WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the ITEM Coalition, the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Health Task Force and the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation sponsored a congressional briefing on "The Importance of Rehabilitation in America's Healthcare System" to point up the value of rehab services and devices for people who sustain injuries, or have disabilities or chronic conditions. The briefing was hosted by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Jim Langevin, D-R.I., co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus.
Capitol Hill staffers heard from Gerard Francisco, MD, chief medical officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital and attending rehab physician for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., on the value of rehab services and therapies. Paul Tobin, president and CEO of the United Spinal Association, addressed the unique rehab and assistive technology needs of veterans and other populations. Jeanne Wilcox, PhD, professor of Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University, discussed the importance of habilitation services for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
During the Capitol Hill briefing, NCART Executive Director Don Clayback distributed information on the move to create a separate benefit category for complex rehab and technology. Both NRRTS and NCART said the briefing was an opportunity to raise awareness of the industry-backed initiative and CRT coverage in general.