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Wheelchair Nerds

Wheelchair Nerds

EducationTechnology58 episodes
Welcome to Wheelchairs Nerds – a podcast to connect and inform people who utilize, prescribe, and provide seating and wheeled mobility equipment. Have a question, suggestion, or comment? Email us at wheelchairnerds@permobil.com. The information in the podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical, billing, or legal advice.
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Episode 55: Navigating Changes to Medicare's Five-Year Wheelchair Replacement Rule

Episode 55: Navigating Changes to Medicare's Five-Year Wheelchair Replacement Rule

45 min 25 sec
In this episode, Jim Stephenson (Senior Market Access Manager at Permobil) and Tamara Kittelson (Executive Director of the Clinician Task Force) unpack recent changes in Medicare’s five-year wheelchair replacement policy. They explore what the new rules mean for end users, clinicians, and providers, especially the removal of the face-to-face requirement and the implications for clinical evaluations. Tamara shares her decades of experience in complex rehab technology, her personal journey as an OT and mother, and the mission behind Eleanore’s Project, which helps children in Peru access wheelchairs. The conversation also highlights the importance of regular evaluations, advocacy, and the evolving role of clinicians in ensuring optimal seating and mobility outcomes. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the surprising removal of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for seating and positioning products, a change that could improve access but also demands stronger clinical documentation.
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Episode 54: The Origin Story of WheelyQ Barbecue with Collin Pollock

Episode 54: The Origin Story of WheelyQ Barbecue with Collin Pollock

1 hr 2 min
Welcome to Episode 54 of the podcast, where we interview Collin Pollock. Collin has SMA type 3 and is an entrepreneur. He started WheelyQ Barbecue about 10 years ago, and it has been growing steadily ever since. We talked to him about how he started his business, how he manages his daily routine with SMA, and so many other fun tidbits.
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Episode 53: Drive Wheel Decisions with Sara Gaver and Hawken Miller

Episode 53: Drive Wheel Decisions with Sara Gaver and Hawken Miller

46 min 46 sec
Hawken Miller and Sarah Gaver join host Angie Kiger to compare front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive power chairs. From terrain and transfers to independence and advocacy, they share real-world insights that help clinicians and users make informed decisions about wheelchair configurations and how they impact daily living, mobility, and self-confidence.
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Episode 52: Crafty Posture Conversations with Lee Ann Hoffman

Episode 52: Crafty Posture Conversations with Lee Ann Hoffman

1 hr 2 min
In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we sit down with occupational therapist Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc, OTR, ATP/SMS, to talk all things posture, seating, and the little details that make a big difference. She is currently the assistant program director and assistant professor of OT Programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Lee Ann shares her journey from South Africa to Texas, her passion for 24-hour posture care, and why a towel or pillow might be the most underrated tools in rehab. She opens up about lessons learned, the importance of collaboration, and how even small changes, like adjusting a webcam, can impact comfort and function. This episode is packed with practical insights mixed with a little bit of humor.
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Episode 51: Adaptive Driving with Ryan Harrison

Episode 51: Adaptive Driving with Ryan Harrison

1 hr 6 min
In this episode, we talk with Ryan Harrison, a field marketing manager at United Access. We discuss the intricacies of adaptive vehicles, the various hand controls available, and the importance of industry awareness. Ryan also shares his personal journey, from a motorcycle accident to finding a new passion in competitive shooting. Whether you're curious about adaptive driving or interested in the latest innovations in the industry, you'll want to tune into this episode!
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