INFORMATION SHEET FOR POTENTIAL USERS in

V2innovations Ltd
www.v2innovations.ca
[email protected]
1-306-581-4037
BIONESS INFORMATION SHEET
1. What is foot drop?
Foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, which results in the toes dragging
along the ground while walking. Foot drop isn’t a disease. It is a sign of an underlying
neurological, muscular or anatomical problem and can be the result of conditions such as
multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.
2. What is functional electrical stimulation (FES)?
FES is a technique that uses electrical currents to activate peripheral nerve(s) causing a
muscle(s) to contract. The contraction of the muscle(s) causes a body part to move.
3. What is the Bioness L300?
The L300 Foot Drop System is a revolutionary medical device that may help you
regain mobility and independence. The system’s gait sensor adapts to changes in
walking speed and terrain, allowing you to walk easily on stairs, grass and carpet.
Comfortably worn under most clothing, the L300 Foot Drop System’s unique design
can help you eliminate the need for a rigid ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), or braces, and
may reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
4. What are the potential benefits?
-
Assist with a more natural walking pattern (gait)
Improve walking speed
Improve balance
Reeducate muscles
Reduce muscle loss
Maintain or improve range of motion
Increase local blood circulation
5. Who is a good candidate?
- Potentially all upper motor neuron deficit patients could benefit from using the
Bioness system, i.e. stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, incomplete spinal cord injuries,
acquired brain injury, and cerebral palsy.
- Excluding patients with lower motor neuron deficit, i.e. polio, spina bifida
- Excluding diabetics with peripheral neuropathy
V2innovations Ltd
www.v2innovations.ca
[email protected]
1-306-581-4037
6. What is covered by SAIL?
Eligible clients will receive the following benefits:
- funding towards the purchase of an FES device for foot drop to a maximum of
$3,500.00 once every five years; and
- FES electrodes to a maximum cost of $5.00 each with a frequency limit of 6 every 90
days.
7. What are the criteria for coverage of an FES device?
To qualify for FES device coverage, clients must:
- have an upper motor neuron injury or disease or central nervous system
involvement;
- have inadequate dorsiflexion during swing;
- have adequate stability during stance as determined by an FES-trained clinician;
- have adequate response to nerve stimulation as determined by an FES-trained
clinician;
- demonstrate the ability and willingness to use an FES device;
- demonstrate the positive impact that use of an FES device will have on activities of
daily living through a successful trial; and
- not have any of the following contraindications:
Lower motor neuron deficit; history of grand mal seizures; severe cardiac disease or
other diagnosed heart conditions; a demand-type pacemaker or defibrillator; fixed
plantar flexion contractures; currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy; or a
malignant tumour, lesion or open wound on affected leg.
7. Who qualifies for FES coverage?
Residents of Saskatchewan who possess a valid Saskatchewan Health Services Number and
who meet certain medical criteria are eligible for coverage.
8. Who does not qualify for FES coverage?
Residents who are eligible for benefits from any other agency of government such as
Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Worker’s Compensation Board and NIHB.
V2innovations Ltd
www.v2innovations.ca
[email protected]
1-306-581-4037
9. What is the out-of pocket co-pay expense?
Bioness L300 retails at $6200.00, therefore the out of pocket expense is ($6200 - $3500) =
$2700.00
Electrodes vary in price depending on the type that is most appropriate for you. You can
expect to pay between $8.50 and $16 every 2 weeks for a set of electrodes, depending on
the USA/Canadian dollar exchange rate and the type of electrode you use. These can be
purchased at your local Bioness facility. If eligible, SAIL will cover $5.00 each towards 6
electrodes every 90 days (i.e. $30).
10. Can I seek reimbursement from my third party insurer to cover the rest?
Yes. We have had varying levels of success with third party insurers. To seek additional
reimbursement, you will need to provide a quote and a copy of your prescription to your
insurance company.
Where can I try it?
-
Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Adult Out Patient Therapies, phone (306) 766-5677
ONLY AS AN IN-PATIENT OR AS AN OUT-PATIENT OF ADULT THERAPY.
V2INNOVATIONS can be contacted directly at 306-581-2912 or
[email protected] to arrange a screening session.
We also have clinics set up at:
-
Synergy Physio (Regina), contact Brandy Green (306) 569-6683
-
Craven Sport Services (Saskatoon), contact Karen Craven (306) 934-2011