Power Wheelchair & Scooter Buying Tips: How to Choose a Medical Equipment Company

Once a person has met the initial eligibility guidelines for an electric wheelchair, it’s time to visit a medical equipment company to initiate the Medicare process and paperwork. There are many companies out there that can assist you in getting an electric wheelchair. There are large companies like The Scooter Store and Hoveround and there are thousands of small independent medical equipment suppliers throughout the country.

If you don’t know where to go to get an electric wheelchair, it’s a good practice to start by asking people for a referral. There’s a good chance you or someone close to you knows someone else who already has an electric wheelchair. Consider contacting companies that you hear good things about and stay away from companies that you hear anything bad about. If you can’t get a referral from someone you know, you can check the yellow pages, contact your physician and ask for a company he or she recommends or contact your local senior center or AARP office.

Below are a few things you should consider when choosing the medical equipment company that will assist you in getting an electric wheelchair:

1. How long have they been in business?
2. Do they conduct service and repairs on the equipment they provide after the sale?
3. What happens if Medicare denies your claim? Will they bill you for your electric wheelchair or repossess it?
4. What secondary insurances do they work with and do they offer payment plans for any out of pocket expenses you may incur?

 

There are pros and cons to using a large, national company versus using a local medical equipment store. Local companies can usually assist you with a wide variety of medical equipment needs including mobility, bathroom safety, home oxygen and more while the larger companies tend to focus more on just electric wheelchairs and scooters.  The larger companies normally provide nationwide, in-home service and repairs while the local companies are usually restricted to working on your electric wheelchair in your home city.

The two largest companies in the United States that offer electric wheelchairs through Medicare are The Scooter Store and Hoveround. Both companies are well established and offer service after the sale. The Scooter Store is well known for its guarantee that it will give you your electric wheelchair if Medicare does indeed deny the claim. This is an excellent peace of mind guarantee.

Whether you choose a local medical supply company or a nationwide company like The Scooter Store, make sure you fully understand all of their policies and procedures before you get started.

Filed under: Electric Wheelchairs & Scooters