Product Solutions

Manual Wheelchairs

A round-up of recent manual wheelchair solutions.

• By Laura Swift
• Oct 23, 2009

Besides a sensationalist report from CNN in July about Medicare costs, manual wheelchairs haven’t been making splashy headlines over the past few months. When the first round of competitive bidding started, manual chairs originally were supposed to receive new national coverage/local coverage determinations, in order to provide new beneficiary qualifications for Medicare patients, as well as new HCPCS codes and allowables.

However, competitive bidding was halted by MIPPA. Since then, CMS has focused on reworking competitive bidding. As a result, the manual chair policy “redo” for Medicare and Medicaid has been on hold.

Despite the holdup, there is an expanding variety of manual chairs on the market. Technological advancements in design and construction have given traditional chairs a facelift. Ultralight sport wheelchairs made with titanium are designed for flexibility and independent mobility. Traditional chairs constructed with aluminum are designed for durability and are usually less expensive. Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings:

A Chair for Active Users

Tracer IV
• The manual wheelchair is designed for active users who need the strength of a reinforced heavy-duty frame.
• Features dual-axle positioning for hemi and seat-to-floor heights, a swingaway padded elevating leg rest and a 350-lb. weight capacity.
• The unit’s urethane rear tires are mounted on no flex wheels.
Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com

 Heavy Duty Chair that Accommodates Tall Users

9000 XDT
• Features an extra wide heavy-duty chair with seat-to-floor heights ranging from hemi through tall.
• The tall frames are designed to accommodate taller individuals for a more comfortable ride.
• Features triple-axle positions, urethane rear tires, multiple frame color variations and a 350-lb. weight capacity.
Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com

 Manual Wheelchair Offers a Variety of Styles

Litestream XF
• The ultralight manual wheelchair features a rigidizing double X 9-inch folding frame.
• Equipped with folding back canes, flip-up armrests, bidirectional leg rests and a 350-lb. weight capacity.
• Available in a wide variety of wheel and tire selections.
Quantum Rehab
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com

 Lightweight and Optimal Center of Gravity

Stylus
• The lightweight wheelchair is designed to meet the needs of active users.
• Features height-adjustable armrests, quick-release axles, rear anti-tips and a tension-adjustable back.
• Multiple position rear wheel and castor mounts optimize center-of-gravity and seat-to-floor height.
Pride Mobility
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com

 Sporty Function and Looks

Chrome Sport Wheelchair
• Urethane tires are mounted on composite wheels to provide durability and low maintenance.
• Features a chrome frame, padded armrests, embossed vinyl upholstery and elevating leg rests.
• The push feature locks breaks, and 8-inch front casters are adjustable in three positions.
Drive Medical
(877) 224-0946
www.drivemedical.com

 A Code-Convertible Chair

Traveler SE
• Designed with dual rear axles and adjustable castors, the wheelchair can convert from a K0001 Medicare code to a K0002 Medicare code.
• Features black vinyl upholstery, a 250-lb. weight capacity and front rigging.
• The two-position axle and castor fork provide 2-inch seat height adjustment.
GF Health Products
(800) 347-5678
www.grahamfield.com