Who decides what type of Prosthesis I need?
A physician prescribes all prosthetic devices. Your prescription is then taken to the facility of your choice where you will be evaluated, cast, measured and fit. (Some prescriptions are very specific as to the type or brand of device to be fit.) The Practitioner at this facility will explain the doctor’s prescription to you and discuss your lifestyle and requirements. In some cases, insurance companies decide the brand or the type of device that they will reimburse for. In any case, the practitioner will discuss your options with you – just ask. What is the difference between a Temporary Prosthesis and a Permanent Prosthesis? A Temporary Prosthesis is usually fit as early as 2 days after amputation. This is your training leg and it is normally used for 2-9 months. It does not have a cosmetic shaped cover. This prosthesis is usually made out of material that is easy to grind, heat or reform as your limb will be changing, due to swelling and shrinking. A Permanent Prosthesis is “finishe
