       |
NEWSLETTERS
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 Fall 2006 Issue |
MANUALS FOR ABOVE-KNEE and BELOW-KNEE AMPUTEES
Written by MPO founder Al Muilenburg and E. Bennett Wilson, these manuals make important information typically provided by an amputee’s treatment team readily accessible. Expectations following the postsurgical period, fitting and fabrication, training, and prosthetic care and maintenance are all detailed.
For more information, contact practitioner Earl Fogler at earl.fogler@muilenburgpando.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. My doctor says I will need an amputation. When should I contact a prosthetist?
A. If you have the time prior to surgery, you can research your options. Begin by asking for referrals from your physician, physical therapist or other specialists who will be working with you.
Knowing who will be providing your prosthetic care in advance can be comforting to you, because you will have the opportunity to talk to a practitioner, visit the facility, and observe the staff.
For qualified care, the practitioner and facility you choose should be certified and accredited by The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).
Q. What makes Muilenburg Prosthetics and Orthotics different from other facilities?
A. We are an established orthotic and prosthetic facility that has been family owned and operated since 1948. Every practitioner is ABC-Certified and attends continuing education seminars and clinics to keep abreast of the latest in technology and patient care. We have patients that travel from areas far outside of Houston and even internationally. Many of our patients have been with us for decades.
Q. Do I need a prescription for your services?
A. You will need a prescription for a prosthesis or an orthosis, but to visit our office for evaluations or follow-ups, no prescription is needed.
Q. How long will it take to get my prosthesis?
A. Usually several weeks. On your first visit, your practitioner will ask you many questions and make a thorough evaluation of your needs. Then, your residual limb will be measured, and fabrication of your prosthesis will begin. Several more visits may be required before the fitting is optimized.
Q. How often should I see my prosthetist?
A. Prosthetic devices need periodic checkups to insure maximum performance, wear, and comfort; generally, twice a year. But an inspection should be performed if any of the following problems arise:
• A loose or uncomfortable fit
• Skin irritation, blisters, or pain on the residual limb
• Squeaking noises
• Cracks, loose parts, or other obvious signs of wear and tear
• Weight gain or loss
• Change in activity level
Q. Does my insurance pay for your services?
A. Insurance covers many orthotic and prosthetic services. Understanding your plan is key to maximizing your benefits. To make sure you are fully aware of what you need to do prior to visiting us, call the number on the back of your insurance identification card, and ask if you need preauthorization for an orthotic/prosthetic product or service.
It’s important to remember that your plan may require pre-authorization. If you do not follow pre-authorization procedures, you may be required to pay a larger portion of the claim, or even all of the costs.
Q. What insurance contracts do you accept?
A. MPO is an approved provider for Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration and most other third party reimbursement sources.
Q. What if I don’t have insurance?
A. If you don’t have insurance, we may be able to refer you to organizations that can help.
We’re here to help in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.
LINKS
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABC)
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO)
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
RESOURCES
Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)
Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA)
Limbs for Life Foundation
Oandp.com
Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund
MANUFACTURERS
Blatchford/Endolite
College Park
Freedom Innovations
Otto Bock HealthCare
Ossur/Flexfoot
Texas Assistive Devices
TRS
