New patients, most of whom reside in northwestern Pennsylvania, southwestern New York, and northeastern Ohio, are invited to visit the offices to familiarize themselves with Carter's services and to meet the staff.
      At Carter Orthopedics, patients are treated by a team member dedicated to their care and rehabilitation. Staff members make assessments of patients' needs based on the physician's prescription, then discuss it with the patient. The best design is then determined based on the patient's needs, functional level, and goals. The prosthesis is delivered in the most cost-effective manner possible without sacrificing quality or service.
      Initial evaluation and follow-up appointments are provided at no charge. A new patient is contacted within 24 hours of the initial order, and generally fitted with a preparatory prosthesis within a week. Private consultation and fitting rooms are maintained, along with a demonstration area for patient acclimation, since patient education is a definite priority.
      Carter Orthopedics administrative staff is well-trained and knowledgeable. They handle patient scheduling, record-keeping, and billing for all types of insurance.

• MISSION STATEMENT
      Every patient will be supplied with a product of the highest quality and optimal fit. It is our belief that a totally custom-manufactured orthosis or prosthesis is the finest available and assures the best in patient care.
      We believe in providing this high-quality care in a timely manner. All calls and inquiries will be responded to politely and professionally.
      If you have questions, call the staff at any of Carter Orthopedics' three locations. You may arrange to visit their facilities and learn firsthand why Carter Orthopedics has a reputation for expert patient care, quality workmanship, and optimism.

• ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS
Joe Carter is an adjunct professor at Gannon University, and lectures about orthotics and prosthetics at Mercyhurst College and the University of Pittsburgh's Titusville campus. He is president and program chairman for the Pennsylvania Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics.

• PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Carter Orthopedics maintains active memberships in the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), Pennsylvania Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), Pennsylvania Orthotic and Prosthetic Society, American Amputee Foundation, National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Amputee Foundation and Support Group of Erie, and Amputee Coalition of America.

• LOCAL AFFILIATIONS
Erie Chamber of Commerce, Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club of Titusville

• AWARD AND COMMENDATIONS
Carter Orthopedics received Gannon University's 1996 Service Business of the Year Award, and was recently named a fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). In September, Joe Carter accepted on behalf of Carter Orthopedics the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association 1998 Fellowship Award.