How to Prepare for Your Mobility Equipment Assessment

Tips on Communicating Your Needs and Advocating for Yourself at Your CRT Appointment

Gearing up for your first evaluation for mobility equipment or want to make the most of your next appointment with your Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)? Consider these tips to help you prepare

Be Ready to Communicate Your Mobility Goals 

As the Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) user, you need to be able to tell the story of what you want to accomplish — and that includes your personal and professional goals as well as how you like to spend your free time. If there’s something you want to be able to do or a particular mobility need you have, be prepared to talk to your ATP about that desire and why it’s important to you. The more clearly you or your caregiver can communicate that need or goal, the better. 

Be Able to Explain What’s Not Working

If something isn’t working quite right with your mobility equipment—from a faulty joystick or failing battery to a hard-to-maneuver manual chair—be prepared to communicate the problem in detail to your ATP. If you cannot communicate it yourself or don’t feel comfortable sharing about your personal circumstances, ask a caregiver or friend to accompany you and help you communicate your needs and desires. 

Review Your Insurance Coverage and Advocate for Yourself

As the insurance policy holder, you need to know and understand what your insurance provider covers and what it doesn’t as well as any documentation requirements they may have. By understanding what documentation is required to prove medical necessity or move the order forward, you can proactively advocate for yourself with your physician and therapy teams to help us obtain the necessary documents and forms. Once documentation has been submitted to your insurance provider, you can contact your provider to expedite your authorization. And—whether it’s your first evaluation or your 100th—be sure to bring your insurance card and other important information to the appointment. 

Do Your Research

Prior to your appointment or evaluation, take a look at the manufacturer’s website to learn more about what’s currently available and might fit your needs. While you may ultimately end up with a different mobility solution, having a solution in mind can help the ATP better understand what you want or need. Come to the appointment prepared to try out a new seating system or piece of equipment or to be assessed while operating the equipment or driving the chair. 

Ask Questions

Make a list of questions you want answered or information you need to understand during the appointment and go over it with your ATP. Ask to be educated on how your equipment works and what you can do to help maintain it and for documentation that supports these efforts. 

Seek to Understand the Process

Whether you’re ordering new equipment or getting a repair, understanding the nuances of the process can be helpful. Ask your ATP to explain the timeline or provide documentation that helps you better understand next steps. While you don’t need to be an expert on every detail, being familiar with the process can be helpful. 

Have more questions about NSM and mobility solutions? Check out these FAQs.