CMS POISED TO IMPLEMENT INTERIM WHEELCHAIR RULE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon implement an interim rule that will change the process for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain power mobility devices, including wheelchairs.

Under the new procedures, doctors will have greater say in Medicare coverage of these devices, a change that an industry coalition representing wheelchair providers and manufacturers says should be delayed. According to the Restore Access to Mobility Partnership, CMS needs to delay this rule to allow time to educate all parties about the need for these devices.

"It is hard to understand why CMS is stubbornly moving forward when stakeholders, as well as congressmen and senators are advising them to delay this rule," said Mal Mixon, CEO of medical product-manufacturer Invacare. "It is their responsibility to slow down and get this done right. But they are showing careless disregard for Medicare beneficiaries, and the industry.