SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Christina Bueide, COTA/L, who has worked as a certified occupational therapy assistant at the RehabCenter at Regional West Medical Center for the past 14 years, was recently named Occupational Therapy Assistant of the Year by the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association. She was recognized for her efforts and determination on securing Medicaid funding for state-of-the-art durable medical equipment.

Bueide participated in continuing education through a national company that provided training on a state-of-the-art treatment approach for persons with neurological injury. The company had a policy of not accepting Medicaid funding because of its experience with Medicaid reimbursement on the East Coast, but Bueide challenged the company on its policy because of her knowledge of Medicaid funding in the state of Nebraska.

"Christina spent the better part of one month during her spare time conversing directly between the national company vice president and equipment vendors in western Nebraska. Finally, the national company reached an agreement with an equipment vendor in Chadron, Nebraska, and a test case was established. Funding for the DME was established and accepted by the national company," said Bueide’s supervisor, Theresa Olson, OTL/L. "Without Christina’s willingness and ability to stay on top of this project, the company’s policy would still be in effect and a Nebraska resource left untouched. Even worse, Nebraskans with neurological deficits would be left underserved."

"I am very honored to have received this award," said Bueide. "I just try to do what is right for our patients. Regardless of the patient’s financial class, every patient should be able to benefit from this new equipment."

Bueide lives in Gering with her husband, Mike, and three children, Molly, Alyson and Andrew.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.