GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. (GOSY)

[XenaLives]

It is a fact firmly supported by professional studies. This is a study done by the VA:

Abstract — The extreme difficulty with which persons with severe disabilities have been taught to maneuver a power wheelchair has been described in case studies, and anecdotal evidence suggests the existence of a patient population for whom mobility is severely limited if not impossible given currently available power wheelchair control interfaces. Since our review of the literature provided little evidence either in support or refutation of the adequacy of existing power wheelchair control interfaces, we surveyed 200 practicing clinicians, asking them to provide information about their patients and to give their impressions of the potential usefulness of a new power wheelchair navigation technology. Significant survey results were:


Clinicians indicated that 9 to 10 percent of patients who receive power wheelchair training find it extremely difficult or impossible to use the wheelchair for activities of daily living.

When asked specifically about steering and maneuvering tasks, the percentage of patients reported to find these difficult or impossible jumped to 40%.

Eighty-five percent of responding clinicians reported seeing some number of patients each year who cannot use a power wheelchair because they lack the requisite motor skills, strength, or visual acuity. Of these clinicians, 32% (27% of all respondents) reported seeing at least as many patients who cannot use a power wheelchair as who can.

Nearly half of patients unable to control a power wheelchair by conventional methods would benefit from an automated navigation system, according to the clinicians who treat them.

http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/00/37/3/fehr.htm


Department of Health and Human Services, office of the Inspector General POWER WHEELCHAIRS IN THE MEDICARE PROGRAM: SUPPLIER ACQUISITION COSTS AND SERVICES

Medicare allowed an average of $11,507 for complex rehabilitation power wheelchair packages that cost suppliers an average of $5,880 in the first half of 2007.

http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-04-07-00400.pdf

I would estimate the initial cost of the GeckoSystems upgrade to be several thousand dollars, but with mass production this cost should come down dramatically.

Surely those who pay $9-12000 for a wheel chair will pay a few thousand more to actually be able to USE the chair efficently. Payers include Medicare, the VA and Insurance companies. These institutions are at risk to pay even more if someone can't control a power chair and ends up seriously injured. Inability to control is the reason why some patients are refused power chairs.

If you study the literature, the case for the GeckoSystems upgrade is very clear.