Reflecting and Planning Ahead: My Journey Toward a New Wheelchair

By: Mike Theobald

With summer ending, I’m reflecting on a task I need to concentrate on getting taken care of. I’m considering 2 vendors for a new wheelchair purchase in December, they are National Seating and Mobility or Westside Medical, PRS. As you may know, it’s quite a lengthy process acquiring a new chair.

Process to follow:
RX from physician, medical evaluation (1-2 weeks)
Physical Therapist referral to determine eligibility (1-2 weeks)
Vendor recommendations (2 month out appointment)
Submit all paperwork to insurance (3-6 month wait)
Order chair  (6-9 month wait)

Once chair is delivered, there is a fitting session to make adjustments. So, I’d like to get this started next month so I can be in the chair by March, we’ll see.

Next task: Updating modifications to my ADA apartment.