What's Next for CRT? Insights from Next Generation of Leadership

Published in Complex Rehab on July 09, 2024

By Tyler Mahncke, President, U.S. Rehab

The future of complex rehab technology (CRT) is emerging. As technology continues to evolve, so does the field of CRT. From mobility devices to communication aids, CRT plays a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life and promoting independence.

I have been with VGM and working in DME for almost 11 years but have spent the last five years solely focused on CRT. CRT is the segment of DME that I really enjoy; the manufacturers, the providers, the events throughout the year, there’s something different about CRT that is inspiring. The custom nature of the business and the expertise that is necessary to navigate this space is something that has always piqued my interest.

The CRT industry is constantly changing and growing, and I believe it is essential to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I actively participate in professional communities, attend relevant events, and follow the latest research in the field. I also do my homework and explore the CRT markets in Europe and Asia to anticipate the future trends and opportunities in the U.S. market. I have plans to visit some shows in 2024 and 2025 and bring back some ideas and products that I think will benefit the industry in the long run. Additionally, I learn a lot from networking and interacting with everyone involved in the industry, such as manufacturers, providers, industry leaders, and so on.

Challenges in CRT

With any evolving industry comes its challenges, and CRT is no different.

ATP Shortage

The availability of Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) is essential for delivering quality CRT products to clients. However, the industry has been facing a shortage of ATPs in recent years. This poses a serious threat to the future accessibility of assistive technology. U.S. Rehab is committed to providing educational resources to the industry so that technicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists etc. can prepare for and pass the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) exam to become a certified ATP.

Navigating the Payer Landscape

Another major challenge that will persist throughout the foreseeable future is the political and regulatory environment in Washington, D.C., primarily with payers. Advantage plans remain a difficult issue for U.S. Rehab members, and we must keep supporting our member partners and their clients to navigate this complicated space.

Repair Issues

The industry must also find a way to facilitate collaboration among the manufacturers, providers, and the consumers to address the right to repair issues effectively. We acknowledge that wheelchair users have experienced delays in getting their chairs fixed, but we also recognize that there are obstacles and bureaucratic hurdles that prevent this from happening, such as prior authorization for parts and continued need documentation.

Opportunities and Advocacy

While these challenges will continue, there are also many things to look forward to. One of the positive developments that I anticipate is the increased availability of seat elevation for clients who need it. Thanks to the current coverage criteria, many more clients qualify for seat elevation and can now benefit from this feature that was previously inaccessible to them.

I am also hopeful that the CRT industry can advance the legislation that supports funding for power standing wheelchairs and upgrades for manual wheelchairs, such as carbon and titanium upgrades. These options can make a significant difference in the quality of life and health of our clients, and I hope to see them approved by D.C. in 2024.

However, none of these achievements are possible without advocacy. Advocacy is the key to our success in CRT. It was through advocacy that we secured funding for seat elevation, and it is through advocacy that we can pursue funding for power standing and titanium and carbon upgrades, as well as address the right to repair issues.

Emerging Technologies in CRT

When it comes to emerging technologies that will significantly impact the future of complex rehabilitation, the biggest technological impact that we will see here in the very near future is within artificial intelligence (AI).

AI is a key technology that will transform the future of complex rehabilitation and how our provider partners operate their businesses. I believe AI will have many benefits, such as improving the quality of ATPs’ evaluations, simplifying the claims processing for billers, and enhancing the efficiency of customer service representatives. It will eliminate human error and automate the tedious tasks that we currently do, leaving us to focus on the work that requires human judgment and creativity. Some people may fear this change, but I am excited for us to move into this next generation and welcome this opportunity to enter a new era.

The Next “Big Thing” in CRT

One of the most promising developments in CRT is the remote monitoring of clients and their chairs. This technology is already in use by some organizations, but it has the potential to be much more advanced and widespread in the future. Remote monitoring can help us detect and prevent problems with wheelchairs before they affect the users. For example, we can anticipate motor failure and fix it before it leaves the users stranded without their chairs. This can significantly reduce the downtime and improve the quality of life for our clients.

CRT is a dynamic and innovative field that offers many opportunities for growth and development. I believe that CRT has the potential to transform the world with its cutting-edge technologies and applications. CRT has a bright future ahead, and I am eager to contribute to the industry as it adapts to the next generation of trends. 

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

This article was originally featured in the VGM Playbook: Perspectives on the Next Generation in Post-Acute Homecare. To read the full article and more like this, download your copy of the playbook today! 

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1. complex rehab
2. leadership
3. playbook
4. post-acute homecare
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