W E E S I E'S WOR LD
WHAT WOULD SIMON DO?
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
This year of our 30th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the mission of NRRTS.
2. COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
Simon Margolis was the visionary who saw the need for defining best practice in the provision of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). He gathered input from the CRT industry stakeholders to create the basis of NRRTS.
Most complaints from consumers are centered around the lack of communication. Keep your customer in the know by giving them all the information. How long will it take to deliver? What is the cost? What are the coverage issues? What are other options? How will follow-up service be provided? Keeping the customer in the know creates a working relationship that is key to achieving the best outcomes.
His inspiration and guidance is embedded in the role of the supplier. His vision was simple: consumer protection for people who rely on CRT. Knowing the supplier is qualified to provide seating and mobility services and is held accountable is important to the client and the clinicians.
HOW DO YOU PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE? 1. WORK IN YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE No faking it here. Never done molded seating? Never installed and programmed a head array? Not sure about the optimal setup for a manual wheelchair? The solution is to work with a colleague who has the needed skill or get the continuing education you need. NRRTS provides a comprehensive library of content on all things seating and mobility.
3. BE AN ADVOCATE In the CRT world, there are many examples of people fighting to get coverage for services. Some take years to fight denial after denial. It is exciting on one hand, to see the customer prevail. But, on the other hand, why is there such a long battle to receive the best technology? How does it help the next person who needs this technology? What is the supplier’s obligation to support and participate in the struggle? Every CRT supplier is an advocate. That is just part of the job.
KNOWING THE SUPPLIER IS QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE SEATING AND MOBILITY SERVICES AND IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE IS IMPORTANT TO THE CLIENT AND THE CLINICIANS. Left to right: NRRTS Board Members Thana France, Katie Roberts, Elaine Stewart, Andrea Madsen, Leslie Rigg, Michele Gunn. In 2014, Simon Margolis attended CELA in Washington, D.C. It was his concept to get people involved in advocacy. He is pictured here holding his award acknowledging his leadership and appreciation. Margolis never missed a photo op!
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DIRECTIONS 2022.3
