CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

About Wheelchairs

Both manual and power wheelchairs have come a long way in the past 25 years. Wheelchairs are no longer “one size fits all”. Knowledge of human physiology, combined with today’s technological advances, has brought about tremendous advances in wheelchair construction. It is now possible to fit each individual with a chair that conforms to their personal physical as well as medical needs.

What goes into choosing the right chair?
When properly fitted, wheelchairs can relieve pressure on the spine and prevent skin ulcerations; when done improperly, wheelchairs can cause more problems than they correct -- especially when an individual spends more than a half hour or an hour a day sitting in the chair. Mobility Masters employs medical professionals and equipment specialists trained in seating and positioning. They have a comprehensive knowledge of equipment as well as a background in medical disabilities, anatomy, and biodynamics.

Our specialists begin with an extensive medical evaluation of each client in consultation with the attending physician, followed by research of the best equipment for each client’s individual need. The medical evaluation will take into account many factors, including a client’s physical and medical condition, cognitive skills, coordination, measurements, lifestyle, level of activity, personal preferences, and the environment in which the chair will be used. Since Mobility Masters carries an extensive product line of all major manufacturers, we have a wide range of wheelchair options from which to choose. When the chair is delivered and final adjustments are made, it is custom designed for the client.

Will Medicare Pay for It?
Medicare approves claims payments based on what we call the “hierarchy of medical need”. Example: Medicare may pay for a power chair if a person can no longer self-propel in a manual wheelchair (upper body limitations must be medically documented). Medicare may pay for a manual wheelchair if a person can no longer safely use a walker. Very specific medical criteria must be met and documented by the attending physician before a Medicare claim is approved. Our staff is well trained in Medicare reimbursement rules and regulations and can assist in all claims processing.

About Lift Chairs

Two Position Lift Chairs
A two-position lift chair has a sitting/reading (slight recline) position, and a lifted or standing position. The two position chairs are often the least expensive.

Three Position Lift Chairs
A three-position lift chair has a sitting/reading position, a lifted position, and a recline position, but not a full recline.

Infinite Position Lift Chairs
This chair reclines to position that elevates the feet above the heart (called the Trendelenburg Position). This recliner chair has dual motors to allow control of the footrest and the back independently. The full recline allows the chair to be used for sleeping. Some models have a mattress option.

Heavy Duty Lift Chairs
Most lift chairs accommodate up to 375 pounds. There are also chairs that accommodate weight capacities up to 700 pounds. Most have dual motors to and reduce wear on the motor over long-term use.

Lift chairs are also available to accommodate those who are taller than the average person.

Will Medicare Pay for It?
With a doctor’s prescription, and if Medicare medical qualifications for reimbursement are met, Medicare will reimburse for the motor lifting mechanism of the chair (the medically necessary part). Medicare does not pay for the entire chair. The reimbursement is approximately $300.

If Medicare has already paid for a manual of power wheelchair, they will not pay for a lift chair as the criteria states that a person must be ambulatory once they reach a standing position from a lift chair. A previously paid wheelchair has already indicated that the person is non-ambulatory.