Seat Elevation Study Adds Evidence to Industry's Cause

Published in Complex Rehab on December 12, 2022

Seat ElevationThis article was originally featured in HME News.  

A new study showing the functional mobility, employment and safety benefits of seat elevation devices is a good example of how large data sets can be used to, hopefully, guide policy and practice, says Mark Schmeler. 

The study, published online in Assistive Technology, the official journal of RESNA, in October, pulled findings from the Functional Mobility Assessment tool, which now has more than 13,000 data points.  

“This is the first example our industry has that, ‘Hey, this is what large data sets can do,’” said Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, associate professor and vice chair for educating and training in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. “This is why you should participate in the FMA; this is why you should take it seriously. Data doesn’t come from the scientists – it comes from the practitioners and suppliers.” 

The study showed power wheelchair users with seat elevation devices had statistically significant higher total scores in the FMA tool, higher reach and transfer scores, higher rates of employment and fewer falls than those without the devices. The sample for the study consisted of 1,733 power wheelchair users. 

The reduction in falls, in particular, is a meaningful finding, Schmeler says, with injuries related to falls costing $50 billion a year. 

“That’s an expense that can be mitigated,” he said. “It’s not like a disease that you can’t find the cure for. For a wheelchair user, it’s a seat elevation device.” 

Schmeler says the study and the data it’s based on are an important piece of the puzzle in getting seat elevation devices covered by payers. Medicare is in the process of reconsidering the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment to include the technology. 

“We’ve been having much different conversations with politicians and policymakers in the last few months since we’ve had these results,” he said. “Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., has been a big supporter of seat elevation to begin with, but she said at a congressional briefing in September, ‘This is what we need.’ It’s a combination of advocacy and evidence that’s going to make it happen.” 


TAGS

  1. complex rehab
  2. data
  3. outcomes

From Our Experts

Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business thumbnail Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your business from these risks. The PHE Is Over: What's Next? thumbnail The PHE Is Over: What's Next? In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues thumbnail How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues The DMEPOS supply chain was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the industry is gradually making its way back to a more typical state. Nevertheless, certain procedures that were developed out of necessity during the pandemic's onset and peak have evolved into effective best practices. One of the most crucial lessons learned is the importance of close collaboration between providers and their trusted vendors, manufacturers, or distributors to ensure success. U.S. Rehab Named Official RESNA CEU Provider thumbnail U.S. Rehab Named Official RESNA CEU Provider U.S. Rehab is proud to announce that it has been named an official RESNA CEU provider for continuing education needs. [Breaking News] CMS Announces a Huge Win for Power Seat Elevation thumbnail [Breaking News] CMS Announces a Huge Win for Power Seat Elevation the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered power wheelchairs (PWCs) falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME). John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill thumbnail John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill On May 10, John Gallagher, VP of VGM Government Relations, and Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, participated in the AAHomecare Fly-In event in Washington D.C. The purpose of their attendance was to discuss key industry issues with members of Congress and their staff. Washington Governor Sign SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment thumbnail Washington Governor Sign SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment On May 4 in Olympia, Washington, Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5218 into effect. This bill exempts complex rehab technology (CRT) equipment from sales tax, making it more accessible and affordable for those in need of it. Optimize Your DMEPOS Business with Business Leadership and People Strategy at Heartland Conference thumbnail Optimize Your DMEPOS Business with Business Leadership and People Strategy at Heartland Conference The VGM Heartland Conference continues to provide education geared towards every member of your staff. There are several educational sessions, including the keynote, that provide suggestions on how to “do more with less” in the DMEPOS space.