We do not have a "Set Standing Protocol". Instead we suggest that you discuss it with your therapist because every person is different and so are their standing needs. We at AMI strongly feel that standing technology should only be used under the guidance of a physician with recommendations for standing program and medical precautions. Standing programs should be monitored by the clients Therapist and/or Physician.

Currently Medicare does not have a code for standers. AMI is in the process of submitting to the SADMERC to obtain a code. However, Medicaid has covered standing frames in many states.

• Improved range of Motion
  
• Decreased joint & muscle contractures
  
• Decreased pressure issues with changing position.
  
• Improved circulatory & respiratory functions
  
• Decreased muscle spasms
  
• Aid in normal skeletal development
  
• Improved bowel & regularity functions
  
• Improved kidney & bladder functions
  
• Lessen or prevent progressive scoliosis
• Help maintain bone Integrity

For studies & articles documenting the benefits of standing, please request our Funding Guide to Standing technology.

Could it be that he/she does not believe in standing for you? Might you be at risk to stand? Ask him/her questions; maybe your therapist has not had many clients that have needed a standing program. We have the Funding Guide for Standing Technology and would be happy to send to you or your therapist free of charge. This document could be very helpful to a Therapist who has not used standing as a treatment modality.

We have studies and more! AMI has a published booklet called the Funding Guide for Standing Technology, it includes:

• Outline for letter of medical necessity and sample letters.
  
• Supporting Articles
• Research Studies
  
• Research reference summary
  
• Legal / Support Services

I explain, before you or your insurance company purchases an EasyStand you need to find out if it will work for you. (Is this the stander for you)? To do this you need to work with your team. (Dr., Therapist, & Supplier).

• Talk to your Doctor find out if it is okay for you to stand.
• If your Doctor has okayed standing connect with your therapist (usually Outpatient) and try the Easystand wither in a Rehab setting or at home….but with a therapist.
  
• At the same time as the trial it will be the supplier who knows the equipment. The Supplier with the therapist will help figure out if the standing technology will work for you and if there are any accessories that are needed.
  
• Once you've tried the stander the therapist will write a Letter of Medical Necessity with the Dr. so-signature. If other Drs. and therapist (i.e.: Private or school) want to write more or addendum letters or co- sign the LMN that is also possible.
  
• The Supplier will take the LMN and Prior Authorize it with your insurance.
  
• When the Supplier receives the Authorization they will then place the equipment on order.
  
• The standing technology is pended or denied the therapist and Supplier will double check their documentation with the insurance notification, and either write more information in the LMN or say we have answered these questions.
  
• Now it is up to the client/family to decide if they are going to appeal the decision.

If the standing technology is medically necessary an appeal should never be a question. Just do it!

Normally I will check to see what information I have on each state. If I have a code for this state I explain that Medicaid's information changes frequently and that they should always check with their provider's manuals and/or talk to DME PA specialist to verify. At this time there is not one code for all states. It is extremely helpful for the suppliers to get to know the funding sources they work with. Know how they like to receive documentation that is coming for Prior Authorization. This can save the Supplier headaches with PA of Standing technology and other DME.