United Spinal Resource Center (2024)

Help DeskUsersFirst Mobility MapPrescription and Assessment Step 3: Get a Prescription for a Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment

  • How to get a prescription for a wheelchair evaluation and assessment
  • Important reminder for Step 3
  • Step 3 summary available below for download

United Spinal Resource Center (1)

Prescription Before Assessment

You need a prescription from your doctor before you get a Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment.

At your appointment, your doctor will write your prescription, but the Wheelchair Evaluation will be done at another time by a clinician or therapist. Typically the clinician is an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT), so the prescription from your doctor will read, "OT or PT Wheelchair Evaluation." Getting a prescription from your doctor is essential, because it allows a therapist (OT or PT) to conduct an evaluation.

An OT or PT with the certification of ATP or SMS is highly recommended. This certification is given to therapists who have demonstrated specialized knowledge and skils regarding seating and wheeled mobility.

Your doctor may have recommendations for a local therapist or seating clinic that can provide this assessment. However, you have a right to choose your own clinician instead if you would rather. Read more in Chapter 2 if you need help finding your own clinician.

You Schedule Your Assessment

Once you have the prescription from the doctor, call the wheelchair clinic (it may be a PT department or an OT department) and schedule an appointment. If you have the therapist's direct number go ahead and call. She or he will probably tell you to schedule through the office person.

Remember, whether your doctor makes a referral or not, you must call and set up the appointment for your Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment. It is your responsibility to call and make an appointment for your Wheelchair Evaluation.

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United Spinal Resource Center (2024)

FAQs

Is United spinal Association a good charity? ›

This charity's score is 96%, earning it a Four-Star rating.

What would happen if we injure our spinal cord critically? ›

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).

What is the best charity in the US? ›

List of Best Highly Rated Charities
  • Onward We Learn. Providence , RI. ...
  • Roca. Chelsea , MA. ...
  • United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties. Wooster , OH. ...
  • Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. ...
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America Wisconsin Chapter. ...
  • Channel One Regional Food Bank. ...
  • Cova (formerly EOS International) ...
  • The Assistance Fund (TAF)

How do you know if a charity is legit? ›

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.

What is the most serious spinal injury? ›

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.

What is the most serious type of spinal cord injury? ›

Learn about the sections of the spine, four levels of spinal cord injury and possible recovery outcomes. 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.

What spinal injury is most common? ›

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.

How does life change after spinal cord injury? ›

You may feel “different” in your body in the early weeks and months after SCI. This feeling usually fades as you become comfortable with your self-image, learn to manage self-care,gain a better understanding of your body, and come to realize you are still the same person.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a spinal cord injury? ›

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.

Do people with spinal cord injuries feel pain? ›

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.

Which charity is best to donate money? ›

International Relief & Development Charities
CharityRating
Project HOPEB+
Refugees InternationalA
Rotary Foundation of Rotary InternationalA+
Samaritan's PurseA-
41 more rows

How is Paralyzed Veterans of America rated as a charity? ›

Rating Information

This charity's score is 81%, earning it a Three-Star rating.

Is the Humane Society of the United States a reputable charity? ›

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, ...

Is Paralyzed Veterans of America a legitimate charity? ›

Yes, PVA is a prominent national 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization with a mission to serve paralyzed Veterans from the moment of injury and for the rest of their lives. PVA chapters are registered as separate 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profits.

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