1. Are walkers covered by Medicare or Insurance?
2. Are there any concerns about buying a scooter on line?
3. What is the difference between buying from a Medicare certified (the word should be accredited rather than certified) and Non-Medicare certified store?
4. Can towels bars used in place of grab bars?
5. How can I get my older parents to be more active?
6. My dad has a disability, and it seems he’s given up on everything. What can I do to help him?
7. What are some good exercises for older seniors?
1. Are walkers covered by Medicare or Insurance?
Medicare will cover the cost of a walker with a doctor’s prescription provided that other, less expensive alternatives (a cane or crutches), have been tried and ruled out. The actual reimbursement criteria is as follows:
- The walker must be prescribed by a physician for a patient with a medical condition that impairs ambulation, and there is a potential for ambulation; the patient has a need for greater stability and security than can be provided by a cane or crutches.
- The medical need must be documented in your chart notes and the doctor must provide a written order (prescription) to the medical equipment provider before the equipment can be dispensed. If you are covered by an HMO as your primary insurance, you should check first to find out if this item is a covered benefit. Walkers, like all medical equipment, must be fitted properly in order to be used safely by the recipient. If you have received a walker that was paid for by Medicare within the preceding five years, Medicare may deny reimbursement on the second walker.
2. Are there any concerns about buying a scooter on line?
There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a scooter on the Internet. Like all medical equipment, a scooter must be fitted properly and also be suitable for the environment in which it will be used. It is difficult to tell by viewing a scooter on the Internet whether the fit is correct and whether or not it will be safe to use. Local providers with retail outlets have scooters that can be tried before purchase. Most also have knowledgeable staff available to evaluate the user’s ability to operate the scooter safely as well as determine the correct fit.
Scooters purchased from a local provider may not be as inexpensive as those offered on the Internet; however, it is important to note that local providers also provide service after the sale. Internet scooter sources often tell people that a local provider will service their purchase (much like automobile dealers for autos purchased elsewhere). This is not generally the case with medical equipment. If you plan on buying a scooter on the Internet, you should call a few local providers to see if they will service the Internet equipment rather than taking the Internet provider’s word for it. Most local providers will not service Internet purchased equipment.
Lastly, Internet companies are not accredited (mandated by Medicare in 2009 in order for the company to continue to have billing privileges). They cannot handle any Medicare claims directly with Medicare on the patient’s behalf nor can they obtain Medicare pre-approval. Medicare never pre-approves scooters or power wheelchairs.
3. What is the difference between buying from a Medicare certified (the word should be accredited rather than certified) and Non-Medicare certified store?
The Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) required that all providers of durable medical equipment attain accreditation by September 30, 2009. Accreditation is mandatory in order for providers to maintain Medicare billing privileges. Accreditation is considered an important benchmark of quality for patients because it requires that equipment providers pass a rigorous auditing process in order to meet the high standards set by the organizations awarding accreditation.
In addition to requiring that the provider have a physical location (showroom), the audit covers all aspects of the providers business:
- Accuracy of Medicare and insurance claims
- management practices
- delivery to patients
- financial responsibility
- service capability
When dealing with an accredited company, patients and caregivers can feel confident that they are doing business with a reputable company that has met these standards.
4. Can towels bars used in place of grab bars?
Towel bars are for towels. They should never be used by a patient requiring support to enter or exit a shower as they can easily be pulled out of the wall. The installation of properly placed grab bars in the bathroom can help reduce falls; however, it is extremely important that the bars are installed correctly to prevent them from being pulled out during a fall.
Installation methods should follow the building codes and safety standards, which require grab bar installation into studs or specialized fastening systems. Grab bars should never be installed without proper and secure backing. For more information on grab bar safety and installation, refer to the Cornell University website www.cornellaging.org.
5. How can I get my older parents to be more active?
The most important thing is to keep them moving. If they’ve been couch potatoes, start slow. Even if it’s not considered "exercise" – any activity can help. Baking cookies, repotting flowers, tooling around the hardware store, throwing a ball for the dog are all activities that involve body and mind, and can make your parents feel more vital. Then begin inviting them to walk. If they enjoy that, throw in some tai chi or swimming. Lifting light weights can also do wonders.
6. My dad has a disability, and it seems he’s given up on everything. What can I do to help him?
Encourage him to work around his disability and use the physical abilities he still has. Too many times, seniors who experience some decline get stuck in a fast downward spiral because they become sedentary. There are probably many things your father can still do. Talk to his doctor about exercises that can and should be done – even with your dad’s condition. See if the doctor can prescribe physical therapy. If not, a personal trainer who specializes in senior fitness can help. Keep your dad socially engaged, too. Take him to a grandchild’s sporting event or to a family party.
7. What are some good exercises for older seniors?
It depends on the individual. Some seniors maintain a high level of fitness, including running, biking, and even lifting weights. Others benefit from daily walks, swimming, and/or Tai Chi. It’s important to try to incorporate four types of fitness: Stretching, Strengthening, Endurance, and Balance. Actually, there’s a fifth type to remember, too: Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and yoga will help to manage stress, which makes a difference in physical and mental health.
