Type Size 
English 
If you or someone you care for has significant mobility limitations, a standard power wheelchair may not provide the support, positioning, or functionality needed for everyday life.
That's where Complex Rehab Technology, often called CRT, comes in.
Complex rehab power wheelchairs are individually configured to address a person's specific medical, functional, positioning, and mobility needs. Unlike standard power wheelchairs, CRT equipment can incorporate specialized seating, positioning components, advanced controls, and other features based on the individual's needs.
Understanding whether you may need a complex rehab power wheelchair can be confusing. Here's what you should know about CRT and what to expect from the process.
What Is Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)?
Complex Rehab Technology includes specialized mobility equipment designed and configured for individuals with significant disabilities or medical conditions.
CRT may include:
- Complex rehab power wheelchairs
- Complex manual wheelchairs
- Customized seating and positioning systems
- Specialized wheelchair controls
- Power positioning features
- Other adaptive mobility equipment
The key difference is customization. Rather than simply selecting a standard wheelchair model, CRT involves evaluating the individual's medical and functional needs and configuring equipment specifically for them.
How Is a Complex Rehab Power Wheelchair Different From a Standard Power Wheelchair?
A standard power wheelchair primarily provides powered mobility.
A complex rehab power wheelchair can provide mobility while also addressing more complicated seating, positioning, pressure management, functional, and access needs.
Depending on the individual's medical needs, a CRT power wheelchair may include features such as:
- Customized seating and positioning
- Power tilt
- Power recline
- Power elevating leg rests
- Seat elevation
- Alternative drive controls
- Head, trunk, or lateral positioning supports
- Specialized cushions and back supports
Not everyone needs these features. The appropriate wheelchair and components are determined through an individualized evaluation.
Who May Need a Complex Rehab Power Wheelchair?
CRT is generally intended for people with significant or long-term mobility needs that cannot adequately be addressed with standard mobility equipment.
A person may need a complex rehab wheelchair if they have difficulty safely completing everyday activities because of their mobility limitations or require specialized seating or positioning to support their medical and functional needs.
Individuals who use CRT may have conditions such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological or complex medical conditions.
However, a diagnosis alone does not determine whether someone qualifies for a particular wheelchair.
The person's mobility limitations, functional abilities, home environment, positioning needs, medical needs, and insurance requirements all play a role.
Signs It May Be Time To Consider a Complex Rehab Power Wheelchair
You may want to discuss a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) evaluation with your healthcare provider if you or your loved one:
- Cannot safely complete important daily activities using a cane, walker, or standard mobility device
- Requires significant positioning support while seated
- Has difficulty independently repositioning or shifting weight
- Needs specialized seating because of posture or orthopedic concerns
- Requires power positioning functions such as tilt or recline
- Cannot effectively operate a standard joystick and may need alternative controls
- Has a progressive condition that is changing mobility or positioning needs
- Uses a wheelchair throughout much of the day and requires more individualized support
These situations don't automatically mean someone qualifies for CRT, but they may indicate that a more comprehensive mobility evaluation is appropriate.
What Is an ATP?
An Assistive Technology Professional, or ATP, is a professional with specialized knowledge in assistive technology.
For complex rehab technology, an ATP can be involved in evaluating mobility needs and helping determine the appropriate wheelchair configuration and components.
The process may also involve your physician and a physical or occupational therapist with experience in wheelchair and seating evaluations.
The goal isn't simply to select a wheelchair.
It's to identify equipment that appropriately addresses your mobility, positioning, medical, and functional needs.
What Happens During a Complex Rehab Wheelchair Evaluation?
The exact process varies depending on the individual and insurance requirements, but it may include several steps.
1. Discuss Your Mobility Needs
The process often begins by identifying the challenges you're experiencing with mobility and everyday activities.
2. Complete a Clinical Evaluation
A qualified clinician may evaluate your mobility, strength, range of motion, posture, positioning, ability to perform everyday activities, and other relevant medical and functional needs.
3. Work With an ATP
An ATP can help identify appropriate wheelchair equipment and determine how it should be configured for your individual needs.
4. Gather Medical Documentation
Insurance companies typically require documentation showing why the recommended mobility equipment is medically necessary. Your physician, therapist, ATP, and mobility provider may all play a role in this process.
5. Submit the Equipment for Insurance Review
Once the appropriate equipment has been identified and the required documentation has been collected, the request can be submitted to your insurance plan for review. Coverage requirements vary by insurance plan and by the equipment being requested.
6. Delivery and Fitting
If approved, the wheelchair is ordered and configured. Once it is ready, the equipment should be properly fitted and adjusted for the individual.
Does Medicare Cover Complex Rehab Power Wheelchairs?
Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary power mobility equipment when applicable coverage requirements are met.
For power mobility devices, Medicare considers factors including whether a person's mobility limitation significantly affects their ability to perform mobility-related activities of daily living in the home and whether less complex mobility equipment can adequately and safely address the limitation.
Additional requirements apply to complex rehab wheelchairs and certain power seating functions.
Because every person's situation is different, coverage cannot be guaranteed. Your healthcare providers and mobility supplier can help determine what documentation may be required by your insurance plan.
How HMS Hoveround Mobility Solutions Can Help
Getting the right mobility equipment can feel complicated, but you don't have to navigate the process alone.
HMS works with patients, healthcare providers, therapists, and other members of the care team to help identify appropriate mobility solutions and guide patients through the equipment process.
Our Mobility Team Can Help:
- Review your mobility needs
- Explain the complex rehab process
- Coordinate with your healthcare providers
- Help gather required documentation
- Work with your insurance plan
- Guide you through the process from evaluation through delivery
Wondering If a Complex Rehab Power Wheelchair May Be Right for You?
Talk with our mobility team.
We'll learn more about your mobility needs and help you understand the next steps.
Contact HMS today to get started.
Insurance coverage and eligibility vary by individual, health plan, medical necessity, and applicable coverage requirements. Contact your insurance provider or HMS for information regarding your specific situation.
