"The Right Fit": Navigating Pediatric Durable Medical Equipment Selection and Justification

Pediatric physical and occupational therapists understand the necessity and importance of positioning and mobility equipment in their patient's health outcomes and progression towards therapy goals but receive minimal information duringschool on this large aspect of pediatric focused therapy. Ordering, fitting, and adjusting DME is a large part of a pediatric clinician’s job and the right product with adequate insurance coverage can play a large part in the health and success of the patient.

This is often an overwhelming area of practice for clinicians starting out in pediatric practice due to wide array of products and level of patient complexity they are faced with. This course will provide participants the confidence needed to advocate for patients from birth to young adulthood.Participants will learn the foundations of assessment and mobility, when to consider power mobility, how to ensure proper positioning beyond wheelchairs, and how to medically justify equipment. Through lecture, case studies, decision trees, and interactive case studies clinicians will increasetheir level of knowledge and professionalism in equipment decision-making.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients ages birth to 22 years old.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants

Highlights

• Increase knowledge base of pediatric Durable Medical Equipment (DME) needs, products available, and how to progress through growth and developmental levels
• Improve selection of the correct devices for children of various functional levels and medical complexities through case studies
• Learn how to write a professional and defensible letter of medical necessity for DME needs
• Enhance confidence in recommending standers,walkers, wheelchairs, and other DME at all ages