Choosing A
Prosthetist or Orthotist
While the average person might not even know
what a prosthetist or orthotist is, for those
people who rely on their expertise, choosing
such a practitioner becomes a very important
decision. The success and progress of an
individual’s rehabilitation depends largely on
the skill, knowledge and experience of your
practitioner.
Prosthetists are healthcare professionals who
design, produce and fit artificial limbs
(prostheses) for people who have lost a limb
through congenital deformity, disease, or
traumatic injury. Orthotists are healthcare
professionals who make and fit braces (orthoses)
and splints for people who need added support or
adjustment for weakened joints or muscles caused
by disease, injury or physical disorders. Both
prosthetists and orthotists receive special
education and training through undergraduate
programs and apprenticeships.
Prosthetists and orthotists can be certified
by either the American Board for Certification
in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC), or the
Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC).
Both credentialing organizations work to ensure
that practitioners are fully competent in the
area/s in which they are practicing.
However, because each person’s goals and
lifestyles are unique, ultimately the
prosthetist or orthotist that an individual
chooses must meet his or her needs, in addition
to being certified. Therefore, it may be helpful
to first determine what expectations, goals, and
level of support you have before beginning a
search for a practitioner:
- What activities do you believe you
must be able to perform after receiving a
prosthesis or orthosis?
- What activities do you expect to
be able to perform after receiving a
prosthesis or orthosis?
- Will you need a physical therapist
or an occupational therapist?
- What financial support do you
have?
- What support will your family and
friends be willing or able to provide?
- Is there a support group in the
area that can assist you?
While your physician or therapist may suggest
a prosthetist or orthotist, the choice is
ultimately yours, as their patient. If your
physician or therapist wishes to refer you to a
certain prosthetist or orthotist, ask why they
are recommending this particular practitioner or
company. Certainly there can be more than one
excellent provider of prosthetics and orthotics
in your area, and you should be able to make an
informed decision about which provider is best
for you.
When you begin your search, make certain that
the prosthetist or orthotist is a certified
practitioner with experience in fitting patients
who have the same level of amputation or injury
as yours. He or she should be professional,
reliable and very familiar with the latest
treatment techniques. Because you will most
likely develop a long relationship with him or
her, you should select a practitioner with a
comfortable rapport who is willing to meet with
you to discuss your goals, lifestyle, and
specific concerns.
Before deciding on a prosthetist or orthotist,
you may wish to talk to some of his or her other
patients who are about the same age and have
similar amputation or injury levels as you do.
Ask them about their experiences with the
company and what their satisfaction level has
been with the prosthesis or orthosis that they
received.
Remember that you should also be looking at
the qualifications of the prosthetics and/or
orthotics company where a practitioner is
employed. The company must be reputable and the
facility itself should be accredited by the
American Board for Certification. A facility
must meet five distinct categories of criteria
to be accredited by the ABC:
- organization, governance and
administrative management
- professional staff qualifications and
responsibilities
- patient care management
- quality assessment and improvement
- facility and safety management
When searching for a prosthetic and orthotic
provider, ask how long the company has been in
business, and what their procedures are for
addressing complaints or problems. Consider the
company’s proximity to your home since most
custom-made devices require several visits for
fitting and follow-up visits for adjustments and
maintenance. And perhaps most importantly,
determine if the facility is on your insurance
company’s list of preferred providers?
Once you have selected a practitioner, you
need to realize that the two of you share
responsibility for producing a prosthetic or
orthotic device that fits and functions
optimally. Make your personal priorities known
to your practitioner at the initial meeting. Do
you want to be able to run or be athletic, or do
you simply want to be able to walk and take care
of daily tasks? Is it important for you to be
able to remove the device quickly and easily?
Does the prosthesis or orthosis need to be
cosmetically attractive? Ask your practitioner
to discuss available options with you and guide
you towards the best choices. By sharing
responsibility with your practitioner for your
care, the chance for misunderstandings and
disappointments is diminished.
Keep in mind that continuity of care is
important. It will take time to reach your goals
and to perfect the fit of the prosthesis or
orthosis. By establishing a good relationship
with your practitioner early on, you will
benefit later when adjustments or new devices
are required.
