CRT Victory For Wisconsin U.S. Rehab Members

Published in Complex Rehab on May 03, 2018

The state of Wisconsin enacted The 2017 Wisconsin Act 306 on April 16, which focuses on assisting patients with complex rehabilitation needs. Advocates of the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry had a major impact in this effort by engaging with the community to push for legislation that protects patients with CRT needs.

The bill includes the designation of billing codes as CRT or modification of existing codes, including the establishment and maintenance of payment rates for CRT that are adequate to ensure patient access and to accommodate for the significant resources needed to properly provide CRT. It also indicates that an ATP must be physically present for the evaluation and determination for CRT equipment. It provides a description of qualified rehabilitation technology suppliers, including the requirement of proper accreditation and a certified complex rehab professional to be on staff for proper evaluation of patient technology needs. Read the bill here.

This legislative effort was led by Wisconsin community members and advocates, including the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART), the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services & Supplies (MAMES), AAHomecare, and vendor partners based in Wisconsin, including Ki Mobility and Comfort Company. Legislation such as this supports the necessity to protect the CRT industry, and it reflects the impact that community engagement and advocacy can have on Congress to affect change throughout the industry.

This news proves the impact that engagement and advocacy can have in each state. As industry advocates, U.S. Rehab hopes to see all states pass similar legislation to adequately meet the needs of CRT patients and to protect the industry as a whole. If you would like assistance in contacting or setting up appointments with your state or local legislators, contact VGM Government Relations at (800) 568-7039.