November 2005

News

By Danielle Cohen

CMS Issues New Rules, Codes on Power Mobility Devices
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a draft local coverage determination (LCD) for power mobility devices, as well as 63 new codes and testing requirements under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).

The LCD, titled "Conditions for Payment of Power Mobility Devices, including Power Wheelchairs and Power-Operated Vehicles," was released to help clarify an interim final rule, which was scheduled to go into effect on October 25. The LCD includes policies on coverage, prescribing, coding, payment, and claims documentation.

Among the key provisions are the elimination of the certificate of medical necessity (CMN) for power mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters; a requirement that physicians or treating practitioners conduct a face-to-face examination of the beneficiary no more than 30 days prior to the prescription for the power mobility device; and a requirement that the physicians or treating practitioners provide a signed and dated prescription to the beneficiaries or providers within 30 days of that examination.

CMS had already introduced 49 new codes under the HCPCS, but has since created 63 new codes and testing requirements in order for power mobility devices to be eligible for Medicare billing. According to CMS, the new codes and requirements address policy and pricing difficulties encountered with the existing ones.

The new codes and testing requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2006.

Campaign Focuses on Biofeedback Effectiveness
The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE), headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, launched "The Foundation for Learning" campaign in North America to educate health care professionals about the efficacy of biofeedback in treating specific health problems.

The workshops, sponsored by 23 organizations, will focus on the use of biofeedback for rehabilitation, stress management, peak performance, computer-related conditions, migraine, incontinence, lower back pain, and other conditions. Practitioners from various disciplines can register through the BFE for workshops scheduled throughout North America.

The BFE will also hold its 10th annual meeting in Vienna, Austria, on February 14-18, 2006.

The BFE was founded to promote a greater awareness of biofeedback among European health professionals, and through training workshops, educate clinicians in the use of biofeedback techniques and technology.

Health System Implements Therapy Program
Anodyne Therapy, LLC, Tampa, Fla, recently announced that the Cleveland Clinic Health System is implementing use of the Anodyne Therapy System in their Home Health Agency, Wound Care Center, and Wooster Podiatry and Physical Therapy Clinics.

The Anodyne Therapy System is a monochromatic infrared photo energy modality that was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in 1994 to increase circulation and decrease pain. The system is used for treatment of peripheral neuropathy, wound care, and pain management.

The therapy arrays are typically placed on patients for 30 to 45 minutes, three times per week for a minimum of 4 weeks. Anodyne is used adjunctively with many wound care products and with physical therapy interventions.

With peripheral neuropathy, the Anodyne Therapy increases circulation, thus increasing sensation and proprioception in the extremities. It can also be used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, and to improve range of motion postoperatively and after injuries.

"[More than] 4,000 neuropathy patients have been studied in our 11 published or in-press studies, which have demonstrated significantly reduced neuropathic pain—after pain meds have failed—improved sensation, reduced fall risk, and reduced falls," says Kim Stebbings, Anodyne's vice president of sales and marketing. "In addition, one study showed reduction in wound incidence in patients who continued treatment for a year at home."

The Cleveland Clinic Health System has been using the Anodyne Therapy System on an evaluation basis since June 2005. Karen Green, PT, clinical manager of rehabilitation services for Cleveland Clinic Health System, says the group decided to use the Anodyne Therapy System because of Cleveland Clinic's interest in facilitating healing in chronic wounds and reducing pain associated with wounds and peripheral neuropathy.

"We have found Anodyne Therapy to be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments for peripheral neuropathy and pain. Some patients with diabetic neuropathies experienced restored sensation with resultant improvements in balance and gait after several treatment sessions with the Anodyne unit," Green says.

Despite Amputation, There is No Stopping California Teen
When Cameron Clapp woke from a coma in September 2001, he was given news that would change his life forever. Then just 15 years old, Clapp had been hit by a train in a freak accident 4 days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. When he regained consciousness, he learned that his right arm and both of his legs above the knee had been amputated.

"Little did I know what was to come ahead in my life," Clapp says.

What has come since that time has been a journey of courage, determination, and a desire to help others for the now 19-year-old Pismo Beach, Calif, resident.

Three weeks after his accident, Clapp was released from the hospital and started physical therapy, including stretching and swimming. The first time Clapp was evaluated for prosthetics, he and his family did not receive encouraging news. "[The prosthetist] told my parents I probably wouldn't be walking ever again, and if I was, maybe on my graduation day or on my wedding day, I'd be in a wheelchair 95% of the time," Clapp says. "We ditched that guy."

Clapp credits his family's support, as well as his own determination and physical training, for getting past that opinion. He was initially fitted with conventional hydraulic legs, but after 2 months of "not really progressing," Clapp tried using foreshortened prostheses, commonly known as stubbies. "Once I got the stubbies, I ditched the wheelchair," he says.

Clapp eventually regained his balance, endurance, stamina, and confidence—over time being able to walk further distances. After 4 months of using the stubbies, he went back to the conventional hydraulic legs, this time with more success.

A few months later, Clapp's insurance company authorized the use of microprocessor-regulated prosthetic knees, C-leg®. "That's what improved my mobility skills by a hundredfold, and turned everything around for me," he says.

In June 2002, Clapp began competing in athletic events, with that year's Endeavor Games for athletes with physical disabilities. He went on to compete in swimming events, and won a silver medal in a 100-meter track event—just a day after trying running legs for the first time. "It wasn't very graceful, but it was cool that I could actually do that," says Clapp, who had always been athletic before his accident, including playing soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and skateboarding.

While his initial focus after the accident was on his mobility, about 1 and 1/2 to 2 years later, Clapp also got a prosthetic arm.

Since the initial competition at the Endeavor Games, Clapp has competed in various other events, including triathlons. "My ability is improving—not only my performance, but also my times," he says. "I just feel so much more comfortable every year that I return to these events. I feel more natural."

He also fishes and has started playing golf. Clapp, who has done some public speaking and acting, says he plans to finish college, and is looking forward to perhaps becoming a prosthetist.

Nowadays, Clapp also spends time as a patient advocate for amputees, including speaking with other amputees by phone and in person to give them support, inspiration, and motivation. "I tell them, ‘You can do it. Look at me; I've been able to overcome my obstacles even though I only have one arm,' " he says. "You can do anything you want, no matter what your injury or disability is."

Clapp, who enjoys helping other people, was recently on his way to visit soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC. "I'm going to show those soldiers what's possible after losing a limb," Clapp says. "You can continue life."

From left: Amy Radachi, executive director of the Rebuilding Together Dayton affiliate; Keith Rielag, owner of American Ramp Systems Cincinnati; and Patricia Johnson, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together, work on creating a wheelchair-accessible home.

Volunteer Organization, Ramp Company to Provide Wheelchair Access
Rebuilding Together (RT) is partnering with American Ramp Systems (amRAMP®) to provide safe wheelchair access to low-income households, the elderly, and families with disabled dependents. The ramps are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The announcement was made at the 17th Annual Rebuilding Together Conference, held on September 15-17 in Chicago.

RT is a Washington, DC-based national volunteer organization with various affiliates across the country dedicated to rehabilitating and revitalizing houses and communities for low-income elderly, the disabled, and families with children. amRAMP, which is headquartered in Boston and has 21 franchises across the country, provides modular metal ramps for use at residential dwellings or in professional settings.

As part of the partnership, amRAMP will become an RT national product sponsor and will provide ramps and ramp installation services for needy homeowners. RT's affiliate programs across the company will work with local amRAMP franchises to identify low-income homeowners in need, and install the ramps.

Changes to Leadership Team
Air Products and Chemicals Inc, Allentown, Pa, recently announced changes to its leadership team and an overall makeover to the company's Web site.

The company named John Marsland vice president and general manager, global healthcare, effective October 1, 2005. Marsland will be responsible for implementing the global strategy of the Air Products Healthcare business and achieving the operational targets. Marsland joined the company in 2002, and previously served as vice president, development office.

Jeffrey Kramer, PhD, was named vice president, corporate development office, effective July 2005. He is responsible for strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, corporate economics, and commercial development of innovative new ventures. Kramer joined Air Products in 1987, and was previously located in Hong Kong, where he served as vice president and general manager of chemicals, Asia.

Patrick F. Loughlin was named vice president and general manager of chemicals, Asia, effective June 2005. Located in Shanghai, China, Loughlin leads Air Products' Chemicals Group business operations in Asia. Loughlin joined the company in 1988 and previously served as commercial director, performance products for the Asia region.

Elizabeth (Betsy) L. Klebe was appointed vice president, corporate communications, effective July 2005. Klebe is responsible for media, financial, crisis, employee, and marketing communications; reputation management; public relations; brand management; and visual communications and communications technology. Previously director of corporate communications, Klebe joined Air Products in 1980.

Companies Sign Health Care Agreement
Preferred Therapy Providers Inc, Phoenix, Ariz, a centrally managed contracting and marketing resource for private practice physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinics in the United States, recently announced that it had signed a Group Health EPO agreement with Schaller Anderson Healthcare, LLC, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.

Schaller has served Arizona since 1986, and has been selected as one of the provider networks for health benefits to serve state of Arizona employees, university employees, retirees, and family members. Schaller's team of highly specialized health care professionals collaborate with participating physicians, hospitals, and other providers to remove barriers to care.

Founded in 1992, Preferred offers a business model that allows flexibility in contracting between private practitioners and various health plans and organizations. Preferred assumes responsibility for primary source verification of all practitioner elements required by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, reducing time, cost, and paperwork for the PPO and provider. Preferred has more than 1,000 clinics in 35 states, and about 2,500 individual therapists, serving over 60 million members.

Software Companies to Help Rehab Professionals Choose Right Systems
SpectraSoft Inc and MediServe Information Systems Inc, both in Tempe, Ariz, recently formed a marketing arrangement designed to make it easier for rehab facilities to find software systems that match the size and scope of their specific needs.

SpectraSoft has focused on the needs of private rehab practices with scheduling and documentation software, while MediServe creates complete information systems for hospital-based inpatient and outpatient rehab departments. MediServe and SpectraSoft will also work to share certain of their technologies that have cross-functional features.

Founded in 1993, SpectraSoft simplifies complex appointment scheduling and documentation tasks for health care facilities, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. Founded in 1985, MediServe specializes in respiratory care, rehabilitation, and emergency department information systems for health care organizations.

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