Pro-Tech Medical

Reminder - For Change Of Insurance, Let Us Know

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:46:00 +0000

The beginning of each year marks a change in insurance coverage for many. For many Medicare recipients, it also marks the beginning of a new relationship with an HMO or PPO such as Humana, Windsor, HealthSpring, and more.

If you've changed your insurance, now is the time to notify your healthcare providers. For home medical products, you may be paying a monthly rental fee for items such as home oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more. To ensure your claim is paid, it's a must that you provide any changes to your insurance coverage.

If you've changed insurances, it's also a good idea to research your network providers including physicians, specialists, testing facilities, skilled nursing, hospitals, ambulance services, and more.

Knowing which provider is in your insurance network can help prevent unwanted expenses. Often times, a patient is referred to a provider without considering whether the provider is in network with the patient's insurance. This requires diligence on the part of the patient to understand that ultimately, the patient is responsible for knowing their individual insurance coverage.

To notify ProTech Medical of a change in insurance, contact our billing department today - 1-800-722-7313.

2010 Jazzy Select Elite by Pride Mobility, Medicare Approved Power Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:41:00 +0000

If you're looking for a Medicare Approved power chair, check out the 2010 Jazzy Select Elite by Pride Mobility.

The Jazzy Select Elite has a new, sleeker design for 2010. Watch the video to see the differences including advantages and disadvantages to the Jazzy Select.

To find out how to qualify for a Jazzy Select Elite, contact ProTech Medical - 1-800-722-7313.

ProTech Medical is located in Middle Tennessee with offices in Columbia and Shelbyville.

Jazzy Select, Medicare Approved Power Chair - 2010 Model

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:28:00 +0000

The 2010, Jazzy Select power chair by Pride Mobility, has several new features including a larger foot plate, a new seat release, and new tires.

ProTech Medical can provide your Medicare approved power chair. Serving Middle Tennessee since 1983, ProTech Medical has the expertise to work with your insurance to make sure you receive the mobility independence you need.

ProTech Medical is an authorized dealer for Pride Mobility products. Pride Mobility manufactures the Jazzy Select power chair as well as SilverStar Lifts & Ramps.

Call 1-800-722-7313 for a free mobility consulation or visit www.protechdelivers.com.

You can watch more mobility videos at www.youtube.com/protechmedical.

NEW DESIGN! 2010 - Jazzy Select Power Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:04:00 +0000

ProTech Medical has the new, 2010 Jazzy Select power chair. If you live in Middle Tennessee, ProTech Medical can help you gain the mobility independence you need with the best power chair on the market, the Jazzy Select power chair.

The 2010 version of the Jazzy Select, has a larger foot platform to increase your ability to achieve comfort. The new design also features black tires and silver rims enhancing the already sleek design.

ProTech Medical provides Jazzy Select power chairs in Nashville, Columbia, Shelbyville, and surrounding cities. Financing is available to approved applicants.

Contact ProTech Medical for a free demonstration! Call 800-722-7313 or visit www.protechdelivers.com.

CPAP Equipment and Supplies - Columbia, TN & Shelbyville, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:26:00 +0000

If you're looking for CPAP equipment and supplies in Columbia or Shelbyville, Tennessee, you're in luck!

The CPAP Clinic at Pro-Tech can provide your sleep therapy supplies, equipment, and home oxygen therapy. Operated by a Registered Respiratory Therapist, the CPAP Clinic at Pro-Tech offers convenient hours including an after hours program for working customers.

The CPAP Clinic at Pro-Tech offers the best in CPAP equipment and supplies including manufacturers like Respironics, Resmed, and Fisher & Paykel.

Contact Donnie Springer, RRT, for a free sleep evaluation 1-800-722-7313.

www.IHelpYouSleep.com

Respironics 450P CPAP Machine With C-Flex and SD Card

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:58:00 +0000

Contact The CPAP Clinic at ProTech for more information - 1-800-722-7313.

The CPAP Clinic at ProTech Celebrates National Sleep Awareness Week

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Join Us In Celebrating

National Sleep Awareness Week

March 8th-12th

Shelbyville, TN

Stop by our booth on the second floor of Heritage Medical Center in Shelbyville, Monday, March 8th from 8 am– 5 pm.

Dr. Thomas Phelps will be the Featured Speaker at
8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. His talk will be focused on sleep apnea and healthy living.

Register for door prizes!

ALSO,

Do you suspect you have sleep apnea?

Stop by The CPAP Clinic at ProTech to take the FREE SLEEP EVALUATION. It just takes a few minutes to complete. Find out if you can improve your health by using sleep therapy.

The CPAP Clinic at ProTech

ProTech Medical
1608 North Main Street, Suite A
Shelbyville, TN 37160

We Sell The Full Platform Exterior Lifts For Your Car

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:09:00 +0000

SilverStar Lifts & Ramps

Full Platform Exterior Lift

Taking your power chair or scooter with you is the difference in complete independence and staying at home. That's why the Full Platform Lift from SilverStar is the perfect choice to gaining access to places away from home.

Attached to the back of your vehicle, the Full Platform Lift will lower to the ground so your chair can be safely loaded and secured. A convenient electric switch gives you the ability to lift the chair to a safe position while driving your car. The durable design provides an ample 380 lbs lifting capacity to accommodate just about any power chair or scooter.

Benefits

* 3-year transferable warranty

* Drive-on/drive-off platform allows users to enter from either direction

* Easy to use, three-point tie down system with new one-handed, black ratcheting straps

* Lock-down arm available for use with scooters

* Optional power dock now available

* Standard adjustable wheel chocks

* Manual override

* Shock-absorbing "cradle effect" protects power chairs from jarring vibrations

* Optional battery pack means no vehicle hardwiring

Local Sales and Service

Pro-Tech Medical in Columbia and Shelbyville, Tennessee, is your local dealer for the SilverStar Full Platform Lift. Pro-Tech Medical provides local sales and service including installation for your vehicle lift. With over seven years as one of Middle Tennessee's largest volume powered mobility dealers, Pro-Tech Medical has the team of experts to help you decide the right solution for your mobility needs.

To learn more about lifts for your vehicle or ramps, visit http://www.pridemobility.com/. SilverStar Lifts & Ramps is a division of Pride Mobility, the number one powered mobility provider in the world.

Financing is now available with approved credit application.

To schedule a mobility assessment, contact Rodney McCarthy, ATP at Pro-Tech Medical - 1-800-722-7313.

For more products sold by Pro-Tech Medical including power chairs and scooters, visit http://www.protechdelivers.com/.

Free Hospital Delivery Service

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:48:00 +0000

A stay at the hospital can come when you least expect it. That's why at ProTech Medical, we help make things convenient.

ProTech Medical provides complimentary hospital service including equipment delivery to the hospital and to your home. The most common items delivered to the hospital include rolling walkers, bedside commodes, home oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, and nebulizers. If you're in need of more, ProTech Medical will deliver to your home.

Visit our website for a list of products and services we can provide, www.protechdelivers.com.

Make sure to mention to your case manager at the hospital that you want ProTech Medical!

First Of The Year Is A Great Time To Check Your Insurance Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:20:00 +0000

Beginning January 1st of each year, most people with private insurance or Medicare are responsible for a deductible before their coverage begins.

Traditional Medicare plans pay 80% towards the allowable amount against the product you purchase. Private insurances on the other hand, may vary. It's always a good idea to carefully review your benefits including deductibles, co-pays, and limits.

To learn more, call the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card.

www.protechdelivers.com

Holiday Gift Ideas - Scooters and Lift Chairs!

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Looking to make a difference in the life of those you love? Choose a holiday gift that matters.

Does your Grandfather struggle to shop at Wal-Mart? Does your Grandmother lament about not being able to go to church? Millions of America's seniors aren't able to live the lives they worked so hard to attain, all because of health conditions limiting their mobility.

The Victory Scooter by Pride Mobility gets the ones you love back into the life they've always wanted. Equipped with a sturdy, four-wheel base, the Victory provides the safety of a car platform while easily breaking down for vehicle transport. The oversized, flat-free tires compensate for rough terrain and make going to the mailbox a breeze.

Show them how much you appreciate all they've done for you. Give them the lifestyle they deserve. The Victory scooter is now available in multiple color choices. Stop by our showroom at 1100 Hatcher Lane in Columbia, Tennessee so we can make you the holiday hero!

This product may qualify for insurance reimbursement.

Have you ever seen a loved one struggle to get of a chair? If you have, the lift chair maybe the perfect gift this holiday season.

Starting $795, a lift chair can help your loved one gain independence. Many people who struggle with arthritis, have days where ambulating is out of their reach. A lift chair helps provide a good start to the standing position and assists your loved one in maintaining the ability to stay at home.

At Pro-Tech Medical, our customer service team can help you choose the best color, fabric, and options to blend in with your home environment. Stop by today to let us help you or your loved one get back their independence!

This product may qualify for insurance reimbursement.

For directions or more information about our product lines, visit http://www.protechdelivers.com/ or call 1-800-722-7313.

Invacare At'm Power Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:04:00 +0000

The Invacare AT'M is the easiest, folding power chair on the market. Designed much like a lawn chair, the lightweight frame easily folds for convenient storage in just about any vehicle. It's so simple to take a part, most people do it in less than 60 seconds. There's no lifts, tools - just three easy pieces to assemble. The battery charge lasts for 10-12 miles. The total weight of the chair assembled is 74 lbs..

Call Rodney at ProTech Medical for a quote! 1-800-722-7313

We deliver for free in Middle Tennessee! Local service and repair.

How To Use Your Nebulizer, Tips For Troubleshooting

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Donnie Springer, Registered Respiratory Therapist with Pro-Tech Medical, provides instruction on how to use your nebulizer machine. Donnie demonstrates how to add your medicine, tips on inhaling, and troubleshooting your machine.

Donnie Springer has over 15 years experience in respiratory care. If you live in Middle Tennessee, let Pro-Tech Medical be your respiratory company. Pro-Tech Medical specializes in home oxygen, nebulizers, and sleep therapy. For more products and services, visit http://protechdelivers.com.

Pro-Tech Medical Renovates Columbia Retail Store

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Long known as one of the most recognizable buildings on Hatcher Lane in Columbia, Pro-Tech Medical has now become one of the latest to improve it's interior. Recently, the staff at Pro-Tech Medical began the process of improving it's building to focus on customer experience.

"We want to create an exceptional experience for our customers. We've spent the last year identifying areas we could improve," said Rodney McCarthy, Sales Manager for Pro-Tech Medical. "We've been fortunate that our ownership believes in improvement. It's been exciting for our staff and it's forced us to rethink ways we deal with our customers. Our list of ideas right now is long, but we feel we've already made a dramatic difference and we look forward to doing more."

Other improvements in 2009 have included the launch of http://www.protechdelivers.com/, a website providing a comprehensive list of products and information for those needing home medical products.

Pro-Tech Medical has also recently launched "The CPAP Clinic at Pro-Tech" in Columbia. Operated by Donnie Springer, a Registered Respiratory Therapist, the CPAP Clinic is a place for those persons needing or already using sleep therapy products. Customers are instructed on how to use their recommended products and receive complimentary consultation from a respiratory expert.

Pro-Tech Medical provides home medical products in the Middle Tennessee area. Many of the primary products and services include home oxygen therapy, wheelchairs, hospital beds, sleep therapy, lift chairs, and mobility products. Pro-Tech Medical accepts insurances such as Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and more as payment for many of it's products and services.

Call Pro-Tech Medical toll free by using 1-800-722-7313.

Medicare Power Chairs In Nashville, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Are you looking for Medicare power chairs or electric wheelchairs in Nashville, TN? ProTech Medical is an accreditated provider for Medicare home medical equipment and supplies.

Many people find that using a local service to Nashville provides a sense of security knowing if there are any problems with your power chair or scooter, ProTech Medical will be there for repairs and local service.

At ProTech Medical, our Powered Mobility Technicians have extensive training in servicing a wide variety of chairs. Our "Mobility Shop" is recognized as one of the leaders in powered mobility service in Middle Tennessee according to 2008 Medicare reports.

Let ProTech Medical help you gain the independence you need through a Medicare approved power chair or scooter.

For videos on our power chairs, visit http://youtube.com/protechmedical.

To view more Medicare covered products, visit http://protechdelivers.com.

ProTech Medical has a certified, Medicare provider on staff. Rodney McCarthy, ATP, is nationally recognized by RESNA as a leader in powered mobility seating.

Call 1-800-722-7313 for a free in-home evaluation to see if a Medicare power chair is right for you.

Does Your Home Medical Equipment In Franklin, TN Need Some TLC?

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:33:00 +0000

If you're a resident of Williamson County or Franklin and in need of some TLC for your home medical equipment or supplies, let ProTech Medical help!

As one of the most trusted medical supply companies in Middle Tennessee, ProTech Medical has over 26 years of experience serving people needing home medical equipment and supplies.

Our experienced team of clinicians serves residents in Williamson County on a frequent basis. Whether it's equipment such as home oxygen therapy, nebulizers, power chairs, wheelchairs, and others, ProTech Medical will provide fast, convenient service.

ProTech Medical can deliver your medical equipment at any hospital in Middle Tennessee including Williamson Medical Center in Franklin. Our friendly technicians will make sure your equipment works for you.

ProTech Medical is not just with you at the point of delivery, we're there 24/7 to make sure you can reach us when unanticipated occassions arise. Our staff is on-call during nights and weekends.

Visit our website, http://protechdelivers.com, for more medical supplies offered in the Franklin, TN area.

TOLL FREE - 1-800-722-7313

If It's A Medical Necessity & Service In Columbia, Shelbyville, Or Middle Tennessee, We Got You Covered

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Pro-Tech Medical can provide your medical necessities and services in Middle Tennessee, Columbia, Shelbyville, and even Nashville.

Most home medical supplies are covered by Medicare and private insurances such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthSpring, and others. To qualify as a medical necessity and/or service, your insurance may ask your medical supply company to certify eligibility by submitting paperwork confirmed by a doctor. Often times, this paper work is known as a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN).

Your physician will need to be aware of the criteria when ordering your medical supply or equipment based upon your insurance. For requirements and eligibility regarding supplies to be deemed as medical necessary, contact Pro-Tech Medical - 1-800-722-7313.

The most common products deemed as medically necessary include home oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, nebulizers, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, cushions, power chairs, scooters, and more. For a complete list of products provided by Pro-Tech Medical, visit http://www.protechdelivers.com/.

Are You Searching For Medical Supply in Columbia or Shelbyville TN?

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Look no further! Pro-Tech Medical provides medical supply products in Columbia and Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Serving Middle Tennessee since 1983, Pro-Tech Medical has long been a leader in medical supply products including home medical equipment and service. With retail locations for medical supplies in both Columbia and Shelbyville, Tennessee, Pro-Tech Medical is a must stop when searching for home medical products and equipment.

To find medical supplies in Columbia, visit : Pro-Tech Medical, 1100 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401

To find medical supplies in Shelbyville, visit : Pro-Tech Medical, 1608 North Main Street, Suite A, Shelbyville, TN 37160

A toll free number for medical supplies in Middle Tennessee is available - 1-800-722-7313.

Try the Pro-Tech Medical website to begin your search - www.protechdelivers.com.

Replacing Your Jazzy 1103 Ultra? There's Something You Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Jazzy Select 6 Ultra

Jazzy 1103 Ultra (now only available as a Quantum 1103 Ultra)

For many people who previously bought a Jazzy 1103 Ultra, they're finding out it's not so easy finding one again. Per Medicare, a power chair customer is qualified to replace their current chair if they've had it for at least five years and it has become too expensive to fix. With the severe cutbacks power chair providers have suffered over the past several years, industry manufacturers have been forced to follow suit.

Previously, Pride Mobility, the manufacturer of the 1103 Ultra, was able to offer the chair in their consumer line of products known as the Jazzy series. The 1103 Ultra was the option in the Jazzy series for consumers needing a seat elevating option. Because the seat elevating option is not covered by Medicare, only those who could afford an out-of-pocket expense selected the 1103.

Now, the 1103 Ultra has changed labels to the Quantum Series, Pride Mobility's rehab product line. Replacing the 1103 Ultra in the Jazzy series, is the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra. The basics of the chair are the same, however, there are significant differences that will surprise current 1103 Ultra users who are looking to replace their chairs.

Jazzy Select 6 Ultra v. Quantum 1103 Ultra

1. Expense for Providers - The Quantum 1103 Ultra is now a much more expensive chair for providers to purchase. If the provider is billing the chair as a replacement for the Jazzy 1103 Ultra, they'll most likely use the KO831 code. Because of the dramatic reduction in reimbursement for providers using the Ko831 code, the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra, with it's lift feature, will be the chair of choice.

2. Charger - A design change for the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra includes an off-board charger. Users will no longer be able to plug in their chairs from the base to the wall. Now, users will be forced to use an off-board battery which can only be connected in the in-set just underneath the controller. Although it seems minor, this change will dissappoint Jazzy 1103 Ultra users who enjoyed the convenience of stuffing the end of an unplugged charger in the pouch on the rear of the seat.

3. Seat Height - The seat on a Jazzy Select Ultra 6 has a higher seat height from the lowest position compared to the Quantum 1103 Ultra. The reason - Pride Mobility, the manufacturer, has positioned the lift mechanism on the post, just above the shroud of the chair. Previously on the Jazzy version of the 1103, the lift mechanism was positioned inside the shroud. The difference in placement prevents those needing a lower seat position for transfers from making accommodations they may already be used to. Basically, if you had a Jazzy 1103 Ultra and now you're considering a Jazzy Select 6 Ultra, your seat will begin in a higher position.

4. Seat Comfort/Size - To help reduce costs for providers, Pride Mobility has trimmed the design and amount of cushion in their Jazzy series of chairs. Although the seat measurements may be the same, Jazzy 1103 users may be dissappointed to find the newer Jazzy Select 6 Ultra seat as less comfortable and possibly an appearance of being smaller.

Summary

If you're a Jazzy 1103 Ultra user and it's time to replace your chair using insurance, you may be forced to pay significant out-of-pocket costs due to the re-classification of the 1103 into the Quantum label. If you cannot afford the cost, the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra will be your new alternative.

Written by - Rodney McCarthy, ATP, ProTech Medical - www.protechdelivers.com

Available to be republished. Please include author and link.

Pro-Tech Medical Delivers Nashville Medical Supplies

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:21:00 +0000

If you're in search of Nashville medical supplies, Pro-Tech Medical has a complete inventory to choose from. Serving Middle Tennessee since 1983, Pro-Tech Medical has established itself as the industry leader in home medical products.

Pro-Tech Medical can deliver your medical supplies in Nashville and surrounding counties. We specialize in respiratory, mobility, and home equipment to improve the lifestyle of those with health challenges.

To view more home medical supplies in the Nashville, Tennessee area, go to www.protechdelivers.com. Or call, 1-800-722-7313.

Most medical supplies for Nashville area residents are covered by insurances including Medicare, BC/BS, HealthSpring, United Healthcare, and more.

Pro-Tech Medical, Add Us As A Friend On Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:56:00 +0000

You can now add us as a friend on Facebook! Search Pro-Tech Medical and sign up to get the latest in news and updates. Also, become a fan of Pro-Tech Medical!

Pro-Tech Medical is a home medical equipment provider for Middle Tennessee. We accept most insurances including Medicare, BC/BS, United Healthcare, and more.

You can also follow us by subscribing to our RSS feed.

www.protechdelivers.com

www.youtube.com/protechmedical

www.twitter.com/protechmedical

Home Oxygen Therapy Equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Donnie Springer, RRT with ProTech Medical explains the most common equipment prescribed for persons needing home oxygen therapy.

The video demonstrates a traditional compressed gas system with a concentrator, portable tank, regulator, and supplies.

ProTech Medical has provided home medical equipment to respiratory customers in Middle Tennessee since 1983. For more information, visit our website - www.protechdelivers.com

ProTech Medical provides home oxygen equipment by accepting most insurance plans including Medicare, BC/BS, HealthSpring, Humana, United Healthcare, and more.

If you suffer from chronic breathing problems as a result of COPD or Emphysema, talk to your physician about a simple overnight test to measure your oxygen saturation level.

ProTech Medical serves home oxygen therapy customers in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Columbia, Shelbyville, Lewisburg, Chapel Hill, Lynchburg, Pulaski, Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Centerville, and hundreds of small communities throughout Middle Tennessee.

Pro-Tech Medical Provides CPAP Therapy For Improved Health

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Most people are aware of the benefits that CPAP treatment can provide for people with sleep apnea: a better night’s sleep, more alertness and energy during the day, and an overall improvement in the quality of life. But did you know that CPAP treatment can also improve comorbidities of sleep apnea, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and obesity? The following information describes the relationship between sleep apnea and these comorbidities, and highlights the importance of treatment in gaining the full benefits of CPAP therapy.

Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

The link between sleep apnea and diabetes has been referenced in a growing number of clinical articles. Sleep apnea is very common in patients who suffer from diabetes, and people with sleep apnea have higher chances of developing insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes patients who receive treatment for their sleep apnea often have an immediate improvement in their diabetic condition. If you have diabetes and think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor and find out right away. Treating sleep apnea might help you control your blood sugar levels and may lower your chances of complications, like heart disease.

High blood pressure

The National Institutes of Health lists sleep apnea as a cause of high blood pressure. Studies show that about 30% of all people with high blood pressure have sleep apnea. That number increases to 80% for people taking three or more medications to control their blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure and sleep apnea, starting treatment may help you lower your levels significantly and improve your heart health.

Heart Disease

Untreated sleep apnea strains the heart and may cause it not to work properly. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease and heart failure. People with sleep apnea can lower their chances of developing these problems by getting treated. Sleep apnea treatment can people help control their blood pressure and improve their heart health.

Stroke

Sleep apnea can increase a person's chances of stroke. In fact, studies show that more than 60% of patients who have had a stroke also have sleep apnea. Stroke patients with untreated sleep apnea may have a harder time recovering after a stroke than others do. Recovering from a stroke takes much energy and motivation, but the sleepiness that comes from sleep apnea can make it difficult for a person to follow rehabilitation programs, causing poor recovery. Stroke patients with untreated sleep apnea have higher chances of death than patients who receive treatment.

Obesity

About 40% of obese people have sleep apnea. Overweight people should be particularly concerned because sleep apnea may make weight loss more difficult. The sleepiness that comes from sleep apnea may cause people to overeat, sleep more, and exercise less. Some people, as a matter of habit, will eat to "wake up" when they feel drowsy during the day. That in turn can cause them to gain more weight, which may make their sleep apnea even worse. Being treated for sleep apnea can help obese people gain the energy to exercise more and lose weight.

As you can see, CPAP therapy can do more than help you sleep well and go far beyond treating your sleep apnea if you have comorbidities such as those described above. If you remain compliant with your treatment, you are more likely to enjoy the health benefits that CPAP therapy has to offer.

For more information or to see how CPAP therapy can help you, call us today - 1-800-722-7313. Let our Respiratory Staff help you improve your life.

www.protechdelivers.com

Lift Chair With Special Vertical Lift, Golden Technologies

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Call one of our Lift Chair Specialists today! 1-800-722-7313

Visit www.protechdelivers.com for more products and information

Explaining Medicare Requirements for Power Chairs/Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Pro-Tech Medical) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

A power wheelchair (K0010-K0014) is covered by Medicare when a patient's condition is such that without the use of a wheelchair the patient would be otherwise bed or chair confined. Additionally, the patient is unable to operate a manual wheelchair due to a severe neurologic or muscular condition of both arms and legs.

Examples of severe neurologic conditions might include spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, advanced multiple sclerosis, or stroke with dense hemiplegia. In addition to the diagnosis of such a condition, there must also be functional impairment involving paralysis or such severe weakness of arms as well as legs that the patient is unable to propel a manual wheelchair within the confines of their home or individual living quarters.

The DMERC has received many claims with documentation of the need for power wheelchairs including statements signed by physicians, indicating a degree of functional impairment and use within the home or living quarters, which has not been corroborated when further investigated. In an effort to better determine the medical necessity for power wheelchairs (K0010-K0014), Region C DMERC may require information in addition to a CMN, which is normally submitted with the claim.

Suppliers may be notified of the need for this extra documentation before a claim for a power wheelchair is adjudicated for payment. The extra documentation requested will include the following elements:

The manufacturer and model/number of the power wheelchair ordered, delivered and used by the patient, which must be the same item for which the claim is being submitted.
Copies of the Progress Notes from the medical chart of the treating physician who is ordering the power wheelchair. These notes must be relevant to the diagnoses listed on the CMN, and address functional levels justifying the need for the power wheelchair (according to the DMERC RMRP). One entry in the Progress Notes should certainly refer to the ordering of the power wheelchair along with reasons for its need, considering the severity of the conditions for which power wheelchairs are required. It is also expected that several Progress Notes (with different dates of entry) will be present within the treating physician's medical chart, referring to the condition and associated limitations of function, and these notes are to be included as well. If hospital records such as a discharge summary adequately address a qualifying condition and functional level at the time of discharge justifying need for a power wheelchair in the home, these will also be helpful.

Physicians who express concerns about patient confidentiality may be reassured that when the patient signs the HCFA-1500 claim form which is submitted for the power wheelchair, the patient grants the Medicare Carrier (the DMERC) authority to secure medical records in order to establish the medical necessity of equipment for which Medicare is being billed. Since only Progress Notes pertaining to the relevance of the need for the power wheelchair are required, this information should not be considered beyond the professional scope of the supplier, who must properly equip and fit the beneficiary with this item (as well as assess the particular home environment in which it is to be used). Failure to provide adequate and relevant copies of the treating physician's Progress Notes from the physician's medical chart of the patient will be considered lack of adequate medical necessity documentation, and claims for K0010-K0014 will be denied as medically unnecessary.

If the Progress Note entries of the treating physician do not address the following details of a thorough functional assessment of the patient, it may also be necessary to obtain an evaluation by one of these professionals: 1) a physiatrist (physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine), 2) a physical therapist licensed in the state where the evaluation is being performed, or 3) an occupational therapist certified by the national certifying board and who has met any regulations for licensure, certification, or registration by the state in which the evaluation is performed. From whichever of these professionals, the following details of functional ability should be addressed: condition necessitating use of a power wheelchair; date of onset of this condition; progression of the condition and prognosis; semi-quantitative assessment of strength in the extremities; the presence or absence of increased muscle tone or spasms; trunk stability and sitting posture; quantification of the patient's ability to ambulate and what assistance (e.g., cane, walker, other person, etc.) is needed for this (if applicable); ability to transfer from bed/chair to wheelchair (including the ability to stand and pivot); endurance; cognitive abilities; visual impairments; description of current wheelchair (if applicable), age of equipment, and why it is being replaced.

Suppliers will also be asked to furnish a valid telephone number for the beneficiary, the ordering physician, and the physiatrist, physical therapist or occupational therapist who submitted the patient/wheelchair evaluation.

Failure to respond to a request for this extra documentation, or submitting documentation which is not complete in all of the requested details may result in claim denial if medical necessity cannot be established based on the information which is received.

If you are in need of powered mobility, call Rodney McCarthy, ATP today! 1-800-722-7313

www.protechdelivers.com

You can also view power chair videos at www.youtube.com/protechmedical