Special Considerations in the Selection of the Certified Rehabilitation Supplier

Abstract

During the last four decades, there have been revolutionary advances in the design of wheelchairs, complimented by special seating systems. Some of these advances include battery-operated power mobility, ergonomic steering devices, and a wide variety of innovative devices that allow the user to achieve a unique array of positions. These positions include tilting of the seat, reclining the back of the sear, achieving a passive standing position, and, finally, the unique ability of the wheelchair to climb over steep curbs cuts and even up staircases. Because of the availability of such a wide variety of wheelchairs, the medical profession requires the development of many new, unique partnerships. First, the user of a wheelchair must purchase the wheelchair from a certified rehabilitation supplier (CRTS). Realizing the importance of purchasing a wheelchair from a CRTS, there are other special considerations that the purchaser must make in the selection of a CRTS. First, the CRTS must have a coordinated team of healthcare personnel, including physicians, occupational therapists, physiatrists, and other seating specialists who are able to complete a pre-authorization form that will be approved by the private insurance company as well as Medicare and Medicaid. The CRTS must have a president as well as a successor who is familiar with the powered wheelchair products, especially the powered wheelchair that can allow the user to achieve a passive standing position. In this comprehensive report, we will illustrate how an inexperienced CRTS who is not familiar with powered wheelchairs that can achieve a passive standing position can design and construct a wheelchair product that can seriously injure the user when they achieve a passive standing position. In Portland, Oregon, Tri-Care Wheelchair Service, Inc., is an experienced supplier of pow notered wheelchairs that achieve a passive standing position. Its two CRTS carefully assist the purchaser in selecting and then registering the powered wheelchair. Working with a team of seating specialists, they prepare preauthorization forms that will be approved by the private insurance company as well as Medicare and Medicaid. They carefully make adjustments in the design of the wheelchair seating system so that the user is comfortable as well as safe in a passive standing position.