The SmartWheel:  Good for Your Client, Good for Your Clinic

It it not just that the SmartWheel provides critical data to justify the most appropriate wheelchair-related equipment.  Or, that it serves as the only available tool of its kind for training healthy and efficient wheelchair propulsion.

The SmartWheel also makes good business sense. 

Not only is SmartWheel use reimbursed under existing CPT Codes, but it is also invaluable to your clinic in a variety of other important ways.

The SmartWheel Documents AND Justifies Skilled Therapy Time
Because the SmartWheel provides automated reports, it documents many of the tasks that clinicians regularly engage in such as wheelchair evaluation, equipment justification, skills training, etc. 

But beyond just creating a record of the activity, the SmartWheel also justifies the activity because it quantifyies its outcomes.  Whether it's data showing the positive impact of propulsion training (less force exerted by the arms) or data showing the impact of a change in wheelchair set-up (more efficient propulsion), it justifies the continued investment of that skilled therapy time. 

Alternatively, if the SmartWheel data do NOT support the investment (e.g., changes are not observed), then resources can be channelled toward other interventions. 

Without SmartWheel data that enables you to observe the outcomes of your efforts and interventions, this kind of outcome-based efficiecy is not acheivable.

The SmartWheel Expands Your Referral Base
As a recognized leading edge tool for wheelchair clinics, the SmartWheel will bring informed patients through the door.

SmartWheel evaluations then expand your referral base by becoming opportunities for referrals, when indicated, for other services (e.g., pressure mapping assessments, conditioning and strength training, etc.).

Or, when patients come in for other services, they may, when indicated, be referred for a SmartWheel evaluation and the unique set of services that it provides.

Increased revenue streams will, in turn, help support the acquisition of minor and capital equipment and the expansion of staff.

Source for Securing Grant Revenue
The SmartWheel was originally developed as a research tool.  It has served as the bases for numerous grant applications and funded research projects.

Because the SmartWheel provides concrete data necessary for evaluation and outcome testing, it can serve as the foundation for a variety of projects that examine interventions and their outcomes.  This type of evaluation research, where promising interventions are put to the test, is without question the most fundable type of research. 

Reimbursement for SmartWheel Use:  Therapy CPT Codes
Whether its propulsion training, data to assist with wheelchair selection, or data to evaluate the impact of an intervention, use of the SmartWheel is reimbursed under existing Therapy CPT Codes.  These codes include: