Patient is getting a power chair but the therapist did not authorize a lift. What to do?

The doctor is the one who writes the prescription. The supplier can only provide what is in the prescription. Then there is the question of coverage Medicare is pretty sticky---for example they will not cover a lift chair if you have a wheel chair. So the option would be out of your own pocket.

I'm assuming this therapist is providing care through a doctor's script. Therapists report back to the doctors, so I think the doctor is the person to contact, since he concurs that a lift is needed. I think the therapist can recommend but I'm not sure he could script for the chair.

Thank you for the responses. The same individual was sot get a shower chair and a reclining chair would be most beneficial, more for the care giver to robe and disrobe the client than for the actual benefit of the client. Although, what is beneficial for the care giver benefits the client, Right? It seems as though the PT and OT people are mandated to a black and white world with these chair issues. Does it all come down to bureaucracy?

Sorry, seems it's the physical therapist standing in the way. Some advice...talking with the PT.

First tell the doctor that you are absolutely convinced your patient would greatly benefit from a lift. Ask him exactly how he is evaluating your patient. Ask him what you can show him that will change his mind. It's probably very subjective. If that doesn't work, ask him to refer your patient to another doctor for a second opinion.