Issue StoriesMOBILITY PRODUCTS & AIDSDurable medical equipment (DME) dealers can be an excellent resource when looking to purchase mobility equipment. While the DME world is abuzz with developments that might hurt the industry, such as the competitive bidding concept and the recent 9.5% Medicare cut, DME dealers are beginning to implement a more comprehensive one-stop-shop approach to their businesses to be more attractive to potential customers. Some DME dealers now allow customers to order all the necessary equipment a patient needs in a single invoice, to reduce paperwork and time. Insurance companies have toughened policies to cover products only if absolutely certain conditions are met. For example, wheelchairs and other mobility equipment may be covered only if they are required for functional mobility inside the patient's home. DME dealers, however, should be able to help you fight your way though the challenging insurance claims process. Large dealers may even have a reimbursement specialist on staff who can answer questions or work with the insurance company's claims adjusters directly to find out what equipment will be covered for a particular patient. This information can be found by examining an insurance company's policy, which details exactly what is and isn't covered and any special circumstances. Significant work is being done on the product side as well. Powerchairs are becoming increasingly lightweight and are incorporating greener, more innovative materials than before while also featuring smaller turning radiuses and better tilt-and-recline seating systems. New innovations in therapeutic seat cushions, such as customized cushion cells that target specific pressure points to heal and prevent pressure sores and other ailments, are also helping to get patients more active. Mobility products in general are becoming increasingly advanced and user friendly, while staying cost-effective for consumers.
Children's Gait TherapyMobility Research LLC, Temple, Ariz, introduces the smallest model of its LiteGait gait therapy system, the WalkAble, which is ideal for children who weigh up to 100 pounds and are up to 4 feet 8 inches tall. An attached harness comfortably supports the patient, and locking straps allow adjustments to be made for walking symmetry while providing an enjoyable walking therapy experience. The WalkAble's smaller, lighter design allows a child to be safely supported while walking over ground or on a treadmill in any environment. Its unique design contains a supportive yoke that slides easily and safely down the upright post, allowing for control of posture and balance for even the youngest and most active child. Mobility Research LLC
Removable Support for AmputeesGerber Chair Mates Inc, Johnstown, Pa, manufactures the removable Swing-Away Stump Support for AK or BK amputees. The support attaches easily to wheelchairs and supports the residual limb in the proper position, helping to prevent edema and knee flexion contracture, and is adjustable horizontally for the length of the stump and vertically for cushion thickness. Swing-Away action facilitates patient transfer and ease in folding and transporting the wheelchair. Gerber Chair Mates Inc
Tilt-in-Space WheelchairFreedom Designs, Simi Valley, Calif, introduces the new Freedom CGX™ center of gravity tilt-in-space wheelchair, which has been built from the ground up to be cable-free and to reduce ongoing maintenance. The center-of-gravity tilt eliminates caregiver strain and reduces the chair's overall footprint. Other features include a flared front end for stability and maximum footrest options; a foot-activated tilt; an adjustable back angle; stainless steel, self-lubricating bearings; an open design with 1-inch seat rails, which provide ample room for hardware; and a transport-ready design. It is also WC-19 crash tested. Freedom Designs Inc
Crutch SubstituteThe Roll-A-Bout Corp, Frederica, Del, offers the SW-ATV-500, a safe and steerable off-road crutch substitute that features stability and maneuverability using an offset wheel design. The crutch is easy to lift into the trunk of a car and offers dual brakes, comfortable two-piece knee and ankle cushions, and a wire basket. The SW-ATV-500 adjusts without tools from left- to right-leg injuries, and can accommodate patients from 4 feet 9 to 6 feet 4 inches tall, up to a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. The new SW-T-500 and SW-ATV-T-500 tall model can accommodate persons up to 7 feet tall. Roll-A-Bout Corp
Platform Lift for Power ChairsBruno Independent Living Aids, Oconomowoc, Wis, has redesigned the Out-Sider Meridian, its exterior platform lift for power wheelchairs (ASL-250HTP). The new model automatically secures patients via its Hold-Tite arm and a new, modular platform, ensuring that nothing needs to be bolted to the mobility device when using the ASL-250HTP. The height of the arm, in relation to the power chair's seat, is measured and set in place at the time of installation. Users can then drive or roll the mobility device onto the platform, swing the arm into place, and raise the lift to automatically secure the power chair. Bruno Independent Living Aids
Bed HandleMobility Transfer Systems, North Billerica, Mass, announces its new FREEDOM Grip® Plus bed handle for home-style beds. The new feature is its adjustable height handle. The handle adjusts from 21.5 inches to 24.5 inches in 1-inch increments. This feature allows recovering home patients to adjust the height of the handle based on their individual needs. The top of the handle is covered with a skin-friendly foam cushion for a more secure and comfortable gripping surface. The FREEDOM Grip Plus installs in seconds, no tools required, and fits any sized home-style bed. Simply attach the handle to the bed board and then slide the entire assembly between the mattress and box spring. Mobility Transfer Systems
Wheelchair Push HandleConversation and eye contact can be difficult from behind a wheelchair. The Sidewinder® auxiliary push handle from Troy Technologies, Hermosa Beach, Calif, attaches to the side of any wheelchair and allows the occupant and the caregiver to be positioned side by side. It folds away for narrow doorways, and it has a quick release for easy removal. It also contains an adjustable telescoping handle for convenience and comfort. Troy Technologies Inc
Wheelchair Cushion SystemThe Airpulse PK, by Aquila Corp, Holmen, Wis, is a powered, alternating-pressure wheelchair cushion system designed for clients who currently have or are high risk for developing pressure sores. Alternate cells inflate/deflate to the desired pressure on an adjustable timed cycle, relieving pressure and stimulating circulation. Every cushion system is custom made to address the individual's specific physical characteristics and health status. Air cells located under any existing pressure sores can be isolated to not inflate, creating almost zero upward pressure. Once the sore is healed, the air cell can be easily integrated back into the normal inflation sequence with the click of a fitting. Aquila Corp
Adjustable Youth WheelchairConvaid Inc, Torrance, Calif, offers the CuddleBug Early Intervention Wheelchair, which features all the key components needed to position young patients. It includes two seating modules that accommodate seat depths ranging from 5 to 10 inches, a tilt-in-space mobility base with 5° to 30° of adjustable tilt, and 90° to 160° of adjustable recline. The mobility base grows to accept two seating module sizes, and it folds compactly without removing the seating module. Comprehensive positioning options available include: a headrest, an anterior chest harness, swing-away firm lateral trunk supports, a three-point pelvic-positioning belt, hip guide inserts, a swing-away medial thigh support, and a one-piece elevating footplate. A height-adjustable push handle adds comfort and convenience for the caregiver. Convaid Inc
Advanced Power BaseThe Quantum® 6000Z, from Quantum Rehab®, Exeter, Pa, is an advanced power base that offers all the advantages of the Q6 power chair series with added features. It utilizes powerful four-pole motors that combine high speed with maximum torque. The Q6000Z utilizes Mid-Wheel 6® design for aggressive outdoor handling and precision indoor maneuverability, and accepts a broad range of seating and electronics options, including the company's exclusive TRU-Balance® Power Positioning Systems and Q-Logic drive controls for adaptability and rehab capability. Quantum Rehab |
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