I realize this is a general question and will mostly rely on specific anecdotes or stories.

I also realize that this might get into a discussion of the Medicare Definition of a "speech generating device" vs a modified tablet.

I was just interested in the discussion and debate and if these definitions influence practitioners' decisions on equipment recommendations.

Medicare Definition of SGD

Effective July 29, 2015, the Medicare definition includes devices that:

provide an individual the ability to meet their "functional, speaking needs";
are primarily used for the purposes of generating speech;
include the capability to generate email, text or phone messages as "other covered features";
include other non-covered features at the expense of the Medicare patient.

The definition excludes from Medicare coverage:

a device that is useful to someone without a speech impairment;
personal computers, tablets or mobile devices that may be programmed to perform the same functions, but do not meet the definition of DME;
internet or phone services, or any modifications to the patient's home;
specific features not related to "functional speaking", such as hardware or software used to create documents or play games;
video communications or conferencing software.

Also, as it relates, the Medicare definition of DME is:

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Only your doctor can prescribe medical equipment for you. DME meets these criteria:

Durable (can withstand repeated use)
Used for a medical reason
Not usually useful to someone who isn't sick or injured
Used in your home
Has an expected lifetime of at least 3 years

On Mon, Jan 9, 2017 at 12:15 PM, Amy Roman <xxxxxx@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Hey Lisa,
Great question. My thought is a multi-center research study would be needed as otherwise people will just be just be providing antidotes. Everyone likes to vent about a nightmare story. The old adage, "the plural of antidote is not data", really holds true in this case.

The vendors typically have data on average time till first repair. They each might be willing to share. There are some confounding factors though. For example, devices used more frequently with school aged children might get a bit more abuse.

For independent research, with enough centers participating and a fairly homogeneous group of users we could have enough data to look at this one year out and maybe at at other points till 5 years.

The five-year standard I believe is fairly randomly chosen. Might be interesting to see if it holds up to data.

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
AmyandpALS.Com
Pinterest.com/AmyandPALS
Twitter @AmyandPals
Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)600-3778

On Jan 9, 2017, at 3:52 AM, Lisa Bruening <xxxxxx@alsaohio.org> wrote:

Hi,

I am wondering if any list subscribers have end -users with the adapted tablet type SGD devices attached to wheelchair and very active life in/out of home and wheelchair vans or public transportation...

I am particularly interested in durability reviews with devices such as manufactured by LC Edge (adapted mass produced tablet, pivot camera, set screw, focus adjustment ring) and those such as FRS Comlink devices which adapt a Windows surface tablet, and other devices who do not create their own hardware (as comparison, Tobii Dynavox creates their own hardware device)

Do these devices stand up to the constant use, abuse and harsh use conditions over the 5 year time period? I realize there are extended warranties, but would prefer client not have to deal with repair or durability issues.

I would appreciate an unbiased review and not sales/vendor comments.

Thanks in advance.

--
Lisa M. Bruening, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Care Services

Rockside Square, Building 1
6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403
Independence, OH 44131

Direct Dial: 216-867-1262
Phone: 216-592-2572 Fax: 216-592-2575
Toll-free: 888-592-2572
www.alsaohio.org

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Lisa M. Bruening, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Care Services

Rockside Square, Building 1
6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403
Independence, OH 44131

Direct Dial: 216-867-1262
Phone: 216-592-2572 Fax: 216-592-2575
Toll-free: 888-592-2572
www.alsaohio.org

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