NSM ‘doubles down’ on education outreach

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility has significantly expanded its education outreach to OTs, PTs and other clinicians through its new NSM Momentum Academy. 

The company has a total of six regional events scheduled this year expected to draw anywhere from 60 to 200 attendees, depending on the market. 

“It’s a good time to double down on education,” said Stacy Clouse, regional director of market development for the Southeast. “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in complex rehab technology. The technology that is available to consumers and clinicians has advanced by leaps and bounds. But there is more to learn on how to speak in a specific language to justify certain coverage.” 

Events have already taken place in Austin, Texas, in April and Portland, Ore., in August. Events are scheduled in central New Jersey on Sept. 15; Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 23; Chicago on Oct. 6; Oklahoma City on Oct. 20; and Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 21. 

In what’s been a largely virtual environment for education for the past two-plus years, Momentum Academy is a precious opportunity to not only earn continuing education credits but also touch and feel products, thanks to participation from 10 sponsors (see box). 

“What we’re hearing from attendees so far is, ‘We want more time with the technology,’” Clouse said. “We try to carve out one hour of tech time, but we’re moving toward 90 minutes. There aren’t a lot of facilities scheduling in-services these days, so there’s a demand.” 

The events also include a proprietary course worth two credits that takes a deep dive into documentation requirements. 

“Our payer relations team listens closely to our health plan partners and we incorporate their feedback to us in this course,” Clouse said. “When they deny, it’s often because the letters of medical necessity are insufficient.” 

NSM has offered education through its NSM University for years, but the company is taking a more formal approach with Momentum Academy, one that it hopes will not only serve existing clinical partners but also draw new partners. 

“We’ve been purposeful about putting together a branded event program that can be recognized as the years go on,” said Stephanie Buckley, vice president of marketing. “We want to show them what CRT is all about.”