The Choice Is Yours
When choosing an orthotist or prosthetist, you will want to select one who has a high level of technical knowledge and skill fabricating and/or fitting orthotic or prosthetic devices.
Practitioners who have been certified by the American Board for Certification (ABC) have demonstrated their abilities in these areas by qualifying for and passing a rigorous examination process. There are nearly 3,100 certifees nationwide.
What is ABC and How Can I Tell If a Practitioner Is Certified?
In 1948 the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC) was founded to encourage and promote high standards and to develop competence and professionalism.
Practitioners whose education and experience meet ABC requirements are eligible to take the examination. Those who pass receive certificates in their discipline. These must be renewed each year to maintain good standing.
In addition, practitioners who have been certified by ABC since 1987 must fulfill certain recertification requirements every five years. Most primary among these requirements is the attainment of 75 credits of continuing education every five years.
A certified practitioner can be identified by the credentials CP, CO, or CPO. Certification may be in either prosthetics (CP), orthotics (CO), or both (CPO).
What Else Is Important?
Choosing an orthotist or prosthetist is a very individual decision. However, consideration of the following factors may help you to narrow the field:
Experience, Education, and Technical Skills: When an ABC certified practitioner is consulted, you can be assured of receiving your rehabilitative care from someone who has met the high and detailed standards determined essential by ABC.
Another reason to choose a certified practitioner is that only those who are ABC certified are invited to become members of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
The Academy is the professional society of orthotists and prosthetists and has some 1,600 members. Orthotists and prosthetists who display the Academy symbol have pledged their support to the very highest standards of professionalism and patient care ethics.
Practitioners can keep their skills and education up to date through publications and continuing education courses offered by the Academy.
Professional Manner: You and your orthotist/prosthetist are partners in your rehabilitation so you will want to have a comfortable working relationship in which your individual needs are understood.
Location: As you will need to return regularly for adjustments and evaluations, you will want to find a facility that is conveniently located.
Facility: Is the facility clean and comfortable? Is parking adequate? What are the business hours? Is someone available for emergencies?
Recommendations: Your doctor or therapist may have already recommended a practitioner. If not, another excellent resource for recommendations is a local support group. You can also call ABC at (703) 836-7114. Written requests should be sent to ABC, 1650 King St., Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Finances: You are paying for both a product and a professional service. Check to see if the charges are inclusive or if there will be extras. Ask about the payment schedule and make sure that you understand about both private insurance coverage and Medicare benefits to which you may be entitled.
An Ongoing Relationship
During the fitting and fabrication phases of your treatment you will have frequent visits for adjustments or training.
After this initial stage, however, you will continue to have a long-term relationship with your orthotist or prosthetist. There will be a periodic evaluations of your progress, and you will want to keep in contact to discuss any problems that may arise.
The prosthetist/orthotist you choose will be available to provide care or consultation whenever you need assistance.
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