Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

(2) From the claimant (see Exhibit 2):
(a) The full name and address, and distance from claimant's home or work
location, of public facilities (where individual membership is not required) suited to
the prescribed regimen;
(b) The full name, address, and distance from claimant's home or work location
of commercial facilities (individual membership required) suited to the prescribed
regimen;
(c) The specific reason(s) why membership in a commercial health club/spa is
required where public facilities are available and/or where the doctor indicates the
regimen can be performed at home;
(d) A signed statement from the health club/spa manager indicating that the
club/spa is fully suitable for the exercise routine prescribed by the physician, and a
breakdown of fees and charges for various membership options and terms (e.g.,
short-term vs. lifetime membership). The statement should describe all facilities,
services, and special charges not included in the membership fee.
b. Special Equipment/Furnishings. Requests are sometimes received for purchase of
equipment/furnishings not commonly obtainable from medical supply sources or prescribed for
treatment (e.g., waterbeds, weight-lifting sets, saunas, tapedecks, vibrating chairs, exercise
bicycles). In cases with current nurse intervention, the RN may at times initiate a request for
special equipment.
Whatever the source of the request, the proposal must be discussed thoroughly with the RN if
involved in the case.
In all instances, the CE must ensure that the equipment is necessary to treat the effects of the
work-related injury and that its use will be consistent with the claimant's restrictions and safety.
The CE must also consider the relative cost of purchase vs. rental, and whether the cost is
commensurate with the basic (unadorned) item required for treatment. The CE should obtain the
following information:
(1) From the treating physician:
(a) A full, specific description of the basic equipment/furnishing required to treat
effects of the job-related condition;
(b) An explanation of how the item will address the effects of the job-related
condition, and an opinion as to the anticipated effectiveness of the item in
treatment;
(c) The anticipated duration of the need for the item (to determine whether
rental or purchase is appropriate);
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 346