News Briefs: Microtel Wins J. D. Power Award; Medicare Reimbursement Controversy; Vibration Therapy
Irmo Marini, PhD
J.D. Power Award to Microtel for Access Initiatives
Microtel Inns & Suites has raised the bar on accessibility at public accommodations and consistently won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for providing the best service and facilities in an economy budget motel. Microtel Inns & Suites CEO Michael Leven had spent 45 years in the hotel industry with other chains such as Holiday Inn and Days Inn, always attempting to implement accessibility standards long before such standards became mandatory. Roy Flora, vice president of franchise operations, described how Leven has always been sensitive to issues affecting the underdog. He said that when Leven was president of Days Inn, he hired seniors and people with disabilities to fill many positions, and also developed a program within the hotel industry for Asians who faced discrimination.
Regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, Leven chose not to respond, as many businesses did, by making their establishments “minimally” accessible under ADA standards. Instead, Leven chose to set the standards regarding disability access. The Microtel website (www.microtelinn.com) features a “travelers with disabilities” link where readers can learn everything they need to know about accessibility and avoid surprises when they arrive. A “virtual tour” depicts lobby area access, lowered light switches, wider doorways, 36 inch width between double beds where a space of only 24 inches is required, and choice of bathroom facilities including roll-in shower with bench or removable bath seat. There is also accessible fitness equipment for wheelchair users including hand cycles, accessible fitness bags, light weights, and stretch cords. In addition, Leven has arranged for the ongoing training of personnel by the Virginia-based W.C. Duke and Associates with the Opening Doors program, designed to train all Microtel personnel about appropriate attitudes toward disability and proper etiquette in conversing with disabled guests.
Leven has long since recognized that physical access is only half the battle when creating a comfortable and dignified stay at Microtel––an educated staff and positive attitudes complete the experience.
Controversy Regarding Medicare Reimbursement for Power Wheelchairs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new fee schedule effective last November 15 which reduces the reimbursement rate for many power wheelchairs by as much as 40%. These new policy changes come as a result of a fraud investigation in Texas three years ago where a physician and several Dallas-area power wheelchair vendors were caught in a sting operation (Operation Roll Over) making fraudulent power wheelchair claims estimated at over $36 million to Medicare with over $15 million paid out to the defendants. While Medicare was being billed $8,000-$10,000 per wheelchair, defendants were pocketing about $5,000 per chair by providing customers with less expensive models.
CMS payment codes have been reconfigured to better fit the actual types and costs of wheelchairs reimbursed for certain customers, but this new policy was initially more restrictive, allowing reimbursement to only those individuals who were “unable to independently stand and pivot.” This original policy would have severely penalized those who have the ability to stand and pivot, but are unable to walk more than very short distances. Disability organizations, including United Spinal Association, and vendors successfully fought to have this clause removed from the current CMS policy pending, but the maximum 60% Medicare reimbursement of certain power wheelchairs remains, which many vendors claim may preclude them from serving Medicare beneficiaries.
In addition, the long-standing discriminatory Medicare policy of “in the home” eligibility requirement severely restricts the type of power wheelchair an individual may be eligible for. Power wheelchairs that are deemed outdoor or unnecessary for indoor use will not be reimbursable. For more information, search S. 3677/H.R. 5983).
Vibration Therapy May Help Treat Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Detroit’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan is currently testing a vibration machine called the Wave or PowerPlate to treat athletes, and has been used recently on some persons with SCI.
High frequency vibration for fitness is now being marketed as a method to help athletes become more fit as well as speeding injury recovery. The machines resemble a Stairmaster with large metal plates where the “steps” would normally be, which vibrate at selected frequencies for 30 to 60 seconds, causing muscles to contract. Bill Thornton, head physical trainer at the Institute, indicates that the device contracts muscles for those individuals unable to do move their muscles voluntarily. The benefits are believed to include better circulation, fewer muscle spasms, and increased bone density.
Thea Rosa of California, however, said benefits were brief and that her muscle spasms stopped only for about an hour after using the Wave. Larry Leigh, director of research and training at WAVExercise, said that whole body vibration is meant only to augment exercise––not replace it. In addition, at present only persons with low-level paraplegia who can stand and support themselves will benefit from this new treatment modality.