We’ve compiled a series of clinical articles and funding resources to help educate our professionals and partners. We are continuously updating our resources to ensure you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Forms
Guide to Ruling Out Lesser Equipment
The foundation of a seating and wheeled mobility evaluation and justification is understanding how to rule out lesser costly equipment. Failing to do so can account for over 30% of client’s claims being pended until the funder gets more information, or outright denied. The information for clinical algorithm and the chart for ruling out K0004 vs K0005 are retrieved from www.CMS.gov . This guide does not provide an inclusive list of all the factors, but represents the biggest “pinch-points” in justification. Numotion ATPs have access to this information and will assist the therapist in understanding what the recommended equipment does so that the therapist can relate that to and justify it for their client’s functional and MRADL needs.
Seating & Positioning Decision Tree
Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (ATOM)
Reach out to your Numotion ATP to find out how to use this Outcome tool with your clients!
Wheeled Mobility and Seating Evaluation
Available for anyone to use, this for was developed by a team of therapy experts who have many years of experience with mobility and seating evaluations. This form provides more fields for increased documentation details and incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to the evaluation process for both manual and power chairs. It has an intuitive logic to assess and document medical necessity and may be a good option for clinicians.
Houston Methodist Functional Mobility & Wheelchair Assessment
This wheelchair and seating assessment guides the clinical team through the necessary information needed to justify manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as seating supports. It is available for anyone to use.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH - Houston Methodist Wheelchair Assessment Form Video Pam Glazener, the Occupational Therapist who lead the development of the form, guides the viewer through tips on how to efficiently complete each section of the form.
Rehabilitation Measures Database
Clinical Articles
Medical Suppliers and Medicare Power Wheelchair Evaluation and Documentation
Physical therapists providing complex seating and wheeled mobility evaluations must have a high level of competency, and they require adequate time to determine the appropriate assistive technology and to complete the documentation required to support the recommendations. The purpose of a physical therapist providing the evaluation and making skilled recommendations is to best meet the specific needs of the individual and avoid recommending, providing, or billing for equipment that is not medically necessary or will not adequately meet the patient’s needs. The physical therapist frequently works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team including physicians, other health care providers, assistive technology professionals, the patient, and caregivers.
Guide to Seating Measures
This clinical book is the based on the International Standard Organization’s standards on body and equipment measures. Authored by Kelly Waugh and Barbara Crane, it can be used for both clinical and clinical research purposes. Many pick and choose which measures they would like to use for their own clinical practices.
Preservation Of Upper Limb Function Following Spinal Cord Injury
This is a Clinical Practice Guideline, funded by the Paralyzed Veteran’s Association. Michael Boninger, MD, led a core group of clinicians and researchers through clinical and research evidence toward creation of best practices for maintaining healthy upper extremities for individuals with spinal cord injury.
RESNA Position Papers, White Papers, and Provision Guides
Bariatric Measurements Worksheet
Provides specific measures that are necessary for obese individuals to help ensure appropriately fitting equipment.
Aging with a Disability
The information around aging with a disability applies to both those who acquired a disability and who were born with disabilities. We use research information to assist in informing our clinical practices. Information can be a double-edged sword. A marquee in Colorado Springs read, “We are drowning in information but starving for wisdom”. Upon further investigation, the quote was found to be made by Edward Osborn Wilson, and is completed by, “The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely” (Brainyquote.com). This is a two-pronged issue — information and wisdom, and the balance of the two. The wisdom comes from our cumulative experiences with our clients that we can integrate in to our practices. The information comes from research and other literature. One cannot be employed without the other. The stories of our clients, combined with our professional responsibility to stay current in our fields, allow us to guide our clients toward choices that are wise for them. If you work in the field of complex rehab technology (CRT), you need to be aware of the affects that aging can have on those with disabilities.
Nu Digest Articles
The Nu Digest articles provide “quick bites” of information about various clinical topics. They include other resources for those desiring further information on certain topics.
General CRT
Seating and Positioning
Alternative Positioning
Pediatrics
Powered Mobility
Manual Mobility
Medical Supplies
Medicare
Clinical Resources
NRRTS Complex Rehab Case Studies
The National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers publishes a bi-monthly magazine called “Directions”. Among other valuable information are the complex case studies submitted by clinical teams throughout the US.
NCART Educational Material or Position Papers
The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology is an association of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) suppliers and manufacturers focused on ensuring that individuals with significant disabilities and chronic medical conditions have access to CRT products and supporting services. Toward that end, they provide resource material related to equipment and funding.
RESNA Position Papers
RESNA committees have produced position papers similar to the one above, on various equipment types and clinical information. They all share the concept of gathering current research to support appropriate clinical practice and funding.
Assistive Technology Solutions for People with Disabilities
Website compiled and managed by Michelle Lange, an Occupational Therapist with a private practice in Assistive Technology, specifically related to anything wheeled mobility, seating and device access.
Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide
Book that presents clinical assessment considerations for working with a person with a disability who may need wheelchair seating for postural support, skin integrity, or a wheelchair base to best meet dependent or independent mobility needs. This guide provides the depth and breadth of the clinical practice of wheelchair seating and mobility to both those who are new to the field, as well as seasoned professionals.
Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida
The Guidelines, from the Spina Bifida Association, were developed to provide every healthcare professional–from generalists to specialists–a road map of the best evidenced-based and expert treatment available from birth through adulthood. One hundred Spina Bifida experts from around the world spent three years developing these Guidelines that cover 25 topics ranging from bowel management to sexuality to physical activity and more.
Funding Resources
Given the unique process of finding the right mobility solution, navigating the insurance process can be complicated. We strive to provide clear direction and information to minimize issues and create positive outcomes. That’s why we’ve put together resources that can help you seamlessly guide your members during the process.
Medicare Training Material
Additional Resources