How To Get Started with Power Mobility

If you or a family member are finding it's becoming increasingly difficult to get around your home or community, you may think to yourself, what do I do? When it gets harder to walk around without holding onto walls, furniture or even someone else, or if you or a loved one are living alone, have experienced falls or stumbling, or you are afraid this may happen, there may be a need for a power mobility chair.

One of the first things that comes up when we help folks with power mobility is answering the question: What are my payment options? There are two answers.

1. The first would be to pursue reimbursement through health insurance.

In order for a Patient to go through insurance to cover a power mobility chair, they will need to get a prescription from their Physician. There are several questions that will need to be answered by the Physician, which will need to be documented in the Patient's medical records to determine insurance eligibility and coverage. The following are examples of some of these questions:

· Without any type of mobility aid, (such as a cane or walker, holding onto walls, holding onto another person) how many feet can the Patient safely walk without stopping?

· What type of equipment is the Patient currently using for mobility in the home?

· What has changed that now requires the use of power mobility device?

· What is the Patient’s ability to stand from a seated position without assistance?

Sometimes the primary care physician is not sure of how to answer all the questions, and they will refer you for an evaluation with a physical therapist. This is a one-time evaluation specifically to evaluate your physical abilities and document precisely what is keeping the Patient from getting around safely and in a timely manner. Your physician will then determine what piece of equipment is necessary and complete a prescription. This prescription and other information should then be forwarded to a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) power mobility provider, such as Landmark Healthcare, which can bill Medicare, Medicaid, and most other health insurances.

Once we receive the order, one of our staff members will reach out to the Patient to obtain information on billing the insurance and where the delivery should be made. Staff will go over what we have received, what is still needed, and the remaining process during that initial phone call. We will also thoroughly go over any costs involved such as deductibles and co-insurance. Staff will then contact physician office for any additional information that is required or assist with getting a physical therapy evaluation scheduled, if needed. After all the required paperwork has been obtained, it will be sent to the insurance for a prior authorization. Once authorization has been obtained, then the device can be ordered, and delivery can be arranged.

2. The second option is to pay for a power mobility device through private pay without obtaining a prescription from a physician.

At Landmark, we have a power mobility showroom conveniently located in Fort Worth right off NW Loop 820 at Azle Avenue that contains many of our power mobility devices. Patients can sit in and test drive these devices for themselves with the assistance and guidance of one of our professional power mobility staff members. Our power wheelchairs and scooters are always fairly priced, and we usually offer a selection of gently used items as well.

Regardless of the payment path, deciding on the type of power mobility device can be difficult without the help of a power mobility professional. Each Patient's needs and capabilities are different, and our staff will communicate with the Patient on their specific conditions and challenges. We are experts in assisting Physicians and Patients in obtaining power mobility devices, including a licensed ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) helping Patients with disabilities choose and a procure a properly configured assistive power mobility device. We will also deliver the power mobility device to the Patient's home, thoroughly instruct the Patient on how to use the features of their device and be available promptly for any questions and issues that come up thereafter.

At Landmark, we have the following types of power mobility devices-

· Basic Power Mobility

o Includes standard power scooters and power wheelchairs

· Complex Power Mobility

o For Patients requiring more than standard mobility with more custom features.

· Manual, Transport & Ultra-Light Wheelchairs

o Manual wheelchairs require Patients to have enough arm strength to propel themselves forward.

· Reclining & Tilt-In-Space Wheelchairs

o These units have full back & headrest support and are designed for Patients who can't perform their own weight shifts.

Patients can begin the process of improved mobility today by calling one of our friendly customer service professionals to help guide them in the right direction. We can be reached at 877-693-0007 and Patients can visit www.landmarkhc.com for more information on all of our products and services.