Tom Novotny

Rehab Management recently interviewed Tom Novotny, president of Baltimore-based A.R.T. Group, about the future of rehab mobility.

What is the company's niche within the rehabilitation industry?

The A.R.T. Group has a unique position within the rehab industry. The collection of high quality brands under the A.R.T. Group umbrella provide rehab companies with a selection of products that will serve the needs of virtually every client. Our focus has been on seating and positioning at a very high level. Our ability to customize and configure complete seating and positioning solutions with a very high service component has resulted in a leadership position in our niche. We will continue to develop new and innovative products in order to expand our product offering so that we can further our mission to improve people's lives by providing rehab and assistive technology solutions.

What are some of the A.R.T. Group's most popular items?

There are no individual products that stand out as "most popular." Since our focus is to provide a total solution for the client, we see many varied combinations of products and components that make up the final seating solution. I feel this is our strength. In a visit to any of our regional manufacturing facilities, it becomes obvious that no two orders are alike and each order is prepared to meet the unique needs of the end user. The recently added Kids Rock™ wheelchair line with Active Seating is rapidly becoming a product of choice. The clinical benefits of dynamic seating for end users are outstanding and we are proud to be on the forefront of such an effective and industry changing technology.

How have competitive bidding decisions affected the mobility industry?

While the power mobility industry has certainly experienced a significant amount of change, very little of that is due to competitive bidding yet. However, since round one bid categories include power mobility as well as options and accessories [such as] seating and positioning components, we certainly expect high levels of frustration as suppliers attempt to provide functionally appropriate equipment for individuals under reduced reimbursement.

How will competitive bidding directly affect your company?

Our goal as a company is to develop innovative products that meet the clinical needs of individuals in a cost effective manner. If reimbursement schemes impede access to appropriate technology, we all are affected and must work together to bring about positive change. As in the past, our product development plans will include solutions that will support the reimbursement needs of our dealers as well as the clinical needs of the end users.

Do you foresee any additional changes within the mobility industry?

Sunrise Medical is actively involved in industry efforts to protect access and stabilize reimbursement for all stakeholders. We anticipate that the industry will continue to undergo change. However, we are working to mitigate the impact of the changes and to ensure that individuals continue to have access to the technologies they need and to ensure that suppliers receive adequate reimbursement to allow them to continue to provide appropriate technologies and services.

Where do you see the mobility industry in the next year?

More change is coming as round one of competitive bidding is implemented and round two details will be announced. In addition, we know that efforts are under way to modify HCPCS codes for manual mobility. With all of this change, the industry won't lose sight of the individuals that require these complex technologies to gain or retain function and independence. Complex rehab suppliers are taking steps to promote higher levels of professionalism. The industry is working together to document the services and the costs of providing those services. Moreover, the industry is ramping up efforts to educate legislators and policy makers on the value of the complex rehab products and services.

—Rogena Schuyler Silverman