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Using a Visualizer to Assist with Wheelchair Evaluations

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For the rider, a wheelchair evaluation is often a long-awaited appointment required to obtain an essential and medically necessary means of mobility. Whether the rider is newly injured or their current wheelchair is in disrepair, the wheelchair evaluation is their opportunity to discuss their mobility needs, ask questions regarding new innovations, and express what it is they want their equipment to do.

Simultaneously, the clinician (whether it be a PT or OT) must complete a comprehensive assessment to obtain the client-specific information required to determine what equipment the client needs to address posture/positioning and functional goals. The therapist can then provide clinical justification as part of a written letter of medical necessity (LMN) required for insurance approval.

The process for providing complex rehabilitation technologies is just that: complex. Nevertheless, the client and clinician are often required to complete the process within a two-hour time frame with few exceptions. While we can all agree that in a perfect world the rider would be able to trial each product and individual components, the reality is that there are often time constraints and the availability of chairs for demonstrations is limited.

Not every clinic is fortunate enough to have storage to keep wheelchairs in varying sizes for clients to trial or display all of the products available. Often, clinicians are reliant on manufacturer-produced brochures and/or digital resources to provide riders with a visual representation of the equipment and components available.

Recognizing the importance of providing each rider with knowledge of all the options available to them, the team at Sunrise Medical has created visualizers for both the QUICKIE QS5 X and Nitrum manual wheelchairs.

QUICKIE Nitrum visualizer

These visualizers are intended to serve as a dual resource for both clinicians and riders to have a graphic representation of each wheelchair and how it will look in its final configuration. The tool can be accessed via a smartphone or computer and allows the rider to design their desired wheelchair, including frame type, angle, inset, color, and graphics. In addition, the tool provides the clinician with visuals of components such as the seat sling, backrest, push handles, side guards, armrests, footrests, caster wheels, caster forks, rear wheels, handrims, wheel locks, and frame accessories.


QUICKIE QS5 X visualizer

To prepare for an upcoming evaluation, visit the QUICKIE QS5 X and Nitrum visualizers to make your next wheelchair evaluation more effective and efficient.

Sarah Leonard - Sunrise Medical USA

Sarah Leonard - Sunrise Medical USA

PT, DPT, ATP - Clinical Education Manager

Sarah Leonard PT, DPT, ATP joins the Sunrise Medical Education Team as a physical therapist specializing in neuro rehab with experience in spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation.

DISCLAIMER: FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY. THIS WEBSITE (AND THE DOCUMENTS REFERENCED HEREIN) DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Sunrise Medical (US) LLC (“Sunrise”) does not provide clinician services. The information contained on this website (and the documents referenced herein), including, but not limited to, the text, graphics, images, and descriptions, are for informational purposes only and should be utilized as a general resource for clinicians and suppliers to then use clinical reasoning skills to determine optimal seating and mobility solutions for individual patients. No material on this website (or any document referenced herein) is intended to be used as (or a substitute for) professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard your professional medical training when providing medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this website (or any document referenced herein). Clinicians should review this (and any other materials) carefully and confirm information contained herein with other sources. Reliance on this website (and the information contained herein) is solely at your own risk.