Mobility

WASHINGTON – Stakeholders seek signatures for a fast-moving sign-on letter in the House of Representatives to protect access to accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs.  The letter, which asks CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to extend an 18-month pause on competitive bidding pricing for these accessories, closes June 21.  “Please email the individual who handles health care issues with your representative’s office,” AAHomecare stated...

WASHINGTON – The Clinician Task Force and NCART have launched a survey to collect data and examples that can be used to educate Congress and other policy makers on the importance of physical and occupational therapists retaining the ability to provide telehealth services.  “These folks need to hear real-life examples of how PT and OT telehealth has been a benefit to people with disabilities who use CRT, so they can understand the need to designate PTs and OTs as permanent...

WASHINGTON – Stakeholders have been working hard to get accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs permanently exempted from competitive bidding pricing for more than a year, but with Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure finally in place at CMS, it’s go time, they say. These accessories have been temporarily exempted from bid pricing only until July 1.  “This has been anticipated, this appointment, and not having that leadership position filled at the agency has...

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Gavin Dhanoi was a registered nurse for six years before becoming a mobility and seating consultant for HME in British Columbia, so when the pandemic hit, Dhanoi put his scrubs back on and volunteered to help out. “There’s no other time than now, where we have seen a shortage of nurses and hospital staff,” said Dhanoi. “Knowing that I have the education and background that I do, it didn’t feel right to not step in and give my time...

WASHINGTON – RESNA is making the most of having to hold its annual conference virtually again this year, using the format to add more days and try new sessions.   The conference takes place July 7-9 – a full three days.  “Last year, we shortened the conference to two days and this year we’ve added back that third day,” said Andrea Van Hook, executive director. “We had so many quality submissions (for presentations) this...

ATLANTA – Catalyst Sports, a nonprofit that gives people with disabilities access to “life-changing adventure opportunities,” plans to launch an adaptive climbing clinic in Louisville, Ky., in June, expanding its presence to eight cities.  The organization, which was featured during a recent webcast hosted by NCART, already has operations in Atlanta and Augusta, Ga.; Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; and Washington, D.C.  “Since...

NEW YORK – Seventy-five years ago, a small support group of paralyzed World War II veterans banded together to advocate for themselves and others in New York City. Today that small support group has 57,000 members and goes by the name of United Spinal Association. HME News spoke with Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO, about how the organization is celebrating its year-long anniversary campaign and where the next 75 years will take them. HME News: Who are some of the advocates United Spinal...

YARMOUTH, Maine – NCART wants to ramp up support for a bill that would permanently expand access to telehealth services, including those provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists.  H.R. 2168, which was re-introduced by Reps. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and David McKinley, R-W.Va., on March 23, currently has 22 co-sponsors.  “The important thing for this bill is that it specifies PTs, OTs and SLPs need...

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Bellevue Healthcare in April marked the sixth employee graduating from its own ATP apprenticeship program – a program that has helped the independent provider remain competitive in a rapidly consolidating complex rehab industry.  Bellevue, which relies on complex rehab for about 20% of its revenues, now has a total of 14 ATPs, up from just a handful when the company launched the program a few years ago, says...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility is activating several initiatives to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at the company, including appointing more women and minorities in senior leadership positions, says CEO Bill Mixon. The company is also conducting sensitivity training and involving employee resource groups in ongoing plans to enhance DE&I, he says. “The most critical of our four business pillars (people, growth, operational excellence and culture) is culture,”...