OrthoSEAT stands for Orthotic Seating, Equipment, and Assistive Technology. As a part of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Rehab Technology Center, OrthoSEAT provides high-quality, therapeutically designed seating components as well as other custom assistive devices. The OrthoSEAT staff of experienced professionals works as a team to serve each patient and promote comfort and optimized wheelchair positioning, thus gaining the most independence possible.
Services
From the very start, the OrthoSEAT staff listens, evaluates, and recommends resources and equipment to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers.
Services Include
Therapeutic mobility evaluations (power and manual mobility devices)
Computerized pressure mapping
Equipment trials
Custom equipment and seating fabrication
Wheelchair mobility training
Follow-up visits and equipment adjustments
OthoSEAT is not a DME supplier for wheelchair equipment, but we do provide the evaluation and customization of this equipment to maximize its benefits. OrthoSEAT works together with qualified DME suppliers chosen by the patient or insurance provider.
Who Uses OrthoSEAT Service
Persons needing help maintaining good position in their wheelchairs (preventing lateral leaning, sliding at the hips, or falling forward in the chair)
Persons who have or who are developing skin pressure problems
Persons who experience pain or discomfort in their wheelchair and spend much of their day in this position
Persons whose arm function, breathing, or speech is limited by poor wheelchair posture
Persons requiring customized controls or positioning to safely operate a power wheelchair for independent mobility
Persons who have used catalog or off-the-shelf seating parts without success
Services Explained
To be seen, a patient must first have his or her medical condition evaluated by a physician who writes a prescription or referral for an OrthoSEAT seating evaluation. Seating services are available on site at Mary Free Bed as well as off site throughout West Michigan. Patients best served at their school, home, or health care facility can take advantage of OrthoSEAT's mobile unit. Being seen at the mobile unit allows for maximum care provider input during equipment evaluation, trials, and construction.
Therapeutic Mobility Evaluation
OthoSEAT's thorough occupational therapy and physical therapy evaluation of mobility and postural support needs takes into account both the patient’s and caregiver’s perspectives. OrthoSEAT's therapists also take into consideration all the environments in which the equipment will be used and how it will be transported in a vehicle. Comprehensive documentation of medical necessity as well as other cost-effective mobility options considered is provided to support insurance requests for funding of the recommended equipment.
Computerized Pressure Mapping
A computerized pressure mapping system assists with cushion design, selection, or decisions related to pressure sores.This system is also helpful in training patients and their caregivers in how to do effective pressure relief position changes in the wheelchair.
Wheelchair Mobility Training
OrthoSEAT provides safety training for mobility equipment and custom seating to each patient. Additionally, OrthoSEAT staff ensures that caregivers and school staff who may need to maintain or use the equipment are also trained and comfortable with the equipment's features.
Equipment Trials
A variety of manual and power mobility devices are available for patient trial and positioning simulation during the evaluation process.
Custom Equipment and Seating Fabrication
Seating solutions may incorporate commercially available components as well as custom-fabricated modifications. Our experienced seating technicians measure each body and build to specific positioning and functional needs. Beyond wheelchairs seating, staff also customize commodes, bath seats, standing devices, and create unique equipment.
Follow-up Visits and Equipment Adjustments
OrthoSEAT's seating technicians realize that as new devices are used some adjustments may be needed. Patients are encouraged to communicate with the OrthoSEAT staff to ensure products are used to their full functional potential. Technicians are available for continued problem solving as needs change.
OrthoSEAT's Approach to Seating Services
The process of obtaining a wheelchair and custom seating happens as a caring, problem-solving approach between:
The patient
OrthoSEAT's staff of therapists and technicians
Parents or caregivers
School therapists or case managers
The physician
The insurance company or payor
The DME supplier
Information provided by the patient before an evaluation visit can help seating staff obtain appropriate trial equipment and help with decisions during the evaluation. OrthoSEAT's therapists and technicians strive to match each person’s physical and environmental needs to the best mobility options allowable by his or her funding source — then look to maximize posture and comfort for function.
Warranty
OrthoSEAT's custom seating components are warranted against manufacturing or material defects for a period of six months from the day the patient is issued his or her new system.
Also Available at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Stable posture in the wheelchair is the foundation for improved hand function or vision that may allow for access to other areas of technology such as:
Augmentative communication
Computer access
Electronic aids to daily living
Independent living
Vocational services
For information on these other areas of technology, please call the Rehab Technology Center at 616.242.9275 or 800.211.4813.
Contact OrthoSEAT at Mary Free Bed
For more information or to make a referral or, please email OrthoSEAT at Mary Free Bed or call:
616.242.0342 - or - 800.211.4813 | Fax prescriptions to 616.356.1868