Rehab Medical prides itself on providing efficient processes for patients to obtain a custom mobility solution suited for their unique needs. For our team of mobility experts to provide you with the utmost quality of care, we follow a unique four-step process defined as: (1) evaluation, (2) documentation, (3) authorization, and (4) fitting and delivery.
Through these stages, we allow you and your caregiver to seamlessly navigate the complex process of obtaining mobility equipment through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. However, there is one part of that seamless navigation process that is the most crucial: step two, documentation, where in-home assessments occur.
This is where you and your caregiver get to work closely with a Rehab Medical mobility expert to uncover the best custom mobility solution for your unique needs. Not sure what an in-home mobility assessment is or why it’s so important?
In this guide we’ll be defining an in-home mobility assessment, why it’s an important part in the mobility equipment process, how you can best prepare for an in-home mobility assessment, and what to expect during your in-home mobility assessment. Let’s dive in!
What is an In-Home Mobility Assessment? In-home mobility assessments ideally benefit those who require a custom mobility solution. This is because Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) are needed to analyze the specific needs of a mobility user so they may assist them in selecting the appropriate solution to address those specific needs.
Typically, these assessments are done in a face-to-face interaction that involves not only an ATP but your doctor and/or your physical therapist. You’ll be asked a series of questions to determine your mobility needs.
It’s important to be completely truthful and forthcoming during this process, as your mobility equipment will be tailored to help you address whatever needs you indicate to your medical team.
Why Are In-Home Mobility Assessments Essential to the Mobility Equipment Process?
When it comes to completing in-home mobility assessments for mobility equipment, especially custom mobility equipment, it’s crucial to have because it ensures the equipment you receive adequately meets your needs. Additionally, most insurance providers require an in-home mobility assessment be completed to confirm that mobility equipment is needed to help you complete mobility related activities of daily living (MRADLs).
In-home mobility assessments also allow ATPs to assess the layout of your home so they may understand whether hallways and door frames will have enough width to maneuver the chair throughout your home.
For those who require full-time wheelchair access, our ATPs use in-home assessments to test the safety of transferring from wheelchair to bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and other necessary areas. Should you not be able to safely transfer out of your wheelchair, then the assessment also lets the ATP know what add-on features might be needed for you to safely access important areas of your home from the comfort of your wheelchair.
How to Prepare for an In-Home Mobility Assessment
There is no specific preparation preceding an in-home assessment. However, you or a caregiver are required to be home for the home assessment to take place, especially if the assessment is a requirement from your insurance company. A typical in-home mobility assessment lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, so please be sure you have enough time in your schedule to complete the assessment.
It's also important to note that you or a caregiver should be prepared to answer questions relating to your medical necessities truthfully and honestly. This allows us to determine the best type of equipment for your medical need. Additionally, if you have specific items you’d like to address, jot them down beforehand.
If you currently reside in an assisted living facility, the in-home assessment will look slightly different. The process will typically include an assessment of the facility’s layout in addition to the capabilities of the facility’s staffing.
Some facilities employee staff members that are trained in setting up, maintaining, and using custom mobility equipment, while other facilities may not have the proper staffing to assist residents with a mobility need. Be sure to check with your facility on how they handle mobility equipment requests before beginning the process.
What Happens During an In-Home Mobility Assessment?
Once the ATP arrives at your home, they will go through a four-point inspection process indicated below.
Residence type – ATPs assess whether you are in an apartment, home, or assisted living facility. This helps determine how big your chair can be and what accessories will be needed.
Flooring type – This determines how well your chair will be able to navigate your home. Flooring types like carpets may be somewhat difficult to navigate, whereas hardwood or tile tend to be less difficult.
Room dimensions – Taking note of room dimensions allows our ATPs to determine if where you live has enough space for you to safely navigate your wheelchair.
High-usage areas – Indicating these areas allow our ATPs to get an inside look into your daily activities of living to build a custom chair that caters to those activities.
After the inspection is complete, our ATPs typically ask you questions about your condition, your daily routine, how the equipment can help you live a more independent lifestyle, as well as provide a brief overview of how to use and care for your equipment. Then the assessment will conclude with a request for any documentation that supports your medical necessity of a custom mobility solution. Â Â
You are welcome to review the home assessment report before we send it to your insurance provider. In fact, we recommend you request a final review of the home assessment report to ensure that everything is accurate and reflects your needs properly. If you notice any errors or incorrect information, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the necessary changes.
In-home mobility assessments are typically the primary deciding factor in whether the equipment will be covered by your insurance, so it’s important to address any issues beforehand.
What to Do After an In-Home Mobility Assessment
After your in-home mobility assessment is completed, you’ll want to keep in touch with several key individuals and organizations to keep up with the status of your request and to ensure you are getting the right equipment for your needs.
Your Rehab Medical sales rep will be your main point of contact for anything related to your mobility equipment request. They will be your primary advocate for helping to determine the type of mobility equipment that best fits your needs and for getting your mobility equipment covered through your insurance. They will also handle equipment delivery, setup, and any additional training needed.
Your physician or doctor will need to prescribe the wheelchair and provide medical documentation supporting its necessity. A prescription is often required for insurance approval. They can also help assess your specific needs for mobility equipment and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate equipment based on your medical condition and mobility needs.
Your insurance provider will need to approve coverage for your mobility equipment. Rehab Medical will submit the required documentation on your behalf (e.g., prescription, medical necessity letter) to your insurance company for approval. Keep an open line of communication with your insurance provider for changes in coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and approval timelines.
Your physical or occupational therapist will assist in assessing your mobility needs and can provide recommendations for features or adjustments (e.g., physical support, body positioning, or specific functionalities) to improve the efficacy of your mobility equipment.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the mobility assessment process, preparing accordingly, and staying engaged with your healthcare team, you can navigate this journey with confidence. This thorough evaluation not only enhances safety and accessibility but also plays a vital role in securing insurance coverage for your mobility equipment.
Our goal is to provide you with seamless support every step of the way—helping you regain mobility freedom and improve your quality of life. When you choose to work with a Rehab Medical mobility expert, you’ll gain valuable insights into the equipment that best suits your lifestyle, home environment, and medical requirements.