What is Complex Rehab Technology ?

CRT (Complex Rehab Technology) is the newest term, developed over the last few years to describe specialty equipment that which is more involved than basic  DME (Durable Medical Equipment). As you may know DME encompasses everything from disposables  to custom wheelchairs and Orthotics/Prosthetics. You may wonder why a new term was created if it is part of DME? 

Invacare Rear Drive Powerchair

For years, DME vendors have been given a bad name, with a few bad companies taken advantage of the system and many times committing fraud.  CRT was born, when Medicare created the Competitive bidding process and they didn't understand the level of involvement with Specialty Seating and Equipment. After much work from the Rehab industry, some specialty equipment was exempt from the competitive program; including ultra light weight wheelchairs, tilt in space wheelchairs, and group 3 powered wheelchairs.  Medicare, who sets precedent for Medical Equipment to all funding sources, accepted that the skill level and expertise in providing this level equipment was above the typical DME provider.

Since that time, NRRTS ( National Registry of Rehab Technology Suppliers ) and NCART ( National Coalition of Assistive and Rehab Technology ), has been lobbying Congress to further separate Complex Rehab equipment from DME.  It is understood that there is a value for this equipment provided and that there needs to be increased safeguards, and education from individuals providing this level of equipment. If  this industry is not protected, and the value shown, it will disappear in the upcoming years.  The average age of Rehab Technicians are late 30's, with most over 40, and few new people learning this trade.

Carey Britton

 With the baby boomers aging, we will need more specialists  involved; helping match proper equipment for seating and mobility needs.  A further issue causing challenge, is that there are fewer physician and therapists specializing in this field; leaving more pressure and expectations on the Seating and Mobility Specialists.   Although the Seating and Mobility Specialist is a critical component in the team that provides and supports these services; the clinician is  the gatekeeper, and we need more clinicians  to step up become community leaders. 

In order to ensure  good outcomes, we continue to progress in this industry with increased credentials, increased education, and increased safeguards to protect patients.  Our industry needs to continue to educate the allied services to become more involved in the team that is required to improve seating, function and overall satisfaction.

This article was written by Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He can be reached for comment at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com  .