News
Unlikely Funding Source for Adaptive Equipment in Ohio
May 14, 2019
by Elena Noble, MPT
Employer work-place injury within schools may sound unlikely, but for those health professionals routinely assisting students with disabilities in school, it is not uncommon. In fact, the injury rate of health professionals engaging in lifts, transfers and re-positioning of patients ranks equally with those working in heavy construction settings.1,2
For this reason, in June of 2018, when the Ohio Bureau of...
News
The Great Bike Giveaway
February 06, 2018
by Lori Potts, PT
With spring in the air we’re talking bikes today – or rather, adaptive tricycles. Kids with disabilities want to ride just as much as any child, and with a little bit of extra support they too can navigate those inviting sidewalks. Sadly, adaptive trikes are far too rarely covered by Medicaid or insurance, even with a strong case for the therapeutic benefits of cycling...
Tips & Advice
Rifton TRAM Funding Guide
November 20, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
As every clinician knows, when applying for funding for a complex rehab technology (CRT) device, detailed and thorough documentation of medical necessity is critical. As the Rifton TRAM combines a patient transfer system, a sit-to-stand device and a gait trainer in one compact unit, this places it in a unique position for funding.
To help you clear the hurdles associated with DME funding, we’ve...
PT/OT
Busting that Persistent Myth about Adaptive Bikes and Recreation
July 18, 2017
by Codi Andersen, DPT
I love the adaptive tricycle and the opportunities it affords many of my students. But how often have insurance companies denied requests for adaptive tricycles because they only see the recreational purpose? For my students with the most severe disabilities, the tricycle is a life-saver, and often the only piece of adaptive equipment that will help them achieve functional gains and participation. I&rsquo...
Tips & Advice
Adaptive Tricycle Funding Resources
October 20, 2016
by Elena Noble, MPT
A bike is the quintessence of childhood happiness. But for a child with disabilities, we think it’s a medical necessity. Beyond the joy and exhilaration of free-wheeling movement, the opportunity for reciprocal lower extremity exercise is crucial to the well-being of someone with fragile health. While the therapy community is unanimous on this point, sadly medical insurance companies underestimate...
Tips & Advice
Letter of Medical Necessity Resources
September 14, 2016
by Elena Noble, MPT
As clinicians well know, writing an effective letter of medical necessity (LOMN) for a piece of adaptive equipment can be challenging and time-consuming. In response to questions about letters of medical necessity for Rifton products, we put together a resource page with tips, tools and sample letters to help facilitate the process.
We are happy to make these LOMN resources available here.
PT/OT
Winning the Funding Battle for Standing Devices
March 24, 2016
by Melissa K. Tally, PT, MPT, ATP and Erin M. Pope, PT, MPT, ATP
For all of us, standing is an integral part of the developmental sequence. And particularly for people with motor impairments and physical disabilities it is one of the key building blocks that leads to exploratory mobility. (Bower, E.) A child who is unable to stand may be missing out on developmental learning and interaction with the environment. We know the many benefits of standing as well: improved...