As a healthcare professional you may have questions regarding a patient or client. The following are just a few of the answers to commonly asked questions. If your question is concerning something that has not been covered on this page, please contact our office to speak to one of our certified prosthetists, or fill out the form below for a FREE, in-house evaluation.
Is there a charge for an initial evaluation?
No, we will perform an initial evaluation at no charge. If requested, we will give a written plan outlining our course of treatment, also at no charge.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with all workers comp carriers, Medicare, Veterans Administration, BC/BS, industrial and PPO plans. Please call our office to see if we accept a specific carrier.
Can you provide suggestions on proposed amputation levels?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is that we will give our opinion based upon our experiences over the past 30 years and the feedback that we receive from our patients. Our clinicians are available for surgeons who wish us to consult in the operating room as well.
When should my patient be fit with a prosthesis?
We feel that the earliest a patient can be fit with a prosthesis, the better. We utilize the IPOP (Immediate Post Operative Prosthesis) whenever possible. This can be applied as early as the initial amputation to provide protection to the amputated limb and help with the psychological component of limb loss as well. Rehab can start with touchdown weight bearing for lower extremity as soon as the next day. For upper extremity amputations, it is necessary to fit them within the first 30 days to prevent the patient from becoming one handed.
How long will the prosthesis last?
This is dependent upon many factors. The first is the patient's weight. Weight gain or loss will cause them to fit improperly in the prosthesis. This can cause sores, instability or loss of suspension. The second is activity level. If they are in a profession that requires them to lift heavy loads, get excessively dirty or wet, or lift heavy objects, the prosthesis will not last as long as someone with a desk job. On the whole, you can expect a prosthesis to last 2 to 4 years assuming there isn't a significant change in body weight or activity level.
How many prostheses will my patient need?
The answer to that is dependent upon the individual. I like to give the example of shoes. How many shoes do you have? Why? Multiple shoes for different occasions right? Well a prosthesis is similar. First off, it is important that an amputee have a backup prosthesis. If the prosthesis breaks, and they are on vacation, or in the middle of an important job, they must have something to put on until the other prosthesis can be repaired (and walk into the prosthetic clinic with!). Some younger patients may need a sports specific prosthesis that is set up for running or jogging. It may be made of carbon fiber and be without a cosmetic cover so it can get dirty and wet.
How are the prostheses made?
All prosthetic devices are custom made. An image is taken of the remaining limb, either with plaster by hand or digitally by a computer, and a socket is made to properly distribute the patients body weight comfortably. Various gel interfaces and prosthetic components are utilized depending upon the condition of the patients limb and their activity level.
How much does a prosthesis cost?
This is dependent upon the type of componentry utilized in the prosthesis. For example, a mechanical knee costs less than a computerized knee. However, the total cost to rehabilitate a new amputee is much different than the cost of fabricating a single prosthesis for a veteran amputee. It is important to understand that it may take multiple fittings (sockets) to achieve a final definitive prosthesis with a new amputee.
Are all prostheses the same?
No, just like we are all individuals, each limb is custom designed to fit the activity level and lifestyle of the patient that wears it.
How long will it take to make the prosthesis?
It can take as little as 2 days or as long as 2 weeks to make a prosthesis. Different amputation levels can be more complex than others. Also, many people that come to see us are considered "tough fits" due to irregularities or difficult amputation levels. These take longer to fit properly.
How do I schedule an appointment for my patient?
All you have to do is call our office to set up an appointment. We will try to see the patient within 48 hours depending upon available time slots. There is no charge for a second opinion or initial consultation.
Can I get an amputee to visit or talk with my patient?
Yes, we have a peer support program that pairs the new amputee with an experienced amputee of similar age and amputation level. We have found that this helps the new amputee prepare for their amputation or can give them a better understanding of what to expect in the future.
Why don't you do Orthotics as well?
We believe that to become the best in a field it is important to focus 100% of your time to that discipline. Should you need orthotics care, we work closely to an Orthotic facility only minutes away from our office.
What if my patient is from out of town?
Should you be traveling from out of town, we will be happy to help you set up accommodations and travel arrangements. We have teamed up with a local hotel that is only minutes from our facility. Transportation will be provided for those traveling from out of state.
