Manual Wheelchairs

Want to learn about getting a manual wheelchair through your insurance? Fill out the form on this page to get in touch with our product experts.

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Qualify through Insurance

Schedule Your Mobility Evaluation

Call your doctor to schedule a mobility evaluation for a manual wheelchair. Once your evaluation has been completed and your doctor confirms your need for a manual wheelchairs, your doctor will prescribe one for you.

Send Us Your Prescription

Send us your manual wheel chair prescription and insurance details directly or through your doctor. Prescriptions can be faxed to 972.572.1112 or emailed to patientintake@universalmedsupply.com to start the process.

Insurance Verification

Once we receive your prescription and insurance details, we will verify your insurance and our ability to provide you with our products and services. Rest assured, if we are unable to support you through your insurance, we will help you find a provider that can.

Documenting Medical Necessity

Our team will work with you and your doctor to understand and capture any additional information required to qualify you for a manual wheel chair through insurance. Our goal is to make the documentation process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible, while securing funding for your device.

Insurance Authorization

Depending on the type of manual wheel chair you qualify for, prior authorization from your insurance may be required before delivery. If so, we will work with your insurance to obtain prior authorization to ensure your wheelchair is covered.

Delivery

Once your order is ready for delivery, we’ll give you a call to discuss your delivery options and walk you through the features and functions of your manual wheel chair to ensure your safety and comfort.

Manual Wheelchair Types

Manual wheel chairs provide an excellent way to maneuver independently or with the support of a caregiver to complete daily activities with ease. Whether you are recovering from an accident, surgery, illness, or experiencing other mobility limitations, a manual wheel chair can enhance your independence and overall quality of life. Manual wheelchairs are a safe and easily transportable mobility solution for individuals who possess the necessary functional upper or lower body ability required to propel these devices.

Depending on the level of support required, there are several types of major manual wheelchairs, each designed to meet specific needs. Reclining back wheelchairs for example allow caregiver assisted body position changes and as a result have a high back that provides support in reclined positions. These devices are much taller than standard wheelchairs and typically come with elevating leg rests. Select each type of manual wheel chair below to learn more.

Reclining Back

These manual wheelchairs are specifically designed to support individuals who are unable to shift their weight independently to reduce the development of pressure ulcers. In addition, these devices are designed to allow body position changes to assist individuals using intermittent catheters for bladder management.

Ultra Lightweight

Weighing less than 30 pounds, these manual wheelchairs come with large front caster wheel bearings and an adjustable rear axle position securing a safe and smooth ride. These devices, typically made from carbon steel material for strength and decreased weight, are used by individuals who are wheelchair bound and require a specific wheelchair configuration, that cannot be accommodated in other types of manual wheelchairs.

Lightweight

These devices, weighing between 34-36 lbs, provide an effective means to achieve activities of living without placing undue stress on an individual’s upper or lower extremities during and after propulsion. These manual wheelchairs can be lowered to allow for self propulsion using your feet or adapted to allow for propulsion using one arm.

Standard

Standard manual wheelchairs can weigh more than 36 lbs and include features such as folding mechanism, hand-locking brakes, and typically adjustable height arms. These devices are also available in heavy duty varieties to accommodate individuals with higher weight capacity requirements.

Why Choose Us

We understand the impact mobility limitations have not only on your physical independence, but also on your mental well-being. This is why we have designed an effective qualification process to understand your mobility limitations, equip your doctor with information and tools to document your challenges, work with your insurance to ensure your device is covered, and deliver your manual wheel chair to you promptly during your time of need.

Our manual mobility specialists have the expertise to help you navigate the process with ease. Fill out the form above to be contacted by a mobility specialist or give us a call today at 866.864.6332 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a manual wheel chair mobility evaluation?

A manual wheelchair mobility evaluation is a specific visit conducted by your doctor to assess and confirm your mobility status. The purpose of the evaluation is to understand and document your mobility status to confirm qualification information for insurance. Some of the information should include, but is not limited to:

What mobility limitations are you experiencing?
What will you use the manual wheelchair for? (i.e. feeding, toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming)
Do you have the physical (strength, endurance, range of motion, etc.) and mental ability to safely self-propel a manual wheelchair or will a caregiver assist?
Do you require a lightweight manual wheelchair or will a standard manual wheelchair be sufficient?
How many hours per day will you use the manual wheelchair?
Why will a cane and walker not solve your mobility limitations?
Are you willing to use the manual wheelchair, and does your home provide adequate access between rooms, maneuvering space, and surfaces to use the manual wheelchair effectively?

Does insurance cover the cost of a manual wheel chair?

Insurance typically covers most of the cost of a manual wheel chair, but your share can depend on your specific plan’s deductible and coinsurance rates. For example, traditional Medicare covers 80% of the cost of a power wheelchair after your deductible has been met. Afterwards, if you have secondary insurance, such as a supplemental or Medicaid plan, these plans will typically cover the remaining 20%. If you have a Medicaid plan as your primary payer, there is typically no cost for you.

What features do manual wheelchairs have?

Manual wheelchairs typically come with standard features such as push rims for propulsion, caregiver push handles, adjustable footplates, and a folding mechanism for ease of transportation and storage. Additional available features and accessories include adjustable height arms, seat/back cushions, anti-tipping devices, and elevating leg rests. Typically manual wheelchairs are provided in widths of 16″, 18″, and 20″, however greater widths are available based on an individual’s weight and hip width.

How do I choose the right manual wheel chair for me?

Choosing the right manual wheelchair is important to ensure your comfort, mobility, and independence. Your functional mobility needs and mobility limitations will guide your doctor and caregivers to determine an appropriate manual wheelchair that meets your needs. As a result, it is critical that you communicate the challenges you are experiencing with your doctor to ensure an appropriate manual wheelchair is prescribed.

Our Manual Wheelchair Products

Pictured is a Medline Wheelchair that is lightweight and easy to use, featuring Flip-Back, Desk-Length Arms, and Elevating Leg Rests.

Weighing about 20 pounds, Ultra Lightweight Folding Wheelchairs require less effort for patients to move around, facilitating easier mobility

The Medline Reclining Wheelchair provides proper support and flexibility to adjust for improved rest and comfort

What Our Patients Say

Thanks so much U love my Chair I'm very excited to have it Thanks to your company

I was having trouble getting a wheelchair but UniversalMed helped me get one really quickly there very nice to

Chair is great comfortable easy handle.the tech was very good in explaining how to operate my chair.thanks to everyone who helped to put my chair together.