Wheelchair Evaluation
at Pennsburg

The occupational therapists at Phoenix perform a clinical evaluation for the medical necessity of a wheelchair, powered wheelchair, or scooter for transitional care use.

What is the Clinical Wheel Chair Evaluation and Functional Mobility Assessment?

This physician prescribed evaluation is an assessment that objectively measures the functional mobility of a person while in a clinic setting. The evaluation provides the means for the client, occupational therapist, physician, and family to determine if a person needs assistive mobility devices to function.

Features of the evaluation include:

• Objective tests
• Clinical observation
• The trial of mobility devices
• Mobility vendor present

Areas evaluated

• Range‐of‐motion
• Muscle strength
• Cognitive skills
• Transfers and functional ambulation

A recommendation is made by the occupational therapist based on the results of the wheelchair assessment along with the collaboration of the wheelchair vendor. This proposal is discussed with the patient and family, and a letter of medical necessity is sent to the physician and insurance carrier. Wheelchair positioning and wheelchair fitting services may also be available by our occupational therapists.