[jgist]

I have been requested to ask if anyone knows this for sure. After Jan. 2011 will we be able to rent used power chairs or will we have to put out new equipment?

[Cuda]

To my knowledge, no directives have been given by CMS or their contractors on the power chair change in 2011. I have not seen anything from any of the multitude of listserves I belong to. As usual, it will be a "wait and see" and I'm sure many questions will be left unanswered forcing thousands of calls into the contractors.

Best advice I can give is keep your eyes open, watch your listserve emails and do not believe the many rumors swirling about. Stick only with what CMS and/or their contractors tell you.

[bwinder]

CMS has yet to establish guidlelines and some should be forthcoming. In a discussion with some of the DME MAC Directors, I broached the topic and this is what they are telling me:

1. Power wheelchairs will be treated like any other capped rental item except the payments in the first 3 months are a little more that normal capped rental.
2. Since these are rentals, the item will need to be in good working order just like any other capped rental item that you turn around and provide to another beneficiary.

It goes without saying this is just speculation. You will need to watch for updates as the transition date gets closer. In the meantime, speak with your local Congressmen and stump for a delay/elimination.

[Cuda]

Admin, the above showed up in my inbox and needs to be removed. Thanks!

[JoeyGraham]

Yes, you can put out used equipment. Its the only silver lining for this whole situation that I can think of. Providers now have the opportunity to build up a fleet of used powerchairs, like we do with hospital beds and concentrators. The best thing that can happen is someone return their chair during month 12 so you can put it out for another 13 months (assuming you're able to keep them serviced).