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Common Medical Ailments
The average Medicare-covered power mobility recipient is over 70 years old with an average of three chronic diseases states such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease (see details below). Contrary to popular belief, these are not individuals who have the ability to ambulate freely.
They are individuals with serious diseases who have consulted with their doctors and have concluded they can’t consistently walk to their bathroom, kitchen or bedroom to conduct their activities of daily living without help. In short, the power mobility benefit provides beneficiaries with the independence and ability to live safer, more fulfilling lives, as well as substantial savings back to the federal government and other insurance companies.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – 64%
A form of arthritis, occurring mainly in older persons, that is characterized by chronic degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. Also called degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis, osteoarthrosis.
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis 
Heart Disease – 24%
A medical term used to describe a variety of types of abnormalities of the heart and circulatory system of the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, edema, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, irregular heart rate/rhythm, and palpitations.
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – 24%
A term used to describe two closely related diseases of the respiratory system in which airflow is limited and not fully reversible. It is most often caused by smoking. It includes chronic bronchitis or emphysema and frequently causes difficulty in inhalation and expiration.
http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd
Diabetes – 21%
A disorder of the metabolism in which the body does not produce enough or does not respond properly to insulin. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.
http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-overview
Cerebral Vascular Disease – 13%
A group of brain dysfunctions related to diseases of the blood vessels supplying the brain. The results of this disease process can include various types of strokes due to the sudden onset of disruption/disturbance of blood flow (via arteries and veins) to the brain.
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/vascular-diseases
Multiple Sclerosis – 12%
An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system-the brain and spinal cord. It can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking.
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis
Peripheral Nerve Disorders – 11%
Conditions that result when nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body are damaged or diseased. It can impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation in the arms and legs, reduce range of motion, and cause weakness and pain.
www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy-basics
High Blood Pressure – 9%
A common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high; also referred to as hypertension. Can damage the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other problems.
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/
Metabolic Disorders – 7%
A disorder that affects the ability of the body to produce energy. Some examples are diabetes and thyroid disease.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – 7%
Any of various diseases, especially arteriosclerosis, occurring in blood vessels outside the heart and the brain.
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/peripheral-vascular-disease
