Tag: Greg Packer

PITTSBURGH – A new study showing the functional mobility, employment and safety benefits of seat elevation devices is a good example of how large data sets can be used to, hopefully, guide policy and practice, says Mark Schmeler.  The study, published online in Assistive Technology, the official journal of RESNA, in October, pulled findings from the Functional Mobility Assessment tool, which now has more than 13,000 data points.   “This is the first example our industry...

WATERLOO, Iowa – U.S. Rehab’s Functional Mobility Assessment tool now has 13,000 data points showing the benefits of providing appropriate mobility equipment and involving assistive technology professionals (ATPs).  There are currently about 50 different companies and organizations actively feeding data into the FMA tool, which is a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, says Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab.  “With 13,000 pieces of data, it’s highly...

WATERLOO, Iowa – Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab, was presented with the RESNA 2022 Honorary Fellow Award during the organization’s virtual conference on July 15. The award recognizes non-members who have promoted issues relevant to the field of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, and who have encouraged the independence of individuals with disabilities. “Greg is a pillar in our assistive technology industry,” said Kyle Walker, former vice president of...

WASHINGTON – Recent virtual meetings with legislators highlight the importance of leveraging the Functional Mobility Assessment tool to show the value of appropriate seating and mobility equipment, say U.S. Rehab’s Dan Fedor and Greg Packer.  During those meetings, which took place as part of the Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-in on Sept. 21, legislators asked for “proof” that power standing devices and other complex rehab equipment benefit...

WATERLOO, Iowa - The best equipment provided by the best professionals results in the best care, according to the latest quality assurance data from U.S. Rehab members participating in its Functional Mobility Assessment tool.Almost 76% percent of patients report that they haven't fallen after receiving new equipment, compared to 48% who report they haven't fallen with their existing equipment, the FMA tool shows.“It shows that falls are affected dramatically by the right equipment,” said...

ARLINGTON, Va. - More than a year after U.S. Rehab launched the Functional Mobility Assessment tool to a select group of its members, the results are in—sort of. “We're seeing a trend, but it's not statistically significant,” said Mark Schmeler, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, atthe RESNA/NCART 2016 Conference in Arlington, Va., in July. Developed over the past 15 years by Schmeler and Margo Holm, also...

WATERLOO, Iowa - Members of The VGM Group and U.S. Rehab can now pick up consultant Richard Fuller's labor guide at a lower rate, the companies announced Sept. 17. “The labor guide provides an accurate and consistent basis for determining labor charges for repairs of complex rehab and HME products,” said Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab, in a press release. The guide helps companies improve revenue and prepare claims, Packer said. With 29 years of industry experience, Fuller has...