Wheelchair Seating and Positioning

 

Overview

Whether you need a new wheelchair or simply a seating modification, you may benefit from the Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. This comprehensive outpatient service will help you identify the type of seating and positioning products that will best meet YOUR needs and is available at all three RHI Outpatient locations!

 

Our Approach

RHI provides a comprehensive approach by coordinating the efforts of the following team members:

• The client
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Wheelchair vendor of client’s choice
• Physician

We have therapists who are Assistive Technology Practitioners with advanced training and certification in seating and positioning.

 

 

Evaluation

Each client meets jointly with an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and a wheelchair vendor representative who will evaluate your needs. A typical evaluation lasts about an hour. An evaluation includes:

• Discussion of client/caregiver goals, expectations, and needs
• Past medical history including prior wheelchair usage
  
• Postural Assessment
• Strength and Range of Motion Assessment
• Sensation testing
  
• Mobility status including transfers (bed to chair, chair to toilet, chair to car, etc.)
  
• Community mobility needs

RHI therapy and a physiatrist provide this clinic one time per month at the main hospital for patients who require a physiatrist approval for power mobility. (Medicare patients)

 

Timelines and Follow Up

Evaluation and recommendations are completed and sent to your physician for approval of medical necessity. Once physician approves medical necessity, wheelchair specs are submitted by the vendor for insurance approval. When your new wheelchair is delivered, RHI therapists will arrange a follow up appointment with you to ensure correct fit and safe usage of the chair.

 

Insurance

Wheelchair therapy evaluations are typically covered by insurance. RHI’s outpatient registration team will verify insurance coverage for therapy prior to your appointment. The therapists and vendors work together to justify your wheelchair seating and positioning needs to the insurance company as well.

 

Given limited funding, finding the right chair to best meet the client’s need the FIRST time is essential and it takes a team approach to meet that challenge! Our goal is to provide the highest level of independence in mobility within your home and community.