Do you know someone with a disability? Perhaps you are one of the 20% of Americans who have a disability. Either way, helping disabled people get more mobile can be a great business idea that is also empowering and helping make the world a better place.
Mobility equipment suppliers help people with reduced mobility gain greater freedom and independence. Generally, people with disabilities or injuries or older people who are at increased risk of falls prefer to use a vehicle.
So what are the benefits that mobility equipment and mobility equipment suppliers can bring?
Table of Contents
1. Increased Confidence In Older People
The benefits of mobility aids for people with walking difficulties include reduced risk of falls, increased confidence, and greater autonomy, but many of those who may benefit from mobility aids do not use them.
Corresponding to the higher prevalence of movement disorders among minorities over 60, the use of vehicles (canes, crutches, walkers, and wheeled equipment such as manual and electric wheelchairs) is also higher among minorities.
2. Vehicle Users With Disabilities Can Continue To Drive
Among vehicle users, the cane was the most frequently used device (72%), followed by walkers (16%) and wheelchairs (7%). Many mobile devices are available to meet people’s needs. Companies can rent out canes and crutches and also offer wheelchair rental and stairlift installation.
These devices and wheelchair services offer many benefits to users, including greater independence, less pain, and greater confidence and self-esteem.
Up to 19% of seniors in the United States need help walking and may benefit from using a cane, crutch, or walker to do their recommended exercise requirements. These devices can improve gait efficiency, reduce pain, and improve gait for lower limb osteoarthritis.
They may be more suitable than walkers for people with severe disabilities or when traveling long distances. Wheelchairs are used by people who do not need to load their lower limbs or who cannot walk. People who are not on an outpatient basis will need a manual or electric wheelchair to get around.
3. Mobility Scooters Help Older Patients Who Don’t Always Report Issues
Healthcare professionals should be aware that older patients may not always report mobility problems and may not use the device even when advised.
In this way, Hispanic family members can encourage the use of mobility aids, especially if doctors explain the benefits of mobility in terms of greater safety and greater ability to participate in family and community activities.
If patients choose their equipment based on their preference for the appearance of the device, it can improve the perception of mobility aids.
4. Easy Repairing Of Equipment
Repair of primary and secondary mobile equipment such as power lift chairs is a benefit as long as the member or supplier owns the equipment and the cost of the repair does not exceed the cost of replacing the equipment. Repairs can be done from any authorized repair location.
Suppliers should consult the current HCPCS supply codes and up-to-date information on benefit coverage, restrictions, and requirements for applying for prior authorization (par).
5. Supplying Providers That Don’t Qualify For Medicare Helps The Community
Providers who do not qualify for Medicare must report and document the referral of dual-eligible members to Medicare providers if Medicare is identified as an eligible payer for services, supplies, and equipment.
When requesting authorization to repair or modify a mobile device that was not originally authorized by the MHCP, include the medical necessity documentation for the device and accessories that need to be repaired or replaced.
When suppliers submit pre-approval for a new wheelchair or request repairs to an existing wheelchair, a special permit will be created that allows the supplier to claim directly up to the unit price set in the following repair pricing file.
Membership
Mobility equipment suppliers often have a membership option for those without Medicare.
If a member’s device requires consumables, the par must include a device download demonstrating compliance, or a personal assessment by the member’s healthcare provider (within six months of the request) that documents that the recipient continues to use the device and receive benefit from it.
The assessment should include the impact of disease progression on the participant’s ability to use the requested mobile device and an assessment showing how long the requested mobile device should meet the participant’s mobility needs.
The assessment should take into account the current and expected future mobility needs of the participant.
What Medicare Does Not Provide
Healthcare providers may only offer Medicare-covered mobile devices to dual members. Medicare does not cover rent, purchase, or repair of mobile devices while the member lives in a long-term care facility.
Mobile device providers must be registered as medical device providers. Beneficiaries should ensure that the ongoing need for equipment is updated in the medical record and the need for repairs is documented.
Examples of covered items include oxygen equipment, hospital beds, mobile devices (wheelchairs, walkers, electric mobile devices), insulin pumps, and breast pumps.
Mobility Equipment Suppliers Can Help Patients With Disabilities
If you are thinking of setting up a disability business that can help supply equipment to those most in need, this can be a great thing.
You can help older patients continue to drive with their disabilities and you can even set up a wheelchair rental service to help those who don’t have the right Medicare plan to rent from you. Setting up mobility equipment suppliers can be an empowering move for you.
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