Replacing Your Jazzy 1103 Ultra? There's Something You Should Know

Jazzy Select 6 Ultra


Jazzy 1103 Ultra (now only available as a Quantum 1103 Ultra)

For many people who previously bought a Jazzy 1103 Ultra, they're finding out it's not so easy finding one again. Per Medicare, a power chair customer is qualified to replace their current chair if they've had it for at least five years and it has become too expensive to fix. With the severe cutbacks power chair providers have suffered over the past several years, industry manufacturers have been forced to follow suit.

Previously, Pride Mobility, the manufacturer of the 1103 Ultra, was able to offer the chair in their consumer line of products known as the Jazzy series. The 1103 Ultra was the option in the Jazzy series for consumers needing a seat elevating option. Because the seat elevating option is not covered by Medicare, only those who could afford an out-of-pocket expense selected the 1103.

Now, the 1103 Ultra has changed labels to the Quantum Series, Pride Mobility's rehab product line. Replacing the 1103 Ultra in the Jazzy series, is the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra. The basics of the chair are the same, however, there are significant differences that will surprise current 1103 Ultra users who are looking to replace their chairs.

Jazzy Select 6 Ultra v. Quantum 1103 Ultra

1. Expense for Providers - The Quantum 1103 Ultra is now a much more expensive chair for providers to purchase. If the provider is billing the chair as a replacement for the Jazzy 1103 Ultra, they'll most likely use the KO831 code. Because of the dramatic reduction in reimbursement for providers using the Ko831 code, the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra, with it's lift feature, will be the chair of choice.

2. Charger - A design change for the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra includes an off-board charger. Users will no longer be able to plug in their chairs from the base to the wall. Now, users will be forced to use an off-board battery which can only be connected in the in-set just underneath the controller. Although it seems minor, this change will dissappoint Jazzy 1103 Ultra users who enjoyed the convenience of stuffing the end of an unplugged charger in the pouch on the rear of the seat.

3. Seat Height - The seat on a Jazzy Select Ultra 6 has a higher seat height from the lowest position compared to the Quantum 1103 Ultra. The reason - Pride Mobility, the manufacturer, has positioned the lift mechanism on the post, just above the shroud of the chair. Previously on the Jazzy version of the 1103, the lift mechanism was positioned inside the shroud. The difference in placement prevents those needing a lower seat position for transfers from making accommodations they may already be used to. Basically, if you had a Jazzy 1103 Ultra and now you're considering a Jazzy Select 6 Ultra, your seat will begin in a higher position.

4. Seat Comfort/Size - To help reduce costs for providers, Pride Mobility has trimmed the design and amount of cushion in their Jazzy series of chairs. Although the seat measurements may be the same, Jazzy 1103 users may be dissappointed to find the newer Jazzy Select 6 Ultra seat as less comfortable and possibly an appearance of being smaller.

Summary

If you're a Jazzy 1103 Ultra user and it's time to replace your chair using insurance, you may be forced to pay significant out-of-pocket costs due to the re-classification of the 1103 into the Quantum label. If you cannot afford the cost, the Jazzy Select 6 Ultra will be your new alternative.

Written by - Rodney McCarthy, ATP, ProTech Medical - www.protechdelivers.com

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