Matching the Product
with the client
REQUEST A
CONSULTATION
Client Assessment: Matching the Client to the Product:
When Matching the Product to the Client for a MAE product it's essential to conduct a client assessment, the assessment falls within three general categories, the categories below equally influences the client's needs and will guide a Provider to find the product that will best fit the clients medical needs. As a Provider, understanding the need for these protocols is extremely important, however it is under the Physician or Clinicians to document the information below; in addition for Medicare to cover a Power Mobility Device, the client must meet all of the following three basic coverage categories:
Mobility-Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs):
A Provider needs to understand how a client can participate in on or more Mobility-Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs). A provider will need to determine if the client's mobility limitation cannot be resolved sufficiently and safely by using an appropriately fitted cane or walker; and determine if the client does not have sufficient upper extremity function to self-propel an optimally configured manual wheelchair in the home to perform MRADLs during a typical day.
Client Mobility Limitations:
The Provider needs to determine if the client has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs his or her ability to participate in one or more Mobility-Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs) such as toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and bathing in customary locations in the home. A mobility limitation is defined as one that prevents the client from accomplishing an MRADL entirely or within a reasonable time frame; or places the client at reasonably determined heightened risk of morbidity or mortality secondary to the attempts to perform an MRADL
Limits of Strength and Endurance:
The Provider will need to determine the clients limitations of strength, endurance, range of motion, or coordination; presence of pain; or deformity or absence of one or both upper extremities are relevant to the assessment of upper extremity function.
What Questions Should a Provider Ask?
Along with an in-depth understanding of the basic criteria above a Provider will also need to ask the appropriate questions to assess a client needs, as detailed in Medicare's 9 Step Algorithm combining the two will help the Provider determine what MAE would best suit the client.
Necessary Considerations - Provider Responsibility:
The data below is essential to understanding the client and will help determine which product best matches the client MAE needs:
Client Needs: Deep understanding of the clients needs
Weight: Clients accurate weight
Height: Clients accurate height
Diagnosis: Medical diagnosis as determined by Physician
MRLAD's: Thorough understanding of the clients MRLAD
Use: Multi-Use, Outdoor, or Indoor use
What are the MAE Options?
There are an abundance of MAE options for a broad base of client's medical needs, below is information on how to determine which MAE would best fit for each client:
Manual Wheelchair, Cane, Crutch, Walker:
In addition to the basic coverage criteria described above, depending on the type of MAE provided, the client must meet the following criteria for Medicare to cover the PMD
Power Wheel Chair and Power Operated Vehicle (Scooter):
In addition to the basic coverage criteria described above, depending on the type of PMD provided, the client must meet the following criteria for Medicare to cover the PMD
Required Documentation:
There are essential document requirements that are imperative to Medicare approving a MAE; to access the required document checklist and learn more click here.
Understanding the Face-to-Face Examination:
To properly Match a Product to the Client, a Face-to-Face Examination is another Medicare requirement, to understand how to conduct a proper Face-to-Face Examination click here.
A comprehensive understanding of the tools necessary to Match the Product with the Client will support the Providers goals of building their PM business and ensuring that the client outcome is positive.
Contact your DRIVE MEDICAL Industry Expert to Ask Questions or for More Information.
Over the last decade, the Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE) industry has seen a few changes, the added burden of Medicare's competitive bidding has created many obstacles that has made it difficult to operate a successful business.
Providers that become product experts and deeply knowledgeable about the MAE product offerings as well as have a profound understanding of their clients needs will be empowered to successfully match a client to a MAE product, the direct results will be the creation of a strong brand identity.
Because each client is different, as well as their MAE needs, finding the right product for the client can be difficult; however learning to ask the appropriate questions to identify the client needs, and match the two together will help a Provider find success which will contribute to better experience for the client; offering the client a higher degree of comfort and security while promoting independence thus improving the client's quality of life.
