Medstar Surgical's Response

March 16, 2011

Mr. Marc Charest
256 Sebonac Road
Southhampton, NY 11968

Re: Wheelchair processed under the Medicare Program

Mr. Charest,

We have tried, in vain, to explain to you the overwhelming problems with the documentation issues with the Medicare Program in the procurement of a powered mobility device.
People just like you all over the country struggle everyday, sometimes for much longer periods of time than you, to get a new power mobility intervention.

We want you to have your chair. We are completely aware of the difference a properly designed device can have in your quality of life. The documentation burden put on suppliers, physicians and clinicians can, and has, caused untenable delays in the service delivery process. The problem remains with the system. Until that is corrected delays will continue.
Medstar identified a gap in our process tracking that caused a small delay and corrected it. We do not now, nor have we ever, been involved in lies or deceit, with you or any other entity we deal with.

The system that was approved by the ADMC process will result in a “no cost” to you. You have Medicare primary and Medicaid secondary to cover those costs
The power base, the power independent tilt, headrest and back that were specified in clinic are covered and approved.

The seat elevator, discussed in clinic, is never a covered item under Medicare. Now that we have the Medicare determination, we have submitted to Medicaid for a determination. Private payment is the only way for this to be included on your chair in the event of a denial from Medicaid

Items that were, or may be not covered, and there for not paid by your insurance can only be provided on a private pay basis. Items not covered or paid for privately will not be included on the new power chair.

We have the affirmative ADMC approval for your chair. Further processing is on hold until you decide the next course of action. As a point of information, to long of a delay in final delivery will render the ADMC approval invalid.

Gerry Dickerson
VP Rehab Technology
Medstar Surgical, Inc.
College Point, NY 11356