{"id":19332,"date":"2025-06-25T10:37:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T15:37:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nsm-seating.com\/?p=19332"},"modified":"2025-06-25T10:37:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T15:37:06","slug":"five-tips-to-help-speed-up-the-repair-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nsm-seating.com\/journal\/five-tips-to-help-speed-up-the-repair-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Tips to Help Speed Up the Repair Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As a CRT user, much of the repair process is outside of your control, but there are things you can do to help the process move as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When your complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) equipment breaks down, getting it repaired as quickly as possible is critical. Your chair is what keeps you moving through life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But CRT repairs take time. Many factors influence the repair timeline\u2014from insurance documentation requirements to the review and approval process\u2014and a lot of them are outside of the CRT user\u2019s control. Even so, there are some proactive steps you can take to help keep the repair process moving as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joystick not working properly? Notice a problem with your tire, footrest or battery? Report the issue to your CRT provider as soon as possible so that a small problem doesn\u2019t become a full breakdown. Your wheelchair provider will set up an evaluation to determine what\u2019s causing the problem. In some cases, a technician may be able to perform a remote evaluation, but if that is unsuccessful, you may need to schedule an in-branch or in-home evaluation appointment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data tells us that almost 45% of the repair process is spent collecting documentation and waiting for insurance approvals, making this one of the most time-intensive parts of the process. Before parts can be ordered or repairs begin, most insurance carriers require prior authorization, which usually includes a repair evaluation and estimate as well as documentation of medical necessity and other requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can help the process along by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you reach out to your CRT provider for a repair evaluation appointment, strive to explain the issue as clearly as you can. State what part or parts are affected, what is or isn\u2019t working, when the issue started, and if it\u2019s gotten worse over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other advice: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your CRT equipment needs to be in top working order to ensure you can achieve the highest level of mobility and independence you desire. Keep track of repairs and previous problems so you\u2019re well informed about what\u2019s been tried before and what hasn\u2019t. Your records can help add additional information and details to those your technician and wheelchair provider have on file, helping them make an informed diagnosis as quickly as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seek to keep track of your order as it moves throughout the process. Many CRT providers, NSM included, offer online order tracking that helps you stay informed. If you are an NSM client, you\u2019ll simply need to submit your first and last name and order ID at mynsmorder.com<\/a> to track your order. If you don\u2019t have your order ID, please email NSM\u2019s customer care team at info@nsm-seating.com<\/a> to retrieve that information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that CRT equipment is comprised of thousands of parts. While CRT suppliers keep a large supply of parts, they can\u2019t feasibly stock every part that might need to be repaired. If a part needs to be ordered, it can add a little time to the process. By staying in touch and asking for updates, you help ensure the lines of communication stay open throughout the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most insurance carriers require prior authorization for many (and sometimes, all) repairs. Often, this includes submitting a prescription and\/or statement of medical necessity to prove you need the mobility equipment, even when the equipment was previously approved.\u00a0 Educate Yourself:<\/strong> Seek to understand your health plan’s prior authorization requirements and note how the prior authorization process slows down a needed repair. NSM completes more than 100,000 repairs each year and receives payer approval for more than 93% of them, meaning that prior authorization may not be necessary on most repairs. If prior authorization were removed for repairs under $1,500, it could help speed up the process by one to four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connect with Advocacy Partners:<\/strong> Legislation is already under consideration in some states to remove prior authorization for some repairs, or if the mobility equipment has previously been approved by an insurance carrier as medically necessary. Connect with advocacy organizations like NCART, iNRRTS, AAHomecare, and other advocates to stay up-to-date about ongoing efforts and learn what is happening in your state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share Your Story:<\/strong> If legislation concerning the elimination of prior authorization is being considered in your state, reach out to your elected officials<\/a> and share how this change would improve your daily life. As a CRT user, much of the repair process is outside of your control, but there are things you can do to help the process move as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":19334,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79],"tags":[89,51,90,91,55],"class_list":["post-19332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-client-advocacy","tag-crt-repair-process","tag-moving-forward-in-mobility","tag-repair","tag-repair-porcess","tag-standing-up-for-mobility"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTake Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"