Course Summary

When is the right time for power mobility?  What are the benefits of providing access to power mobility early in a child’s life?  This course will address these questions and help the audience understand and articulate a child’s skills and abilities, prior to prescribing a power wheelchair.  This course will help the provider justify the power wheelchair using developmental and neurological evidence–based practice along with orthopedic justification. The session will acquaint the audience to the visual and perceptual predictors for driving powered mobility along with the developmental training steps to allow more clients to be successful and enhance learning skills with powered mobility.

B. Functional Mobility Solutions for Kids  (.1 CEU)

Pediatric mobility issues can be extremely complex.  It is important for members of the rehab team to differentiate between therapeutic mobility and functional mobility with all clients; but it is particularly important in the pediatric population.  This session will discuss types of ambulatory aides, manual wheelchairs, and power wheelchairs (not product specific).  Various wheelchair seat functions will also be explored regarding their effect on a child’s functional performance.  Through the use of research and case studies, participants will learn the importance of a thorough subjective evaluation in addition to physical examination to determine the most appropriate mobility device for pediatric clients. Time will also be allotted for audience participation and discussion.

C. Alternative Drive Controls and Programming to Match the Client’s Functional Goals  (.1 CEU)

This session will help clinicians and providers observe the client neurologically and physically to determine the most appropriate input device and programming parameters to meet the client’s functional needs.  Various specialty input devices will be discussed (both proportional and digital inputs.)  Hands-on learning experience with wheelchairs using a variety of alternative drive controls will be provided.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to adjust various programming parameters.

 

D. The Power of Mobility: Choosing the Most Appropriate Power Base  (.1 CEU)

This session will explore power wheelchair bases and describe the benefits and potential limitations of various drive wheel configurations.  Additionally, various base options, seating options, and accessories will be discussed to assist a provider in recommending the most appropriate power wheelchair base.  Hands-on learning time with various wheelchair configurations will be provided allowing the participants to experience differences among power wheelchair bases.

E. Wheelchair Standers: Stand For Function!  (.1 CEU)

The RESNA Position Paper on the Application of Wheelchair Standing Devices has heightened awareness of the medical benefits and research supporting wheelchair standers.  However, some providers continue to believe that wheelchair standers are not reimbursed.  This session will analyze this perception and provide encouragement and evidence to fight for the end user’s right to stand up and function!  Through the use of case studies and research, attendees will gain practical strategies to assist in the assessment, documentation and appeal process for appropriate standing wheelchairs.  Hands on learning time with manual and power standing wheelchairs will be provided to demonstrate the innovative advances in this technology.

E. Wheelchair Standers: Stand for Function!  (.1 CEU)

The RESNA Position Paper on the Application of Wheelchair Standing Devices has heightened awareness of the medical benefits and research supporting wheelchair standers.  However, some providers continue to believe that wheelchair standers are not reimbursed.  This session will analyze this perception and provide encouragement and evidence to fight for the end user’s right to stand up and function!  Through the use of case studies and research, attendees will gain practical strategies to assist in the assessment, documentation and appeal process for appropriate standing wheelchairs.  Hands on learning time with manual and power standing wheelchairs will be provided to demonstrate the innovative advances in this technology.

F. How to Write a Powerful Letter of Medical Necessity  (.1 CEU)

This session will address specific elements and techniques to write a letter of medical necessity for mobility equipment.  It offers the clinician the tools and knowledge to be more successful in obtaining funding for appropriate equipment to meet the functional mobility needs of clients.  Current funding trends and federal regulations will be discussed. Examples of successful letters of medical necessity will also be presented.

 

G. Evidence Based Practice - Where to Find it - How to Use it - Ann Eubank MSSW, OTR/L, ATP  (.1 CEU)

Evidence-based practice encompasses three essential elements; the clinician’s experience, the client’s values and goals and the current relevant available research.  Evidence based practice begins with a crisis of knowledge where the clinician asks a question regarding a client population and current interventions.  This course will describe how to conduct a literature review, evaluate current literature and interpret the findings as they apply to clinical practice.

 

H. Neurological Function and Dysfunction - Understanding the Implications for Seating & Mobility  (.1 CEU)

This course will review basic and intermediate level information related to human performance from a neurological perspective. Disrupted function of the central and peripheral nervous system can result in various performance problems that may be attributed to loss of voluntary motor control and sensation. Examination of events that impact neurological function will afford participants an opportunity to analyze resultant mobility and seating difficulties of many clients from a neurological perspective.  A review of the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological events that underlie performance challenges associated with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy will be presented.  Neurological underpinnings associated with weakness, spasticity, and altered or absent sensation will be discussed.

 

I. The Power of You - How to be an Advocate in Today's Service Delivery Process - Ann Eubank MSSW, OTR/L, ATP  (.1 CEU)

This presentation will discuss the disability movement as a social movement and how it relates to today’s service delivery process. As healthcare professionals providing services to people with disabilities it is important to understand our role as an advocate. This presentation will address the current market challenges from an advocacy and social activist point of view.  Ethical dilemmas facing clinicians and suppliers, disability history, current trends and guidelines to advocacy will be discussed.

 

J. Challenging the LCD and The Unfunded Code - Darren Jernigan BS, MCJ  (.1 CEU)

This presentation will cover identifying and challenging an LCD policy and unfunded codes through the ALJ process. Successful and current examples will be given. This presentation will also define the ALJ process and describe how the ALJ process works, requirements of Medicare carriers, key points of Medicare law and the administrative complaint process. Participants will also gain tools and information of how to create a successful challenge.