By Chris Watson
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May 22, 2024
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), providers face unique challenges that impact their ability to deliver timely, effective, and patient-centered services. As we observe National Mobility Awareness Month this May, it's crucial to spotlight these pressing challenges, as more than 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues, and 6 million of them use some kind of assistive device according to NMEDA . At Nymbl, our billing and business management solutions support the businesses that support these millions of patients. Here’s a detailed look at the top issues CRT providers confront in the mobility management market, underscoring the significance of this awareness month in fostering greater understanding and advocacy. Regulatory and Legislative Challenges: Navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations and legislation is one of the most formidable obstacles facing CRT providers. This Mobility Awareness Month, it's important to advocate for legislation that recognizes the unique needs of CRT patients. Changes in healthcare policies, Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance coverage can profoundly impact how providers operate, affecting their ability to offer affordable solutions. Specific legislation that clearly includes provisions for CRT is essential and requires continuous attention and involvement from providers and stakeholders. Reimbursement Issues: The complexities of reimbursement form another significant hurdle. CRT providers often face challenges in obtaining timely and adequate reimbursement from insurance companies. Each piece of equipment requires detailed documentation to prove its necessity, which can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. During Mobility Awareness Month, it's vital to highlight how these reimbursement challenges delay patient access to needed technology and strain the financial stability of providers. Advocating for better reimbursement rates and processes is crucial for improving service delivery. Technological Advancements and Integration Challenges: While technological advancements in CRT offer new possibilities for enhancing mobility, they also present significant integration challenges. Providers must continuously update their knowledge and skills to incorporate these innovations effectively. Mobility Awareness Month is an opportune time to focus on the importance of training and education in keeping up with these changes, ensuring that providers can offer the best options to their patients and integrate new technologies smoothly. High Costs of Equipment and Operations: The high cost of CRT equipment and operational expenses pose substantial challenges. Custom-tailored solutions are inherently expensive due to their specialized nature and the technology involved. During Mobility Awareness Month, we should discuss how these costs impact consumers and explore ways to manage them effectively through efficient business practices and specialized software solutions that streamline operations. Staffing Shortages and Training Needs: The CRT sector requires skilled professionals who are adept at handling the nuanced needs of patients with severe disabilities. There is often a shortage of trained professionals in this field, which can lead to staffing challenges. Mobility Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing training and professional development to ensure high-quality care. Providers must invest in their teams to keep pace with industry demands and regulatory changes. Patient Education and Advocacy: CRT providers play a crucial role in educating patients and advocating for their rights. Many patients may not be aware of the benefits of CRT or their rights regarding insurance and healthcare. Mobility Awareness Month is an excellent time to emphasize the importance of patient education and empowerment. Providers must engage in continuous efforts to ensure patients are informed and can make knowledgeable decisions about their mobility solutions. As we observe National Mobility Awareness Month this May, it is clear that CRT providers face a complex array of challenges in delivering essential services to some of the most vulnerable populations. This month highlights the need for improved legislation, better reimbursement practices, technological integration, cost management, skilled staffing, and proactive patient education. For CRT providers, navigating these challenges is about enhancing the quality of life for individuals who rely on their services to live more independently. For Nymbl, it is about renewing our commitment to ensuring CRT providers have the best possible software solutions that help them serve their patients in the highest quality and most efficient manner possible. To learn more about how Nymbl supports CRT providers, visit the CRT page on our website or schedule a personal demonstration .