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3.2. Step 3: Get a Prescription for a Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment
Step 3: Get a Prescription for a Wheelchair Evaluation
- How to get a prescription for a wheelchair evaluation and assessment
- Important reminder for Step 3
- Step 3 summary available below for download
Prescription Before Assessment
You need a prescription from your doctor before you get a Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment.
At your appointment, your doctor will write your prescription, but the Wheelchair Evaluation will be done at another time by a clinician or therapist. Typically the clinician is an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT), so the prescription from your doctor will read, "OT or PT Wheelchair Evaluation." Getting a prescription from your doctor is essential, because it allows a therapist (OT or PT) to conduct an evaluation.
An OT or PT with the certification of ATP or SMS is highly recommended. This certification is given to therapists who have demonstrated specialized knowledge and skils regarding seating and wheeled mobility.
Your doctor may have recommendations for a local therapist or seating clinic that can provide this assessment. However, you have a right to choose your own clinician instead if you would rather. Read more in Chapter 2 if you need help finding your own clinician.
You Schedule Your Assessment
Once you have the prescription from the doctor, call the wheelchair clinic (it may be a PT department or an OT department) and schedule an appointment. If you have the therapist's direct number go ahead and call. She or he will probably tell you to schedule through the office person.
Remember, whether your doctor makes a referral or not, you must call and set up the appointment for your Wheelchair Evaluation and Assessment. It is your responsibility to call and make an appointment for your Wheelchair Evaluation.