Medicare Approval and Post-Polio Syndrome
Question: Shouldn't anyone who is applying to Medicare for a power wheelchair use post-polio syndrome as the reason for needing the powerchair? I applied, due to many reasons - lymphedema, arthritis, etc - and was denied. But when I wrote “Post-polio, it was like I hit the jackpot. I was then eligible for the best power chair available, I was very fortunate to have an OT who knew how to submit the paper work. You really need someone like that.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: There are many “i’s” to dot and “t’s” to cross to get Medicare approval for a power wheelchair. But the first thing Medicare is going to look for in your paperwork is your diagnosis, and the diagnosis should be “Post-Polio Syndrome.” Just as it is true when applying for Social Security Disability Income, throwing the kitchen sink at Medicare reviewers by listing multiple diagnoses - lymphedema, pain, fatigue, arthritis, etc - is not going to hit the bull's-eye that meets a diagnostic requirement and opens the door to get that power chair.
Take a look at the official “i’s” and “t’s” directly from Medicare:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/wheelchairs-scooters and
Power Mobility Devices: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/PMD_DocCvg_FactSheet_ICN905063-text-only.pdf