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