4 minute read
WEESIE'S WORLD
CRT SUPPLIER
A VERY UNIQUE ROLE ... A VERY REWARDING CAREER
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
Many years ago, 30 to be exact, a group of concerned stakeholders set about to create an organization supporting individuals who provided seating and wheeled mobility. It would provide a mechanism for medical professionals, consumers and third-party payers to identify suppliers who are qualified to provide high quality rehabilitation technology and related services to people with disabilities. Their mission was to set standards and give an identity to this emerging and unique profession. The stakeholders were a diverse group that included consumers, clinicians, physicians,suppliers and manufacturers.
First, they needed to create a job title. Terms being used at that time included “wheelchair lady” or“wheelchair guy.”’ “Rehab Technology Supplier or RTS was chosen to be the designated term. An RTS provides enabling technology in the areas of wheeled mobility, seating and alternative positioning,ambulation assistance, environmental controls and activities of daily living,” wrote Simon Margolis.
Second, they needed to define the role of the RTS.At that time, there weren’t any guidelines, so they used their collective experience to write a Standard of Practice for this very unique role.
What makes this this role so different?
Who is the customer?
For a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) supplier, this question has several answers.
• The customer is the client; the person needing the technology. It is important to recognize and meet the goals of the client. Each client presents with unique needs and goals.
• The customer is also the referral source or clinician. It is important to be a participating team member who offers realistic solutions. Earning their trust will gain future referrals. NRRTS Registrants know continuing education in CRT sets them apart asa professional supplier.
• The customer is the funding source. NRRTS Registrants must understand the different coverages and documentation requirements and share this information with their client. Funding agencies expect timely provision of high-quality products that meet the needs of their beneficiaries.
It can be a tough balancing act to keep everyone satisfied. The Standard of Practice was written to guide the process and set the priorities. Consumers and clinicians should expect the same level of service from all NRRTS Registrants. Funding agencies expect timely provision of high-quality products that meet the needs of their beneficiaries from NRRTS Registrants.
With a clear vision of this unique role of the CRT supplier, the founding stakeholders wrote standards that are realistic and still stand today.
The foundation of these standards is to “do no harm” and keep the goals of client as the main priority.
For all the challenges NRRTS Registrants face, there is no more rewarding career than being part of a team providing technology that improves function and quality of life for people who use CRT.
Read the complete NRRTS Standard of Practice here https://nrrts.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NRRTS-Standards-of-Practice.pdf
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Weesie may be reached at WWALKER@NRRTS.ORG
Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, is the executive director of NRRTS. She has more than 25 years of experience as a CRT supplier. She has served on the NRRTS Board of Directors, the GAMES Board of Directors and the Professional Standards Board of RESNA. Throughout her career, she has worked to advocate for professional suppliers and the consumers they serve. She has presented at the Canadian Seating Symposium, RESNA Conference, AOTA Conference, Medtrade, International Seating Symposium and the NSM Symposium. Walker is a NRRTS Fellow.
