You and Your Prosthetist:
Making the Relationship Count

The best prosthetist for you is a person you trust, who is experienced and ethical and who has credentials that make you feel secure. This qualifi ed professional will provide you with a prosthesis geared to your lifestyle for safe, dependable use and comfortable fi t. A successful relationship with your prosthetist, however, requires open and honest communication and the patience, persistence, and willingness to work on problems until they are resolved.

What Should I Know before I Choose a Prosthetist?

First, it is a good idea to identify your needs. Discuss your options with your physician, therapist or other special-
ists. Decide what is most important to you, such as your vocation, leisure activities, hobbies, recreational inter-
ests, etc.

• Gather information on what is available and appropriate for your level of functioning and type of amputation.
• Make a list of your goals based on your lifestyle and needs.
• Consider other medical problems that might affect performance, circulation or healing. Make sure these are being monitored and considered as part of your plan.

How Do I Locate Services?

A list of practitioners is available from the Amputee Coalition, your rehabilitation team, a local amputee support group (if one is available), or your peer visitor.

How Should I Choose?

The relationship you develop with your prosthetist is very important. It is important to choose a prosthetic office that is convenient. Often, there will be multiple visits during the manufacturing process and later for routine adjustments and maintenance. Your initial impressions and instincts about whether you can work successfully with a prosthetist are important. This long-term relationship requires open, honest communication and a willingness to solve problems together. There are many factors to consider:

• How do staff talk to patients?
  - Are staff members helpful with phone calls, appointments, billing and customer service?
• How convenient is the facility?
  - Are there accessible restrooms and parking?
  - How is the general atmosphere regarding cleanliness and comfort?
• Are educational materials and patient resources visible and available.
  - Did the prosthetist offer you information to read explaining options?
  - Is there an interest in all aspects of your adjustment or just delivering a device?

What Should I Ask the Prosthetist?

It is important that the first meeting with the prosthetist be informative. You should note whether he or she showed interest in your concerns. Does he or she listen and try to address your concerns honestly? You must ask every question that comes to mind and express every concern or fear. If you are not treated as part of the team now, don’t expect your needs to be addressed later.

Questions To Ask the Prosthetist

• What are your credentials and training?
• What is your experience fitting people with my particular type of limb loss?
• Do you have other patients with an amputation like mine that I could meet or talk to about their experience?
• Are videos available for me to view other amputees with the same type of prosthesis?
• What about prosthetic repairs and follow-up service?

Do Your Homework

• Receive a list of prosthetists in your area from the Amputee Coalition.
• Visit and interview several local practitioners and facilities.
• Check references.
• Ask questions of other amputees.

Questions To Ask Yourself

• Was the prosthetist reliable?
• Did he or she provide the services and care promised?
• Did he or she communicate with other team members (your physician, therapist, etc.)?
• Has training or therapy been offered to assist you in making the most of your new limb?
• Did the prosthetist or therapist work with you until you were satisfied with the level of comfort and function?
  - If you had a problem, were you able to discuss it openly and did you feel that your practitioner really “listened”?
  - What steps were taken toward a satisfactory resolution?
• Does the quality of the prosthesis or components used meet your expectations?
  - Were prosthetic components and options discussed with you and explained to your satisfaction?
• Are you able to function adequately in your daily activities?
• Were billing and charges in line with what you were promised?
• Did your insurance coverage get handled satisfactorily?
• Would you recommend this practitioner or facility to another patient?
  - If not, why?
  - Did you discuss this with the practitioner?

Final Note:

A prosthesis will not totally replace every quality and function of the limb you lost. If anyone tells you it will, or if you expect it to, then you may be very disappointed! What you need to seek is a knowledgeable, competent practitioner who is sensitive to your needs, lifestyle and priorities. Together you can work as a team to find the correct balance of function, appearance and comfort required. Together you will meet challenges as you become more active and demanding in your use of the device. In the end, you will grow and solve problems together by applying new information and technology as it is available.

Be realistic about your expectations. Also, be patient with yourself and your team. Progress will be measured inch by inch and you must learn to walk before you can run. There are no miracles - only people who persist in seeking and working toward a goal.

© Amputee Coalition. Local reproduction for use by Amputee Coalition constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included. Organizations or individuals wishing to reprint this article in other publications, including other World Wide Web sites must contact the Amputee Coalition for permission o do so.