Proper seating and mobility is essential to a child’s interaction with his/her family and peers.
TEAM Access is a Seating and Mobility Clinic designed to provide appropriate custom wheelchairs, medical equipment, seating options, and assistive devices that will optimize mobility, comfort, and independence. We recommend and facilitate the procurement of equipment that will not only enhance a child’s mobility and interaction with his community, but also meets the needs of the family as a whole.
TEAM Access also assesses and modifies old wheelchairs and medical equipment to ensure that these devices are appropriately supporting the child to achieve his or her optimal functional ability and personal goals.
Consistent with The T.E.A.M. Approach philosophy, TEAM Access supports a multidisciplinary approach to equipment assessment. A therapist (physical or occupational), rehabilitation/positioning/seating equipment vendor, family and child attend and participate in every evaluation. Private therapists, caretakers, insurance representatives, equipment representatives, etc. are invited and encouraged to provide input either directly or through written correspondence.
A doctor’s prescription is mandatory for a physical or occupational therapist to assess the needs of the child and recommend seating and mobility options. TEAM Access is held every Monday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Appointments are required. Each evaluation will last one to two hours depending on the needs of the child.
An evaluation of the child is initiated on the first visit to identify the needs of the child. Then a second evaluation will be set on separate day to assess the child in different wheelchairs and provide assistive devices which will provide the best support and assistance for the child to participate in his/her daily activities and interact with his/her peers.
After the “team” evaluation regarding the child and the child's equipment needs are identified, written requests and letters of medical necessity are sent to the insurance company for approval. An appeal process may also be needed if an initial denial is received by insurance. The family will be kept up to date regarding this process and may be asked to intervene to ensure final approval.
Once approved, the wheelchair and/or equipment will be delivered to the facility and another appointment will be made to fit the child and make the appropriate adjustments. Additional training may be warranted in the cases of power chairs or assistive devices to ensure safety and efficiency.
FOR MORE INFORMATION contact:
TEAM Access
The T.E.A.M. Approach, Inc.
713-896-1815
smcmahan@teampediatrictherapy.com