Mobility

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Arguably all HME providers have been impacted by supply chain constraints, but complex rehab providers have had additional complexities to contend with, they say.  “The typical complex rehab product that we provide has components from three to five manufacturers,” said Mike Swinford, CEO of Numotion. “It may have a base from one manufacturer and a custom molded seat from a different manufacturer. The number of cases where we’re waiting for...

INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical has opened a new office in Elmhurst, Ill., to serve the Chicago market.  The new office is the company’s first in Illinois. Previously, it served customers in the state through offices in neighboring states.  “Our growth goals for 2022 are set and they start with launching a new market in Chicago,” said President Kevin Gearheart. “Rehab Medical has a consistent growth mindset that ties into our mission to improve lives. The...

PITTSBURGH – The International Seating Symposium, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, will take place virtually.  The University of Pittsburgh, which is hosting the event, made the announcement on Jan. 3.  “While we have all hoped that our flexibility would be rewarded with a return to ‘normalcy,’ we are once again beholden to circumstances outside of our control,” organizers said in an email. “Rather than postpone the event (again) and continue with the uncertainty,...

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab stakeholders were scheduled to meet with CMS officials right before the holidays to check on their request to reconsider coverage for power seat elevation and power standing systems.  The meeting was scheduled to take place on Dec. 22 with Dr. Meena Seshamani, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicare, and others.  “We’re hoping to hear from them about specific, concrete steps that the agency is taking and, hopefully,...

WASHINGTON – United Spinal Association’s Alexandra Bennewith, who has been working in Washington, D.C., for close to 25 years, says she’s never seen anything as comprehensive for home and community-based services for the disability community as the Build Back Better legislation.  “It would be truly life changing for so many people,” said Bennewith, vice president, government relations, for the association.  Here’s what Bennewith had to say about...

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022 by featuring people, memories, accomplishments, struggles and growth once a week for the first 30 weeks of the year.  “We’re proud of what we’ve done, what we’ve become and where we’re going,” said Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS. “We still have a long way to go, and we’re dedicated to the continuing support and advancement of CRT suppliers.”  NRRTS...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA and the DMERT Group are working on a new program to not only meet the growing demand for ATPs but also elevate the status of repair technicians.  The two organizations announced in November that they’re teaming up on a new career pathway that will allow techs who hold DMERT Level 2 Repair Certificates to gain the training and necessary skills to successfully become ATPs.  “We’re really looking at this program to help us identify who has...

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...

PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with other investigators, has launched a survey on wheelchair service and funding and seeks participation from various stakeholders, including clinicians, suppliers and manufacturers.  The goal of the survey: To identify the benefits and shortcomings of various types of existing wheelchair policies, both in the United States and around the world.  “Participation includes responding to a series of questions related...

MIDDLETON, Wis. – RehabPulse, an online marketplace, is one step closer to becoming a one-stop shop for mobility products and more now that it can bill Medicare and insurance for DME products, says Gaurav Mishra, CEO and president.  The next step for the company is offering what he calls “home care site of service” through a network of contracted health care professionals, including PTs, ATPs and RTs.  “The reason why we developed the online marketplace and...