tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390441292756538494.post3913546507258725100..comments2024-03-27T01:10:45.967-04:00Comments on Living with Kennedy's Disease: Buying a wheelchair is like buying a carBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17127100017051232292noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390441292756538494.post-29997539376248929612018-03-26T18:25:05.962-04:002018-03-26T18:25:05.962-04:00For suggestions to prepare for insurance coverage:...For suggestions to prepare for insurance coverage:<br /><br />On ever Doc visits have a note made on issues that may be addressed by a powerchair (PC) or some other adaption or action. <br /><br />e.g. If you have leg edema (even minor) have that noted on your record. If reasonable have the Doc enter a recommendation for leg elevation. This will support the elevating foot rest option.<br /><br />If you have trouble with trunk strength or sitting posture issues/pain this would support the seat and back tilt. Back tilt is not as good as seat tilt when the chair is used outside slopes.<br /><br />If you can't get up from a standard height chair document that you need to have a seat height of at least 27" (or whatever) to do a self-transfer. Have it documented that you do not have enough strength to do a side transfer. This will support the seat elevation. <br /><br />When doing the PC eval mention these same items. Emphasize you expect to be strong enough for a self-transfer well into the future if you can depend on starting a standing transfer from 27" or so.<br /><br />There are a lot of used chairs out there too, at or near the copay you may face. The disadvantage of used is lack of coverage for major repairs like a controller or motor. Not a lot of the used chairs come from the ALS (or similar) community and do not have elevating seats as the patients are not weight bearing so can't do a standing transfer in any case. DO NOT buy a PC without elevating seat unless you cannot stand today.Bob Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07141429641063661173noreply@blogger.com