May 2023

Honoring Their Sacrifice

On Memorial Day we express our heartfelt gratitude to the military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. This weekend and always, please join us as we reflect on what has been given on our behalf and honor the memory of these courageous heroes.

Power Seat Elevation Systems

CMS Announces Positive Coverage News

Earlier this month, CMS posted the final Benefit Category Determination (BCD) and National Coverage Determination (NCD) for power seat elevation systems (read the full decision memo here). This new coverage applies to both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Work has now begun to gather additional information from the agency about the implementation of this critical coverage.

NCART is very proud to have contributed significant resources and funding to this initiative. However, such success required years of consistent and collaborative efforts from the entire CRT community, and we are thankful to each and every advocate who took action along the way. Special thanks go to the ITEM Coalition, the Clinician Task Force, and countless other advocacy organizations. The monumental time invested to ensure a positive outcome will have lasting effects for years to come.

We will continue to prepare additional data for submission as coding and reimbursement for these systems are now determined. We will share updates as they become available, additional information can be found by clicking the button below. Thank you again to all advocates for coming together and taking action to secure coverage!

CRT Awareness Week August 14-18

Mark your calendars for August 14-18, 2023! CRT Awareness Week is right around the corner and we're continuing to grow it each year. Last year was a huge hit and we can't wait to see how the Complex Rehab Technology community celebrates and shares CRT in 2023. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to spread the news!

Protecting Access to CRT in the States

Alaska – NCART provider workgroup met 5/2 to discuss escalating requests to Department leadership and legislators; NCART and PAMES are coordinating additional outreach and June meetings are being requested.

Colorado – NCART and other stakeholders are submitting industry comments in response to proposed Medicaid provider metrics related to CRT service and repair; a 6/14 stakeholder meeting is scheduled and additional meetings are being requested.

Connecticut – NCART, HOMES, and other stakeholders are participating in a stakeholder workgroup that has been formed to pursue solutions relating to CRT service and repair; industry recommendations have been submitted and discussions are ongoing.

Massachusetts –Wheelchair Warranty Protection legislation has been reintroduced in the House and Senate; CRT repair reform language has also been introduced in the House; NCART, AA Homecare, HOMES, and others continue to work with state legislators and others to advance solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders.

Nebraska – NCART is reviewing changes to DMEPOS regulation affecting CRT and will provide comments during a 5/31 public hearing; additional meetings will be scheduled as needed.

Nevada – NCART held discussions with the Department in May to follow up on provider concerns shared earlier in the year; changes related to documentation requirements and other policy improvements are being discussed and updates are expected in 2023; NCART is providing feedback to the Department and communication is ongoing.

Utah – NCART presented CRT provider budget requests to the Medical Care Advisory Committee on 5/18; additional outreach to the Department has been conducted and meetings are being requested; legislative discussions in June are expected. 

2023 Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In

June 29 CRT Industry Webinar - Register Now!

We’ve got updates! Another informative CRT Industry Webinar is being held on June 29 at 4:00 PM ET. Join NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force at no cost to catch the latest news relevant to the CRT community and to ask questions about policy and advocacy action. Click the button below to register today!

NCART Members Pave the Way to CRT Access

NCART Presentation at 2023 VGM Heartland Conference

This year’s VGM Heartland Conference takes place June 12-14 in Waterloo, IA. Attendees can access over 60 sessions and earn up to 15.75 contact hours (CEUs) throughout the two-day conference. These sessions are offered through an array of educational tracks, including billing and reimbursement; sales, marketing, and retail; business operations; rehab; regulatory and audits; business leadership; and more.

NCART Executive Director Wayne Grau will be presenting a CRT industry update as part of the rehab track and we hope to see you there! Learn more and get registered by clicking the button below. 

NCART welcomes opportunities to support events that promote CRT education and advocacy. Here are some of the events that we're proud to help publicize:

• VGM Heartland - June 12-14
• United Spinal Association Roll on Capitol Hill - June 18-21
• Abilities Expo Chicago - June 23-25
• RESNA Annual Conference - July 24-26
• CRT Awareness Week - August 14-18
• NCART/NRRTS Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In - September 13

Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue

"For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue."- James A. Garfield