CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR COMMUNICATION

The initial evaluation is very important in determining what kind of equipment to choose. It should be done by a physician, physical or occupational therapist, or a local medical center, who may consult with vendors (equipment supply stores) to find the right piece of equipment. It is good to do your own research. Call or compose a letter requesting catalogs from a variety of rehabilitation equipment vendors and talk to other families. Some vendors will bring the equipment to your home or will allow you to keep it on a short trial basis.

FUNDING

Contact your insurance company and thoroughly review your policy. Follow any required procedures to the letter. Any deviation could result in a reduction of benets. You may need pre–approval. After you purchase the equipment, it may be too late. If you need a prescription for the equipment, get the forms you need from the insurance company and take them to your physician to complete. After an evaluation, the physician will write a prescription along with a letter of justication.

You should start early, especially for large or custom items. It may take 4 to 6 months to get a new wheelchair. If your request is denied, follow up with an appeal. You may have to make some phone calls, get more documentation, or even get a second medical opinion; but the extra work often pays 0.

Successful Medical Necessity Letters

Here are two successful letters from Doctors that were used to obtain devices. You are free to use these to your advantage. Send them to your caseworkers, doctors, and therapists to assist them in what is needed to write a successful letter.

EYEGAZE LETTER 2

To Whom It May Concern:
______ is a five year old girl with Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is the only pervasive developmental disorder with a known genetic cause. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common causes of severe impairment in females. (MECP2), which is located on ……..