Doing more with less - Making appropriate seating and wheeled mobility clinical decisions in the face of funding cuts - part 2 - Power Wheelchairs and Seating

Panelists:
Mike Babinec, OTR/L, ABDA, Product Manger: Power Wheelchair Electronics, Invacare Corporation
Julie Piriano, PT, ATP, Director, Rehab Industry Affairs, Quantum Rehab
Ann Eubank, OTR/L, Director of Education, Permobil
Moderated by:
Joni McGhee, OTR, Clinical Coordinator, TIRR/Memorial Hermann


Julie Piriano started off by explaining the role of the "SPARC" principle at Quantum. Singularity of Parts and "first time quality" in supply chain and manufacturing practices have provided cost savings that have been passed on to the dealers. Quantum understands that the more successful a company becomes the more risk they take on with repairs. By providing equipment that is tested and has a high quality, there will be fewer failures and less money lost on repairs.

Mike Babinec opened up stating that the manufacturers need to get the education out into the field about the coding process and why equipment has certain codes. We need to educate consumers because they are the people that have the most potential to make changes on Capitol hill. We need to educate our therapists more so that they understand better how to justify power equipment as well as so they understand the pressures that the dealers are working under.

Ann Eubank talked about limiting choice. Is there an ethical dilemma when we limit choice based on reimbursement. We should offer all alternatives to customers regardless of their insurance reimbursement possibilities. Offering the best alternative, even if it is not financially provided by their payor, is empowering. Only offering alternatives available based on funding is oppressive. We should be advocates for each customer based on their actual needs.

Develop and forge a relationship with local and statewide disability groups. Explaining why changes happen, what the issues are the industry faces, and what the issues are that the consumers will face will help build that relationship while educating them at the same time.

Teach consumers how to find their congressman and advocate for themselves.

The question then becomes how to help consumers overcome their fears and be able to advocate for themselves.

Ann Eubank made us aware of a new advocacy group called Users First Alliance. The alliance is focused on helping people with disabilities gain access to the seating and mobility equipment that they need and deserve. They also give a unified voice to the fragmented demographics of the disability community.

Educate the customer on all of their options and provide the optimal solution for them. Discuss funding last after they are sold on the solutions and on the benefits that the solutions will provide their daily lives. When the discussion turns to money, they are more likely to write a check for upgrades or non-reimbursable items if they see them as a whole package of care.

OR. . .

Discuss funding up front. By knowing the insurance company information, you can have the discussion with the client about what the needs are, what the solution HAS to be as well as what the solution CAN be. Once the options are available the consumer, provider, and therapist can make more informed decisions.