Mobility

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...

INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical is celebrating 20 years of service and dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.   From its founding in 2005 as a durable medical equipment provider to its transition to a complex rehab technology (CRT) provider, Rehab Medical has supported countless users, providing them with custom mobility solutions that empower independence and confidence.   "As we take this time to reflect on what the...

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Craig Kreakie, Mobility’s City’s new vice president of franchise operations, was looking to buy a franchise, not secure an executive position, but the company’s leadership and support drew him in.  Now he’s keyed in to improving the efficiency of franchises on a broad scale, so they can do what they do best – help people.  HME News: What do you bring to the table at Mobility City?  Craig Kreakie: I started my career as...

WASHINGTON – CMS is revising E1028 and creating three new HCPCS codes for wheelchair accessories effective April 1.  A joint DME MAC publication announced the following updates:  Revise existing HCPCS Level II code E1028, "Wheelchair accessory, manual swingaway, retractable or removable mounting hardware for joystick, other control interface or positioning accessory" to instead read "Wheelchair accessory, manual swingaway, retractable or removable mounting...

LUBBOCK, Texas – iNRRTS in February surveyed complex rehab providers, therapists and stakeholders about the difficulties of providing service and repair, including the lack of qualified technicians and the need for professionalization.   Numerous efforts to address service and repair issues have focused on documentation and reimbursement, but a lack of qualified techs has also impacted the ability of providers to provide these services, the organization believes.  “That...

PITTSBURGH – A recent survey that shows most stakeholders are not satisfied with the current wheelchair service delivery process is damning but necessary if the industry wants to drive change, Mark Schmeler and Brad Dicianno say.  The survey, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, The Ohio State University and University of Michigan, found that only 18% of 1,052 respondents felt positively about the delivery process.  “People may say, why is this significant; we knew...

WASHINGTON – Reps. John Joyce, R-Pa., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., have introduced legislation to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries.  H.R. 1703 creates two new HCPCS codes for complex rehab technology manual wheelchairs and allow for an upgrade within a code. The bill includes the same language as S. 247, which was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 24. "This legislation allows manual wheelchair...

BRADENTON, Fla. – Hoveround Mobility Solutions (HMS) in February began offering flexible benefits to grow its network of assistive technology professionals (ATPs) in a competitive market.  Because it has a healthy referral stream from its parent company, Hoveround, which makes and provides standard mobility products, the company is trying to recruit more clinically focused ATPs, says Grant Klinedinst, director of CRT operations for HMS.  “Right now, we have a full pipeline...

LUBBOCK, Texas – iNRRTS’s DIRECTIONS Magazine is undergoing a major transformation, shifting from a print-and-digital hybrid to a digital-first publication, putting it more in sync with reader preferences.  DIRECTIONS, which is published six times a year for readers in all 50 states, Canada, Australia and Puerto Rico, will still be available in print for those who prefer to read it that way, but iNRRTS expects digital engagement to only continue growing.  "Our...

WASHINGTON – When it comes to the CRT industry’s legislative priorities for 2025, including securing Medicare coverage for standing systems, it’s a bit of a hurry-up-and-wait scenario, at least in the first few months of the year, stakeholders say.  The ITEM Coalition, for example, had an opportunity to meet with CMS to discuss the status of its request to open a National Coverage Analysis for Medicare coverage of standing systems in the waning days of the Biden administration...