FAQ'S ABOUT VESTIBULAR BALANCE THERAPY
Who can benefit from vestibular diagnosis
and treatment?
One
third of the population of seniors over the age of 65 begin to lose their balance and quality of life. Any person who suffers from dizziness (vertigo) or recurrent dizzy spells or who has already fallen within the past year can benefit as well. A large percentage of these patients suffer from vestibular disorders; in most cases, with proper treatment, they will experience positive results.
Does Medicare recognize vestibular/fall
and balance therapy?
YES!
Not only do they recognize it, they welcome it as an
ongoing movement toward the reduction and prevention of
hip fractures and the resulting mortality and morbidity. Medicare recognizes that diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders and comprehensive fall prevention programs are very effective in reducing the number of falls. Prevention programs reduce the risk of bone fractures and other serious injuries, improve quality of life, and provide significant cost savings.
Who performs the vestibular/balance disorder testing?
At this time, any certified technician under the general supervision of the prescribing physician may perform the VNGtests. Anyone who is properly trained may conduct the Better Balance Evaluator platform assessment.
Who performs the vestibular/balance therapy?
In
most cases a registered physical therapist or physical
therapy assistant should perform the vestibular rehab therapy (VRT).
Can a chiropractor perform the vestibular/balance testing and bill Medicare?
No. However, the exception is if the Doctor of Chiropractic has a licensed medical doctor on staff. Only in the case of cash reimbursement can a chiropractor perform the testing.
Can a chiropractor offer the vestibular rehab therapy?
A chiropractor would need a licensed physical therapist in order to bill Medicare.
Who pays for balance/vestibular diagnosis
and therapy?
Medicare, personal injury/workers' compensation carriers, some HMO’s, most PPO’s and
regular insurance. Physicians should pre-certify with HMO's and PPO's. Patients may also pay cash.
What is the Better Balance Fall Prevention and WellnessTM program? The basis for the program is a comprehensive screening, evaluation and treatment program relating to vestibular balance disorders.
This exclusive program offers four distinct segments:
1. An educational program to help prevent falls. Seniors and their loved ones can be offered information to be more aware of how to prevent or reduce the risk of falls within their environment.
 2. Evaluate patients to determine those at higher risk of falling. Better Balance's Evaluator equipment tracks the patient's sway with their eyes open and eyes closed. The data is collected and compared to other data of patients within the same age and weight brackets.
3. Diagnose patients with vestibular disorders with further tests and questionnaires. Better Balance's diagnostic equipment can isolate a vestibular system disorder or central nervous system disorder.
4. Effectively treat patients with vestibular disorders, including comprehensive vestibular rehab protocols that allow a patient to improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of falling. Patients with central nervous system or other problems are referred to the appropriate specialist such as neurologists and ENT's.
Who trains the physician and their staff to use the Better Balance Fall Prevention and WellnessTM equipment?
One of our
highly skilled technicians will come to your office for two days of of set-up and training for all components purchased.
What does it cost to purchase the equipment?
There are several ways to begin with your vestibular/balance diagnosis and therapy clinic. The entry-level equipment costs around $8,000. For a specific quote, please contact your Secure Health representative or contact us for information on the various programs.
Do you offer lease financing?
Yes, we can recommend several reputable lease companies.
What do I do if I have a technical question or encounter an equipment problem?
During your initial training, we provide phone numbers of who to contact in the event you have medical or technical questions. Our medical and technical team is readily available during regular business hours. We strive to offer the very best in customer service and take pride in how quickly we respond to your medical or technical problem.
Is there a warranty for the equipment?
Yes. The VNG device has a three-year warranty. All other devices and platforms have a one-year warranty.
When I order my equipment, how long will it take to receive it?
We will contact you to schedule your in-service and training, which is usually two weeks from the day funds arrive.
Do you offer any new patient or referral marketing programs?
Yes, we offer cost-effective marketing materials and programs to assist you in professionally promoting your practice and your new Better Balance Fall Prevention and WellnessTM program. For details, please contact your Secure Health representative or contact our office.
|
