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At Hi-Tech Artificial Limb, we are committed to helping you through the process of finding the right prosthetic limbs. We have compiled a few of our most frequently asked questions to address your concerns. If you have any questions that are not answered here, contact us today and our team will be more than happy to answer them for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a prescription from a physician?
A. Yes, we are required by law to have a prescription from your doctor before we can fabricate a prosthesis. We can perform an initial evaluation without a prescription.
Q. Are your prosthetists and technicians ABC Certified?
A. Yes. With more than 35 years of experience, both of our prosthetists, Jim McClanahan and Shayne Adkins, have completed their prosthetic training at Northwestern University and are certified by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics. All three of our technicians, DeRon Cunliffe, Jason Smith & Barry McClanahan are both Registered Prosthetic Technicians and Certified Prosthetic Assistants thru the American Board for Certification.
Q. When will I get a prosthesis?
A. Generally a few weeks after surgery, when the wound has healed and the tissue swelling has decreased, you will be ready for prosthetic measurements and fitting. This process can be hastened with exercise to increase strength and the use of a shrinker to help shape the residual limb and decrease sensitivity.
Q. Will my insurance pay for my prosthesis?
A. Every insurance policy is different. We will contact your insurance company to help you determine what coverage is provided. We currently accept Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid as well as most commercial insurance plans. Please call us to see if we accept your insurance.
Q. How does a prosthesis work? Will I be able to do all the things I did before I lost my limb?
A. The majority of people who lose a limb can get back to normal within several months. How well they function depends primarily on their goals along with timely, comfortable prosthetic fitting, good follow-up care, and a "can do" attitude from both the patient and the professionals.
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Q. Is it easy to learn to use a prosthesis?
A. Learning to use a prosthesis is a tough job. It takes time, great effort, strength, patience, and perseverance. You will do best by working with a therapist to learn how to handle the new device. You will need guidance on how to...
• Take Care of the Prosthesis
• Put the New Limb on and Take It Off
• Walk on Different Types of Surfaces, Including Stairs and Uneven Terrain
• Handle Emergencies Safely, Including Falling down and Getting up Again
• Perform Daily Activities at Home, at Work, and in the Car
• Investigate New Things You May Be Uncertain Of, Including Sports and
Recreational Activities
Note: We feel it is important to seek out qualified physical or occupational therapists that specialize in prosthetic training. Unfortunately, many people only learn enough basics to do simple tasks and fall short of their prosthetic potential because they don't receive proper training.
Q. Can the limb break down?
A. Yes, things can happen that will require repair or replacement. It's a good idea to know about warranties and what to expect from the person who makes your prosthesis. Get small problems with your prosthesis taken care of promptly. There is no benefit to waiting until something falls apart or causes your skin breakdown or pain. If you wait too long for repairs or replacement, you can do serious harm to your residual limb and other parts of your body. Strain on other muscles, especially in your back and shoulders, will affect posture—in addition to performance of the device and energy needed to use it. Early prevention is more valuable than long-term treatment for problems.
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