Family Home Medical

Complex Rehab >
Questions & Answers

To help you find the information you need, below are a list of the most commonly asked questions. If you have other questions or need assistance, please visit our contact section to contact us directly for help.

Q: Does my insurance pay for my power wheelchair or scooter?

Q: Will my insurance company rent or buy my power wheelchair or scooter?

Q: How long will it take to get my equipment?

Q: Do I qualify for a power wheelchair or scooter?

Q: Can I use my equipment outside?

Q: What is the ordering process?

Q: How do I get service for my equipment?

Q: Will I have any out of pocket expense?

Q: What insurance do we accept?

Q: If I already have a power mobility device, that my insurance company has paid for, will the insurance company ever pay for another one?

Q: Does my insurance pay for my power wheelchair or scooter?

A: Yes, in most cases most insurance companies have a power mobility provision benefit, provided the beneficiary meets the qualifications. These qualifications are usually based on serving 3 major life functions: toileting, eating, and sleeping. To be put more plainly, an insurance company wants to pay for the least costly device that will get someone, independently and safely to the bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom.

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Q: Will my insurance company rent or buy my power wheelchair or scooter?

A: This depends on the type of mobility device, the insurance company, and how long your doctor indicates you will need the device. Some insurance companies purchase the device while others will opt to rent it.

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Q: How long will it take to get my equipment?

A: Our goal is to get the equipment to you as quickly as possible. There are many factors that will speed up or slow down the process, such as how complex your needs are, how quickly the clinicians can turn around the medical necessity documents, and which insurance company we are dealing with. Family Home Medical has been noted for being the fastest in the region in providing for these needs. If you would like more information on the process please call our Rehab coordinators.

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Q: Do I qualify for a power wheelchair or scooter?

A: As previously stated, insurance companies differ some, but most will pay for the least costly device that will independently and safely get someone to the bedroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen. This serves the 3 major life functions of eating, sleeping and toileting.

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Q: Can I use my equipment outside?

A: Yes, the equipment can be used outside. Most of the insurances look for the equipment to be used inside the home to help with the 3 major life functions that have been previously mentioned.

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Q: What is the ordering process?

A: The whole process begins with a Physicians order (prescription) for a power mobility device.

Step 1 Initial Evaluation: This consists of a team approach meeting, that includes the patient, caregivers, family members, a physical or occupational therapist, and one of Family Home Medicals ATP’s (Assistive Technology Provider). This team will identify lifestyle objectives, the patient’s environment, clinical knowledge of the disability, the future prognosis, and the individual patient’s size. Armed with this knowledge our ATP will work within the insurance companies parameters to identify the best unit and the components that will make up the mobility system.

Step 2 Approx. 15-30 days: Once our ATP has identified the system and the billable items on it, the clinician will create a letter of medical necessity that addresses the need for each of these components. We will then insure that all of the required information has been received for the physician to sign and approve the paperwork.

Step 3 Approx. 10-30 days: We will work with your insurance company to get the approval for your equipment.

Step 4 Approx. 5 days: We will notify you of any out of pocket expenses such as deductibles, co-pays, or financial responsibilities that will need to be paid at time of delivery. Family Home Medical will not order the equipment until we have verbal approval from you.

Step 5 Approx. 10-25 days: We order your equipment from the manufacturer(s) and wait until it arrives.

Step 6 Approx. 5 days: We receive, enter, and assemble your equipment.

Step 7 Approx. 5 days: We will call you to schedule the delivery. Deliver, demonstrate, and show you how to safely use the equipment. If there are any problems after delivery we are just a phone call away.

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Q: How do I get service for my equipment?

A: Our service department is committed to repairing or servicing all the equipment that we supply. Please call and make an appointment with one of our certified technicians and we will be happy to assist you.

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Q: Will I have any out of pocket expense?

A: It varies from policy to policy; very often our products are fully covered with the proper medical documentation.

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Q: What insurance do we accept?

A: We accept most major insurance companies and policies. Our Rehab Coordinators will check with your insurance and make sure that your policy will cover the equipment with the proper medical documentation.

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Q: If I already have a power mobility device, that my insurance company has paid for, will the insurance company ever pay for another one?

A: It used to be that the “rule of thumb” was every 5 years. Insurance companies have recently scrutinized this as they need to insure that the cost of repairs would be more than the cost of replacement. Also, if the patients needs have become more demanding and the old mobility device will no longer meet these needs, or a change in diagnosis will often satisfy the requirement for replacing your original device.

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1 Sprint Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015 • 717-249-8051 • FAX: 717-243-9423