The mobility market is one of the largest in our industry. In fact, market research firm Frost & Sullivan is predicting that by 2008, the mobility market will generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue, an increase of $244 million, or 23.4 percent, from the $766 million in revenue generated in 2001.

In addition, the mobility market is one of the most expansive as well — from manual and power wheelchairs, to walkers and rollators, to scooters and ramps, not to mention the companion product category of seating and positioning, which is large in its own right.

Because of the expansiveness of these two categories, it would be impossible to cover all the issues concerning these markets, which is why HomeCare, in this year's Spring HomeCareXtra, has culled through the various stumbling blocks providers face in these markets and focused specifically on some of the top concerns.

We've included features on the current wheelchair-seating coding dilemma, the current state of the mobility market, and a focus on pediatric mobility, along with columns from consultant Miriam Lieber on billing K0011s and seating expert Simon Margolis addressing the quandary between professional ethics and profitability.

We hope the information provided in this issue will be a benefit to providers navigating the changes in these two expansive and potentially lucrative markets.