Obesity rates are climbing. Over 41% of US adults are considered obese, and that rate is predicted to be over 50% by 2030. That’s a mere seven years from now. And claims costs for bariatric workers are three times higher than those for healthy weight injured workers with comparable injuries according to NCCI. 

What does this mean for us?

We need to equip more bariatric injured workers for independence and prepare payers for higher claims costs. 

In this WorkCompWire article, Melissa Smith, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP, our Clinical Specialist for Adaptive Housing Solutions, discusses the specialized home modification requirements for this population.  Some changes seem second nature – widening doors, for example. But a myriad less obvious considerations, like the larger turning radius of a bariatric power chair, affect the home’s modifications.

Because medical costs for these cases are already high, providing the most appropriate equipment and adaptive housing program the first time is vital.  You don’t want to have to switch out equipment or repair a failed ceiling after the lift is installed.

Our adaptive housing team collaborates with our medical equipment and mobility specialists to select the most effective and cost-effective equipment and modifications. It’s ATF Medical’s holistic, highly collaborative approach that sets us apart.

Read Melissa’s thoughtful piece here, and if you missed it, check out Kevin Wallace’s article on the medical equipment needs of bariatric claims.

 

Rehab Technology Specialist Kevin Wallace Discusses Bariatric Equipment