3 minute read
WEESIE'S WORLD
“WHERE CAN WE GO NOW?”
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
Reports keep coming in regarding the closing of seating clinics all over the country.
Back more years than I can remember, I met with a lady who had been recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Her physician had given her a prescription (written on a prescription pad) that said, “Dispense 1 Wheelchair.” She went to a local pharmacy and received a very basic manual wheelchair. As we talked about her needs for a power mobility, I shared my concerns that her insurance might deny it since they had just paid for a wheelchair. I wanted to prepare her, but instead, I upset her greatly. I will never forget how that all went down.
After sharing this with the head of the therapy department, we came up with a plan to create a clinic that would be staffed by a therapist who could evaluate for seating and mobility. As the clinic began to take shape, suppliers started referring their clients to the clinic. Reps and suppliers provided demo equipment, tools and literature. In-service training on different equipment and technology were commonplace.
The clinic thrived for many years and served countless people with varying disabilities. Many of them were multiple repeat customers. They knew their best interest would be of primary concern, and they knew the documentation challenges would be met.
NRRTS is writing content for a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Supplier Education Program and requested to be present at this clinic to take pictures and videos. I looked forward to being there to photograph the clinician and supplier working together to evaluate people for CRT.
Then came the news. The clinic was going to be closed. The clinician was retiring, and no one wanted to step in and take over. There were several other factors, including the low reimbursement for evaluations. The prior approvals and billing cost more than the amount being reimbursed.
Why did we let this happen? Did we not talk about gaining better outcomes when a person can be evaluated in a clinic with products to try? Could we lobby for higher reimbursement? Did the clients who were being served by that clinic ever have a voice?
So, on the very last day of seating clinic, I was there. The questions asked many times that day was, “What do we do from here? Where will we go, and who will take care of us?” This is what it means when seating clinics disappear. CRT users will have to find another resource that will meet their needs. This means longer wait times for an appointment at another seating clinic and/or travelling further.
We, as an industry, have taken a giant step backward. Access to proper evaluations is now just another hurdle for consumers to overcome. The needs of people who rely on CRT will remain and must be met. What are we doing about it? What are you doing about it?
And, where will they go?
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 Complex Rehab Technology supplier. She has served on the board of directors for NRRTS and GAMES and the Professional Standards Board of RESNA.Throughout her career, Walker 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, ISS and the NSM Symposium. Walker is a NRRTS Fellow.
