EVALUATE & PRESCRIBE
Empower your patients’ Activities of Daily Living.
Expand arm weakness options with adaptive technology that can be used at home to assist eating, opening doors and independent self-care.
1.7 M
1.8 M
18-64
1.5 M
2.5 M
65+
Male
Female
M = Millions
SELF-CARE difficulty
3.5 M
3.9 M
18-64
2.6 M
4.7 M
65+
Male
Female
M = Millions
INDEPENDENT LIVING difficulty
Source: 2019 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates
www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
Thanks for all you do.
Abilitech Medical is awestruck by the work you’ve performed, especially amidst the challenges of the pandemic. We’re available to offer resources to make submissions simple for you and your patients.
A CLINICIAN PERSPECTIVE
Testimonials
Clinician Resource Center
A brain bank for details on the Abilitech Assist and factors relating to neuromuscular conditions, upper limb injuries and more.
How much weight can a user lift while using the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist device?
The Abilitech™ Assist device is designed to aid the wearer to lift objects up to 12oz.  This lift support varies based on patient strength and spring selection. Stronger patients may be able to lift heavier objects. Some individuals may experience lift assistance less than 12oz.
What follow-up care is needed after the initial Abilitechâ„¢ Assist device fitting?
The Abilitech™ Assist device is designed to be fit and calibrated in a single visit.  Clinicians will develop a personalized care plan for each individual.
What are the Abilitech™ Assist device’s contraindications?
The Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is for individuals with neuromuscular weakness of their arms, and patients need intrinsic strength to benefit from this technology. This level of function is correlated to a manual muscle test score of a 2- to a 3+ for shoulder and elbow flexion. Contraindications include: • Gr…
What determines if the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is a medical necessity?
To substantiate medical necessity for the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist, clinicians will document — and insurance companies will review — coverage criteria and requirements and Letters of Medical Necessity on a case-by-case basis. To qualify for the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist, patients must have an upper limb that is we…
What makes the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist unique?
The Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is the only body-worn device that provides a hybrid assist at the shoulder and elbow. The technology uses springs, motors and software to optimize the support needed for each individual without overriding their existing function. Each patient can dynamically adjust their profil…
Is the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist recognized by the FDA?
The Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is listed by the FDA as a Class I orthosis. Its registration and device listing can be viewed here. [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfrl/rl.cfm?lid=700232&lpcd=IQI]
What class of device is the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist?
The Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is an FDA Class I 510(K) exempt device. It requires a prescription from a clinician and is subject to general controls.
What is the Abilitech™ Assist’s billing code?
The HCPCS code for the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist is L3999 (Upper limb orthosis, not otherwise specified. Upper extremity SEWO multi-axis functional support assist hybrid device, custom calibrated spring tension with motorized adjustment, shoulder abduction & adduction; includes body worn vest with integrate…
Research – Health and Economic Benefits of Physical Activity for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic, life-disrupting event with an annual incidence of 17,000 cases in the US. SCI is characterized by progressive physical deconditioning due to limited mobility and lack of modalities to allow safe physical activity that may partially offset these deleterious ph…
Research – Direct Cost of Illness for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review
Providing a comprehensive review of spinal cord injury cost of illness studies to assist health-service planning.
Research – The Economic Impact of Caregiving
The share of American adults providing uncompensated care to friends or family members with serious medical conditions and the elderly is growing rapidly. It can be extremely difficult to get a good handle on who and where these caregivers are, making it even more difficult to answer key questions a…
Research – Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
The Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Index of ADL; Katz et al., 1963) is a measure of function which can be used in objective evaluations of chronically ill and ageing populations. This measure was developed from observations of a large number of activities performed by a group o…
Research — Clinical Efficacy of Upper Limb Robotic Therapy in People with Tetraplegia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluate the clinical efficacy of upper limb robotic therapy in people with tetraplegia.
Research — Feasibility and Efficacy of Upper Limb Robotic Rehabilitation in a Subacute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Population
To investigate the use of an upper limb robotic rehabilitation device (Armeo Spring, Hocoma AG, Switzerland) in a subacute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) population.
Research — The Effectiveness of Wearable Upper Limb Assistive Devices in Degenerative Neuromuscular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review summarizes the current evidence about the effectiveness of wearable assistive technologies for upper limbs support during activities of daily living for individuals with neuromuscular diseases.
Research — Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Dynamic Arm Support in Persons with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) commonly affect the upper extremity. Due to muscle weakness, performance of daily activities becomes increasingly difficult, which leads to reduced independence and quality of life. In order to support the performance of upper extremity tasks, dynamic arm supports may b…
Research — Mobile Arm Supports in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study of User Experience and Outcomes
This pilot study examined whether two different types of non-powered mobile arm supports (MAS) enhanced upper limb function and independence with activities of daily living (ADLs) in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Research — Rehabilitative and Assistive Wearable Mechatronic Upper-limb Devices: A Review
Recently, there has been a trend toward assistive mechatronic devices that are wearable. These devices provide the ability to assist without tethering the user to a specific location. However, there are characteristics of these devices that are limiting their ability to perform motion tasks and the…
How long have upper-arm orthoses existed?
Upper-arm orthotic devices debuted in the U.S. in 1930s during the polio epidemic. These devices became part of the standard of care within clinic settings the 1960s. The first IP piling for the Abilitechâ„¢ Assist and its novel ability to support the shoulder with springs and counterbalance was filed…
How important are caregivers to improved upper-arm function?
Support from caregivers has been shown to be an important determinant of improved upper-limb function. Beyond caregivers’ abilities to address the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of those they care for, caregivers have been shown to be a determinant of improved upper-limb function in certai…
Which innovations are changing upper-arm orthotics?
Today’s upper-limb orthotic innovations increasingly consist of lightweight materials, advanced sensors and/or microprocessors, high-density batteries, and powerful actuation systems. Some even contain onboard memory to capture and communicate usage and biometric data. Abilitech Medical leverages ma…
How important is it for assistive devices to be used at home?
Many kinds of at-home technologies exist to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities. Research surrounding home-based adaptations and assistive technology meant for older adults has shown that these technologies can substitute for and supplement formal care, and in most cases the initia…
What’s the average financial cost of an upper-extremity injury?
The cost of an upper-extremity injury depends on multiple factors, including severity of injury, any surgeries involved, underlying neuromuscular condition, length of stay, and more. The average direct acute care costs associated with SCI injuries in the US are estimated to be $181,093 U.S., a numbe…
Why is providing shoulder assistance meaningful and unique?
Shoulders are involved with just about every body movement. Whether it’s getting out of bed, raising a fork or spoon to the mouth or reaching to get a glass from the cabinet, they are extremely consequential to individuals’ abilities to engage in their environments. Notably, the shoulder is responsi…
How much arm motion do people need in order to work?
The level of arm mobility required to work depends on the job, but many roles exist that can be performed with weaker functioning or non-functioning arms. In the U.S., individuals must be able to perform the tasks essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, to qualify for protect…
What does an Abilitech Assist tele-evaluation consist of?
Abilitech Medical’s tele-evaluation is a free and confidential assessment that occurs virtually through HIPAA-compliant video conferencing on a patient’s camera-enabled computer, smartphone or tablet. The evaluation typically lasts 30 minutes. Patients are asked to perform specific movements demonst…
ALS Association
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital Support
Brain Injury Association of America
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Paralyzed Veterans Association
United Brachial Plexus Network
United Cerebral Palsy
United Spinal
Wounded Warrior Project
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital Support
Brain Injury Association of America
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Paralyzed Veterans Association
United Brachial Plexus Network
United Cerebral Palsy
United Spinal
Wounded Warrior Project
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