iBot maker revs up sales force

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Independence Technologies, makers of the $100 million iBot wheelchair, have begun looking for sales reps with PT/OT backgrounds to sell its stair-climbing power chair. The Johnson & Johnson subsidiary is now advertising 24 sales reps jobs across the country, leading some to speculate that the manufacturer plans to sell the $25,000 wheelchair direct to consumers. Independence is seeking candidates with "two or more years of successful sales experience to Rehabilitation Clinics." AAHomecare to select rehab standards WASHINGTON - During Medtrade, the Re/hab and Assistive Technology Council (RATC) of AAHomecare is scheduled to announce the winning proposal for rehabilitation technology supplier and services accreditation standards. RATC had put out a bid request to accrediting organizations for rehab standards, though it is still unclear to what purpose AAHomecare will put the winning proposal. Mary-Lacey Reuther, RATC's executive director, currently reports only that they have received "several" submissions and "look forward to moving ahead with this project." RATC continues work on rehab codes AAHomecare's Re/hab and Assistive Technology Council (RATC) expects to hear back from CMS on pediatric mobility products/accessories and adult tilt-in-space codes by no later than early next month. RATC submitted its first round of HCPCS descriptors and definitions for rehab products April 1. That still leaves a lot of codes to develop by April 1, 2003, the deadline for any HCPCS codes to be considered for implementation in January 2004. Currently, RATC has a work group in place for seating codes. Other groups are being formed to address ambulatory aids, bath safety and alternative positioning.