People lose limbs, eyes, jawbones and other parts due to accident or disease, necessitating the use of a prosthetic device. Doctors custom fit prosthetic hands, feet, legs, and arms and then teach patients how to use them. Products can be tailored to infants and small children and even animals. Reconstructive prosthetic devices take the place of facial bones and breasts as well.

Some hospitals and clinics provide prosthetic fitting as part of their overall health care. Some contract the service to a specialty office. Whether a provider hires in-house staff or contracts someone else, the provider considers the needs of the patient first. Whether adding prosthetics to an existing health care practice or beginning a new practice, consider the following:

1. Find prosthetics specialists in your area.

2. Explore the types of prosthetics available.

3. Hire your own prosthetics technicians and experts.

4. Examine the prosthetics industry for trends and advancements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find prosthetics industry news to enhance your practice

Advanced technicians create very realistic looking and performing prosthetics. Skilled doctors and technicians develop techniques for fitting the patient and assist patients in using their new device. Reliable prosthetics information will help the health care industry identify the best quality provider for their patients.

I recommend: The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists writes news about this very specialized field and provides prosthetics list and a prosthetics directory of its members. OandP.com compiles a register of prosthetic providers and news about the industry. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics offers professional certification for employees of this industry.

Identify the most reliable prosthetics provider available

Compare different suppliers for the same type of device to identify its features. Be aware that customers may be limited to what their insurance will cover.

I recommend: Hanger Inc. provides a broad range of prosthetics service at 600 clinics across the United States. Hanger also gives advice on how to choose a provider.Real Life Prosthetics manufactures state-of-the-art prosthetics for knees, ankles, spines, shoulders, elbows, and other body parts. TRS designs a complete line of prosthetic devices, including a unique product line for infants and children. Hosmer makes prosthetic skin and other unique prosthetic devices.

Investigate prosthetics information to stay current with the latest industry developments

Choose specialists with good bedside manner, a sense of humor and compassion, as well as technical skills and knowledge. Look at available assistance to new and established patients. Study new designs in prosthetic appliances to understand what is available.

I recommend: The American Amputee Foundation provides a list of clinics that specialize in children's prosthetic application. The National Amputation Foundation provides prosthetics benefits to veterans and offers useful tips on coping with the loss of a limb. Prosthetic Designers.com compiles links to specialized products designed by and for amputees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay informed of issues related to prosthetics. The National Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics provides a resource for patients who encounter obstacles to getting the care they need and for providers to understand their problems. The organization advocates public policy that favors the prosthetics industry.