Mobility Matters

NC, SC, TN, GA, VA, FL, KY, IN, & CA: Imagine needing a wheelchair to get anywhere, even inside your own home. Once you’ve established the need, now imagine that you must wait 9-12 months until you can be mobile! It may sound like a scenario out of a horror movie. In fact, it’s a very real situation facing many with mobility challenges in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida.

Dr. Amy Siegler, an Asheville-based occupational therapist (OT), is changing that dynamic scenario through her newly formed company called LimbTech (limbtechnc.com). She provides the vital service required by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance companies - having an occupational or physical therapist evaluate and make recommendations for all seating systems, including manual and powered wheelchairs, standers, and pediatric strollers.

Dr. Siegler is only one of a handful of occupational therapists providing this life-changing service in NC, SC, TN, GA, VA, FL, KY, IN, & CA through a telehealth evaluation.

The need for LimbTech grew when HCA Healthcare, Inc., the new Mission Hospital owners, suddenly closed CarePartners’ seating and positioning clinic that served thousands of patients each year.

“With such a demand for wheelchairs in Western North Carolina, why would any company announce the closing of their seating and positioning clinic?” asks Dr. Siegler. “It’s unconscionable.”

The current situation in Western NC was dire, and has expanded to include NC, SC, TN, GA, VA, FL, KY, IN, & CA driven by the influx of individuals who require wheelchair assessments via telehealth occupational therapy.

Previous seating and mobility companies had difficulties dealing with insurance companies with denials, frustrating wait-times, and extended delivery dates beyond nine months. The reason? They can’t get sufficient evaluations done in WNC, which CarePartners clinic used to provide.

It’s not just about mobility. Access to wheelchairs to increase respiration, maintain blood pressure, decrease edema, and improve visual attention are significant reasons for clients needing wheelchairs faster than 9 months. The proper mobility seating allows them to participate in work, school, and the everyday activities many take for granted. This vulnerable population has experienced rising rates of depression, anxiety, and physical wounds. With mobility, people increase their overall independence, self-worth, psychological wellness, and overall health.

LimbTech is currently a mobile operation. All the evaluations, follow-ups, and equipment fittings are in the comfort of individuals’ homes, in clinics, or via telehealth. After an evaluation is complete, the therapist works with an interdisciplinary team to compile enough documentation to submit for insurance authorization and supply the wheelchair for proper fit and function.

Please help Dr. Siegler get the word out to those in need of a wheelchair assessment. Anyone who’s having difficulties performing everyday tasks — such as getting from one room to another, performing basic daily tasks like dressing and bathing, or even staying safe within their home — may benefit from a wheelchair or other mobility device. Without this equipment, basic necessities remain out of reach.

You can reach LimbTech at amy@limbtechnc.com