Know how to get funding for Stim Cycle?

[Bryans Mom]

Our 28 yr old son is about to leave his 4 mos rehab stay and he had just started using the "stim cycle". He is a C1-2. I am wondering how we can get funding for this. I don't think insurance would cover it because "they" don't think there is any use in him working his legs. But it helps your whole cardio system too.
ANy ideas or suggestions?
Thanks, Sandyhttp://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[SCI-Nurse]

Not easy to get funded for this. You can apply (and appeal the nearly automatic first denial) through his insurance. It may help to include in the medical letter of justification (from his PT and physician) that these were just recently approved by the VA for issuance to eligible SCI veterans.

Otherwise, something like this is a good goal for a fund raiser by friends/family/church, etc. Just be sure the funds are not handled in such as way as to be considered income for him.

(KLD)

[teesieme]

Hi Sandy. I am in the process of appealing a denial from our insurance for the FES bike. I did include a letter of justification from both the physician and the therapist. You will need to work through the reps of the bike of your choosing also. They will advise you as to what you should include in the letter, send FDA registration papers about the bike being approved etc. There may be appeal after appeal but it is worth fighting for. I have since sent in a personal plea of my own, justifying the need and benefits of personally for my son and the fact that his majority of pt has been within the home, how he is now working and then will be attending college soon also and his need to continue therapy independently at the very least and most, etc. Currently we are in the process of getting a recommendation from another rehab. that my son has been a part of this past since 18, the Shriners.

Depending on the state, (I guess http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/mad.gif) V/R has paid for this type of equipment for some people.
I see you are from the state of confusion,
Egads, I have been there often! Just stay after it, keep on appealing~

[Fritsch]

Ask someone at CRPF he likes it and is a similar level inury. Tie appeal to complications he has had in the last 4 months, insurance cos like to see cost/ benifit.

[SWEETIEheart]

I applied for a Stim Master thru my insurance I had after my therapy started coming to an end (4years post). No matter how many letters was sent from my Pt and Doctor, the case studies sent, all the research...they would not pay for it. It is seen as exercise equipment not a necessity. We'd argue how it shows prevention of atrophy, uti's, and etc..but still they wouldnt budge.

My church held a fundraiser. It was a bbq chicken plate fundraiser and through that I was able to buy a Stim Master. I realize that they are expensive so my advice to those wanting one but the ability to purchase it is far down the road is to look into a stim unit and wheelchair aerobic tapes. B/c of your son's injury level he wouldnt be able to do the tapes for cardio and the stim unit doesnt provide cardio. It does provide muscle stimulation and prevent atrophy and it costs a lot less than the stim master. With the stim unit, unlike the fes bike, every single paralyzed muscle he has can be stimulated. His wrist flexors down to his foot tendon(not stretched causes drop foot) can be worked out. If there is a way you can raise the money for the fes bike and also be able to purchase a stim unit your son would greatly benefit.
Best Wishes and I hope he is able to get one http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif