Welcome to the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability

‘Assessment and Investigation of New Coverage Policies for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) within a Contemporary Accountable Care Environment’

Our Mission is to partner with academia and key disability, industry, and policy stakeholders in a series of interrelated project activities to investigate how current wheelchair (i.e. CRT) health policy impacts health and function, community living and participation of working age people with disabilities.

This project is guided by NIDILRR’s mission to “Generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of people with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community, and also to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities.”

Spring/Summer 2023

Practice Guidelines for CRT Service, Preventative Maintenance and Repair

Practice Guidelines for CRT Service, Preventative Maintenance and Repair

Difficulties in providing and receiving CRT Service and Repair have become challenging to all stakeholders. The various influences that challenge access to necessary service and repairs are the subject of much discussion, and it is difficult to reach understanding between those most impacted. Repair times, level of reimbursement for service and parts, in home service capacity and feasibility, hiring and securing qualified staff, procedural complexity challenge suppliers. Considering the reported loss of revenue associated with repairs, increased complexity of power wheelchair designs, and onerous policies regarding repairs, it is understandable that suppliers are under significant pressure and consumers are dissatisfied.

Click here for more information and download guideline

Posted 09/15/2023

CRT Awareness Week (Aug 14 - 18, 2023)

CRT Awareness Week (Aug 14 – 18, 2023)

National CRT Awareness Week is August 14-18, 2023. These five days are when the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) community joins forces to collectively share the CRT message.

No matter what role CRT plays in your life, anyone can be an advocate and there are many different ways to get involved. Scroll below for some ideas to help you brainstorm or simply follow NCART on Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter to “love” and share our posts. However you decide to get involved, be sure to use #CRTAwareness2023 with your post so we can see it and celebrate with you too.

The industry is looking forward to hearing and seeing the great ways people share information about CRT during this week. It is the consistent efforts of many advocates uniting together that create meaningful and lasting changes that will protect access to this unique and important technology. Thank you for finding ONE DAY and ONE WAY to be an active advocate for Complex Rehab Technology this week!

Click here to view the full article

Posted 07/05/2023

New Wheelchair Provision Guidelines

New Wheelchair Provision Guidelines

The World Health Organization, the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, and the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, have co-developed new Wheelchair Provision Guidelines in recognition of significant global unmet need and inequity of access to quality, appropriate wheelchairs. These recommendations are a major step forward in improving and developing wheelchair services and ensuring quality and appropriate wheelchairs for all.

The guidelines offer a comprehensive approach with service and systems level recommendations. At the service level, personalized assessment, fitting, training, and ongoing support take center stage. By prioritizing individualized care, we empower wheelchair users to thrive and experience optimal mobility. On the systems level, the guidelines stress the importance of a competent workforce, integrated referral processes, and systematic evaluations. It is through these measures that we can strengthen the foundation for equitable access, creating a seamless journey for wheelchair users to obtain appropriate devices.

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Posted 06/07/2023

Seat Elevation Systems as an Accessory to Power Wheelchairs (Group 3)

Seat Elevation Systems as an Accessory to Power Wheelchairs (Group 3)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finds that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered power wheelchairs (PWCs) falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME). This Benefit Category Determination (BCD) expands the scope of the proposed benefit category decision based on consideration of public comments on the proposed decision memorandum. Section 1861(n) of the Social Security Act (the Act) defines what items are considered to be DME and 42 CFR 414.202 provides additional details on the definition of DME.

After considering the public comments on the proposed decision memorandum, CMS is also expanding coverage beyond the proposed decision. CMS finds in this national coverage analysis that the evidence is sufficient to determine that power seat elevation equipment is reasonable and necessary for individuals using complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs.

The final seat elevation Decision Memo can be viewed HERE.

ITEM’s Press Release announcing a National Coverage Decision for seat elevation systems in power wheelchairs.

Posted 06/07/2023

Judy Heumann

The World Mourns the Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Activist

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2023

Judith “Judy” Heumann—widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement—passed away in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of March 4, 2023. Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored her memoir, Being Heumann, and its Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

Born in 1947 in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn, New York to parents Ilse and Werner Heumann, Judy contracted polio at age two. Her doctor advised her parents to institutionalize her when it was clear that she would never be able to walk. “Institutionalization was the status quo in 1949,” she wrote. “Kids with disabilities were considered a hardship, economically and socially.” When Judy attempted to enter kindergarten, the principal blocked her family from entering the school, labeling her a “fire hazard.” However, her parents, particularly her mother, fought back and demanded that Judy have access to a classroom. Judy eventually was able to attend a special school, high school, Long Island University (from which she earned a B.A. in 1969), and the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Master’s in Public Health six years later.

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Posted 03/08/2023

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Research in Focus: A Weekly Digest of New Research from the NIDILRR Community

Wheelchair and Complex Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers Share Opinions on the Efficiency of Wheelchair Repair Services

In the United States, approximately 13.7% of adults have mobility disabilities which may seriously impact their ability to walk or climb stairs. Some may rely on mobility devices such as wheelchairs to engage in daily activities; provide pressure relief or postural support; or to sit in different positions to aid in digestion and respiration. Wheelchairs can be manual or powered versions that can be modified to accommodate these needs. Wheelchairs are considered complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) and classified as durable medical equipment (DME) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

More complex wheelchairs may be prone to breaking down and needing repairs more frequently than basic or lightweight models. Simple repairs, such as replacing a headrest, can be completed relatively quickly. Complex repairs like breakdowns in the electrical or control systems may require more time in a repair shop

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Posted 03/08/2023

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Journal Publication

Common reasons for non-participation during the outcome measurement process: wheeled mobility service delivery quality improvement reporting

The purpose of this paper is to describe non-participation during the outcome measurement step of the wheeled mobility service delivery process (WMSDP) based on the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA)-Uniform Dataset (UDS) Registry. The WMSDP is a standard framework for the provision of wheeled mobility devices, and several factors influence the client’s experience throughout the process. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on the FMA-UDS Registry to measure the response rate during the outcome measurement step of the WMSDP and describe the reasons an individual did not complete the FMA-UDS. The FMA-UDS was examined at two time points: pre-delivery and post-delivery of the wheeled mobility device. As of September 2, 2021, 10,253 cases have been entered into the FMA-UDS Registry. 2,247 cases were no longer participating pre-delivery, and an additional 3,905 cases were no longer participating post-delivery. The most common reasons for non-participation in the FMA-UDS pre-delivery and post-delivery included: equipment not delivered; provider no longer participating in the FMA-UDS; funding issues; no new equipment; client opted out; loss in contact; deceased; returned equipment; and other.

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Posted 01/03/2023

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Right-to-Repair: What it Means for You

Right-to-repair legislation is being considered in states across the country, aimed at allowing people to repair everything from electronics to tractors themselves without fear of voiding the warranty. Legislation recently passed in Colorado has extended the right-to-repair to include mobility equipment such as wheelchairs.

“Recently, we spoke to Dr. Mark Schmeler, occupational therapist and associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, about the complicated and multilayered issue. Here are a few of his thoughts about the repair and service side of the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry and how insurance providers, suppliers, clinicians and customers can work together.

Click here to read the story

Posted 11/28/2022

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The Health Inequity of CRT Service and Repair and the Need for Reform

Mike Swinford, Numotion CEO has published a whitepaper expanding on the changes needed to the ecosystem for service and repair.

It is time for the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) ecosystem for service and repair to fundamentally change. The current model is inadequate and is contributing to a health equity issues for people with disabilities.

Four primary root causes:

  1. Unnecessarily heavy administrative burden
  2. Reimbursement models for service and repair are insufficient
  3. No preventative maintenance reimbursement or backup equipment funding
  4. Disconnect between what new equipment payors reimburse for and how customers use it

Five specific recommendations to address:

  1. Eliminate need for a prescription and prior authorization for all repairs under $2000
  2. Reimburse for travel to perform service at customer’s home
  3. Pay for preventative maintenance for “wear and tear” part replacement or backup parts
  4. Manufacturers and Payors require CRT equipment providers to service products they provide
  5. Align consumers and providers on guidelines for simple self-repairs

Click here to download white paper

Posted 11/28/2022

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U.S. Rehab and VGM Government Relations Attend Congressional Briefing in Washington D.C.

Published in Government Relations and Regulatory Assistance on September 19, 2022

Wednesday, Sept. 14, was a momentous day of advocating for CRT and other key legislative issues. Greg Packer, president, U.S. Rehab, and Tom Powers, consultant, VGM Government Relations, spent time in Washington D.C. attending the NCART/NRRTS Virtual Congressional Fly-In and a congressional briefing on power seating and standing systems for power wheelchairs.

The congressional briefing was held Wednesday afternoon in Washington D.C. and was attended by U.S. Rehab, NCART, and many other industry advocates. There were over 50 people at the briefing, and over 20 congressional offices had some form of representation present.

The briefing was held to continue the discussion about why it is incorrect for Medicare to list power seat elevation and standing systems for power wheelchairs as “not medically necessary” for people with disabilities.

Dr. Mark Schmeler (pictured left, sitting down in a blue suit) offered his research perspectives on power seat elevation. The briefing was finished with congressional perspectives from Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA).

Click here to read the story

Posted 10/07/2022

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Journal Publication

Functional mobility, employment and safety benefits of seat elevating devices

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between use of Seat Elevating Devices (SEDs) on power wheelchair user satisfaction in performing common activities of daily living as measured by the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) and associated Uniform Data Set within an existing wheelchair outcomes registry. The sample consisted of 1,733 power wheelchair users and compared cases who had a seat elevator (n=265) versus those who did not have one (n=1468). Results showed those with SEDs had statistically significant higher total FMA scores, higher reach and transfer scores, had higher rates of reported employment, and fewer reported falls than those without SEDs. These findings were likely due to SEDs promoting safer transfers by allowing a person to align surfaces so that they are level thus reducing falls during transfers. Additionally, SEDs allow people to more effectively reach and carry-out tasks at different surface heights. SEDs further facilitates face to face communication and visibility. This study is the first to use large datasets to provide stronger research evidence to the benefits of SEDs to improve overall functional mobility, transfer, reach, facilitate employment, and reduce falls.

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Posted 10/06/2022

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Journal Publication

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) supplier opinions on the current state of wheelchair repair services

It is documented that wheelchair failures occur frequently, repair times are lengthy, and users often experience adverse consequences. This study aims to gather evidence on efficiency of current wheelchair repair processes from the perspective of Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) suppliers who provide wheelchair repairs within the United States. A 20 statement survey was developed based on interviews of 10 experienced providers and experts in the field of CRT to identify barriers and facilitators related to wheelchair repairs across the domains of administrative and operational factors as well as to identify their opinions on future opportunities and strategies for improvement. A total of 127 responses were received from CRT suppliers of which highlights the direct importance and barriers faced within the wheelchair repair industry by CRT suppliers. There is agreement among survey respondents of opportunities to investigate further telehealth and remote strategies, preventative maintenance coverage, and online tracking for wheelchair repairs.

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Posted 09/12/2022

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The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPGE0014-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.