More than 80% of Americans research health-related topics online. Around 20% of people look up specific hospitals and doctors. Most people tend to do their homework when it comes to picking a doctor or a hospital. The same needs to be done for a prosthetist.
After all, a prosthetist is there to help you regain your mobility, stay active, and take care of your body. Not to mention, prosthetics need to be regularly checked and maintained in order to function properly. That’s why picking the right prosthetist is such a delicate process.
Today, we’re going to talk about:
- What makes a good prosthetist
- How to formulate your questions
- Questions you should ask your prosthetist
Here’s what you need to know…
What to Look For in a Prosthetist?
Let’s start with the most obvious question: what does a prosthetist do? Of course, you already know that it’s the person who makes prosthetics. But is that all? Not at all. They’re also there to give examinations, talk to patients, and advise them on how to take care of their prosthetics.
While different prosthetics providers offer different things, you should look for:
- A person with at least a decade of experience
- Someone who has shown dedication to patients
- A professional with access to advanced technology
- Prosthetics provider with an in-house design team
- A clinic that’s not too far away from your home
Some prosthetic providers don’t actually make their own devices. Even if that’s the case, you should look for someone that has a good relationship with the manufacturer and that can have them make corrections in a timely manner.
Asking the Prosthetist the Right Questions
Medical devices like prosthetics and orthotics can’t be taken lightly, not by the patient or the prosthetist. That’s why, the first time you go and visit one, you need to have questions prepared in advance. A good prosthetist will have the will and patience to answer all of them.
Once you do your research online, you’ll be able to narrow down a couple of prosthetic providers. Make a list, contact them one by one, and conduct interviews over the phone. Some of the more important questions you should ask include:
- What does the process of getting patients fitted with prosthetics look like?
- How can they make sure that the device fits your body correctly?
- If something happens, will they help you fix the prosthetic device?
- What are some of the insurance or payment options they offer?
- Can they provide the info of previous patients you can talk to?
5 Things to Know Before Choosing a Prosthetist
We talked about the qualities a prosthetist should have and the questions you need to ask them. And now, let’s see what are some of the things you need to ask yourself. Here’s what you need to know before selecting your prosthetist….
1. What’s the Level of Your Amputation?
The level of your amputation affects a lot of things. In case your leg has been amputated above the knee, then, joint movement of the knee and ankle is important. Above-knee prosthesis takes longer to design and build. Also, it might require more adjustments in subsequent visits. The same goes for above the elbow amputations. The more severe your amputation is, the more complicated the entire procedure will be.
2. Are You Looking for Form or Function?
Not everyone has the same priorities. While some people love to exercise, others don’t care too much about it. So it’s your choice if you want to look into sports prosthetics that will help you with your performance or if you want a realistic-looking prosthetic. A prosthetic that will help you run won’t be aesthetically suitable for a night out and vice versa.
3. What Are the Activities You Want To Do?
As we keep saying, a prosthetic limb is a tool. That’s why your choice heavily depends on your aspirations. What are some of the activities you’d like to take part in? Do you want to go out running or do you enjoy walks more? Do you have any ambitions of competing in a sports tournament at any point in time? Ask yourself all of these questions before visiting a prosthetist.
4. Is the Office Location Convenient For You?
The office should be near you for a number of reasons. For instance, if you’re just learning how to put on a prosthetic leg, it’s far more convenient to have a medical professional around the corner than a few hours away. In this situation, traveling long distances isn’t convenient at all. For that reason, you should look up local offices first. Only if you’re not satisfied with their offering or services, should you start looking further away from your home.
5. How Much Money Are You Ready to Spend?
The last important dilemma is how much money should you spend on a prosthetic limb. If you’re looking for performance and endurance, you’ll have to spend more money. For example, carbon fiber prosthetics cost a lot more than plastic ones. If you don’t have insurance or enough savings for an expensive prosthetic, you can start with a less advanced one at first. Then, when you save up some money, buy a high-quality one.
Finding a Prosthetist You Can Trust!
Picking the right provider is crucial when it comes to having a prosthesis designed and manufactured. Your prosthetist will fit you with a tool that will allow you to live comfortably for years, if not decades — a tool that will give you the lifestyle you want.
Even though having a local prosthetist doesn’t always equal quality, you should look for providers near you. If you live in Wisconsin and you’re in a need of a good prosthetist, you should look no further than Align Clinic.
They offer pain-free prosthetics, experienced providers, and a friendly staff that will make you feel totally comfortable. If you want to visit the Align Clinic, contact our office, and schedule an appointment with one of our medical professionals.
