WHAT TO EXPECT
Your doctor has now prescribed your device and we are about to begin our portion of your rehabilitation process. In order to keep on schedule, keeping appointments is imperative.
If you can not make your appointment or are running late, please call us at (804) 649-9043. If you have specific questions, it may be helpful to jot them down and bring the list with you.
- 1st Appointment: You will complete a patient information sheet and given an explanation of our financial policy and a Patient Care Folder. Your practitioner will examine you, evaluate your condition, and may assess the strength and range of motion of legs and/or arms. Dependent on the outcome and after discussion about your prescription you will be measured and a cast or a digital scan will be taken of your limb. At the end of this visit, a second visit will be scheduled for approximately one week later. You are asked to bring shoes for fitting process during 2nd appointment and loose fitting pants or shorts, making donning of your device easier. Shoe styles and heel heights will be discussed at the first appointment. The entire visit should last about one hour.
- 2nd Appointment: Your practitioner will check the fit of your device via a clear diagnostic socket, and he will evaluate the patient’s ability to bear weight, stand, and walk on device. You are asked to leave shoe for affected side and reminded to wear loose fitting pants or shorts, making donning of prosthesis easier for the delivery process during your next appointment. At the end of this visit, a third appointment will be scheduled for approximately one week later. The entire visit should last about one hour.
- 3rd Appointment: Your practitioner will fit and align prosthesis. Hospital Patients are fit in clinic or physical therapy where the prescription was issued. Depending upon outcome of this fit, device may be delivered to patient. Cosmetic application of device may be delivered if prescribed. At this appointment your practitioner will instruct and give you a written handout on proper donning and doffing, sock fitting, gel liner applications, and hygiene. Additionally, a wearing schedule tailored to the abilities of each patient will be given. At the end of this visit, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for approximately one week later. The entire visit should last about one hour.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow up appointments may be scheduled to check the fit and alignment following delivery. The first follow-up for one week from date of delivery, second follow-up three months from date of delivery, third follow-up 1 year from date of delivery. At minimum, you should visit your practitioner for an evaluation every six months to one year.
This schedule is a guide only. Since Powell Orthotics & Prosthetics uses the most up to date methods and state of the art equipment, many times we are able to significantly reduce the number of initial visits necessary and still give you the best fit possible. Please keep us updated of any medical problems or changes to your overall condition. Your physician may prescribe new or alter medications you are currently taking. Please make us aware of any medications you use they could affect your fit. Your physician and practitioner will decide which type of device will best suite your particular needs. He/she will work with the other members of your clinical team to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your device. You will continue to work with your practitioner over a lifetime for repairs, adjustments, and replacement devices.