NATIONAL REHAB NETWORK - Membership Requirements:
For a company to become a member of the National Rehab Network it must meet the following
requirements:
I. MED Group Membership
To be a Member in the National Rehab Network, a company must have applied to and
been accepted as a Member of The MED Group. The MED Group is a national association
of home medical and rehabilitation equipment companies focused on excellence in
products and services.
II. Sound and Ethical Business Practices
Members of the National Rehab Network are committed to operating their business
using the policies, procedures, and principles needed to appropriately provide rehab
technology. The business practices requirements include:
A. Overall Management: A National Rehab Network company develops and adheres to
standards of management and operation. These include: compliance with industry
standards, development and implementation of internal operating procedures specific
to rehab technology, and adherence to the Code of Ethics of the National Registry of
Rehab Technology Suppliers (NRRTS).
B. Evaluation Process: A National Rehab Network company conducts an in-person
and individualized evaluation of a client in order to identify the equipment
most appropriate based on their functional and physiologic needs. Evaluations
are conducted in an appropriate setting and may include input from other health
care professionals (PT/ OT/ physician, etc.). As necessary, National Rehab
Network companies may also provide the client with equipment for trial and
simulation. An integral part of the evaluation is the clear identification
of the client’s goals relating to what they need and want to achieve in terms
of their individual medical and functional needs. National Rehab Network
companies present the client with the options that are available to them,
including information on funding possibilities, in order to accomplish those
goals. The process of evaluating the client’s functional needs, as well
as the discussion of choices and options, is documented in a consistent
manner and kept in the client’s record.
C. Patient Advocacy: In addition to serving the client’s equipment and service needs,
a National Rehab Network company acts as a resource and advocate for each individual.
This includes assisting clients with the funding process -- informing them of their
options, negotiating with payers for coverage and reimbursement, and complex claims
processing. In order to serve the consumer best, a National Rehab Network company
employs appropriately trained and qualified individuals to facilitate this process.
The company offers its clients accurate pre-screening of coverage and payment options
so the client is aware of funding issues “up front”. Companies have a standard process
specifically designed for providing client education that includes: information about
rights and responsibilities regarding access to equipment, funding, and alternatives
available to them to acquire appropriate products and services. In addition, a
National Rehab Network company may provide education for the client’s other
healthcare providers (doctors, therapists, and social workers), who may not
know about the rehab technology process or the funding issues involved.
D. Fitting, Delivery, Training and Follow-Up: Providing clients with rehab technology
is extremely labor intensive. It is imperative that clients needing rehab technology
be properly evaluated and that their equipment be individually fitted and adjusted.
National Rehab Network companies educate clients thoroughly in the use and function
of their equipment and how to operate it safely and effectively. National Rehab
Network companies should establish and implement a quality assurance program,
including a standard procedure for assembly and set-up of equipment. The National
Rehab Network companies should also have a defined procedure for scheduled and/or
as-needed follow-up, which should be available to each client. In addition a
qualified individual (CRTS, ATS, ATP, OT, PT) should have overall responsibility
for delivery, checkout, and follow-up. National Rehab Network companies should
have standard processes and product-specific guidelines for providing patient
education regarding the products and equipment supplied.
E. Client Focus: Consumer, Client, Patient, Customer, Beneficiary. These are all
terms used to describe the most important individual in the process of providing
rehab technology. National Rehab Network companies adopt and follow policies,
procedures and guidelines designed to provide the client with professional service
and the most appropriate technology.
III. Qualified Personnel
Members of the National Rehab Network must employ the trained and experienced
personnel necessary to provide rehab technology. Qualified personnel are
critical to the successful provision of these products and services. Employees
must be specially trained for the duties they perform and typically have many
years of experience. The personnel requirements include:
A. Rehab Professional: A National Rehab Network company is required to employ at
least one full time credentialed Rehab professional per location. A credentialed
Rehab professional is defined as one who has successfully attained the title of
Certified Rehab Technology Supplier (CRTS), Assistive Technology Supplier (ATS),
Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP), Physical Therapist (PT), or
Occupational Therapist (OT).
B. Customer Service and Billing Specialist: A National Rehab Network company
is required to employ at least one full time competent Customer Service and
Billing person. This individual must be experienced and knowledgeable in the
varied aspects of providing rehab products and equipment.
C. Service Technician: A National Rehab Network company is required to employ at
least one full time trained service technician per service center. A trained service
technician is one who has been factory-trained by suppliers of the products
supplied by the company; is experienced in the field of rehab technology (on-the
job training, familiarity with rehab clients, products and services); and
has completed at least ten hours of continuing education specific to rehab
technology. The person may also have undergone training through The MED
Group’s Certified Repair Center program.
IV. Appropriate Supporting Facilities
Members of the National Rehab Network must maintain the facilities needed to
support the provision of rehab technology. These requirements are based on
the individualized nature of the products and services provided, the technical
aspects of the rehab technology field, and the need for after-the-sale support.
The facility requirements include:
A. Parts Inventory: A National Rehab Network company must maintain parts inventory
that is appropriate to the products they provide and adequate to meet their clients’
needs. This may be accomplished through actual parts on-hand or by timely access
to replacement parts through agreements with suppliers.
B. On-Site Repair and Assembly: A National Rehab Network company must have a
repair shop on-site, or a mobile service covering the area, as well as an
area designated for assembly and modification of products.
C. ADA Complaint: A National Rehab Network company’s facilities must meet the
accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
D. On-Site Evaluation Room: If evaluations or fittings are done at the facility,
a National Rehab Network company must have a specific room dedicated to these
purposes that is private, clean and appropriate.
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