WHEELCHAIR CLINIC

Physical/Occupational Therapy - WheelChair Clinic

The PT/OT Department has organized the wheelchair and equipment clinic to improve communication between parents, therapists and vendors. Our goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the services the vendor offers and to increase parent involvement in decision making regarding durable medical equipment needs.

We schedule equipment clinics and home/school visits with the wheelchair vendor, Rick Kruse from Portland, at the ESD building in Pendleton (966-3136). At these clinics we will discuss all equipment needs (e.g. need for new equipment, adjustments or repairs).

The sequence of the wheelchair clinic

  • Need for equipment evaluation, parts or services is identified by the parent, therapist or school staff

  • Child will be scheduled for the next available wheelchair clinic day

  • Parent, therapist, child and wheelchair vendor discuss needs or do repairs at clinic

  • Proposal for needed parts or new chair is completed at clinic and signed by parent and vendor

  • Therapist writes letter of justification for requested equipment, which will also be signed by primary physician

  • Vendor requests authorization from child's medical insurance and orders equipment

  • Vendor updates therapist on status of ordered parts and when equipment will be ready for delivery. Vendor will deliver equipment or parts, fit equipment and follow up services as necessary

The turnover from the initial evaluation of the equipment needs to delivery of ordered parts typically takes between 8-12 weeks, depending on the authorization process of various insurances and funding resources.

Notice

If the child is covered by one of the Oregon Health Plans, it is important that you do not change plans before receiving the ordered equipment. A change in health plans will necessitate starting this process all over again and requesting authorization from the new health plan.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process or your child's equipment, please contact Tonya Smith at 541-966-3145 or . She can connect you with the appropriate Occupational Therapist.