Getting Ready for Medtrade 2008
Educational & Networking Opportunities for Atlanta It’s hard to believe, but October — Medtrade month — is already upon us, and it’s time to start pre-planning for the big show.
This month, Mobility Management highlights mobility and rehab educational courses to catch, including a brand-new “rehab keynote” on Tuesday afternoon. There will be plenty of continuing education unit (CEU) opportunities both before and after the exhibit hall opens.
For more information on Medtrade — returning to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta this year — visit
www.medtrade.com.
Pre-Event ConferenceMobility Management Sponsors Rehab & Assistive Technology Continuum of Care
Once again, Mobility Management will be sponsoring the rehab portion of the Continuum of Care, presented by the American Association for Homecare. This all-day (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) track offers intensive assistive technology education, as well as the opportunity to rack up continuing education units. Visit
www.aahomecare.org for more information on courses and registration.
Speakers & Topics:MAE from A to Z — It’s Not Just About Power
Peggy Walker, U.S. Rehab
Advanced Electronics: Features to Enhance Functional Independence
Jay Brislin, Quantum Rehab
The Ups, Downs & Arounds of Tilt-in-Space
Stephanie Tanguay, Motion Concepts, and Jane Fontein, PDG Mobility
Wheelchair & Technology Selection for Individuals with Progressive Neuromuscular Disorders
Jay Brislin, Quantum Rehab
MAE Documentation Overview
Mark Schmeler, University of Pittsburgh
Positioned for Learning: Seating for the 0- to 5-Year-Old
Ginny Paleg, Convaid
Educational Conference: During the Show
These times, dates and course descriptions/offerings were accurate as MM went to press, but check on site to confirm. New this year: Most sessions will be held in the morning before the exhibit hall opens or later in the day — thus leaving your mornings and the bulk of your afternoons free to make booth calls.
Tuesday, Oct. 287:30-8:30 a.m.
A Primer on Equipment for the Bathroom: Opportunities for HME Providers
Stefanie Laurence, education manager, The Motion Group — VGM Group Services Canada
One of the greatest challenges for providing care in the home is the bathroom. There is a wide variety of equipment available for toileting and bathing, but integrating it into the confines of the bathroom while keeping it functional for the user and the rest of the household can be difficult. This session will provide a framework for classification of equipment on the market, and identify factors relevant to bathroom assessment.
Current Status of Legislative Activity
John Gallagher, VP, Government Relations, The VGM Group
Competitive Bidding Update — With the many changes that have taken place in 2008, this part of the session will expand on the new changes and challenges that will take place in the HME/DME industry in the coming years. It will also include the status on the Medicare “Doc Fix” legislation and action needed in the next 18 to 36 months. Government Updates — This portion of the session will focus on building relationships with current members of the 110th Congressional assembly and the ongoing effort to ensure DME does not face additional cuts to reimbursement in the upcoming 111th Congress.
3-4 p.m.
Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology General Session — The Future of Rehab and Assistive Technology: Opportunities and Lingering Threats
Mark Schmeler, University of Pittsburgh; Cody Verrett, Quantum Rehab; Hymie Pogir, National Seating & Mobility; Jerry Keiderling, U.S. Rehab; Marty Ball, TiLite; Kendra Betz, Veterans Administration; Tim Pederson, WestMed Rehab, Inc.
Rehab Keynote: Rehab and assistive technology providers have experienced unprecedented changes and turmoil in the past few years. However, change can bring opportunity, especially when we are able to reflect on past events to build a future. This session brings together a diverse panel of experts in the rehab and assistive technology field to discuss events that have resulted in the current state of the industry, as well as opportunities that lie ahead.
NSC – Form 855S: On-Site Tips & Assistance
Peggy Walker, RN, billing reimbursement advisor, U.S. Rehab
This session will help the new supplier understand and complete the process of becoming a Medicare provider. Correct completion of Form 855S and being prepared for an on-site inspection will be reviewed.
Wednesday, Oct. 297:30-8:30 a.m.
Custom Power Solutions for Unique Situations
Stephanie Tanguay, clinical education specialist, Motion Concepts
Even the most skilled clinician/RTS will admit that some consumers present unique challenges. Whether you are interfacing various manufacturers’ products together for the first time, mounting numerous devices and accessories on a mobility base, or requesting one-of-a-kind power components, problem-solving skills can be put to the test. This session will highlight power mobility systems designed for an array of diagnoses and interface challenges.
DME MAC Update
Vicky Combs, provider outreach & education consultant, National Government Service, Jurisdiction B DME MAC; Janet Kirsch, DME education team leader, Noridian Administrative Services LLC; James Herren, provider relations, senior analyst, CIGNA Government Services; Mindy Schuler, provider outreach and education specialist, NHIC Corp., DME MAC Jurisdiction A
This session will provide updates from representatives of each DME Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC). The goal is to provide a forum for interaction with the entities in all regions and to hear and discuss the latest DME Medicare news.
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Push or Power: Indications for Manual vs. Powered Mobility
Mark Schmeler, director of Continuing Education Program, University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology; Kendra Betz, prosthetics clinical coordinator, Office of Prosthetics & Clinical Logistics, Veterans Administration
The decision to prescribe a manual wheelchair or a power mobility device is a challenging one. While the primary recommendation is to base the decision on functional need as identified by a comprehensive evaluation and assessment, a wide range of factors also play into the decision. This session will feature a discussion between two clinicians internationally recognized for their expertise in manual or powered mobility. Clinical considerations, coverage policy and research findings will be used to debate and discuss the application of either means of mobility.
3-4 p.m.
Using Advanced Technology to Reduce Seating-Acquired Pressure Ulcers
Tricia Henley, PT, ATP, clinical applications manager, The ROHO Group
Pressure ulcers occurring from a seated position have always been challenging for the health-care team to manage. Various wheelchair cushions made from different materials give clinicians options when choosing the most appropriate wheelchair cushion. Using an interactive presentation, the presenter will review and discuss advantages and limitations of two recent product advances, pressure imaging and proximity sensing, in seating and positioning technology.
Seating & Mobility Solutions for Bariatric Consumers
Jane Fontein, OT, clinical specialist, PDG Group
Morbid obesity often precipitates secondary complications that require assistive mobility technology. Evaluations of bariatric clients pose unique challenges and considerations. Correct measurement and technology application can greatly enhance the functional outcomes for seating and mobility systems for this population. This session will review the measurement process utilizing a form designed specifically for bariatric clients. Application of these measurements to the mobility device and seating system will be presented utilizing case studies.
National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) Update
Erika Williams, ombudsman, The National Supplier Clearinghouse
This presentation will bring the supplier community up to date on all the changes occurring in the DMEPOS enrollment world. The presentation will be interactive and allow suppliers to ask questions and discuss issues.
Thursday, Oct. 307:30-8:30 a.m.
Power Mobility Device Legislative and Regulatory Update
Seth Johnson, VP, government affairs, Pride Mobility Products Corp.
This presentation will focus on the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting power mobility device (PMD) providers. Attendees will get up-to-date news from Washington, D.C., and find out how changes in governmental policy affect providers’ ability to serve their clients.
8:45-9:45 a.m.
How Successful is Your Company at Obtaining Documentation for Power Wheelchairs?
Claudia Amortegui, president, The Orion Group
The audience will obtain guidance on how to more successfully gather the documentation required. Most companies still do not have everything they need, or what they have does not qualify the client. Learn things that will help make the process easier.
Get the Most Out of the Seat Cushion with Proper Back Support
Stephanie Tanguay, clinical education specialist, Motion Concepts
Understanding the relationship between the pelvis and the spine is crucial to maximizing the benefit of the cushion, as well as the mobility equipment. Most prefabricated seat cushions utilize design and support principles based on neutral pelvic position, something that requires posterior support of the pelvis and lumbosacral spine. This session highlights some ergonomic concepts and correlates them to the structure and function of some commercial back-support styles. Several case studies will be presented to illustrate these concepts.
Hop a Ride on MARTA…
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) can offer inexpensive rides from certain hotels to the Georgia World Congress Center to restaurants and other points of interest. The fare one-way is $1.75 per passenger, but multi-ride passes offer discounts. For maps, schedules, accessibility information and additional details, visit
www.itsmarta.com.
… and Grab a Bite to Eat
Whether you need to reserve tables for a staff meeting or have a quiet business dinner, www.atlantarestaurants.com will show you a myriad of choices based on location, menu type and popularity. Phone numbers and maps are included to help you make reservations and find your way to the restaurants of your choice.
This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of Mobility Management.