Rehab Services Should Be Priority, Say Speakers at Capitol Hill Briefing

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.