HOW TO USE THE
9 STEP ALGORITHM

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CONSULTATION

Using the Algorithm to Help Match the Client with Right Product

The 9 Step Algorithm questions are based on a client’s ability to perform Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADL). These include feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting and dressing.

For Medicare reimbursement, specific Physician documentation is required for all clients that qualify for a MAE, and for a Power Mobility Device (PMD). Client and home assessments are required for all Power Mobility Devices and must be conducted face-to-face Going through the full Algorithm will result in a product recommendation that meets client needs and can be reimbursed through Medicare.

 

Generating Revenue with MAE Accessories

Once you’ve matched the client to the right products the natural next step is to recommend coordinating accessories and additional equipment. The in-home assessment required for certain product categories provides the perfect opportunity to uncover client needs right from the start. Recommending appropriate additional equipment can increase client independence and quality of life, while building a lasting client-provider relationship and increasing your own revenue stream.

Examples of Additional Equipment and Product Accessories:

 

Equipment:

Wheelchair Ramps, Commodes, Bath Safety, Personal Care items.

Canes:

Cane Tips, Cane Pouch, Cane Support Quad, Cane Support Tripod

Crutches:

Crutch Tips, Crutch Hand Grips, Crutch Underarm Guard

Scooters:

Scooter Trailers, Sunshade, Dust Cover, Oxygen Carry Bag 

Manual Wheelchairs:

Seat Rail Extensions, Seat Belts, Anti-Tippers, One-Arm Drives, Footrests, Carry Pouch, Tray, Cup Holder.

Power Wheelchairs:

Elevating Leg Rest Kit, Swing Way Controller Arm, Tray


Matching the right product and accessories to the right client is the road to a success in today’s Power Mobility business.

The Complete 9 Step Algorithm

The questions must be answered sequentially by either a Physician, Healthcare Provider/Supplier:

 Step 1:

Does the client have limitations of mobility that impair the ability to participate in MRADLs either:

  1. Entirely
  2. Can accomplish with risk to safety; or
  3. Can accomplish but not in a reasonable time frame.

Documentation needed:  Client has to meet A, B, or C and have other limitations of strength, balance, endurance, range of motion, has a history of falls or can potentially fall.

Step 2: 

Are there other conditions that limit the client’s ability to participate in MRADLs?

If NO, skip Step 3 and proceed to Step 4

If YES, go to step 3

Step 3:

If YES, Can other conditions be compensated by the assistance of a caregiver (e.g.: caregiver pushing a wheelchair)?

If NO, STOP here, Medicare will not cover.

If YES, go to Step 4

Documentation needed:  Document, in detail, why a caregiver cannot assist in the mobility of the client.

Step 4:

Does the client and/or caregiver demonstrate the ability and willingness to operate a MAE safely?

If NO, STOP here, Medicare will not cover.

If YES, move to Step 5.

Step 5:

Will a cane or walker allow the client to participate in MRADLs safely and efficiently?

If YES, STOP and order cane, crutch or walker

If NO, move to Step 6.

Documentation needed: If NO, document, in detail, the symptoms preventing the use of this type of equipment, including safety related issues (potential or history of falls, thick carpet, environmental barriers etc).

Step 6: 

In Home Assessment: Schedule appointment for the client’s in-home, on-site assessment. The assessment must conducted on-site to qualify for power wheelchairs, and on-site assessment is highly recommend for manual wheelchairs.

Step 7: 

Manual Wheelchairs:  Does the client have sufficient upper and lower body strength, endurance and stability that is necessary to manage and propel a manual wheelchair?

If YES, STOP and order a manual wheelchair.

If NO document, in detail the client’s symptoms and detail why a manual wheelchair or scooter is not a match for the client.

Step 8: 

Scooters:  Does the client have sufficient trunk support, hand, grip and complete upper body strength? Can the client sit up straight, can balance adequately and has the ability to stand, and pivot? Does the client have enough space in their home to maneuver a scooter? Is a scooter an appropriate match for your client?

If YES, STOP and order a scooter.

If NO document, in detail, clients symptoms and detail why a scooter is not a match for your client.

 Step 9:

Power Wheelchair: Does the client have the functionality (cognitively, strength, access to wheelchair controls, judgment, visual ability) to operate a power wheelchair to perform MRADLs within the home?

If YES, STOP and order a power wheelchair.

If No, consider a device that can be operated by a caregiver (manual wheelchairs)

Using these tools and tips to match the right product to the right client with the appropriate accessories is the road to a successful Power Mobility business.

For More Information Contact your DRIVE MEDICAL Industry Expert HERE


[1] MAE are considered canes, crutches, scooters, manual wheelchairs, and power wheelchairs. 

To successfully qualify a client for Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE)[1], a provider must follow Medicare’s 9 Step Algorithm. The Algorithm is a series of questions relating to client abilities that must be answered by a clinician. A clear understanding of both the requirements and opportunities provided by the 9 steps will help clinicians work within the Medicare requirements and match the right product to the right client. 

At first glance, the 9 Step Algorithm is daunting. There are so many questions and so many dependencies. However, using the 9 Steps can be of great benefit to both client and provider. For the client, going through the steps really does result in the best possible MAE for their needs. For the provider, the steps can help uncover new revenue opportunities.





Qualifying a Client for Mobility Assistive Equipment

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