[BobbyB]

power wheelchair requirments
Posted by pjf in Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Thursday December 20, 2007 at 09:11 PM

My spouse now requires a power wheelchair & we have the Dr. order. The vendor does not provide an occupational therapist but a RESNAV. Allegedly a higher designation than an OT. Is this correct? Does anyone know of a source for info about what we should ask for? In only one year the ALS has progressed to the point that my husband cannot stand up - neck & back are stooped, can only walk about ten steps with a walker, uses a trach & vent. He is now losing the ability to move his hands/fingers. We live in central Florida. Many thanks for any help .

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power wheelchair requirements
Posted by cbright Friday December 21, 2007 at 04:49 AM EST
This is comment #1417.

Dear central Florida cALS,
RESNA is the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and certifies Assistive Technology suppliers (ATS), Assistive Technology Practioners (ATP) and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologists (RET).
The RESNA website is at http://www.resna.org/index.php. According to RESNA there has been a recent bulletin from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announcing that a PT or OT, or physician who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations and a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Supplier (ATS) "who specializes in wheelchairs and who has direct, in-person involvement in the wheelchair selection for the patient" must participate in evaluations for specific types of wheelchairs. Please note the "ors" and the "and" in this announcement. This appears to be a very recent update and refers to Medicare beneficiiaries. If private insurance is covering your husband's wheelchair, other rules may apply.

The national ALS Association Advocacy office may be able to confirm the information on the RESNA site for Medicare beneficiaries.

There is a Florida Chapter Care Coordinator in central Florida who is available to assist you with information about selecting an appropriate wheelchair. If you are not in touch with the Florida Chapter Care Coordinator yet, you may reach her at 1-888-257-1717.

Christine Bright, MSW
Care Coordinator
The ALS Association Florida Chapter



http://als.clinicahealth.com:80/comm.../12/21/0220227