FAQs
- What is Neuro-IFRAH?
Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation And Habilitation (NEURO-IFRAH®) is an approach originated by Waleed Al-Oboudi, MOT, OTR/L. Mr. Al-Oboudi is renowned internationally for his superior concepts and highly effective and unmatched clinical skills. The unique name of the approach was originated by the author to give an overall idea to the reader regarding the scope of this approach. The word Neuro was selected because this approach is intended for patients who are affected by lesions at the level of the brain stem and above. The word Integrative was selected to describe that this approach is integrative on all levels. It is integrative of all systems of the person as well as all information past and present. It is integrative of all internal as well as external variables and combinations and products of these variables affecting patient response, normal or otherwise. It is integrative and inclusive of fields of study as well as bodies of information. It is integrative in terms of variables related to therapists, the rehabilitation team, rehabilitation programs, facilities, home, community, and other environmental variables…..It is integrative at all these levels and much more. The word Functional means meets intended purpose or need, thus the word functional was selected because this approach is functional. All aspects of rehabilitation and habilitation are individualized to meet the patient’s intended purpose or need. The words Rehabilitation and Habilitation were selected because this is what we do in therapy. It encompasses many aspects of therapy, thus there is no reason to find other words. One aspect of rehabilitation is to restore to the fullest physical, mental, social, vocational, and economic status – thus rehabilitation is not limited. However, our patients are not only re-acquiring skills, they are learning new ones as well. Thus Habilitation occurs throughout alongside with rehabilitation.
The powerful words used in the name of the approach gives a small glimpse of the wide scope of this truly dynamic, highly individualized, whole person, functional, inclusive, and visionary approach.
- What makes the courses superior and unmatched?
Many aspects…….some examples are: The content, from theoretical aspects to the practical labs. Even in the small percentage where it may appear that it overlaps with other courses, the depth and detail provided sets even that small percentage apart. The overall content is unmatched because there is nothing like it in terms of depth, vision, and effectiveness. The superiority of any approach is based on the effectiveness in application. Waleed Al-Oboudi is renowned for his clinical skills that are highly effective and in a class of its own. The philosophy and vision forwarded by this approach clearly demonstrates the role of therapist in healthcare to serve humanity and the impact our actions have on civilization overall.
- There is so much information out there. Where do I start?
First of all, it is important to note that ideas/approaches are intended to serve therapists who in turn serve patients. In our opinion, approaches that are not inclusive limit therapists and lead to destructive tendencies in healthcare, including self-serving competition and conflicts between team members and disciplines. Whatever helps the patient progress and elevates the status of healthcare is welcomed. The standard to evaluate the effectiveness of any approach is the results you get on patients. That could be a simple guide for the team. There is a lot of theory that is not backed by effective practical application. Being effective is not an all or none phenomena. One can be effective and yield positive results but the results and degree of effectiveness in terms of time and amount can be enhanced with another approach. Thus in reading any book it is true that one can not judge a book by its cover but you can effectively judge the approach by the results and depth demonstrated in the patient case studies and demonstrations. Thus in summary theory amounts to only words that are not impressive if the results are not convincing in the application.
- Is there research for Neuro-IFRAH®?
Research is underway in many aspects for Neuro-IFRAH®. Many concepts are built on principles learned in physical and occupational therapy in terms of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, normal biomechanics in a variety of functional and activities, i.e. gait, body mechanics, joint protection, etc., which are in themselves topics that are researched. Neuro-IFRAH® has so many aspects, from handling to orthotics and tools that have been extremely effective in yielding positive results in resolving patient impairments and improving function as demonstrated on patients nationally in every course and as reported by clinicians throughout the nation. In addition the Neuro-IFRAH® Organization has perhaps the largest library documenting patient treatment programs and progress over various time spans. This collection has been most impressive to therapists nationally and internationally. Steps for research are underway and information will be available to the public at a later date.
The unique approach of using video to document all research vs. reporting done by the researcher is an important part of research that will be made available to the public in the future.
- What if I have Medicare, private insurance or workman’s comp?
You must order your orthosis or therapy aid using the prepayment method and seek to get reimbursement from your insurance company utilizing the invoice we provide you upon delivery.
- What if I don’t want to prepay for my custom orthosis if I don’t know I will get reimbursed?
For custom orders we will provide you with an estimate prior to processing your order so you can contact your insurance company and confirm whether or not they will reimburse you.
- Is it possible to get insurance reimbursement on prefab orthotics or therapy aids?
When we ship the product we will enclose an invoice marked “paid”. The invoice will list insurance codes on it (if no 5-digit codes are starting with an “L” are on the invoice, then most likely there will be no insurance reimbursement). You will then need to submit this invoice, along with a prescription with a diagnosis on it from your physician for the item, to your insurance company. If you wish to call your insurance company prior to ordering to inquire about reimbursement, see the link “insurance codes”. If the item is not on that list, there is no insurance code and thus there will most likely be no reimbursement.
- I’ve submitted my claim, and now my insurance company is asking for a letter of medical necessity. How do I go about getting one?
You can request a letter of necessity from your therapist or Physician. We can not make any claim as to the medical necessity of a product for you. This must come from either your doctor or your therapist to the insurance company.
- What if a prefabricated small, medium, large, or extra-large does not look like it will fit?
A Neuro-IFRAH® trained Therapist should use the Measurement Chart on the website. The Measurement Chart provides specific parameters for each size. We can not guarantee that the size chosen is the correct size for the patient. Small adjustments can be made by the treating Therapist and we strongly recommend that any minor adjustment be made only by a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Orthotist.
We provide the option to order a semi-custom orthotic for an additional $100, or a custom fit orthotic.
For ordering information for custom orthotics go to the Custom Orthotics link on the home page. For semi-custom, use the Prefabricated/Semi-Custom Orthotics and Therapy Aids link, print the Order Form, and see page 4 for semi-custom sizing choices.
- Is a custom orthotic a better choice than a prefabricated or semi-custom orthotic?
If your patient does not fall within specified measurements for prefabricated or semi-custom units, then a custom orthotic may be the better choice. A custom orthotic is specifically designed for your patient. It costs more but it is custom made to fit and is highly individualized.
- My facility has a contract only with certain vendors. Can your orthotics be provided by our authorized vendor, or do we have to go through KineMedic Concepts?
We can make arrangements with certain vendors providing that they contact us and sign specific agreements regarding confidentiality and intellectual property.
- What is your Return/Repair Policy?
Unused therapy aids and prefabricated orthotics may be exchanged for a different size within 30 days of delivery; however, the customer is responsible for return postage. We will pay the return postage only if the return is a result of our error.
There is a two year warranty on the body of each orthotic. If the body of the orthotic breaks due to workmanship within two years from date of purchase we will repair or replace (at our discretion) the unit at no charge to you. You are responsible for any shipping cost associated with shipping the item back to KineMedic Concepts. All fasteners are covered by warranty for a period of two years from date of purchase. If any fasteners of the orthotic break due to workmanship within two years from date of purchase, we will replace the broken fastener on the unit at no charge to you except shipping the item back to us.
If the product is more than two years old and a small repair is needed, or one strap, rivet, or fastener needs to be replaced, the cost is $20 dollars plus shipping. If a ratchet joint of a WHO or EWHO needs to be replaced, the cost will be 50 dollars plus shipping.
We also offer refurbishing for many of our products.
Please contact our office regarding returns, repairs or refurbishing, and we will provide the cost and shipping address.
We cannot accept returns of any custom or semi-custom orthotics, other than for repairs as outlined above.
In addition, we will not accept the following returns:
Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery.
Any item that is not in its original condition, is damaged, or is missing parts.
- What about refunds?
A refund may be made under certain circumstances. Contact our office manager by email or by phone to discuss.
- How long will it take to receive my refund?
If your order was originally paid for with a credit card or debit card, allow 1-2 weeks from the time your return is received for your account to be credited. If you paid by check or money order, allow 1-2 weeks for your refund check to arrive.