Complex Rehab Stakeholders Send ‘Powerful Message'

Published in Complex Rehab on September 25, 2023

Complex rehab stakeholders send ‘powerful message' This post was originally featured in HME News.

A recent fly-in and product expo organized by NCART and NRRTS was the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for several of the complex rehab industry’s top priorities, including getting CMS to move forward with coverage for power standing systems.  

More than 200 attendees participated and more than 200 “congressional connections” were made as part of the virtual fly-in on Sept. 13. 

“Efforts to get CMS to open the comment period for power standing was well-received across the board by the legislative offices,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “The feedback was great.” 

CMS began covering power seat elevation systems earlier this year and while the agency has indicated it will move forward with the same process for power standing systems it has yet to do so. 

Next steps for power standing systems are still to be determined, in conjunction with the ITEM Coalition, which filed the request for redetermination for both power seat elevation and power standing systems several years ago, Grau said. 

“We want to work with CMS and we’re scheduling a call with them,” Grau said. “Maybe we will pursue a Dear Colleague letter in Congress, but we need to hear CMS out and see where they are at with it. It’s important to remember that they’re not only making coverage determinations for us – it’s everybody and they have a waiting list.” 

Talking points during the fly-in also included reimbursement and repair reform, and a bill that was recently introduced in the House of Representatives that would allow for code upgrades for titanium and carbon filter manual wheelchairs under Medicare. 

‘It takes a village’ 

Sixty-five attendees, representing a variety of manufacturers, assistive technology professionals (ATPs), clinicians and consumer advocates, participated in the product expo in-person on Sept. 14 in the conveniently located Cannon Caucus Room. 

“It was one meaningful conversation after another with the congressional staffers who came in,” said Mickae Lee, associate director of NCART. “It takes a village to put this on and this is why we do it – you see what a difference it makes. It’s all about building those relationships between the CRT community and policy makers and communicating the needs of the industry and those we serve and asking for action that will create outcomes for enhanced access.” 

Above all, the involvement of consumers, including Ali Ingersoll, Ms. Wheelchair American 2023, in the expo was key. 

“It was great they got the perspective of seeing these pieces of equipment, but it’s the people that were there who use the equipment that have the most impact,” said Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS. “They’re the ones carrying the message – not me, not a manufacturer. They’re the powerful ones.” 


TAGS

  1. complex rehab

From Our Experts

Adventure and Connections Await at Heartland 2025 thumbnail Adventure and Connections Await at Heartland 2025 This year's Heartland Conference promises an exciting lineup of activities designed to foster connections, inspire innovation, and create lasting memories. Accessories Just Got Easier to Bill thumbnail Accessories Just Got Easier to Bill CMS's decision to revise and expand E1028 and create three new HCPCS codes based on where it's being used on a wheelchair is a "win” for the industry. Heartland Conference Announces Extended Early Bird Special and New Refund Policy thumbnail Heartland Conference Announces Extended Early Bird Special and New Refund Policy Register for Heartland before April 30 to save $100. If circumstances prevent you from attending, we will fully refund your registration through June 1. Shaping the Future: A Roadmap to Success in 2025 thumbnail Shaping the Future: A Roadmap to Success in 2025 Jeremy Stolz, CEO, VGM Group, Inc., shares key areas of focus at VGM — principles that are essential for any organization striving to grow and thrive. Heartland 2025: A Sneak Peek into Fresh Experiences and Top-Tier Education thumbnail Heartland 2025: A Sneak Peek into Fresh Experiences and Top-Tier Education Cookies, unbeatable education, pickleball, endless networking opportunities, and a WaterLuau. What do these have in common? They're all part of Heartland 2025! Automation and Tech Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare in 2025 thumbnail Automation and Tech Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare in 2025 The DME, HME, O&P, and CRT industries are turning to automation & advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and streamline operations. Adapting to Narrowing Provider Networks thumbnail Adapting to Narrowing Provider Networks Narrowed provider networks for payers have become more common than ever. Articulating the value of what providers bring to the table will be paramount. A Year in Review: The Value of U.S. Rehab Membership thumbnail A Year in Review: The Value of U.S. Rehab Membership U.S. Rehab reached significant milestones in 2024. These achievements were compiled in the Annual Review for 2024.