Is it Important to be Certified?

It can be an unconscious decision to entrust someone who is an authority in the field we need assistance from. Whether it is building a house, having a major renovation, having your automobile repaired, having a medical procedure; there is value and peace of mind knowing that your choice is certified and reputable.

You may find it surprising that when it comes to Seating and Mobility equipment; many insurances including local Medicaid's do not require any certification or licensing that the person recommending, and providing the equipment has no certification.  At the time I am writing this, only Medicare and a few Private Insurance carriers require at a minimum an A.T.P. certification.  The ATP (Assistive Technology Provider) is a RESNA certification that requires an individual have some basic experience in DME (Durable Medical Equipment), and who sits for a test.  This certification was established to set a minimum standard to ensure that the person who was involved with the equipment has some experience, and who is requires continuing education. 

As you can imagine, some individuals take this test to gain the minimum standards required by Medicare and never increase their skills as it is not a requirement. Is that enough? There are several people who have been in this industry for decades that have great experience; however when you are looking for an expert, how do you separate a veteran ATP versus one who passed the test last week?

If you are needing basic Seating and Mobility equipment then maybe a newbie can help, but if you are facing challenges; wouldn't you want someone who you can trust? 

The NRRTS organization felt that the ATP was a good starting point, but felt that Seating and Mobility is a specialty and felt there needed to be a higher standard.  NRRTS established the RRTS (Registered Rehab Technology Supplier) which you become after meeting their standards and are listed on a Registry.  After two years of being registered, with no complaints against you, you become a CRTS (Certified Rehab Technology Supplier).  The CRTS has been the gold standard when it comes to finding an expert Seating and Mobility Specialist. 

In the past few years, there is a new SMS certification. This Seating and Mobility Specialist Certification is tested on experience, and was created by RESNA.  This test requires years of experience as there is no manual, or book to read to pass the exam. 

I find it puzzling how if you want compression stockings, only a certified fitter can help you; however with a custom wheelchair with many insurances anyone can fit you for this equipment.  I am happy to see that it is changing, but in my eyes not soon enough. Many lobby that the reason more insurance carriers do not mandate these certifications are that they may not be enough ATPs around.

There was a time where every community had an amazing physician, or an amazing therapist who were the expert in Seating and Mobility; and where the equipment supplier only had to know about their product(s).  Today, with budget cuts, and increased productivity demands; the Physician and Therapist do not have the time or incentive to be the expert. They have higher demands and expectations on the Equipment Supplier for measurement, assessment and recommendation of equipment.

The Equipment Supplier is now suffering from the same budget cuts, and now have a reduced menu of services which depend on the funding source. These insurance pressures are forcing providers to provide what is minimally necessary to maintain a level of profit for the company to ensure their doors can stay open. 

At the end of the day you have to decide who will help you, who will recommend equipment equipment that will affect your life.  The equipment supplier has to make a profit for survival; however your equipment supplier must have your best interests in mind.   The certification(s) are a layer of protection for the consumer, not only for the knowledge and ongoing education.

Not unlike another Medical Professional there is a board that they are accountable for and where their licenses or certifications can be taken away and where it will affect their ability to work. 

This Article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS with Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com. Find us on Facebook.

Repetative Strain Injury

This type of injury is becoming more and more prevalent in our society, from carpal tunnel syndrome to shoulder injuries suffered by a growing number of aging individuals in manual wheelchairs. It has always been the stance of medical professionals and insurance carriers to limit the ability of walking impaired to manual wheelchairs as their principle means of mobility. It makes sense that if you are walking impaired, that your calorie burn to intake ration is less, and using a manual wheelchair will help burn more calories, and help keep the user physically fit.

As these clients who were prescribed only manual wheelchairs for their mobility are aging, many are finding themselves having severe pain in the shoulders, which is being diagnosed as repetitive strain injuries. In addition to propelling their wheelchair throughout the day, within their homes, into the community and workplaces; medical professionals are realizing that the human shoulder has limited capacity for these functions.

The movements of pushing a wheelchair, compounded with independent transfers, and daily routines it generally too much for the human shoulder to handle.

It has always been my belief that there is a balance between manual and powered mobility for individuals who are confined to a wheelchair, and dependent for their mobility. From a mobility stance, having the ability to use manual mobility within the home and work place, as the chairs are smaller and more maneuverable is certainly an advantage. Manual wheelchair burn more calories, reducing the potential for excess weight gain; and increases strength allowing for independent transfers. Powered wheelchairs allow a user to travel across greater distances, which put users at risk for repetitive strain injuries.

Repetitive strain injuries can cost funding sources tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention loss of employment to the wheelchair user. This loss could be simply reduced by providing both a manual wheelchair, and powered system to long term users of mobility aids. It would make sense (and reduce costs) by providing this equipment to specific diagnosis; that generally develop these types of injuries.

A possible solution to save money and benefit the wheelchair population, would be to provide both types of equipment; and prompt an education program for potential injury groups to explain the benefits of using both types of equipment; thereby reducing medical care costs, and risk of obesity from inactivity.

This article was provided by Carey Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS from Active Mobility Center, located in Pompano Beach, FL. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com

Thinking Out Side the Box.

It amazes me how many times I hear clients tell me that their old equipment suppliers/providers told them NO it couldn’t be done. For many industries this may be the case, but for our industry, the custom seating and positioning industry; telling people NO, can mean the difference of independence, or the equipment not being used.

Of course our company says NO, when it liability or safety is a concern; but we offer our client’s the option to customize their equipment to the extent is makes their lives easier or more independent.

Our company advertises its ability to provide custom mobility and seating equipment. If we advertise this we must be able to deliver. Our company continues to offer off the shelf products when needed, offering molded seating systems, customized seating frames, tilt in space, recline, elevating seat, and standing options.

To further our out side of the box thinking, we have the ability to add, specialty lighting to equipment. Many of our clients are children and young adults who were robbed of the ability to own, customize and drive a car. We have been offering neon and other lighting packages to accessorize their rides. Kicking it up a notch, or octave is mounting stereo systems, amplifiers, and speaker systems to the chairs for the entertainment of themselves and their peers.

A new addition, has been adding rear view camera and display systems for clients who have difficulty seeing behind the chair. For may wheelchair users, there is a big blind spot behind their chairs. We have been offering a camera that mounts to the rear of the chair which is attached to a LCD screen on the front of the chair to enable clients to see what is behind them.

Our company still strives at providing systems that fit, and interact with it’s users. We challenge ourselves everyday in enabling our clients; maximizing their abilities!!!!

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

Active Mobility Center Knows the Power of Networking

People buy from people they trust, and they need to get to know you before they trust you.  This process makes it difficult for companies who depend on traditional advertising. 

If you have tried print, video, social marketing, networking, and exhibits, I am sure you will have found that networking and exhibits where you are face to face with people increase your odds in building a relationship of trust which will likely recruit more customers.

Many people do not know they are networking every day of their life.  They tell people what they like and what they don't like.  In business, advertising is expensive, and networking can dramatically help increase the number of people that you can explain why you are valuable.

If you have a clear message, and can back up what your promise you will create an amazing word of mouth business. 

This article was written by Carey Britton with Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com

Active Mobility Previews CinemAbility.



Carey and Jenni

I was lucky enough to be invited to the screening of CinemAbility on 10/19/2013 at the Muvico at Pompano Beach. CinemAbility is a documentary of Disability on the Silver Screen from the the early silent films  through the present day.  Jenni Gold, Director created an amazing journey with viewer, with a star studded cast. Our local celebrity Danny Murphy had several parts helping to show the importance of using actors with disabilities in TV and in the Movies to help bring more awareness  and realism.  Jenni explained that few movie writers give much thought to the disabled community when writing their screen plays; there is a push to bring more awareness to writers toward inclusion.


This Documentary will be traveling the US over the next few months, it is a must see.  It is being considered for an Award in the Documentary Category- Tell your friends, and family.

 

For anyone in South Florida, there will be another screening (part of the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival) on November 2nd.

 

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



Danny and Carey

The Shabbat Scooter

Offered in Small and Mid Sized

For many wheelchair users, getting around the home is difficult but getting to the Synagogue can be impossible during Shabbat.  Amigo offers a product that is certified by the Zomet Institute to offer a solution to people with mobility challenges to maintain their independence and faith.

Orthodox Jews don't drive vehicles or use anything motorized during the Shabbat, or Sabbath, which lasts from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday. Amigo Mobility International has a specially designed scooter that allow Orthodox Jews to follow their beliefs and still make it to the synagogue.

Shabbat Controls

Amigo is  the Manufacturer of the only certified "Kosher Scooter," Amigo works in partnership with Zomet Institute in production of the Shabbat Amigo used on the Sabbath. A toggle switch changes operation from normal to Shabbat mode. With no throttle lever activation by the rider, the module’s timing circuit sets the chair in motion after 7-11 seconds, satisfying the “no work” Sabbath restriction. Each Shabbat Amigo is halachically-approved, individually inspected and certified by a Zomet representative.

This article was contributed by Carey Britton, Seating Specialist from Active Mobility Center. He may be contacted at (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Assessible Travel Part 2 : Cruising

Crusing the World

Crusing has become a very popular way to travel the world; and the vacation of choice for people with mobility challenges.  Where else can you book a vacation, and do not need for a vehicle, access to enterainment, meals, and more....

Cruise ships docking at U.S. ports are required to have accessible facilities for disabled travelers, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)._¹ This includes on board services suitable for special needs travelers who must use motorized wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters in order to get around while vacationing.

 Accommodations for travelers with special needs will vary by cruise line and among individual ships. You should discuss these itesm when booking your cruise.

• Assistance from airport to pier; during embarkation & debarkation
• ADA-compliant cabins, doorways, corridors and ramps
• Grab bars, raised toilets, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms
• Areas to charge power wheelchair batteries and store mobility equipment

 Air Travel to your Destintation

It may be necessary to travel by air to the location of the cruiseline.  This can be stressful and confusing, Active Mobility Center has provided you with information in a previous article that can help.

Accessible Vacation Information

Cruise ship passengers who need to use a wheelchair, power chair, or power scooter should research accessible vacation options before setting sail. Here are a couple of places to start.

1. Cruise Line Websites Information on cruises with accessible itineraries and other disability travel services is easily found online. Begin by searching for 'disability cruises' or 'cruising with a wheelchair,' and go from there.

2. Accessible Travel Agents This type of agent specializes in disabled travel booking.

As demand grows for wheelchair accessible vacation packages, more cruise lines are expected to provide a wider range of travel services specially designed for the disabled traveler.
When you need personal mobility assistance, look to Active Mobility Center first for the highest quality in wheelchairs, scooters and power wheelchairs, compact scooters and wheelchair accessories. Simply contact us at 1-800-326-4463 to learn more.

Buying Locally is it Important?

As a consumer, we all wrestle with the decision on whether to make a purchase locally or from a catalog or from a website. Many times you can get a lower price from a catalog or website, but sometimes at a huge cost.

If you are in the market for a book, Amazon is the leader; not only because of the price, but because of the selection. It only takes a few times of going to a local book store and not finding what you are looking for and are told they can special order it for a premium; that you become an Amazon Fan.

There is a trend of people shopping on line for medical equipment. The reason many times, is that a local brick and motar company is more expensive than the catalog or on line company. As a consumer I understand that every dollar needs to go farther these days; but also understand that when buying equipment that needs service and support I need someone in my corner when there is an issue.

I receive regular phone calls from customers asking me to repair their equipment, to modify equipment that they bought on-line or to take their on-line equipment as a trade when they find out it doesn't work for them. 

Although the mission of Active Mobility Center is to help the community, we have had to make tough decisions on how to best service our customers. This is a trend in the Medical Equipment industry; as when a customer calls and asks us to put tires on their wheelchair that they purchased on line to save a few dollars, or wants us to consult them on how to fix, or modify a chair they purchased online cheaper that doesn't fit.  Most companies have adopted the policy that they didn't provide the equipment than they do not service it.

Not to sound uncaring, but the costs to operate a medical equipment company are tremendous. Like other brick and motor companies, there are the standard operating costs. Unlike many of these other companies, medical equipment companies have additional insurance, accreditation fees, yearly fees to work with Medicare, required continued education of staff, contstant retraining of staff to the changes in the industry and with insurance, and much more. 

To spend time with those customers who do not patronize the local provider takes valuable time and resources from the firm's loyal customers; and the key to keeping customers is ensuring their needs are met.

Your local medical equimpent company provides the valuable services of their knowledge, their experience, and their network.  This experience and available follow up service/support is what you pay extra for; and to ensure your local support will be there when you need it. Because they are local, they have to be the expert to keep people coming back, they need to have a network so when you have a question or problem, they can recommend a person or place to solve your issue.

Please contact Carey Britton at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com with any questions or comments, he can be reached at 954-946-5793.

Happy 4th ! from Active Mobility Center

Every year at this time, I reflect on how Active Mobility Center and our Country's Independence Day have much in common.  For many people with walking impairments, it is a time to celebrate; as not to long in our history, people with mobility impairments were left inside their homes and were not felt as EQUAL.  Their impairment left them "Disabled" or "Invalids" and were looked down upon. 

With the passing of the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act,  in 1990;  the world has literally opened up doors, improved access, and increased independence for all. 

Active Mobility Center, in 1992, opened its doors to ALL people with Mobility Impairments, with the goal to maximize their abilities, and to Make Every Day Independence Day ! It may sound like a corny expression, but each and every day, our experienced staff listen to our customers, gain knowledge and understanding of what their obstacles are and offer solutions with equipment, or with recommendations to other professionals within our community. 

Through Equipment; wheelchairs, scooters, powered wheelchairs, gait trainers, walkers, bicycles, and handcycles; we are allowing people to stand and be equal.  We believe it is our duty, to ensure that all have access to mobility allowing everyone to be MOBILE, INDEPENDENT and FREE.


From all of us at Active Mobility Center, Happy 4th, !
Carey

Carey Britton is the resident Seating and Mobility Specialist wth Active Mobility Center, he can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com, or at (800) 326-4463.

Wheelchairs, Medicare and the Five Year Rule

As is a theme in Durable Medical Equipment (DME), there are established guidlines for how long equipment needs to last and how often in can be replaced. In this article we will be discussing Seating and Mobility Equipment guidelines; it is important to know that all equipment has a usable and functional life and is listed in the fee schedule. 

Ultra Light Wheelchair

CMS/Medicare generally set's the standard for all other insurance companies follow their guidelines, it is after all easier to copy than create your own standards; and if it is good enough for the government than it is safe for other insurance companies to follow.

Seating and Mobility Equipment has a five (5) year usable life expectancy.  Until a few years ago, it was an expected entitlment that after five years you get a new wheelchair, scooter, powered wheelchair or seating system.  Although it is the eligaiblity requirement, due to over utilization, there are new guidelines that require an equipment provider detail why the equipment is no longer working, too costly to repair, is discontinued, is outgrown, or no longer provides for some other need; even after the five year term.


Scooters

It is also important to know that Medicare allows for condition progression and will consider new equipment if a patient has changed and where the current equipment no longer provides function and independence.  An example may be a patient receives a wheelchair, and loses the ability to self propel. With adequate documentation, this patient may then qualify for a scooter or powered wheelchair depending on their needs; prior to using the equipment for five years.


It is also a requirement for much more documentation to support the need coming from a physician 

Power Wheelchairs

and/or clinician. 

If you have questions on the Five Year Rule, or if you are having problems with your currently equipment, contact Carey Britton, your guide to Seating and Mobility. Carey is the resident Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He may be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com or (800) 326-4463.

Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs: Not All Batteries are Created Equal

As you have noticed, the price on Scooter and Powered Wheelchair batteries have increased over the past few years. With the increase in Fuel, and Lead combine with the weight of batteries and transporting them to their destination; batteries have almost doubled in price.  Unfortunately other battery technologies have not been accepted; and we are stuck with using Lead based batteries as a power source.

You should only be using Gel batteries in your Medical Equipment (Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters). There is some misconception by wheelchair users that sealed lead acid batteries are the same as gel batteries. Additionally Gel techology is different in batteries. This is why you will see batteries less expensive on the internet than in the local Medical Equipment company.  Your Local company has to stand behind the battery, and understands that providing cheaper batteries may get you a sale, it has an increased failure rate and costs more in customer and technical service in dealing with these inferior batteries. 

MK Battery, is the industry standard; it is what most trusted brands of powered wheelchairs and scooters are shipped with. It is what has been tested, and matches the specifications that is on the manufacturer specification sheets.

Another common misunderstanding is how and when to charge the equipment. In the past Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs did not have battery gauges, they had LED's. Now with all of these products have a display that shows the battery condition it is much easier.  MK, the leader in battery technology for medical equipment states that charging batteries when they are depleted to half full, they should be re-charged allowing increased life on the battery(s).

Every time we charge a battery, we are taking away one of the life cycles of the battery. Additionally, unlike your car battery that helps power/start the car, the batteries in your medical equipment are the only power source.  These gel batteries when new and fully charged have the longest range possible.  With each re-charge, the range on how far the equipment can go becomes reduced.

Most insurance providers understand that wheelchair users charge their equipment each night, and with that information and that most people using powered equipment only travel 5 miles per day, that batteries should last 12-18 months.  If you charge your batteries more efficiently, when the batteries are half full; the batteries will last longer.

When charging your batteries, it is important to use your provided equipment's charger. Charging Gel batteries with a automotive charger can damage the gel in the batteries.

I hope this information was helpful, and helps keep you mobile and independent.  Our Service Department is able to answer any of your Equipment and Service issues, you can email them at service@wheelchairguys.com .  Remeber at Active Mobility Center, we are your wheelchairguys, and we Make Every Day Independence Day !!