Tag: U.S. Rehab
Accessories just got easier to bill
April 11, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – CMS’s decision to revise and expand E1028 (swing-away mounting hardware) and create three new HCPCS codes based on where it's being used on a wheelchair is a "win” for the industry because it will make it easier for providers to bill for these devices, says Dan Fedor.
Fedor, director of reimbursement and education for U.S. Rehab, says the changes, which went into effect for dates of service on or after April 1, mean that, for the most common...
CRT stakeholders strategize to advance new tech
March 28, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – Complex rehab technology stakeholders in a recent webcast outlined their priorities for 2025, including getting a bill passed that would improve access to high-tech ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.
Previous versions of the bill nearly passed in late 2024, but there was “a hiccup,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART, which hosted the webcast with U.S. Rehab.
“We couldn’t get it passed because one senator decided he wanted...
Complex rehab stakeholders rally around titanium bill
October 4, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – Two congressional fly-ins in September, which resulted in more than 100 meetings with lawmakers and their staff, served as a call for action to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.
AAHomecare hit the Hill on Sept. 10, followed by NCART and U.S. Rehab on Sept. 24, to ask lawmakers to consider passing “Choices for Increased Mobility Act” or including it in end-of-year legislation.
“I was pleased we were...
CRT advocates wrap successful lobbying day
October 2, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rehab and NCART hosted about 70 meetings with various members of the House of Representative and the Senate on Sept. 24 to advocate for enhanced accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities. During the meetings, stakeholders urged members of Congress to support H.R. 5371 and the newly released S. 5154, which would allow consumers the choice to upgrade to a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair, ensuring they have access to the best possible mobility solutions...
Senators intro titanium wheelchair bill
September 26, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., have introduced legislation that would improve access to titanium and carbon fiber manual wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries.
S. 5154, which would create two new HCPCS codes for complex rehab technology manual wheelchairs and would allow for upgrades, is a companion bill to H.R. 5371.
“The Senate bill drops at an opportune time for mobility stakeholders and disability advocates to ask their...
Study emphasizes importance of proper mobility devices
August 20, 2024HME News Staff
PITTSBURGH – Clinical investigators from the University of Pittsburgh and the Medical University of South Carolina recently published a study that shows different types of mobility devices and certain characteristics of people with limited mobility are associated with reported falls.
The study, published in the journal Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, and based on an analysis of more than 11,000 deidentified cases from the Functional Mobility Assessment and Uniform...
RESNA seeks mentors
July 30, 2024HME News Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA seeks mentors for the ATP Guidance Program, a new initiative in partnership with the Assistive Mobility Repair Group (AMRG) and U.S. Rehab. “There is a growing demand in the world for certified ATPs, so RESNA, AMRG and U.S. Rehab have partnered to create the ATP Guidance Program (AGP),” RESNA stated. “This new program will provide the transformational skills and mentorship that rehab technicians need to reach the next level of patient and client care.”...
Mobility demand continues to grow steadily
July 15, 2024John Andrews
Tyler Mahncke estimates the demand for mobility equipment is growing at a 5%-9% annual rate, with approximately 60% paid for by public and private insurance.
“There is still a strong retail component to the market, specifically for scooters and wheelchairs,” said Mahncke, president of U.S. Rehab at Waterloo, Iowa-based VGM. “People want a backup and travel device.”
Functional Mobility Assessment data reveals that more than 15,000 clients use a mobility vehicle,...
Capitol Hill or bust: NCART, U.S. Rehab emphasize ‘real issue’
July 12, 2024Tracy Orzel
WASHINGTON - NCART and U.S. Rehab are set to host an in-person legislative day on Sept. 24 to address the economic challenges of being a complex rehab technology provider and to advocate for H.R. 5371, a bill that would improve access to titanium and carbon manual wheelchairs.
Given the current political upheaval and the unpredictable environment created by the ongoing presidential race, strategic engagement in Washington, D.C., has become increasingly important, stakeholders say.
"Taking...
In briefs: Philips layoffs, Home Oxygen Company buy, FAHCS rebrand
June 21, 2024HME News Staff
MURRYSVILLE, Pa. – Philips Respironics will cut 300 manufacturing jobs in Western Pennsylvania and relocate approximately 500 workers from its Pittsburgh headquarters to its two major plants in the nearby suburbs, according to local news reports.
Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, the company will move workers to its centers in Murrysville and New Kensington, a move that is expected to take two years, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The company said it will...