Podcasts about complex rehab technology

Burdened by overly complicated documentation requirements, inadequate funding, and unwieldy operations, Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) repair has always been an arduous challenge. Then the COVID pandemic's supply chain delays and labor shortages broke an already struggling system. At the heart of the repair issue remain the wheelchair riders whose mobility is at stake. Diane Racicot (VP of Payer Relations at National Seating & Mobility) and Wayne Grau (Executive Director of NCART) discuss the frustrations felt by stakeholders, as well as what repair resolution will require.

Digital enablement sounds impressive — but what does it really mean? And can it work in a people-centric industry such as Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), where relationships and communication are everything? Numotion's Bret Barczak (Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Retail Division) and Elizabeth Floegel (Chief Information & Digital Officer) discuss the many efficiencies that digitization can offer today's CRT provider… and why people will always be key to successful CRT outcomes.

Complex Rehab Technology manufacturers design power wheelchairs for a wide range of stakeholders. Consumers, caregivers, clinicians, providers, and technicians all have their own priorities, while payers want to get the most function while paying the lowest possible cost. Bret Tracy, ATP, and Josh Haynes from Merits Health Products discuss how they balance those priorities — not to mention Medicare funding based on in-the-home usage — and what questions suppliers should consider when choosing which power chairs to provide.

A landmark proposed decision on Medicare funding for seat elevation should be very encouraging to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) stakeholders, but several other CRT issues are also demanding attention. In this first podcast of the year with NCART Executive Director Wayne Grau and Associate Director Mickae Lee, Mobility Management Editor Laurie Watanabe asks about power standing (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has not yet responded to the industry's request for Medicare coverage consideration), the expansion of right-to-repair laws, and what else the industry can expect for 2023.

How do you define a successful ultralightweight wheelchair? How do rolling resistance, rolling dynamics, center of mass, weight distribution, etc., impact that wheelchair's efficiency and function? In this second podcast sponsored by RGK, Josh Anderson and Jim Black — both longtime ultralightweight wheelchair riders — and Sarah Leonard, PT, DPT, ATP, discuss the manufacturer's made-to-measure custom-building process, why individualized configurations are crucial, and the many benefits of optimizing these “wheeled prosthetics.”

CES Eureka Park Accessibility Contest winner Kalogon CEO, Tim Balz joins me to talk about the honor and the events the lead him to get involved in Complex Rehab Technology.We also talk about the Game Changing Technology in their Orbiter smart cushion that eliminates direct pressure on sensitive areas to not only accelerate the healing process of pressure injuries, but also prevent new injuries from occurring.

While consumers who use seating and wheeled mobility equipment are the ultimate Complex Rehab Technology and DME customers, suppliers also work with a number of other stakeholders every day, including all-important referral sources. In this podcast sponsored by ATLAS Enterprise Software, CEO Bill Paul and Chief Innovation Officer Diana Escalera explain the benefits for suppliers who nurture their relationships with referral sources, and how efficiently handling prescriptions can strengthen those collaborations by providing timely, accurate, excellent customer service.

With a busy, productive summer 2022 now in the rear-view mirror, NCART Executive Director Wayne Grau and Associate Director Mickae Lee provide a recap and an update on priorities for the rest of 2022 into 2023, as exiting Executive Director Don Clayback says good-bye.

Reimbursement is at the heart of so many Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) challenges — and in recent years, CRT providers have faced a perfect storm of pandemic-driven supply chain delays and increased business costs, complicated by surging fuel prices, labor shortages, and overall inflation. Too often, the impact has been longer wait times for equipment delivery and repairs. National Seating & Mobility's CEO Bill Mixon and Chief Revenue Cycle Officer Charles Sargeant discuss impactful reimbursement reforms that could keep pace with current and future events… while also mitigating service delays that are fueling the Right to Repair consumer movement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined how Complex Rehab Technology providers do business, from seating evaluations to equipment deliveries, repairs and service. Jeff Preston, Director of Product & Marketing at Motion (formerly Motion Specialties), discusses how the national Canadian provider has identified and implemented solutions over the last few years, as well as trends its ATPs have noticed among seating and wheeled mobility clients.

Tom Borcherding, industry veteran and CRT advocate, recently accepted the business development responsibility at LUCI. Today, Tom discusses how manufacturers can help raise awareness of CRT.This episode is brought to you by the Premier Sponsors of the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In:Alliance RehabNational Seating & MobilityNumotionQuantumReliable MedicalRiftonVisit CRTAccess.com to learn about the Fly-In and register, for free, to help raise awareness of Complex Rehab Technology.

Weesie Walker and Gerry Dickerson from NRRTS join Greg Packer and Wayne Grau from NCART to talk about CRT Advocacy. Join us for a great conversation.This episode is brought to you by the Premier Sponsors of the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In:Alliance RehabNational Seating & MobilityNumotionQuantumReliable MedicalRiftonVisit CRTAccess.com to learn about the Fly-In and register, for free, to help raise awareness of Complex Rehab Technology.

Jenny Siegle is a full-time producer for Altitude Sports in Denver, Colorado. Jenny also works as a replay operator for the Colorado Rockies during baseball season and in 2021 she joined the Denver Broncos Public Relations game day staff.She is an amazing advocate for Complex Rehab Technology  and a role model for all of us who want to make a difference. Join us and listen as Jenny tells her story.This episode is brought to you by the Premier Sponsors of the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In:Alliance RehabNational Seating & MobilityNumotionQuantumReliable MedicalRiftonVisit CRTAccess.com to learn about the Fly-In and register, for free, to help raise awareness of Complex Rehab Technology.

Jean L. Minkel is a physical therapist and master clinician internationally recognized for her work in assistive technology.  She is an  an educator and consultant to every facet of the assistive technology and seating & mobility world. Jean has authored and edited a couple great works including a video series entitled "Spending or Investing - Funding Assistive Technology"... a terrific series designed to provide support for smoothing-out the ridiculously complex funding process for Assistive Technology.Today Jean and I discuss the need for CRT advocacy and awareness building and the role clinicians can play.This episode is brought to you by the Premier Sponsors of the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In:Alliance RehabNational Seating & MobilityNumotionQuantumReliable MedicalRiftonVisit CRTAccess.com to learn about the Fly-In and register, for free, to help raise awareness of Complex Rehab Technology.

Katy Stevens, recently named 2021 HME Woman of the Year during a virtual presentation hosted by VGM, has a keen eye for doing great things for people that need Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). I talked with Katy about how providers and Rehab Technology Suppliers can help raise awareness of CRT to provide greater access and independence for the people that need it.This episode is brought to you by the Premier Sponsors of the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In:Alliance RehabNational Seating & MobilityNumotionQuantumReliable MedicalRiftonVisit CRTAccess.com to learn about the Fly-In and register, for free, to help raise awareness of Complex Rehab Technology.

It's a challenge for smaller Complex Rehab Technology and mobility providers to distinguish themselves from the competition. But optimal product selection can be one way to stand out. In this WHILL-sponsored podcast, VP of Sales Justin Gagnon discusses what providers should look for when choosing products to carry, while Doug Mykol, Managing Partner at New Tech Mobility, explains his product selection process for this new business.

NCART's Don Clayback and Mickae Lee preview a busy summer in Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), as the industry awaits a CMS power seat elevation and standing public comment period, and advocates get ready for August's CRT Awareness Week and September's virtual Congressional fly-in.

As the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) celebrates its 30th anniversary, Executive Director Weesie Walker discusses how the job of Rehab Technology Suppliers (RTS) has changed over the years, the current challenges they face, and how NRRTS plans to raise up and educate the next RTS generation for the benefit of all Complex Rehab Technology stakeholders. 

It took a couple years, but Laurie finally agreed to be  a guest on the podcast, and I'm very happy... even excitedLaurie is Executive Editor of Mobility Management magazine and sees a lot, hears a lot, knows everybody, and shares the passion - definitely has the Song In Her Heart - for Complex Rehab Technology and the amazing people that make it all happen.She's been smack dab in the middle of the seating & mobility industry for 20 years and her insights, her perspective, her background, her story will leave you wanting more.But don't take my word for it... listen-up!

In the best of times, working in Complex Rehab Technology is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. CRT professionals work hard to take care of others... but who's taking care of CRT professionals? Patrick Boardman, ATP, shares what he's hearing  from colleagues... and explains why self care must also be an industry priority.

NCART's Executive Director Don Clayback and Associate Director Mickae Lee recap Complex Rehab Technology issues that have carried over from 2021, and discuss the policy and advocacy priorities they're working on as the industry looks to move forward from the pandemic.

Brooke Ellison, PhD is an Associate Professor of health policy and medical ethics at Stony Brook University. Following a car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator at age eleven, Dr. Ellison graduated from Harvard University in 2000... and hasn't stopped since! Her accomplishments, her background, her insights make her one of the most interesting and truly visionary people I've ever met. Visit Brooke's website - https://www.brookeellison.com/ - to learn all that Brooke can do to help us make the world a better place. "In life, we are taught to look both ways, as if there were only two..." Brooke EllisonPlease join us for a very enlightened and enlightening conversation. 

Transportation is one of many factors that can determine how successfully a wheelchair with complex seating will be used in the community. Danny Langfield, CEO of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), joins the Mobility Management podcast to discuss how collaborations between adaptive automotive dealers and Complex Rehab Technology professionals can create better outcomes for consumers and families.

In this special episode in collaboration with NCART, Brook McCall, Erin Michael, Mike Osborn, and Mickae Lee share why and how they advocate to preserve consumer access to Complex Rehab Technology... plus tips on how they create meaningful, memorable conversations while overcoming public speaking jitters.

Occupational Therapist for over 30 years, President of Therapy Now, Author of More Than 4 Wheels, and member of NRRTS Canadian Advisory Committee, Sheila Buck took time to share her story for us.Please listen while Sheila paints a picture of her passion for providing freedom and independence through Complex Rehab Technology, Seating & Mobility, and Assistive technology. 

In today’s episode of Industry Matters President of U.S Rehab, Greg Packer and Vice President of Rehabilitation Program Development at HOMELINK, Kyle Walker, wrap up a 3-part podcast series on the importance telehealth has played, and will continue to play in the complex rehab industry.

Katherine M. Stevens - aka Katie - shares her story of growth, accomplishments, and her belief in the world of seating & mobility. In her current position as Vice President of Operations for Reliable Medical in the great (and cold) state of Minnesota, Katie is positioned to do great things for the people who need complex rehab technology and for the people that provide it.Please listen with me to Katie's tory.

This is second podcast on a new course being developed for telehealth in complex rehab. This podcast will examine the finer details like procedures, documentation, service and repair, and reimbursement with a variety of experts; Kyle Walker, MHA, ATP is the Director of Operations of Assistive Technology with VGM Homelink. Mark Schmeler is an Associate Professor and the Vice Chair for Education Training in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dan Fedor currently serves as the Director of Reimbursement for U.S. Rehab a division of VGM & Associates. Rachel Hibbs, DPT, NCS, ATP is an Assistant Professor and Director of Continuing Education at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science. She earned a B.S. in Rehabilitation Science, Steve Mitchell is an occupational therapist who works as a Clinical Specialist in Seating/Wheeled Mobility and Assistive Technology for the SCI/D Service at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Mark Schmeler, Associate Professor and the Vice Chair for Education Training in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dan Fedor, Director of Reimbursement for U.S. Rehab, Kyle Walker, Director of Operations of Assistive Technology with VGM Homelink, and Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, talk about a new educational program focused around telehealth and CRT. In this episode, they discuss the history of telehealth, how providers are willing to challenge the status quo by embracing untraditional methods for assessments and non-billable services within virtual technology, the policies surrounding telehealth services from a payer standpoint, and how telehealth is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This is first of a series of podcasts about the new telehealth course.

Do you ever wish there is more than one Claudia?! In this episode, reimbursement guru Claudia Amortegui tells her story and helps us understand the importance of accurate funding intelligence. The Orion Group, under Claudia's leadership, specializes in taking the guesswork out of reimbursement for CRT and making accurate information available to suppliers, clinicians, providers, manufacturers, and other CRT stakeholders..Please join me and listen while Claudia talks about how she became an expert in reimbursement and doing the right things for the people that need it.

Hymie Pogir has made an indelible mark on the Seating & Mobility industry and for all the people who are sitting in wheelchairs today. It is with great appreciation and admiration that I am able to share this conversation that I had with Hymie. I can't say enough good things... so I won't try.Please join me and listen to one of the true Complex Rehab Technologists.

Mark Sullivan, industry veteran, visionary, and Champion of Independence, shares his background and his perspective on an industry that he helped create.With over 36 years focused on crafting solutions for people that need Complex Rehab Technology, Mark was integral to Invacare’s rehab business and products for 27 years where he rose to Global VP of Power Wheelchairs and Seating. Along the way, he traveled the world pioneering seating and mobility in less resourced countries. Mark leads Sullivan Consulting providing product development, marketing, sales management, and strategic planning and is currently providing New product development for Convaid.Mark authored a couple books, including COMPLEX -(equired reading in my opinion) which can be viewed and downloaded from https://TalkRehab.Show/Complex or from the resources page on the NRRTS website (https://NRRTS.org)

Cathy Carver talks about her experiences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Spain Rehabilitation Center and Clinician Task Force. Cathy is a Clinician, Teacher, Lecturer, and founder of 'Come Roll with Me'... an awareness-building organization where young kids learn first-hand about disabilities. She has also worked as an Alabama Medicaid medical reviewer for custom pediatric and adult wheelchairs and seating.Listen as Cathy provides a rich conversation about her life as a deep influencer and all-around giant in the world of Seating & Mobility.

Pam Glazener, OTR, ATP shares her knowledge, her insight, and her background managing and caring for patients with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Please join us for an educational and motivational conversation about this diabolical diagnosis and Pam’s very upbeat vision of the lives of people with ALS.

After 26 years in Complex Rehab Technology, Ming Chang has come full circle by announcing a new venture... in the midst of a pandemic. He's also been checking in with ATPs each week. Hear what they've told him, how they're being impacted by current events, how those events could shape the future of CRT, and what traits about CRT are unlikely to change at all.

Mala Aaronson, OT, ATP, CRTS, one of the top ATPs in the country, shares her journey, her clinical leadership, her dedication, and explains her mission to provide seating & mobility to the people that need it… and to teach and inspire those who provide it.

Powerhouse PT Erin Michael has been passionate about physical therapy from an early age. Specializing in spinal cord injury rehab, Erin heads the seating clinic, and is the manager of Patient Advocacy and Special Programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is an executive member of the Clinicians Task Force and a representative for the United Spinal Association.Please join me today for a conversation with and glimpse into the mind of Erin Michael.

As Executive Director, Weesie Walker oversees the operation of the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS), including the review of applications, developing education programs, and marketing the organization. Weesie's deep background, experience, deliberation, and dedication to the cause are apparent as soon as she begins speaking. I had a great conversation with Weesie about life in the world of Seating & Mobility. Please join us and listen as Weesie shares her background and her views on industry topics.

Kelly Mason has been affiliated with the Seating & Mobility Industry for almost 20 years. She recently took a position at NuProdx as Director of National Accounts. Listen as Kelly talks about her background, her new position, and the exciting bath product concepts from NuProdx.

When you look-up "Necessity is the Mother of Invention", you'll probably see Bruce Hammer's picture.Bruce, a former professional motorcycle racer, was ranked second in the United States when his life took an unexpected turn in 1982. Bruce crashed during a race and became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck at the sixth/seventh cervical vertebra. Bruce, who also had a background in architecture, eventually began designing and creating products that would help him travel more independently. Inspired by the freedom that the productsprovided, Bruce founded Nuprodx in 1998 to offer solutions to others.Listen while Bruce tells a great story and lends his perspective on the future of rehab.

Doug Munsey founded Ki Mobility in 2005 and positioned the company squarely in the lightweight manual wheelchair arena. Since 2005, Doug has grown the company steadily and passionately for the people that need mobility and for the people that provide it.Join us as we discuss the industry, the company, the players, and the future.

Compliance isn't just a good corporate policy. Implemented the right way, it can earn Complex Rehab Technology providers the crucial trust of clinicians, referral sources, payors and consumers. Tim Casey, Chief Compliance Officer/General Counsel for Numotion, discusses why traditional "fear-based" compliance isn't nearly as effective as making compliance a matter of everyday leadership, communication and education… and the tremendous dividends that can result.

The VGM/U.S. Rehab reimbursement team of Dan Fedor and Ronda Buhrmester discuss the difference between participating and non-participating and why suppliers should consider to change their status as 2019 quickly approaches.

This week on Industry Matters, the VGM and U.S. Rehab reimbursement team of Dan Fedor and Ronda Buhrmester highlight supplier enrollment status, educational resources for billing staff and the process for managing natural disasters.

Today we sit down with Jeff Baird, Chairman of the Health Care Group of Brown & Fortunato to discuss what telehealth could look like for HME suppliers as the industry does everything it can to stretch each and every penny.

The home modification market is seeing huge growth and no sign of slowing down as the Boomers are wanting to stay in the comfort of their own homes. With the outdated housing infrastructure in America creating a huge demand for home modification products, Jim Greatorex - VP of VGM Live at Home and Scott Crosswhite - National VP of Sales for EZ-ACCESS discuss how suppliers can address this huge demand of home safety products.

This week Wayne van Halem and Ronda Buhrmester discuss a recent OIG report which paints a bad picture for CPAP related billing claims.

Dan Fedor and Ronda Buhrmester of the U.S. Rehab and VGM Reimbursement team outline the Prior Authorization Demo expanding nationwide.

This week we sit down with Jared Johnson, the Wednesday keynote at the VGM Heartland Conference to discuss "Elite Leadership" and what it means to motivate employees to be their very best.

In this bonus episode we discuss the highlights for the 2018 VGM Heartland Conference! From social events to the awesome education, we cover it all! Visit vgmheartland.com for more information and to register!

Retail sales in healthcare can mean a lot of different things depending on the provider. In this week's episode we talk with the VGM Retail team on how to ensure that providers are maximizing their opportunities for sales without the patient feeling like their being sold to, rather than cared for.

In this week's episode we sit down with Clint Geffert, President of VGM & Associates to discuss what durable medical equipment and complex rehab technology providers are doing to address a challenging business environment.

An introduction to Industry Matters, the topics the show will cover with a focus business solutions.

Joyce welcomes Don Clayback executive director of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART). NCART is national association of complex rehab technology (CRT) providers and manufacturers focused on ensuring individuals with disabilities have adequate access to specialized wheelchairs, seating and positioning systems, and other adaptive equipment such as standing devices and gait trainers. He has responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, and influencing regulatory policies and legislation at both the federal and state level. He will discuss the importance of supporting passage of The Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act that would create a separate benefit category under Medicare for CRT.