Bellevue Healthcare ATP Dave Kruse of Portland was recently featured in Bob Vogel’s article “The True Cost of Wheelchairs and Components” for New Mobility magazine. The article examines the factors behind the cost of complex rehab technology.
“It takes a huge amount of time, driving and paperwork to get a piece of equipment to a client,” says Kruse. “For each ATP, we employ three full-time office support people.” This includes a direct support specialist who knows insurance coding, how it is handled, what documents are required, and what each type of insurance will and won’t pay for. Also, a funding coordinator, and a reimbursement specialist.”
Dave Kruse has been actively involved both nationally and locally in the development of the Complex Rehabilitation industry for the last forty years and has served as Treasurer and President on the NRRTS board. He provided valuable insight into the diligence and dedication Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) provide their clients. “If I get a phone call from a client who needs a repair or has a flat tire on a power chair, I will go fix it after-hours or on a Saturday because I know they won’t be moving until I handle it. This usually costs me, not only time away from my family, but also because Medicare doesn’t reimburse calls to fix a flat tire. Other insurance companies require a preauthorization — how do you get a pre-auth on somebody’s broken down chair on a weekend? This is an industry you get into because you care about helping people.”