Assistive technology for spinal cord injury

Mayo Clinic's approach

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors and staff have helped thousands of people recover from traumatic spinal cord injuries and nontraumatic spinal disorders using many therapies. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has accredited the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota.

• Integrated team. Mayo Clinic's spinal cord injury rehabilitation team is led by doctors who are subspecialty board certified in spinal cord injury medicine and trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and a team of specialized therapists including physical, occupational and speech therapists. They collaborate with other specialists across the institution, including orthopedic surgeons (bone and muscle surgery) and neurosurgeons (brain and nervous system surgery) in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

  The acute spinal cord injury inpatient rehabilitation treatment team also includes nurses, doctors trained in mental health (psychologists), recreational therapists and other specialists.

• Individualized care. Your doctors will create an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs. Therapists and your spinal cord injury physicians will coordinate and work with you to determine which assistive technologies may help you. The Wheelchair and Seating Clinic at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota offers many types of equipment and seating options for people who may need mobility options.

  Your treatment team considers you and your family to be an integral part of the treatment team, and you'll be informed and involved in making decisions and setting goals.

• Treatment and follow-up care. Mayo Clinic trained and board-certified physicians are trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation and along with our comprehensive staff of therapists, nurses, psychologists and social workers offer a full range of spinal cord injury rehabilitation services. Your spinal cord injury rehabilitation team provides inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation and lifelong care.

  Specialists in the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program care for children with spinal cord injuries at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota.

• Research. Mayo Clinic is actively involved in research — including animals, tissues, stem cells and spinal cord stimulators — to study the spinal cord injury response as well as the outcomes, rehabilitation options and potential treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers conduct clinical trials (trials involving humans) when the data suggests a safe and effective implementation.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals for rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

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Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.