Visit your physician (primary care or PM&R) and explain your need for a prosthetic device. Discuss your desire to ambulate and how having a prosthesis would impact your daily activities of living.
After discussing the desire and benefits of getting a prosthesis with your doctor, they must determine if your residual limb is in the condition to begin the prosthetic fitting process. If your residual limb is healed, your doctor will then need to create a basic prescription stating the prosthesis needed based on your amputation level. For example, a prescription for an individual with a below-the-knee amputation of the right leg would read "unilateral transtibial prosthesis." The doctor can send us the prescription through fax, you can bring in a physical copy of the prescription, or you can give our office a call.
You will then have your initial evaluation with the Prosthetist after scheduling an appointment. During this appointment, the Prosthetist will ask you many questions about your lifestyle, vocation, hobbies, goals and future plans, and expectations for using your prosthesis. An evaluation of your strength and range of motion will be performed and the condition of your residual limb will be examined. Outcome measures will be performed to provide insight into your plan of care. The prosthetist will then put together a Detailed Written Order (DWO) of every component needed to fabricate the prosthesis and a letter to your doctor explaining what they should include in their note.
Your doctor must sign the DWO and develop a physician's note based on the letter we send, sign it, and send it back to us via fax. The signed DWO and note will be used for insurance authorization. We cannot begin the prosthetic fitting process without these documents.
It is important to reach out to your doctor if we have not received these signed documents for an extended period of time so the fitting process is not delayed and you can reach your mobility goals! Additionally, your doctor might require a second appointment if they do not feel confident in developing a note with the details we need.
Once we receive the signed DWO and physician's note from your doctor we will submit for prior authorization if needed and start fabricating your diagnostic socket. During this period, we will measure your residual limb, cast/ or scan, fabricate your diagnostic socket, and test the alignment of the prosthesis.
After receiving authorization (if required) from your insurance provider we can deliver the complete prosthesis.
The following should be discussed in depth with your doctor and must be included in your physician's note:
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