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ShareOnline Survey on Wheelchair Purchase and Satisfaction Extended through January
The online survey at www.spinalcord.org/survey gives wheelchair users the chance to help consumer groups and policy makers better understand and document the wheelchair selection and purchase experience.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) has been joined by several other national consumer organizations in a consumer-driven, industry-supported initiative to collect and analyze objective data useful in educating policy makers on the consumer's need for certain high-end rehab items and services related to these items (fittings, home visits, etc.). Results from the online survey at www.spinalcord.org/survey will be presented to policymakers on Capitol Hill and at CMS, in an effort to address the fact that Medicare has limited or no coverage and payment for many such items impedes consumers' abilities to fully engage in their communities and realize their highest possible quality of life.
"This is a very important issue for our membership," said K. Eric Larson, NSCIA Executive Director and CEO. "We hope that what we learn from this initiative may guide future consumer driven efforts educate consumers and to improve policy on other key issues impacting people with mobility disabilities."
Consumer organizations supporting NSCIA in the initiative include: ITEM Coalition, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Spinal Association, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and The ALS Association. The group has also sought and accepted input from respected clinicians and from members of industry groups. The initiative has been formally endorsed by three leading trade associations including National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS), American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).
A working group of representatives of the consumer groups and representatives of other key stakeholder groups met in Washington D.C. in October, 2008 to first review the limitations of Medicare coverage and payment for certain items associated with high end/complex rehab/power mobility devices and discuss how to most effectively collect data directly from consumers to demonstrate why these items and related services are necessary. After agreeing on the overall direction of the initiative, the group collaborated on design of the online survey instrument to gather the data.
Once data is gathered and analysis complete, focused messages will be developed and brought to key decision makers and policy setters, largely through a collaborative public policy effort supported by coordinated efforts on the part of other participating consumer groups.
NSCIA works to empower people with spinal cord injury and diseases to achieve their highest level of independence, health, and personal fulfillment by providing resources, services, and peer support. The organization is headquartered in Rockville, MD, and has a nationwide network of affiliated chapters and support groups. If you have questions about the survey, contact info@spinalcord.org.