The right wheelchair or brace can change how you move through your day. The wrong one can cause pain, pressure problems, or falls. At Cortex Rehab in Bozeman, a neurological physical therapist evaluates what you need and works with you and your preferred local vendor to get equipment that fits your body and your life.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You’re getting your first wheelchair, or replacing one that no longer fits
You can walk, but walking is tiring, unsafe, or limits what you can do
You’ve had a stroke, spinal cord injury, MS, Parkinson’s or another neurological condition that has changed how you move
You’ve been wearing the brace you were given in the hospital and wonder if it’s still the right fit
You want a second opinion on equipment you’ve been given
WHAT AN EQUIPMENT EVALUATION LOOKS LIKE
Your evaluation is a full hour, one-on-one with Nichole.
1
We talk through your situation. Your diagnosis, your goals, and what isn’t working with your current wheelchair or brace.
2
We assess how you move. Strength, posture, range of motion, transfers, and how you walk or move in your chair.
3
We try options together. We take the measurements your vendor needs and talk through your choices. Often, Nichole works alongside your CPO or ATP, so you can try different equipment at the visit and everyone can problem-solve in the same room.
4
You leave with a plan. You get clear recommendations for your order. Once you’ve decided what’s right for you, we write the letter of medical necessity and supporting notes.
RECLAIM. RETRAIN. RECOVER
HOW WE APPROACH EQUIPMENT
01
Wheelchair evaluations.
A wheelchair isn’t only for people who can’t walk. For many people it’s a tool for saving energy and staying safe. We look at your strength, posture, transfers, and how you move at home and in the community.
02
Brace Evaluations.
Many people leave the hospital with a thick, rigid plastic brace that blocks nearly all ankle movement. That kind of brace is often meant as a short-term fix, not the long-term answer. We assess how you walk and what you need, including whether an off-the-shelf or custom AFO makes sense.
03
Work with your vendor.
We collaborate with your preferred local vendor and with certified prosthetist-orthotists (CPOs) so the recommendation and the order match.
04
Documentation.
We write letters of medical necessity and supporting notes that explain why specific equipment is needed.
05
Home safety evaluations.
We look at fall risks and accessibility barriers in your home and give you recommendations and documentation to support equipment, modifications, or referrals.
06
Check the fit.
When your equipment arrives, we check how it fits and works for you. If anything needs adjusting, we make the changes we can and communicate with your vendor about the rest, so you’re not left to sort it out on your own.
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
Nichole Andriolo, PT, DPT, CSRS, is a neurological physical therapist in Bozeman. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana and trained in spinal cord injury rehab at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane, Washington. In 2023 she attended the NuFair hosted by Numotion in Billings, where she studied concepts in seating and mobility.
Nichole often co-treats with vendors, CPOs and ATPs so patients can try equipment and problem-solve choices together. She takes measurements, writes letters of medical necessity, and offers follow-up visits once equipment arrives to check the fit and coordinate adjustments..
WHEELCHAIR & BRACE FAQ
I’m not paralyzed. Why would I need a wheelchair?
You don’t have to be paralyzed to benefit from a wheelchair. Many people with stroke, MS, Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions can still walk, but there may be times when walking isn’t safe or takes too much energy. A wheelchair doesn’t mean giving up on walking. Some people use one only part of the day, for longer distances, or on days when fatigue is high, so they have energy left for the things that matter to them. Insurance may cover a wheelchair when it’s medically necessary, including when it’s needed only some of the time. We can talk through whether it makes sense for you and, if so, document why.
Why can’t I just keep the brace I got in the hospital?
You may be able to, and for some people it’s the right choice. But a rigid brace that blocks movement is often a short-term solution. As you recover, a different design may let you walk more naturally while still giving you stability. We evaluate your walking and strength to see what fits now, and we work with your CPO to find it.
Do you take insurance or Medicare?
We accept Traditional Medicare (Part B). We’re out-of-network with all other insurance plans and operate as a cash-pay practice to maintain our high standard of care. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also be accepted, depending on the plan type and carrier. Equipment evaluations and follow-up fit checks are separate services. We can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our full FAQ for details.
Should I get an off-the-shelf or a custom brace?
It depends. Off-the-shelf braces are quicker and often cost less upfront, while custom braces can be tailored to your leg and your movement. Insurance may cover a custom brace when it’s medically necessary, so a custom brace isn’t automatically out of reach. We assess your walking and strength, talk through the pros and cons for your situation, and document why a brace is needed.
Do I have to be an ongoing PT patient to get an equipment evaluation?
No. You can book an equipment evaluation on its own, and a standard PT evaluation isn’t always required first. We’re also happy to coordinate with your current therapy team.
Do I need a referral for a wheelchair or brace?
You don’t need a referral for an evaluation. Montana allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can book with us without a physician’s referral. To order a wheelchair or brace, you’ll probably need a prescription or referral from your physician. Requirements vary by vendor and insurer, and we can help you figure out what yours need.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Call 406-763-7779 or send us a message, and we’ll help you figure out the next step.
★★★★★
Outstanding. Experienced and knowledgeable. She knew just what I needed.
KB BB