Instruction for filling out the opinion for receiving a technical aid
In this section, you will find clear and practical information about the procedure for preparing and filling out the opinion to facilitate the work of healthcare professionals and ensure a unified understanding of the requirements. At the same time, it promotes more effective collaboration between specialists and the State Technical Aids Centre (VTPC), improving the process of granting and circulating assistive devices.
In the following sections, you will find information about:
filling out the opinion in the E-health system,
essential fields and the information to be provided,
the validity period of the opinion and other information to be included when preparing the opinion for receiving a technical aid.
Instruction for filling out the opinion for receiving a technical aid
In this section, you see a brief and practical overview of how to prepare and fill out the opinion.
The aim is to facilitate the work of doctors and other healthcare professionals and achieve a uniform understanding of the requirements.
The instruction also helps to better collaborate with specialists and the State Technical Aids Centre (VTPC).
It improves the process of granting and circulating assistive devices.
For example, a person receives a wheelchair or another assistive device faster if the documents are filled out correctly.
In the following sections, you will find information on how to:
- fill out the opinion in the E-health system,
- which fields are important and what information to write there,
- what the validity period of the opinion is,
- what other information should be included when preparing the opinion for receiving a technical aid.
Filling out the opinion
The opinion for receiving an assistive device must be filled out electronically in the E-health system.
If you do not have access to the E-health system, we encourage you to contact your employer or the National Health Service (NVD). The training materials developed by the NVD for filling out the opinion in the E-health system are available on the VTPC website under the submitted documents, as well as in the E-health system in the section: Training materials → Healthcare institutions → Training instructions → Medical documents.
When starting to fill out the opinion, the date of its preparation must be specified.
Important! The opinion for receiving an assistive device is valid for six months from the date of its issuance.
Filling out the opinion
The opinion for receiving an assistive device is filled out electronically in the E-health system by the doctor.
If you do not have access to the E-health system, contact your employer or the National Health Service (NVD).
NVD training materials for filling out the opinion in the E-health system are available:
- on the VTPC website in the section “Submitted documents”
- in the E-health system in the section:
“Training materials → Healthcare institutions → Training instructions → Medical documents”.
When starting to fill out the opinion, the date when the doctor prepares the opinion must be specified.
Important! The opinion for receiving an assistive device is valid for 6 months from the day the doctor issues it.
Description of functional impairments and justification of the opinion
Description of how a person is unable to function as usual, and an explanation of why this opinion has been given
Functional disorders. Describe the disorders for which an assistive device is needed (mobility, self-care, balance, communication, cognitive capacity, etc.).
Objective measurements/tests. Indicate the results of the tests used to assess functional status and body functions/structure (e.g., Braden scale, balance/walking tests, etc.).
Activity performance without an assistive device. How the person currently performs the specific activity without an assistive device (difficulties, risks, time, distances).
Expected benefit with the assistive device. How the assistive device will help perform the respective activity (safety, endurance, distance, pain reduction, reduction of care burden).
Purpose of use. A specific and measurable goal (e.g., “Safe mobility in the environment up to 500 m without risk of falling”).
Specifications/parameters (if known). Indicate the essential parameters to consider in procurement or selection (e.g., wheelchair seat width/depth, handle height, orthosis size, etc.).
If a new technical aid is needed due to anthropometric changes, the report must specify:
What exactly has changed: weight (+/− x kg), height (+ x cm), angle of deformation (+ x°), etc.
What no longer fits in the existing assistive device: specific discrepancies (e.g., “seat width 40 cm is too narrow; 45 cm is needed”).
What parameters are needed going forward: new sizes/settings (e.g., seat depth, orthosis size, handle height).
If the assistive device needs to be changed due to improvement or deterioration in functioning, please explain:
What has changed since receipt (muscle strength, balance, endurance, self-care, frequency of falls, etc.).
What assistive device is currently needed and why (e.g., transition from a mobility table to a four-wheeled rollator due to improved balance).
Assistive devices must be mutually compatible and suitable for the person's functional profile. If a functional bed and an anti-decubitus mattress are indicated, recommending a four-wheeled rollator without a clear purpose raises doubts about the accuracy of the assessment and should be re-evaluated.
• For one activity, the state only reimburses for one assistive device.
For example, one cannot receive both a toilet chair and a toilet riser at the same time, nor both a rollator and a walking frame, as they serve the same purpose.
• Exception: if the assistive device is necessary for obtaining education or performing work duties, by submitting the relevant certificate (original), a person may have two wheelchairs in use simultaneously (for example, one for home use, the other for school or work).
Requirements for receiving individual technical aids
In order to receive individual technical aids, the necessity and application must be detailed in the opinion, along with the submission of additional documents.
The Braden scale must be completed to determine the need for a functional bed, bedside table, or pressure relief mattresses. The person must have an opinion from the State Commission of Health and Working Ability Experts (VDEĀVK) regarding the need for special care.
Requirements for receiving individual technical aids
For a person to receive certain technical aids, the doctor’s opinion must clearly state:
- why the assistive device is needed
- how the person will use it in daily life
The person must also submit additional documents.
The Braden scale is a special questionnaire. The doctor fills it out to understand whether the person needs:
- a functional bed
- a bedside table
- a mattress for pressure relief
The person also needs a document from the State Commission of Health and Working Ability Experts (VDEĀVK). This document must state that the person requires special care.
To receive a mobile lift for transferring individuals, the person must have a VDEĀVK issued opinion for special care. The opinion must describe how the person changes positions (lying down, sitting), transfers, and whether they can independently maintain a sitting position. The mobile lift is intended for individuals who are unable to change their body position and move themselves.
When recommending a customized car seat, the opinion must describe the person's head and trunk control, as well as indicate why this assistive device is necessary. The person receives the customized car seat with a co-payment.
When applying for an automatic positive airway pressure therapy device (APAP) or a continuous positive airway pressure therapy device (CPAP), the report must specify the device parameters and additionally submit the examination result sheet indicating the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). An APAP or CPAP device funded by the state budget is entitled to individuals whose AHI index is no less than 15.
Requirements for receiving individual orthoses and orthopedic shoes
Requirements to receive various orthoses and orthopedic shoes
Additional rehabilitation/prophylactic or therapeutic ready-made orthopedic shoes are provided for use if a larger volume orthosis is prescribed.
Example: needed for a person who uses an ankle-foot orthosis with an ankle joint.
If a larger volume orthosis is not available, other orthopedic shoes are needed, such as therapeutic ready-made shoes for individuals with severe foot or ankle deformities, movement disorders, etc.
No additional receipt of orthopedic shoes is planned.
Not available without an assistive device.
When issuing a recommendation for a joint, it must be indicated which assistive device it is intended for.
Various types of assistive devices are available for different anatomical level parameters, including:
knee joint assistive device with free biaxial knee joint;
knee joint assistive device with knee contracture joint with adjustable angle;
other components.
The type of orthosis (soft, hard, or compression), anatomical level, and purpose of use must be specified.
Only individually manufactured orthoses can be obtained with state budget funds.
The type and medical justification must be specified for compression orthoses.
Orthoses that fall into the orthosis group and have enhanced functionality are issued only if the required orthosis is not included in the list of technical aids funded by the state budget.
These orthoses are available only with a co-payment. When applying for the receipt of a technical aid, the person must indicate in the application that the orthosis will be received with a co-payment.
An additional opinion must be attached to the multiprofessional medical rehabilitation team’s opinion, which must specify:
the characterization of the person's functioning;
the justification for the need for the technical aid;
changes in dynamics;
the type of technical aid required according to the ISO 9999 classification;
description of the technical aid;
purpose of use;
information about the rehabilitation plan and the tactics of the technical aid integration process.
Receiving an assistive device urgently
When applying for the urgent receipt of an assistive device, the person's application must be accompanied by a document that certifies the right to receive the assistive device on a priority basis.
Receiving an assistive device urgently
If a person wants to receive an assistive device urgently, they must attach documents.
The person must attach a document that shows they have the right to receive the assistive device first.
persons with primary functional disabilities;
persons with predictable disabilities;
children;
pregnant women with changes in anthropometric indicators;
employed persons and learners.
medical card extract (form No. 027/u) or discharge summary (not older than 6 months);
certificate from the educational institution (original);
certificate from the workplace (original, not older than 1 month);
individual rehabilitation plan (in case of anticipated disability).
+371 67 552 350
vtpc@nrc.lv
