the agency is not reconsidering coverage for power standing systems at this time.  CMS said in May it would commit to re-opening the NCD, nearly two years after the ITEM Coalition submitted a formal request to reconsider the NCD for mobility assistive equipment to include coverage for these systems.   “Now is the time for Medicare – the...

WASHINGTON – Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Rep. Jim Langevin, R-R.I., each had calls with CMS officials this month to stress the need for the agency to take the next step in reconsidering the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment to include seat elevation and standing systems.  Last fall, Duckworth and Langevin orchestrated letters in the Senate and House, respectively, asking CMS to seek public comment on the ITEM Coalition’s request to reconsider...

WASHINGTON – Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Don Young, R-Alaska., co-chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, sent a letter in July to Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, asking him to take the next step in increasing access to power seat elevation and power standing systems for Group 3 power wheelchairs.  Stakeholders are waiting for CMS to seek public comments on a request to reconsider the national coverage determination for...

WASHINGTON – Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Don Young, R-Alaska, have asked Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to encourage CMS to move forward with a pending request to include power seat elevation and power standing systems in the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment.  “These systems improve the health and independent function of mobility-impaired individuals and allow them to more fully participate in mobility-related activities...

WASHINGTON - Complex rehab stakeholders have taken steps to advance key initiatives related to power seat elevation and power standing systems, and telehealth and remote services. Stakeholders, led by the ITEM Coalition, have created four work groups (clinical, reimbursement/technology, legal and congressional/advocacy) to work on filing a request for reconsideration of the Medicare NCD for power seat elevation and power standing systems. They're almost ready to submit that request, said Don Clayback...

NEW YORK - Members of the United Spinal Association now have the opportunity to apply for a Roll Forward Grant for a SmartDrive or active-height seat elevator on a new Permobil wheelchair thanks to a new partnership between the two organizations. “We're thankful for the support of Permobil Foundation to empower our members to attain greater independence,” said James Weisman, president and CEO of United Spinal. “Their partnership has helped us expand our mission to improve the quality...

DURYEA, Pa. - Quantum Rehab says more than 20,000 power wheelchair users have adopted iLevel technology, a power adjustable seat height system. “When we launched iLevel almost four years ago, we sought to give complex rehab power chair users a better experience,” said Jay Brislin, vice president of Quantum Rehab. “We've been humbled by the exceptional number of individuals who have shared how iLevel has revolutionized their power chair use.” iLevel offers standing-height seat...

It's a new year that is full of opportunity on many fronts, including coverage and payment for seat elevation. A few years ago, providers, clinicians and manufacturers began challenging the notion that a power adjustable seat height (PASH) system was not “covered” or paid for by most third-party payers. Significant progress has been made over the last couple years due to extensive outreach and education efforts with stakeholders—consumers, providers, clinicians and payers—highlighting...