The 'Letter of Medical Necessity' is a letter written after your wheelchair assessmentto the insurance company paying for your wheelchair that justifies your need for the specific chair requested.This letter is very descriptive and tells all about what equipment is recommended for you and why.Very often this letter must also include specialists' support and research to back up the medical need for a particular type of wheelchair.
Who
The clinician or therapist who did your wheelchair evaluation will write the letter of medical necessity, which is addressed to the third party payer or insurance company.Typically, your doctor who wrote your prescriptionfor an assessment co-signs the letter as the 'ordering physician' to support the assessment's findings.
In addition to the ordering physician, supporting documentation may come from several other specialists who are involved in your care. For example, if you are being treated for a wound or pressure sore, it is good to have documentation from your wound care specialist. This specialist can support your need for pressure relieving features on your wheelchair such as particular seat cushions, power tilt, custom armrests or a standing feature.
This letter will be written after your wheelchair assessment and submittedto the third party, usually your insurance company, who is paying for the wheelchair.
The Letter of Medical Necessity's Important Details
What is in a Great and Effective'Letter of Medical Necessity'?
Clear
Explains clearly why you need the type of wheelchair you are asking for (power, manual, lightweight, power standing, etc.)
Justified
Each feature of the wheelchair must be justified as "medically necessary" (insurance companies define "medically necessary", so you want to find out what words they use to define "medical necessity.")
Examples of justifications:
Tilt feature on a power wheelchair: "needed to relieve pressure and decrease the risk of pressure sores"
Lightweight manual wheelchair: "needed to increase endurance due to limited arm strength or arm injury."
Cushion to "reduce the risk of pressure sores"
Medically Detailed
Describes clearly your diagnosis (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS) and how the equipment will help you functionally and medically (breathing, endurance, transfers, independent mobility, etc.). It gets quite medical, but that is what the reviewers are looking for. It is important your therapist and supplier understand why this is important.
Focused
Includes only informationabout you that is related to your wheelchair. The letter does not need to talk about your children, your supportive wife or husband - the insurance company might find a reason to deny the wheelchair based on unrelated facts.
Charity Navigator participates in a consortium with other feedback experts and leading nonprofit infrastructure platforms to drive Constituent Feedback's advancement, promotion, and data collection. This organization's score of 87 is a passing score.
An injury higher on the spinal cord can cause paralysis in most of the body and affect all limbs (tetraplegia or quadriplegia). An injury that occurs lower down the spinal cord may only affect a person's lower body and legs (paraplegia).
There are resources that will allow you to check if a charitable organization is legitimate. Visit the California Registry of Charitable Trusts website (http://oag.ca.gov/charities), call (916) 445-2021 or send inquiries to P.O. Box 903447, Sacramento, CA 94203-4470.
The most severe type of complete spinal cord injury is Tetraplegia. This causes paralysis and can affect every limb. Its location on the cervical spine dictates exactly how severe this injury is. Paraplegia involves the injured losing complete movement and sensation of body parts.
Cervical spinal cord injuries affect the head and neck region above the shoulders. It is the most severe level of spinal cord injury. Learn more cervical spinal cord injuries.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the two most common types of spinal cord injuries are incomplete tetraplegia and paraplegia, with incomplete spinal cord injuries accounting for more than 65% of all SCIs.
There is often a period of adjustment after a spinal cord injury. Sometimes feelings of sadness or anxiety may develop.In some cases, clinical depression may develop. Some people may benefit from psychological support after SCI.
Estimated life expectancies from 25 to 65 years ranged between 69-64%, 74-65%, 88-91% and 97-96% for C1-4 AIS A-C, C5-8 A-C, T1-S5 A-C and all AIS D lesions, respectively. Conclusion: Survival related strongly to extent of neurological impairment.
It's common to have pain after a spinal cord injury (SCI). The amount and type of pain may differ for each person, but it can interfere with your day-to-day life. So, if you have pain, it's vital to talk to your SCI doctor.
The Humane Society of the United States earns a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which reports that “you can give with confidence,” and is approved by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance for all 20 of its standards for charity accountability, which address charity governance, finances, ...
Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071
Phone: +3512198379449
Job: Design Planner
Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing
Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.