Well said Lori. You never, have failed me either. And yes, General, is just that. A general. Hence I said, don't be surprised. I believe that at the present and for the near future, this new requirement does not affect "Complex Rehab Electric Wheelchairs." And many with major neuro injuries, are users of those complex wheelchairs. But there are some, who use and will continue to use "group two" mobility equipment. Over the last 18 months, while in my travels, I've asked of others who knew nothing about this change, and some did not care. While others showed interest in this as they were due for new chairs...... I will search for a copy of the new policy and post the link for anyone to pursue and see for themselves to determine if the policy pertains to them, and comment. I'm sure that Lori will agree with me that each person should read up on this new policy to determine if it will affect them or not. And if it should/does, to begin taking some action. Be patient grasshopper. Best Wishes In a message dated 1/24/2011 11:10:40 P.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
Thank you W. But I believe you just made a premature GENERAL statement that Medicare (CMS) is NOT paying for power chairs like they did before but are renting them for 24 months. There is only a speck of truth to that. Knowing what I know right now, and after reading W's statement earlier today (Monday) I wanted this information in writing so I sought to pursue it myself in the meantime (while also asking W for written sources of this information). Five or six months ago I had heard something SIMILAR to what W was saying but it was about a person without a spinal cord injury who had eventually found out that there are certain "groups" that wheelchairs fall into as well as individual disability diagnosis. People with traumatic spinal cord injuries DO NOT fall into a group whereby Medicare and Medicaid pays differently now. I believe W's premature erroneous GENERAL statement was based on the information that "Group 2" power chairs are not paid for like they used to be but they are rented out for 13 months and then the individual has the "purchase option" for the chair. These chairs are for individuals with disabilities like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. "Group 2" power chairs do not include those chairs required for individuals like ourselves. WE require "complex rehab power chairs" which fall into the category of "Group 3 base" chairs . Therefore they are still considered a purchase item for Medicare and Medicaid. And to qualify for one of these group 3 bases... individuals need to qualify after being diagnosed with a traumatic injury like those with paraplegia or quadriplegia. This is explained in further detail in the link below my name and many other sources. Further, over the last year, this is not the FIRST TIME I have heard a generalized statement about Medicare and what it is or is not going to do. And not just about wheelchairs. This is scary because it gets passed around quite quickly and people get on the bandwagon and then MISINFORMATION is spread rapidly. And, as we all know, a lie can spread itself halfway around the world before the truth can get its shoes on. Sadly to say. :-( The moral to this : ALWAYS BEWARE of a SINGLE source. Lori _http://www.cdapress.com/news/healthy_community/article_6e3ca5f7-c719-597b-a 599-8a73ea046b8e.html_ (http://www.cdapress.com/news/healthy_community/article_6e3ca5f7-c719-597b-a599-8a73ea046b8e.html) On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 3:05 PM, <[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) > wrote: And Lori is the person who always knows the nicest thing to say at the right time....... Yes, Pride worked with Motion Concept, up until a few years ago when Pride developed their own comfort system. Let me toss another cream pie into the crowd, if I may. How many of you knew about CMS's new policy of NOT paying for electric wheelchairs as before. Now they only rent them for 24 months. Best Wishes In a message dated 1/24/2011 3:57:46 P.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) writes: W always has the ability to eloquently say things and describe things in a short detailed e-mail. So, everything W said was right. But I will also add the importance of knowing that MOTION CONCEPTS works with both Quantum power chairs (made by Pride Mobility) and Invacare power chairs. And MOTION CONCEPTS, along with Pride Mobility and Invacare both work together (along with your wheelchair vendor or provider) to seat you correctly. Your wheelchair vendor or provider SHOULD WORK WITH YOU to achieve the entire sitting options (from wheelchair backs to the proper seating, etc. etc. etc.) APPROPRIATE FOR YOU. And don't let them give you excuses! Having them both work together gives you countless or thousands or unlimited possibilities for correct seating! It is just so hard, with everything available, to know exactly what will work for us NOT ONLY THE DAY WE TRY IT but for X. number of years later. Lori On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM, <[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) > wrote: It is most difficult to adjust piping in a poured concrete floor, once the concrete has dried. Same could be positioning evaluation, after you have received your present Quantum Chair. It may not be impossible, just very difficult. Seating and Positioning Evaluations should only be done by licensed and certified Occupational Therapist with Seating & Positioning Certification. The order after the evaluation goes with the order for the seat base. Hoping to do this after the base has been built, along with the seat, makes it that more difficult. I always contact Mark Smith at Pride Mobility with the serial number of your chair to determine if the seat assembly can be changed or modified on the base.... before I precede. Mark can be reached directly at [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Mark is a Product Manager in the Quantum Division at Pride. Remember, the impossible only takes longer.... Best Wishes In a message dated 1/24/2011 12:50:23 P.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) writes: I have a Quantom 600 wheelchair with a roho cushion since April of this year. I am having a lot of trouble with the way I'm sitting I always feel like I'm slipping for ward and my husband has to help push me up. I have always sat in a smaller chair (Nutron) but getting older (66) so decided to get ac hair that tilts and has automatic legs. I called Armed for a seating evaluation but they are just sending the gentlemen that gave me this chair and he already said he doesn't know what to do...I sit on a small roho because the big one is no good with my balance...any suggestions on what I can do to be able to sit without the feeling of slipping? What can I say to the representative that will be coming to my house? Thanks in advance. Carolyn 46 years post c3/4 -- Lori Age - 46 C4/5 complete quad, 31 years post Tucson, AZ -- Lori Age - 46 C4/5 complete quad, 31 years post Tucson, AZ
