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. 2023 Jun 5:4:1160948.
doi: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1160948. eCollection 2023.

Policy brief: adaptive cycling equipment for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities as durable medical equipment

Mary E Gannotti  1 , Margaret E O'Neil  2 , Maria Fragala-Pinkham  3 , George E Gorton 3rd  4 , Daniel G Whitney  5
Affiliations

Policy brief: adaptive cycling equipment for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities as durable medical equipment

Mary E Gannotti et al. Front Rehabil Sci. .

Abstract

- Durable medical equipment (DME) policies require that the equipment be medically necessary; however, adaptive cycling equipment (bicycles and tricycles) are usually not deemed medically necessary. - Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are at high risk for secondary conditions, both physical and mental, that can be mitigated by increasing physical activity. - Significant financial costs are associated with the management of secondary conditions. - Adaptive cycling can provide improved physical health of individuals with NDD potentially reducing costs of comorbidities. - Expanding DME policies to include adaptive cycling equipment for qualifying individuals with NDD can increase access to equipment. - Regulations to ensure eligibility, proper fitting, prescription, and training can optimize health and wellbeing. - Programs for recycling or repurposing of equipment are warranted to optimize resources.

Keywords: Down syndrome; adaptive cycling; adaptive tricycles; autism; cerebral palsy; neurodevelopmental disability; payment; policy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors received a small honorarium for the preparation of this policy brief from Rifton, Inc and Rifton, Inc covered article publication costs. The views presented in this policy brief are the views of the authors and in no way did the honorarium influence the synthesis of the literature, policy recommendations, or conclusions reported in this brief.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Adaptive cycle eligibility criteria.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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