Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Separate Benefit Discussion Paper

To allow an opportunity for dialogue and comment, the Separate Benefit Work Group has published a Discussion Paper entitled "A Starting Point For Obtaining A Separate Benefit For Complex Rehab Technology". The 24 page document was created to allow individuals and organizations within the Complex Rehab Technology industry and profession, along with other interested parties, to engage in more detailed discussions regarding the pursuit of a Separate Benefit under the Medicare program, the related elements of implementation, and its potential impact on stakeholders. It is not a finished product, but rather a starting point so stakeholders have some level of detail to review and respond to. A copy of the Discussion Paper can be obtained at www.ncart.us under the "Current Issues" section.
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1 comment:

  1. ME_BuningMarch 12, 2010 at 6:24 AM

    I have been working to educate consumers, therapists, rehab technology suppliers and third party payers about requesting, recommending, and paying for the features that make a wheelchair comply with RESNA WC19: a wheelchair that is designed for transportation. In addition to 4 properly located and easy to reach securement points on the wheelchair frame the standard requires that the wheelchair allows proper routing and fit of the lap shoulder belt that comes from the wall of the vehicle. Proper belt fit is the key to preventing injury and ejection from the wheelchair which is the typical cause of death and injury for wheelchair seated passengers. (For a visual of the consequences of poor belt fit see: http://www.rercwts.org/RERC_WTS2_KT/RERC_WTS2_KT_Edu/RERC_WTS2_toolbox.html#download) In fact, an entire website on this topic is ready to function as a resource with FAQs, videos, educational pieces, journal articles, etc.

    My reason for bringing this topic to this blog is that CMS coding has not included reference to the WC19 standard because of the "in the home restriction." Transportation is not an in the home need. Since individuals with complex rehab needs are the LEAST LIKELY to be able to transfer to an OEM vehicle seat with its safety features, these are exactly the consumers who should be provided with a WC19 compliant wheelchair. I want to be part of helping to include language that explains and justifies this design feature for any individual who MUST ride seated in their wheelchair. I am speaking as a member of an engineering group and a NIDRR funded research group who have developed lots of data in support of this issue.
    Mary Ellen Buning, PhD, OTR/L, ATP

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