Keeping up with doctor’s appointments is essential to managing health and staying informed, but it can often feel overwhelming. From scheduling and transportation to understanding medical advice and ensuring proper follow-up, there are many details to manage. This is where Understood Care can help. Our advocates serve as trusted guides, working alongside you or your loved one to make the process easier, more organized, and more comfortable.
Personalized Support Before and After Every Appointment
Understood Care advocates provide hands-on help with all aspects of medical visits. We help you schedule appointments, confirm provider information, and prepare for the visit itself. This might include reviewing your questions ahead of time, making sure prescriptions are current, or gathering any medical records needed. After the appointment, we help you understand the doctor’s recommendations and take the right steps to follow through on care instructions, referrals, or additional tests.
A Partner to Help You Understand Your Care
Medical visits can involve unfamiliar language, new diagnoses, or complex treatment plans. Your advocate is there to help translate this information into clear, understandable terms. We make sure you feel confident about what was discussed during the visit and that you know what actions to take next. If something is unclear or left unanswered, your advocate can follow up with your provider to get the information you need.
Coordination Across Your Care Team
Many people receive care from more than one doctor. Your advocate helps ensure that your care is well coordinated across primary care providers, specialists, and other professionals. We help share information between offices, keep records consistent, and make sure appointments align with your overall care goals. This reduces confusion and helps prevent important details from being overlooked.
Support for Getting to and From the Appointment
Transportation should never be the reason you miss a doctor’s visit. Your advocate helps you arrange reliable ways to get to and from appointments. Whether that means booking a ride service, coordinating with a caregiver, or finding community transportation resources, we make sure you have safe and timely access to care. We also consider mobility needs, language assistance, and other accessibility factors to support your comfort and safety.
Emotional and Practical Support Throughout
Doctor’s visits can bring up feelings of stress, uncertainty, or fatigue, especially when managing long-term conditions or complex health needs. Understood Care advocates are here to offer steady support throughout the experience. We are here to listen, provide encouragement, and help you make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Confidence in Every Step of the Journey
With Understood Care, you are never alone in managing your medical appointments. From the moment you schedule your visit to the follow-up that comes afterward, your advocate is there to help you stay organized, prepared, and empowered. We make it easier to stay connected to the care you need and to move forward with confidence.
Why mobility equipment matters
If walking is limited by pain, shortness of breath, balance problems, neurologic conditions, or recovery from illness, the right device can help you get out of the house and enjoy daily life again. Medicare Part B treats many mobility aids as durable medical equipment when they are medically necessary for use in your home. This includes walkers and rollators, manual wheelchairs, scooters, and power wheelchairs.
Mobility support is not only about the device. It is also about safety, confidence, and staying independent. Simple home changes like removing tripping hazards and improving lighting lower fall risk and make it easier to use your new device.
What Medicare covers
Common devices Medicare may cover
- Walkers including rollators when prescribed for use in the home
- Manual wheelchairs when a cane or walker is not enough for safe mobility at home
- Scooters and power wheelchairs when medical necessity is documented, you can operate the device safely, and your doctor completes the required face to face exam and written order
Key rules that often apply
- A face to face visit with your treating provider is required before Medicare will cover a scooter or power wheelchair, and the provider must submit a detailed written order
- Some power mobility devices require prior authorization before Medicare will pay the claim. The supplier submits the order and clinical records for review
- Certain accessories can be reviewed with the base power chair when prior authorization is required
- Seat elevation on many complex power wheelchairs can be covered when specific conditions are met, including a specialty evaluation that confirms safe use in the home
The step by step process your advocate manages
This section follows the same real world flow explained in our video and adds the medical rules that make approvals smoother.
Step 1 Understand your goals and barriers
We start with your story. What activities do you want to get back to. What rooms are hardest to reach. Do you feel most stable with a walker, or does fatigue and pain make a powered device more realistic. We also discuss transportation, home layout, and caregiver support.
Related Understood Care pages to explore
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help
Step 2 Prepare your doctor visit and documentation
Your advocate gathers past records, current symptoms, and a simple checklist that helps your provider document medical necessity. For scooters and power wheelchairs, Medicare requires a face to face exam and a written order that explains why a lower level device is not enough, how you will use the device in your home, and that you can operate it safely. We share the required Medicare language with the clinic so the exam note includes what is needed.
Helpful Understood Care resource
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication
Step 3 Schedule the visit with the right provider
We help you find an in network primary care provider or specialist who evaluates mobility needs and writes the order. We schedule the appointment, send reminders, and make sure the office knows what documents are required.
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments
Step 4 Send the order to a Medicare enrolled supplier and track it
After your visit, your advocate confirms the supplier received the order and supporting notes, verifies the fax or portal submission, and keeps everything moving. If the supplier is not confirmed as Medicare enrolled, we help you pick one that is.
Step 5 Handle prior authorization when required
For many power mobility devices, Medicare requires prior authorization. Your advocate and the supplier assemble the face to face note, order, functional assessment, and any therapy evaluations, then submit to Medicare. We monitor for approval or requests for more information and keep you posted.
Step 6 Coordinate delivery, fitting, and training
Once approved, we schedule delivery. We ask the supplier to adjust the device for your height and home layout. If you receive a walker or rollator, we confirm it is the right fit and review safe use steps based on trusted clinical guidance. For power devices, we request basic driving and charging education.
Step 7 Follow up, appeals, and repairs
If anything is delayed or denied, your advocate organizes an appeal with updated notes or therapy evaluations. We also help with repairs, replacement parts, and routine maintenance scheduling.
Related Understood Care pages to explore
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/disability
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care
Video walk through of the process
In our video, your advocate explains that mobility and transportation are top needs for many people. Power chairs, scooters, and electric wheelchairs help you get back to activities you enjoy when walking is limited by disability, chronic pain, or endurance. The process can feel tedious because Medicare wants clear documentation. That is why we prepare your visit and send the Medicare guidance to your doctor so the exam and note include what is needed. After the visit the doctor writes the order and sends it to the durable medical equipment company. We confirm the supplier has the order, verify the fax or portal, and follow up until it is processed. If something is missing we call the clinic, fix the paperwork, and resend. We keep doing the back and forth so you do not have to. When everything is approved and delivered you receive basic training and you are ready to go.
What your provider must document for faster approval
Your advocate shares a clear checklist with your clinic so the face to face note and order cover the essentials Medicare looks for.
- Your diagnoses and symptoms that limit safe mobility in the home
- Why a cane or walker is not enough if requesting a wheelchair or scooter
- Your ability and willingness to use the device safely in the home
- The layout of your home that supports safe use of the device
- Results of therapy or functional testing if available
- For devices that require prior authorization, any extra details requested by Medicare and your supplier
Choosing the right device with clinical guidance
Picking a device is a clinical decision. Your provider may recommend the following.
- A walker or rollator if balance is reduced or if you cannot always bear full weight. Correct fit and training improve safety and comfort
- A manual wheelchair if walking is unsafe and you have caregiver support or arm strength for self propulsion
- A scooter or power wheelchair if fatigue, pain, or weakness keeps you from safe home mobility and you can operate the device safely after training
- Seat elevation on certain complex power chairs when you meet current Medicare criteria that support safer transfers and daily activities
Travel and community activities with your device
Your advocate helps you plan transportation and safe travel with a walker, scooter, or wheelchair. We can book rides, coordinate building access details, and share packing and battery tips for flights and cruises.
Helpful Understood Care resources
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help
Costs, bills, and coverage questions
We explain what Medicare pays, when rental versus purchase applies, what happens at month thirteen for certain rentals, and how to avoid surprise charges by using enrolled suppliers that accept assignment. We also review bills and appeal errors so you understand what you owe and why.
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills
If you need help with financial aid or disability benefits, your advocate can guide applications and track status.
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/disability
Home safety check after delivery
After delivery, your advocate walks through a simple safety checklist and, when needed, coordinates grab bars, threshold ramps, or home care visits. These steps reduce fall risk and help you use your new device every day with confidence.
If you want in home support such as bathing assistance or therapy scheduling, we can coordinate services and explain what is covered.
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care
Second opinions and complex choices
If your condition is changing or you want to explore different device options, we can gather records and arrange a second opinion with an in network specialist.
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/second-opinion
Get started
Your advocate will listen to your goals, prepare your appointment, share the required Medicare language with your doctor, coordinate with a supplier, handle prior authorization when needed, track delivery and training, and follow up so you can move with greater safety and independence. If you are ready, visit
https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment
FAQ
- What is mobility equipment and why does it matter?
Mobility equipment includes walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, scooters, and power wheelchairs that help you move more safely when walking is limited by pain, shortness of breath, balance problems, neurologic conditions, or recovery from illness. The right device can help you get out of the house, participate in daily activities, and stay more independent. Mobility support also includes home changes like removing tripping hazards and improving lighting to reduce fall risk. - What kinds of mobility devices can Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B may treat many mobility aids as durable medical equipment when they are medically necessary for use in your home. This can include walkers and rollators, manual wheelchairs when a cane or walker is not enough, and scooters or power wheelchairs when you meet specific medical need and safety criteria. Coverage depends on your diagnosis, how you move around at home, and what your clinician documents. - What are the basic Medicare rules I should know about?
For scooters and power wheelchairs, Medicare requires a face to face visit with your treating provider before coverage. The provider must write a detailed order that explains why a lower level device is not sufficient, how you will use the device at home, and that you can operate it safely. Some power mobility devices also require prior authorization, where Medicare reviews the order and clinical records before paying the claim. Certain accessories, like seat elevation on complex power chairs, can be covered when specific conditions and evaluations are met. - How does an advocate help me get the right device?
An advocate starts by listening to your goals and challenges. They ask what you want to get back to doing, which rooms are hardest to reach, and whether a walker, manual wheelchair, or powered device is most realistic given your fatigue, pain, and home layout. They then prepare your doctor visit, gather past records, and share a simple checklist so your provider can document medical necessity clearly in Medicare friendly language. - How is my doctor visit prepared and scheduled?
Your advocate organizes the information your provider needs, including diagnoses, symptoms, and how walking is limited in your home. They help you schedule an appointment with an in network primary care provider or specialist who understands mobility evaluations and writes these orders. The office receives guidance on what Medicare requires so that the face to face note and written order are complete the first time. - What happens after the doctor writes the order?
Once the exam is done and the order is written, your advocate sends it to a Medicare enrolled durable medical equipment supplier and confirms that it was received. They verify fax or portal submission and follow up so the order does not sit in a pile. If the supplier is not enrolled with Medicare, your advocate helps you choose one that is to avoid surprise bills. - What is prior authorization and who handles it?
For many power mobility devices, Medicare requires prior authorization. The supplier and your advocate gather the face to face note, written order, functional assessments, and any therapy evaluations. They submit these to Medicare and monitor the status. If Medicare requests more information, the advocate works with your clinic to provide it and keeps you informed throughout the process. - How are delivery, fitting, and training coordinated?
After approval, your advocate arranges delivery and asks the supplier to adjust the device for your height, home layout, and daily needs. For walkers and rollators, they confirm the fit and review safe use steps based on trusted clinical guidance. For scooters and power wheelchairs, they request basic driving, maneuvering, and charging education so you can use the device safely from day one. - What if there are delays, denials, or repairs needed?
If something is delayed or denied, your advocate coordinates appeals with updated notes, additional evaluations, or clarifications Medicare may need. They can also help with repairs, replacement parts, and maintenance scheduling, and walk you through reading and disputing bills if something looks wrong. - What does my provider need to document to speed approval?
Your provider should clearly document the diagnoses and symptoms that limit safe mobility in your home, why a cane or walker is not enough if you need a wheelchair or scooter, your ability and willingness to use the device safely, how your home layout supports use of the device, and relevant therapy or functional testing. For devices that require prior authorization, any extra details that Medicare or the supplier requests should also be included. - How do I know which device is right for me?
Choosing a device is a clinical decision based on your strength, balance, endurance, and home environment. Your provider may recommend a walker or rollator if your balance is reduced, a manual wheelchair if walking is unsafe but you or a caregiver can propel the chair, or a scooter or power wheelchair if fatigue, pain, or weakness limit safe walking at home and you can operate the device after training. Some complex power chairs may include seat elevation when criteria are met to help with transfers and daily activities. - Can I get help with travel and costs related to mobility devices?
Yes. Advocates can plan transportation and safe travel with a walker, scooter, or wheelchair, including booking rides, coordinating building access, and sharing tips for air, cruise, or train travel. They can also explain what Medicare pays, when rental versus purchase applies, how to avoid surprise charges by using enrolled suppliers that accept assignment, and how to appeal billing errors. If you need help with financial aid or disability benefits, they can guide applications and track status. - How do I get started with this process?
To begin, you share your goals and challenges with an advocate. They prepare your appointment, give your doctor the Medicare language needed, coordinate with a supplier, handle prior authorization when required, schedule delivery and training, and follow up over time. The goal is for you to move with greater safety and independence without having to manage all the paperwork and back and forth on your own.
References
- Medicare durable medical equipment coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage - Medicare walkers coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/walkers - Medicare wheelchairs and scooters coverage page
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/wheelchairs-scooters - Medicare supplier directory
https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/ - Medicare Coverage of Wheelchairs and Scooters fact sheet
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11046-medicare-coverage-of-wheelchairs-scooters.pdf - Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment and Other Devices booklet
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11045-medicare-coverage-of-dme-and-other-devices.pdf - CMS Power Mobility Devices Local Coverage Determination L33789
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?LCDId=33789 - CMS Power Mobility Devices policy article A52498
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52498 - CMS prior authorization program for certain DMEPOS items
https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/prior-authorization-and-pre-claim-review-initiatives/prior-authorization-process-certain-durable-medical-equipment-prosthetics-orthotics-and-supplies - CMS list of items requiring prior authorization including many power mobility devices
https://www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/monitoring-programs/medicare-ffs-compliance-programs/dmepos/downloads/dmepos_pa_required-prior-authorization-list.pdf - Medicare page showing power wheelchairs that require prior authorization
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/wheelchairs-scooters/power-wheelchairs-prior-authorization - CMS National Coverage Determination 280.16 seat elevation on power wheelchairs
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=376&ncdver=1 - MLN Matters summary for NCD 280.16 seat elevation
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mm13277-power-seat-elevation-equipment-power-wheelchairs.pdf - Cleveland Clinic guide on using a walker and choosing walker types
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/how-to-use-a-walker - Mayo Clinic guidance on walkers and safe use
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/walker/art-20546805 - CDC STEADI patient resources on fall prevention and home safety checklist
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient-resources/index.html - AAFP clinical review of mobility assistive device use in older adults
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0615/p737.html - PubMed Central review on mobility device use and falls
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439269/
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
Deborah Hall
- About: Deborah Hall’s primary specialty is other healthcare benefits access. She helps people apply for coverage, clears questions, and connects them to programs fast.
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