Ask almost any manufacturer in the seating and positioning market if it believes the current reimbursement codes for the market are insufficient and most assuredly the reply will be an emphatic yes.

To remedy these inadequacies, several manufacturers have banded together to form the Coalition of Seating and Positioning Manufacturers.

The 10-member coalition, formed just over a year ago, is headed by its executive director, Marcia Nusgart. She was formerly vice president of home care for the Health Industry Manufacturers Association. But in 1997, when HIMA decided to redirect its area of focus, Nusgart was approached by several members about heading a new organization that would focus strictly on the needs of seating and positioning. Thus, the coalition was formed. Nusgart also heads similar coalitions for respiratory and wound care product manufacturers.

"For the most part, you're more powerful in a group than you are as an individual when trying to tackle issues-particularly when the issues are affecting your pocketbook," Nusgart says. "And it makes it easier for the government agencies when they know they have to deal with only a single entity than with individual companies. Time is so precious for everyone, and the way things are done in Washington, government agencies feel more comfortable working through coalitions than with individual companies. It is more time- and cost-effective for companies, as well."

According to Nusgart, the primary focus of the coalition now is to change current seating and positioning reimbursement codes to better reflect advances in technology. Currently, she says, reimbursement codes have no real delineation among them that reflects the price difference between products that employ simple versus more advanced technology.

Although the call for change to the codes is ongoing-and has been extremely vocal for some time-Nusgart says the Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers' review process is not due to start until year's end.

For information about the coalition, contact Marcia Nusgart at 301/530-7846; fax 301/530-7946; e-mail: nusgart@erols.com -J.P.P. HC