An Introduction to Polio

Poliomyelitis, or Polio as it’s more commonly known, is an infectious disease that occurs when the Polio virus attacks the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in hours.

Polio does not discriminate – it affects men and women of any age, but mainly children under the age of three, a group that represents over 50% of all Poliomyelitis cases in the world. 

Entering the body through the mouth, the virus makes its way to the intestine where it multiplies and begins to produce symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, lethargy, vomiting, headache and stiffness in the neck and limbs. One out of every 200 cases (1/2 of 1%) leads to irreversible paralysis. Tragically, this group, with a 90-95% survival rate, still sees 5-10% die when their diaphragm becomes paralyzed and prevents breathing. 

The good news, however, is that there is a vaccine for Polio, and today’s youth are greatly protected against this awful virus. But those who were inflicted with polio in the outbreaks of the 1940s and 1950s are not so lucky. While over one million survived these epidemics and regained a high level of functionality, many have been left to live life with severe and permanent paralysis. 

Online Resources for Polio Survivors

There are many resources for Polio survivors available on local, state and federal levels. These resources are essential as they provide emotional and practical help for those trying to cope and live with the after-effects of this crippling disease. 
 

The Polio Survivors Association (polioassociation.org) was formed in 1975 to promote the well-being and improve the quality of life for survivors of polio throughout the United States. 

Mobility Aids for Polio Survivors

Being a Polio survivor does not have to mean a life of zero mobility. In fact, a motorized scooter for a disabled person can mean the difference between mobility and a life of dependence and convalescence with no real hope in sight. 

Portable power wheelchairs are covered 100% by some insurance policies, depending on individual coverage. Medicare may cover the cost of a custom power wheel chair, provided the agency’s strict requirements are met. 

Motorized Scooter or Custom Power Wheel Chair for a Disabled Person

First and foremost, you must consult your physician to determine your motorized scooter needs. Generally stated, Medicare will provide you with a scooter if you require one for mobility within your home. 

Once your doctor (Medicare prefers a doctor in Physical medicine, Orthopedic Surgery Neurology of Rheumatology) has determined your needs, you must complete the Medicare insurance claim – HCFA 1500. Your physician will have to complete parts of this form.

Your doctor will also be required to complete a prescription for your motorized scooter. Ideally, your doctor should be as detailed as possible when describing the device you require. Something like “four-wheeled electric scooter capable of carrying 200 lbs.” is preferable to “electric wheelchair.” 

A typical claim takes between six and eight weeks to be processed, but your doctor can call Medicare for prior authorization so you can get your portable power wheelchair sooner. 

Surviving Polio does not have to mean living life as a slave to your symptoms. Medicare and private insurance are just two ways to get a scooter mobility device to regain an active lifestyle. There are many other resources in your community that can also help. 

To learn more about surviving Poliomyelitis, visit postpolio.org for more details and answers to common questions. 

About The Author:
Daryl Clayton Kennedy is the editor and a regular contributor to disabled-mobility-scooter.com

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