© 2011 Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics
316 Sherman Street ~ Watertown, NY Phone: (315) 786-8973
WHAT THE PROCESS ENTAILS:
The following information should give you a better understanding of what to expect when coming to our office for services.
Scheduling an appointment:
Generally we see patients by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 786-8973. The receptionist will ask you for the following information when scheduling your appointment:
• What type of orthotic or prosthetic device/services do you require?
• Do you have a prescription?
• What type of insurance do you have?
Your First Visit/ Initial Evaluation:
At your first office visit you will need to fill out some paperwork, so we ask that you arrive five to ten minutes before your appointment.
The practitioner who will be seeing you will show you to one of our private patient rooms. It is at this initial visit that your practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical condition and assess your prosthetic/orthotic needs. He will ask you several questions about your health/medical condition, as well as questions about your occupation, lifestyle, goals, interests and activity level. Depending on what type of device your physician has prescribed and your medical condition, there are oftentimes a variety of components to choose from, each with specific features designed to meet different needs. That is why it is so important to provide as much information as possible when the practitioner conducts the initial evaluation. If necessary, the practitioner may also consult with your physician and/or therapist when determining the most appropriate device and components.
Bringing another person with you is always a good idea. They will help you to recall conversations, instructions and will probably ask questions you may not have thought to ask.
- Prescription from your Doctor
- Insurance Information
- X-rays (if requested)
- A family member or close friend.
Casting:
Once the practitioner has conducted their initial evaluation, and if it has been determined that your medical condition is such that you are ready to proceed to the next step in the process, he or she may cast or measure you for the prosthesis/orthotics that you need. The determination of which method is used, casting or taking measurements, is based upon the type of device you will be receiving. The casting process consists of the practitioner taking a plaster impression of your limb or residual limb using Plaster bandages. The practitioner removes the cast from your limb once it has dried, and then utilizes this cast when fabricating your device. Before you leave our office, we will schedule an appointment for you to return for your initial fitting.
What Information Should I Bring:
The following items should be brought with you for your first appointment:
Initial Fitting
When you return to our office for your initial fitting, the practitioner will have you try on the device to determine if it fits properly and functions as it should. The practitioner will make any adjustments to your device as necessary. Depending on the type of device you are receiving and the complexity involved in adjusting or modifying it, the adjustments may be made immediately while you are at our office. However, some adjustments/modifications are more complicated and require more time to complete. If that is the case, you may have to return to our office for an additional or final fitting.
Final Fitting/Delivery
At the final fitting/delivery appointment, your practitioner will make any final adjustments that are necessary for your device to fit and function properly. Generally you will receive your device at this time and be able to take it home. The number of office visits that are required from your initial visit until the time you receive your device generally depends on the type of device you have been prescribed as well as your individual circumstances. Fittings, adjustments and modifications are specialized procedures that require expert skills from the practitioner, as well as patience and cooperation from the patient. We ask that you keep this in mind when going through the process so that we may provide you with a device that fits properly and allows you to function to your fullest potential.
Follow-Up Care
When you receive your orthotics or prosthesis, a follow-up visit will be scheduled to make sure the device is working properly and you are wearing it correctly. Additional follow-up visits and maintenance appointments will also be scheduled, based on the type of device and your individual needs.
Below are a few resources that may be available to you:
Limbs for Life Foundation - The mission of this organization is to benefit amputees by promoting advanced research and to provide comfortable and fully functional prosthetic care for individuals who cannot otherwise afford it. 888-235-5462, 405-843-5174.www.limbsforlife.org.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services - These services are provided by each state and assist people with disabilities to secure jobs in the field of their choice and in some cases providing financial assistance for prosthetic and orthotic devices. Call to schedule an appointment with a counselor to find out what options are available. Phone numbers are listed in local area telephone directories under “Rehabilitation Services” or “Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
The Veteran’s Administration - For veteran’s only. Check local area telephone directories for listings in your area.
The Department of Human Services – State agency which provides assistance for disabled children. A local telephone number can be obtained through the local Department of Human Services office.
Barr Foundation – The mission of the Barr Foundation is to help purchase prosthetic limbs for amputees who cannot afford them. www.oandp.com/barr.
Challenged Athletes Foundation – The Challenged Athletes Foundation assists people with physical disabilities in pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. www.challengedathletes.org.
Crime Victims Fund – This organization is a major funding source of services for victims of a crime. www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/factshts/vocacvf.
Local Non-Profit Agencies/Foundations – Contact your local United Way or Salvation Army for the names of local agencies that might be able to provide assistance.
Various Church Organizations and Civic Clubs – Many churches and civic clubs such as Kiwanis and Rotary are be able, through fundraising efforts, to provide assistance.
Diabetes Association – A telephone number can be found in local area telephone directories.
CareCredit - CareCredit is a GE Money company that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans based on your needs and budget. For more information about CareCredit visit www.carecredit.com.
Banks/Financial Institutions – Equity loans or loans secured by collateral may be available.
Prosthetic Parity
Prosthetic Parity requires commercial health insurance carriers to provide coverage for prosthetic devices and components, including their repair and replacement. This essentially puts prosthetic care on par with other critical medical and surgical services.
Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics, LLC supports our patients’ pursuit of obtaining Prosthetic Parity. We also support the Amputee Coalition of America in their efforts to achieve this goal at state and federal levels.
Read more about Prosthetic Parity below or visit the Amputee Coalition of America website at www.amputee-coalition.org
The Economic Benefits of Prosthetic Coverage
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SUBSEQUENT VISITS:
