Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana's (RHI's) goal is to provide the highest level of independence in mobility within your home and community, so we provide a comprehensive wheelchair seating and positioning clinic for new wheelchairs or current seating systems modifications. RHI has therapists who are Assistive Technology Professionals with advanced training and certification in seating and positioning, ensuring that a thorough evaluation is performed to address the wheelchair needs of every patient. Evaluation and recommendations are completed and sent to your physician for approval of medical necessity.

Our team approach coordinates the following team members:

• The client
• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist
• Wheelchair vendor (client’s choice)
• Physician

Benefits of the RHI Wheelchair Clinic

• Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation to ensure the wheelchair meets all needs of the client
• Follow-up care that addresses any concerns or needed modifications to the wheelchair
• Communication with physician and vendor to support payment and meet requirements of medical necessity
• Training and education provided to client and family

Evaluation

Each client meets jointly with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, and a wheelchair vendor who will evaluate your needs. The evaluation takes approximately one hour and includes:

• Discussion of client/caregiver goals, expectations, and needs
• Past medical history including prior wheelchair usage
• Postural Assessment
• Strength and Range of Motion Assessment
• Sensation Testing
• Mobility status, including transfers
• Home and community mobility needs
• Our team will verify insurance coverage for the evaluation prior to your appointment

Timelines and Follow-Up

Evaluations and recommendations are completed and sent to your physician for approval of medical necessity. Once your physician approves medical necessity, the wheelchair specifications are submitted by the vendor for insurance approval. When your new wheelchair is delivered, a follow-up appointment can be scheduled at RHI, if needed,​ to ensure a correct fit and safe usage of the wheelchair.