How to Obtain a Medicare Wheelchair
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How to Get a Medicare Wheelchair
- If you have just been told that you need a Medicare wheelchair, you should know that things may not as be as easy as you believe. Getting Medicare to pay for your wheelchair can be a long, complicated process, even if you have a prescription from a qualified doctor. Here are some of the steps you can take to insure that your Medicare claim for a wheelchair isn’t ignored or denied.
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Step #1 to Get a Wheelchair From Medicare
The first thing you should understand is that Medicare will only pay for a wheeled chair if it can be proven that you need a chair with wheels for use in your home. Medicare doesn’t take into consideration that you may need a wheelchair for shopping, sports or other out of the home activities. In other words, when you doctor prescribes a wheelchair to be paid for by Medicare, make sure that they specify that it's needed for in-home use. - Step #2 to Get a Wheelchair From Medicare
- You doctor will also have to complete a certificate of medical necessity in order for Medicare to approve your request for a wheelchair. When you go to a wheelchair dealer with a request for Medicare, they will not even begin to process your request without this certificate. The information that Medicare needs on this request in order to give you a wheeled chair is the type of medical condition that you have, the type of wheelchair needed, and the medical justification for the wheel chair requested from Medicare.
- Step #3 to Get a Wheelchair From Medicare
- The wheelchair dealer who is processing your claim for a wheel chair from Medicare will need a copy of your medical records, as well. The records should include a thorough diagnosis of your condition, as well as any treatments, and the prognosis of your condition. With all of these requirements being properly fulfilled, you should have your chair from Medicare in no time.
- When you're ready to start planning your wheelchair purchase, make sure you discuss your need for a wheelchair with your wheelchair dealer. He or she can help review your Medicare application and make sure you're doing everything possible to qualify for all the funding programs available.