{"id":19204,"date":"2025-05-28T13:23:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T18:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nsm-seating.com\/?p=19204"},"modified":"2025-06-13T09:43:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T14:43:12","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-your-mobility-equipment-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nsm-seating.com\/journal\/how-to-prepare-for-your-mobility-equipment-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Your Mobility Equipment Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Gearing up for your first evaluation for mobility equipment or want to make the most of your next appointment with your Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)? Consider these tips to help you prepare<\/p>\n\n\n
As the Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) user, you need to be able to tell the story of what you want to accomplish \u2014 and that includes your personal and professional goals as well as how you like to spend your free time. If there\u2019s something you want to be able to do or a particular mobility need you have, be prepared to talk to your ATP about that desire and why it\u2019s important to you. The more clearly you or your caregiver can communicate that need or goal, the better.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If something isn\u2019t working quite right with your mobility equipment\u2014from a faulty joystick or failing battery to a hard-to-maneuver manual chair\u2014be prepared to communicate the problem in detail to your ATP. If you cannot communicate it yourself or don\u2019t feel comfortable sharing about your personal circumstances, ask a caregiver or friend to accompany you and help you communicate your needs and desires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the insurance policy holder, you need to know and understand what your insurance provider covers and what it doesn\u2019t as well as any documentation requirements they may have. By understanding what documentation is required to prove medical necessity or move the order forward, you can proactively advocate for yourself with your physician and therapy teams to help us obtain the necessary documents and forms. Once documentation has been submitted to your insurance provider, you can contact your provider to expedite your authorization. And\u2014whether it\u2019s your first evaluation or your 100th\u2014be sure to bring your insurance card and other important information to the appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prior to your appointment or evaluation, take a look at the manufacturer\u2019s website to learn more about what\u2019s currently available and might fit your needs. While you may ultimately end up with a different mobility solution, having a solution in mind can help the ATP better understand what you want or need. Come to the appointment prepared to try out a new seating system or piece of equipment or to be assessed while operating the equipment or driving the chair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make a list of questions you want answered or information you need to understand during the appointment and go over it with your ATP. Ask to be educated on how your equipment works and what you can do to help maintain it and for documentation that supports these efforts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re ordering new equipment or getting a repair, understanding the nuances of the process can be helpful. Ask your ATP to explain the timeline <\/a>or provide documentation that helps you better understand next steps. While you don\u2019t need to be an expert on every detail, being familiar with the process can be helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n