What a year 2024 has been. For every triumph (Medicare funding for power seat elevation, at last!), there seemed to be a disappointment (but what about power standing?).
As we head into 2025, we asked industry leaders to share their thoughts on a number of topics. Their answers suggest a new year already shaping up to be memorable.
As we look to 2025, the topic most on my mind is …
Using AI to streamline processes. — Bret Tracy, MBA, ATP, EVP of operations, ATLAS Enterprise Software
The pressure that our members face with increased inflation costs, regulation, and other costs, while insurance companies continue to demand price cuts. — Wayne Grau, executive director, National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART)
Finishing the RESNA [Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America] position paper (posture care management in the lying posture) with the working group! — Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc, OTR, ATP/SMS, CAPS, assistant program director and assistant professor, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences: Dallas Campus; OT programs
The ongoing quest for coding, coverage, and reimbursement to align with design innovation and technology advancement. — Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, senior director, payer relations and regulatory affairs, NCART
Advocating for CMS oversight with Medicare Part C (disadvantage); titanium/carbon fiber upgrade within code; CRT repair reform (service what you provide). — Dan Fedor, BS Economics, director of reimbursement, U.S. Rehab
A 2024 industry high point was …
Achieving coverage for seat elevation. — Tamara Kittelson, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Posture 24/7; incoming Clinician Task Force [CTF] executive director
Seeing the technology come to my OT students on the Dallas campus and watching students’ excitement to be able to drive a power wheelchair powered by Munevo. I love seeing the CRT excitement through the students’ eyes. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The receipt of a dedicated code for power seat elevation, as it has opened the doors for coding, coverage and reimbursement discussions in the state Medicaid programs that did not follow the NCD [national coverage determination] when it was released in 2023. — Julie Piriano, NCART
Power seat funding! — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
The implementation of coverage, coding, and payment for seat elevation. A great day for consumers! — Wayne Grau, NCART
And an industry low point was …
The continued CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) non-response on the power standing national coverage determination reconsideration request. — Cara Masselink, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, HPCS, outgoing executive director, Clinician Task Force
The industry needs reform on repairs. Hopefully, the new administration’s push for “cutting red tape” will help remove cumbersome processes that slow patient care down. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
Another year without any movement on access to power standing systems for Medicare beneficiaries. — Julie Piriano, NCART
Waiting for our chance to prove to CMS that power standing is medically necessary and will benefit consumers who qualify for this incredible product. — Wayne Grau, NCART
Conference drought: No ISS and no RESNA conferences. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Continued delay on power chair standing. — Tamara Kittelson, Posture 24/7; incoming Clinician Task Force executive director
A few words that describe how I feel about the new year are …
Intentional. Mindful. Creative. — Angie Kiger, M.Ed., CTRS, ATP/SMS, senior marketing operations manager, Permobil Americas
Optimistic. Passionate. Determined. — Dan Fedor, U.S. Rehab
Energized, optimistic, and prepared. — Julie Piriano, NCART
Words matter. I would like to say, “Eat more cheese”; however, after much thought and reflection, my three terms: Resilient Dreamer, Creative Luminary, and Grounded Mindset. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Cautious, open. — Tamara Kittelson, Posture 24/7; incoming Clinician Task Force executive director
Cautiously optimistic. — Wayne Grau, NCART
Proactive advocacy. — Cara Masselink, Clinician Task Force
Optimistic, hopeful and excited. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
A year from now, I’d like to be able to say …
We accomplished what we set out to do: Achieve Medicare coverage for power standing devices, secure coverage and reimbursement for power seat elevation in all 50 state Medicaid programs for beneficiaries of all ages, and continue to improve access to CRT products and services across all payers through coding, coverage and reimbursement initiatives. — Julie Piriano, NCART
We got power standing covered, we reformed the service and repair system, and we protected the CRT industry for providers, manufacturers, and most importantly to those that utilize Complex Rehab equipment. — Wayne Grau, NCART
Medicare Part C plans can no long run deceptive advertising and can’t induce beneficiaries with “gift cards, etc.” to sign up for their private for-profit health insurance. Beneficiaries have the choice to upgrade to titanium/carbon fiber wheelchair on assigned claims. — Dan Fedor, U.S. Rehab
Power standing is funded. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
“Wow, imagine that?! Finally, no more denials – you get your equipment, and you get your equipment, and even YOU get your equipment. Equipment for everyone who needs it.” — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The students in our rehabilitation disciplines at Western Michigan University are excited about assistive technology! — Cara Masselink, Clinician Task Force
PWC standing devices are funded! — Tamara Kittelson, Posture 24/7; incoming Clinician Task Force executive director
What most impresses me about CRT is …
The dedication to servicing the needs of their clients regardless of the overwhelming challenges with reimbursement — one of the most selfless industries. — Dan Fedor, U.S. Rehab
What we can accomplish with teamwork. — Cara Masselink, Clinician Task Force
The constant innovation and collaboration with manufacturers and clinicians to meet the needs of the individuals who need and use CRT — we are better together, like PB & J. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The commitment of the people and their willingness to fight to do what is right. — Wayne Grau, NCART
The passion people feel for their work. — Tamara Kittelson, Posture 24/7; incoming Clinician Task Force executive director
Resilience to the ever-changing reimbursement environment. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
How similar the “why” is for many of us in the CRT industry. — Angie Kiger, Permobil Americas
The dedication and commitment of everyone involved to make a difference in the daily lives of others. — Julie Piriano, NCART
A personal goal I’m setting for 2025 is …
To wrap up my second doctorate — this time for Doctor of Education. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
To take one day at a time. — Julie Piriano, NCART
One hundred hours of hot yoga and 600 miles of running. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
To lessen multi-tasking and select priority projects to give my time and attention. — Cara Masselink, Clinician Task Force
To remain calm as the storm approaches and passes. — Wayne Grau, NCART
I’d like to give a shout-out to …
Mickae Lee (of Permobil) on being voted president of NCART. Her knowledge and passion will help drive NCART’s mission to new heights. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
Michelle Lange, Jean Minkel, and my esteemed colleagues for completing and bringing to publication the second edition of the Seating and Wheeled Mobility Clinical Resource Guide. — Julie Piriano, NCART
All the NCART volunteers and our staff. We could not do what we do without this tremendous group of people. — Wayne Grau, NCART
Greg Packer for his years of dedication and passion for the CRT industry and his lasting legacy of improving access for those in need of CRT. — Dan Fedor, U.S. Rehab
The CRT industry legends that pulled up a seat and joined me as a guest on Wheelchair Nerds in 2024. including Michelle Lange, Cathy Carver, Alexis Ward, Amy Morgan, and Cody Verrett. — Angie Kiger, Permobil Americas
The amazing CTF [Clinician Task Force] executive board! I roll off the board this month after three years of voluntary service! Thank you for all your support throughout this time. Makes it easy to give your time and energy when you have amazing humans to serve alongside. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Everyone who participated in a Mobility Management interview, survey, podcast, webinar, etc. Everyone who took time to share their wisdom so graciously. Thank you. — Laurie Watanabe, editor-in-chief, Mobility Management
If I could pick a city to host an event, it would be …
Calgary, Alberta, or Austin, Texas. If I could teleport, Japan or Thailand would be really cool to see! — Cara Masselink, Clinician Task Force
Tokyo. — Wayne Grau, NCART
Kansas City, Missouri. — Bret Tracy, ATLAS Enterprise Software
Wherever the majority of my people, aka Wheelchair Nerds, can attend. Seriously. Industry events are way more about the people I get to connect with as opposed to the destination city. — Angie Kiger, Permobil Americas
Rome. — Julie Piriano, NCART
Dallas, Texas, ’cause that’s where you will find me. — Lee Ann Hoffman, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Vancouver. We miss you, B.C. — Laurie Watanabe, Mobility Management
