Monroe Wheelchair Blog

Remembering Jen

monroewheelchair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:59:50 +0000

In memory of a former employee and animal lover, Jen Azzolina, Monroe Wheelchair has decided to start collecting money towards something called a K-Fund at the Humane Society of Greater Rochester/Lollypop Farm. This K-Fund (or Emergency Vet Assistance) is used to provide medical and surgical care for dogs and cats at the Humane Society that are victims of abuse. Two examples of dogs that are being rehabilitated through donations to the K-Fund are the two pit-bulls that were found left in city dumpsters last week. If you didn’t hear about it here is their heartbreaking story: http://www.whec.com/news/stories/s1631584.shtml.

Our Director of Public Relations, Jennifer, was lucky enough to meet Wiki, the 6 month old female, who was an absolute sweetheart.

Although Jennifer didn’t meet Wiki’s brother, Timber, she heard he was slowly getting better and better by the day but still has a long way to go. After meeting Wiki today there was no doubt that Jen Azzolina would be honored about the decision to help animals in this way. Here is some more background information on the K-Fund if your interested: http://www.lollypop.org/org/org64.asp?ssid=&orgid=64&storyTypeID=&sid=&.

The owner, Doug Westerdahl, has gratefully agreed that Monroe Wheelchair will match any dollar amounts given and we are setting an overall collection goal of $3,000 by September 1^st. We are so excited to be able to honor a beloved employee, while supporting abused animals at the same time!

Monroe Wheelchair on Capital Hill

monroewheelchair — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:47:36 +0000

On April 29, 2010, over 200 industry professionals, clinicians, and consumer advocates from around the country met in Washington, D.C. for the annual CELA (Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy) conference. Their purpose? To fight for the future of Complex Rehab Technology. These people met with 225 Senate and Congressional offices in hopes of having their message heard. The message taken to Capitol Hill included 2 “asks” of the legislators; their support in creating a separate benefit category for Complex Rehab Technology within the Medicare program, and Congressional support of H.R. 3790 (the House bill wishing to end the Medicare Competitive bidding program for home medical equipment and services). At the debriefing following the Capital Hill visits, the overall assessment was that it was a resounding success for the industry. Numerous Legislators expressed their support and with follow-up communication between these offices and the CELA conference members we look forward to seeing what the future of Complex Rehab Technology holds.

Picture Perfect …

monroewheelchair — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:01:07 +0000

Sue Murphy, ATP, working with the Insight Digitizer by PRM Rehab.

Monroe Wheelchair is proud to continually set new standards in providing cutting edge technology and service to our customers. One of the latest examples of this is the Insight Digitizer by PRM used in the custom molding process. Creating a custom molded seating system can be one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of providing complex rehab equipment. For those customers who do not have the ability to utilize off the shelf seat cushions and backs, the fabrication of their own unique seating is critical. This individualized fit process insures proper postural support and pressure management while the user is seated in their wheelchair.

Typically these custom fabricated seating components are created using either seating simulators, molding foam, or plaster casting materials. With the new Insight Digitizer system, a simulated shape for the individual seat and back mold is created using a bag filled with polystyrene beads. Once the form is captured, the air is withdrawn from the bags in order to maintain the shape of the user, and SNAP, a digital picture is taken of the seating system. This digital picture is then emailed to the seating manufacturer for production where CAD technology takes over. The finished product is then sent to the provider for a final accurate fit, covered, and delivered to the wheelchair user – Picture Perfect.

For more information on this product and other custom seating options please visit: www.prmrehab.com

Education Around Town

monroewheelchair — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:21:31 +0000

Please join Monroe Wheelchair and the ROHO Institute for Continuing Education and Research as we host:

Clinical Decisions Under Pressure.

This CEU (.2 CEU/2 CEC) event will be held in Albany-April 12th, Syracuse-April 13th, and Rochester-April 14th,and is focused on providing wound care clinicians with the tools necessary to make informed decisions in the selection of support surfaces for patients in the Acute, Long Term, and Homecare setting.

Topics presented will include clinical decision making in determining the cause of pressure ulcers, identifying appropriate application of support surfaces, and Medicare criteria for reimbursement.

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will begin at 5:30pm with dinner service at 6:00pm each evening.

Click Link Below for Full Details

ROHO.Clinical.Invitation

Employee of the Year: Michelle Russell

monroewheelchair — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:29:28 +0000

Monroe Wheelchair is pleased to announce the 2009 Monroe Wheelchair Employee of the Year recipient is Michele Russell. Michele started working for us in March of 2005 and was initially hired as a file clerk. Soon after she was hired she showed that she was capable of much more and moved from filing into a Medicaid billing position. In 2006 Michele took over her current documentation Quality Assurance position and quickly took this position to a new level. Michele improved the QA process by starting QA in the OK to Order status. This change in the QA process has helped to reduce our billing MIs and has helped to improve our cash flow throughout the month. Michele’s accuracy and attention to detail have help to improve our collections and reduce our overall DSO. Michele is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done and her work ethic is respected by her co-workers. Michele is a true success story. She started in an entry level position and she has grown into one of our most valuable employees.

Congratulations Michelle!!!

Recreational therapist uses sports as rehabilitation

monroewheelchair — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:11:08 +0000

eshearing@democratandchronicle.com

Parkinson’s Cafe at Lifetime Care

monroewheelchair — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:48:27 +0000

Lifetime Care – Parkinson’s Disease Management Program

This past week we had the opportunity to participate in Lifetime Care’s monthly Parkinson’s Cafe. This was a great opportunity for us not only to connect with patients and their families, but also caregivers and clinicians who deal with this progressive disease on a daily basis. The Cafe serves as a many things, including a support group, exercise class, and educational and discussion forum for attendees. The group is typically held at the Lifetime Care offices on South Winton Rd. in Rochester, NY and is part of Lifetime Care’s larger Parkinson’s Disease Management Program. This program is committed to providing patients with the tools necessary to meet the challenges of everyday life while maximizing home safety and independence.

For more information please visit:

Welcome to the Monroe Wheelchair Blog

monroewheelchair — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:23:00 +0000

In our efforts to continue improving communication with our customers, Monroe Wheelchair is proud to announce the launch of it’s updated website featuring a YouTube channel, a Facebook page, and this Blog. All three components are set to go live in early January – check back soon for new products and services, healthcare reform updates, and the latest technology enhancements available from your family at Monroe Wheelchair.