Fall Prevention at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons Powered by Safe Balance

Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons prioritizes patient safety and understands the risks of falls. Following guidance from CMS and the CDC’s STEADI initiative, we have implemented the Safe Balance program to enhance fall prevention eorts.

If a fall risk assessment is recommended for your care plan, you will fill out a brief survey on  tablet. Following completion of the survey, you will complete a safe and short balance test. Your provider will review the results, analyze your risk factors, and create a personalized plan to help prevent future falls.

What is Safe Balance?

Safe Balance is a comprehensive fall prevention solution designed to help individuals maintain their balance, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of falls. Falls can significantly impact a person’s independence and quality of life, but we offer a proactive approach to preventing them. 

By presenting patients with a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs, we can identify three main areas of risk – physical, environmental and psychological/medicinal. 

Using Safe Balance technology, we help empower you to move confidently, reduce your fear of falling, and enjoy a healthier, more stable way of life. With Safe Balance, you will receive the resources, education, and care you need to stay safe, strong, and mobile for years to come.

SafeBalance FAQ’s

Q1: Is this test required in order to receive treatment/care from my provider? 

A: No, this assessment is not at all required. We are offering this additional service to enhance fall prevention efforts.

Q2: Is this assessment free?

 A: The Safe Balance assessment is billed to your insurance separately from your office visit and services rendered during your appointment. If your plan includes copays or deductibles—especially for PT/OT visits—those will apply. For details, please consult your insurance provider.

Q3: Will my insurance be billed for this?

 A: Yes. This assessment may appear on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) under Therapy Codes (CPT 97750) and may be subject to copays or deductibles. This may also count toward your total allowed therapy visits. Please check with your insurance provider.

Q4: Does insurance cover this? Is there a copay? 

A: Coverage varies from plan to plan. If your plan includes copays or deductibles—especially for PT/OT visits—those will apply. For details, please consult your insurance provider. 

Q5: Why weren’t these questions part of the online forms I already filled out?

 A: The online forms gather general medical information. The Safe Balance assessment is a separate, specialized tool used during your visit to collect specific fall risk data.

Q6: Why am I being asked these questions?

 A: These questions are based on CDC STEADI guidelines and help identify current or emerging fall risks—some of which may not be visible yet. Your provider recommends this to support your safety and long-term mobility. For more information, visit the CDC’s Website: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/about/index.html 

Q7: I feel fine — do I really need this?

 A: Yes. Even healthy adults benefit from a fall risk baseline. It allows your provider to detect small changes early and tailor your care appropriately.

Q8: Why is this test being performed?

 A: This test helps identify both current and potential fall risks. You’ll receive a personalized report with clinical recommendations to improve safety and mobility. Preventing falls is a key goal in maintaining your independence and well-being.

Q9: Why are you doing this if I don’t have balance issues?

 A: The assessment evaluates more than balance—it reviews factors like medication, neurological function, and mobility to support prevention, recovery, and healthy aging.

Q10: What happens if I perform poorly?

 A: Your provider will review the results and may recommend physical therapy, strength-building exercises, home safety tips, or referrals to specialists as needed.

Fall Facts:

• “Each year, there are about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.”
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web–based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. Accessed March 11, 2024.
    
    
• “While not all falls result in an injury, about 37% of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted their activity for at least one day.”
  • Moreland, B, Kakara, R, & Henry, A. Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged≥ 65 Years—United States, 2012–2018. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2020 Jul 10;69(27):875–881. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr6927a5.
    
    
• “Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.”
  • Vellas BJ, Wayne SJ, Romero LJ, Baumgartner RN, Garry PJ. Fear of falling and restriction of mobility in elderly fallers. Age Ageing. 1997 May;26(3):189–193. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/26.3.189.