Transportation
Payment and Coverage for Driver and Vision Rehab Services
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These questions are echoed by the unfortunate one whose driving has been stopped by illness, injury, license revocation or suspension. Each driver should be considered as an individual, when considering his/her potential to return to driving. The timetable for testing and training, if appropriate, varies according to DMV guidelines, the driver’s medical and driving history and at times physician involvement.
Medical insurance coverage for services vary. Medicare does not cover driver rehabilitation, but may cover vision rehab related to daily living skills and community re-entry if onset of your medical condition was recent. At times, HMO/PPO/ worker compensation/other medical plans may cover some services if your physician requests therapy and can provide justification under your specific health plan. Sometimes the physician office submits a medical justification to a review committee to make this determination. It is important to document how the loss of visual and driving abilities affect independence with home activities, work, mobility and safety. Your Occupational therapist may be able to assist you in the application process by communicating with your case manager or providing your physician with information.
Private pay services are often discounted. Check with your local hospitals and programs for a fee schedule.
Farrell Sheffield, OTR/L, HTC, CDRS is an Occupational Therapist, certified as a Driving Rehab Specialist, with advanced practice in hand therapy. A graduate from University of Southern California with a degree in Occupational Therapy, she has been a clinician for more than 25 years in hospital, outpatient, and home health settings, working with children and adults with physical disabilities. She has a passion for Visual Rehabilitation and is a member of the Neuro–Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Mrs. Sheffield is the founder and coordinator of a Driving Rehabilitation hospital based program in San Diego County, and received driving instructor training in 2002 from the California Driving School Inc. She was appointed 2004 Association of Occupational Therapy Driver/ Driving Network Coordinator.