Is there a use for donated prostheses and orthoses?

This is a general question that we are asked periodically.  In fact, we have addressed it here in the past.  In light of the hurricane damage suffered by many Americans, and the damage from wildfires in the western United States, it has come up again.

YES.  Donated prostheses and orthoses are welcome.   

Sometimes patients find that they no longer need a particular device or supplies.  Occasionally a patient passes away and a family member wants to make sure that the device can go to good use to someone in need. Recently a patient asked us if we could pass on some supplies to someone in need.  These supplies were actually found by a friend at a thrift store who asked if they could be useful.

For orthoses, gently used is best.  For prostheses, if the device cannot be used as is or with minor repairs, then the parts can be used.  We receive the device and provide you with a receipt which itemizes your donation.  We do not assign a dollar value - that is up to you.  Since all organizations we work with are non-profit, then this donation is a tax deductible item.

Once you leave it with us, we evaluate the device for its best use, and sort items into a holding place until we can move them along. We often donate pediatric orthoses to an orphanage in China (you can read about that patient story New Day Foster Home in our archive by clicking here.)  Other devices make their way to organizations we work with in Mexico, St Vincent and the Grenadines, or Guatemala.  We have also sent practitioners on mission trips to work with patients and they take devices with them.  Sometimes we send devices to organizations who make specific requests of us.  Recently we sent supplies to one of our professional partners to help Puerto Rico.

We are always grateful that our patients and their family members recognize that others can make good use of items that they may no longer need and that we can facilitate that donation. If you have any other questions about donations, please do not hesitate to give us a call!

-Mark Hopkins, PT, CPO, MBA, CEO and President Dankmeyer, Inc.

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.

What am I signing for if I am asked to sign when I leave the office?

3DPO demonstrates the electronic signature pad.

Question:

There are times when I am leaving your office that I'm asked to sign my name on a signature pad.  What am i signing for? - Daniel L.

Answer:

Daniel, this is a great question.  In most cases, you are signing a Proof of Delivery receipt for the item and/or service you received that day.  Proof of Delivery is required in order to verify you received the device(s), repair, adjustment, or supplies.  The document includes:

 

  • Your name
  • The location where the item/service was delivered to you
  • A detailed description of each item delivered to you
  • The quantity
  • The date of delivery
  • Your signature

Proof of Delivery is a Medicare requirement based on their Supplier Standards which states providers must maintain proof of delivery for all items delivered to a patient.  There may also be instances when your insurance company requests confirmation that you received all of the items submitted on the claim.  With your signed Proof of Delivery, the items can be verified and the claim for that service gets paid.  If you would like to see what you’re signing for, please ask us, we will be happy to print you out a copy at any time!

- Kristin Boswell, Director of Patient Services and Billing

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.

Will Medicare pay for a new ankle brace whenever I need one?

Question:

Will Medicare pay for a new ankle foot orthosis whenever I need one? - Candace F.

ANSWER:

We wish it were that easy!  The determining factor for whether or not there is a Medicare benefit depends on the reason a new orthosis is being ordered by a physician.  Has your medical condition changed and your current orthosis no longer meets your medical needs?  If yes, Medicare will provide a benefit for a new one.  However, if it’s simply because you want a new orthosis, then no, Medicare will not pay for a new one.  Medicare also considers a 5 year Reasonable Useful Lifetime policy in regards to normal wear and tear of lower limb orthoses.  What does this mean?  If you have had your current orthosis for less than 5 years and it is simply showing signs of normal wear and tear, Medicare will not pay for a replacement and you would be financially responsible for the cost of a new one.  It is important to note that the five year period begins with the date the device is delivered to you, as that is the date used on the claim submitted to Medicare.     

Provided we receive an accurate medical history and appropriate insurance information from you, you can rest assured our Patient Services Coordinators will apply their extensive insurance knowledge to your service and will notify you of any financial responsibility you may have prior to proceeding with the service.  If your service is in process and there is a change to your insurance benefit, we will immediately notify you of any changes to your financial responsibility, as well.  We are committed to inform you of your insurance coverage, as well as any financial responsibility you may have, each and every time you receive care from us.  Have a great summer!

- Kristin Boswell, Director of Patient Services and Billing

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.

Should my son wear his orthoses all the time he is awake?

Question:

My son had an appointment and I forgot to ask a question. After the breaking in period, should he wear his shoes with his orthoses all the time when he is awake? Or only when he would normally wear shoes - like when going outside?  And how will I know when they need to be replaced?  Debbie K.

ANSWER:

Thank you for your questions! He should wear the orthoses for activities when he would normally wear shoes. For example, when he is active and running/jumping/playing, whether inside or outside, he should wear his orthoses inside of his shoes. If he has any down time like long car rides, before bedtime, right after his nap, or during meals, he does not have to wear the orthoses.  

How will you know he has outgrown them? A couple of good signs that the orthoses are too small due to growth are if the toes are hanging over the edges of the orthoses, or if they appear to be too tight in general or in specific areas. Your child may complain about them pinching or hurting, or his skin may be more red than usual. If you are ever unsure, call our office to schedule a follow up appointment or to speak with your child’s practitioner. Also, all practitioners developed a long term follow up plan (usually 3 or 6 months for children), and our office will be scheduled to call you at that specified time to check in.

- Kristen Beltran, Resident Prosthetist and Orthotist

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.

How do I find a shoe to accommodate my ankle foot orthosis?

QUESTION:

How do I find a shoe to accommodate my ankle foot orthosis so that I can wear it comfortably and get it on and off easily? - C.M.

ANSWER:

Hi C.M.,

Thank you for your question.  Finding a shoe that fits an AFO is not an easy task, which many other people struggle with as well.  I have a few suggestions that may help you.

In terms of shoes,  we have found that out of the standard tennis shoes, New Balance tends to be a little wider and easier to fit overall than some of the other brands.  Removing the insole, if you have not already, will also give some additional room in the shoe.  Some orthopedic brands come in extra-extra depth that will accommodate AFO's easier.  These include Drew Shoes, P.W. Minor, Orthofeet, Darco, and others.  Some patients have also mentioned that they have found inexpensive shoes at Walmart that actually are more accommodating than a standard tennis shoe.

For help in selecting the proper shoe and size, I would recommend going to a Van Dyke and Bacon store, as they have experience with fitting shoes over AFO's.

Several innovative companies have also come up with rear-opening shoes that allow you to pull the heel back when donning.  An example is EasyUp AFO shoes, which use the Boa system to close the shoe and is meant to be able to be donned one-handed.

If it has been a while since you received the original AFO, I would also recommend coming in to see one of our practitioners to have a re-evaluation done.  These can be done at no cost to you and will help to determine if you are still in the most appropriate device.  If size or function has changed at all, an adjustment may help to make the AFO a little smaller and easier.  And of course, bring in the shoes you might be struggling with to the appointment and the practitioner may be able to give you some further insight.

I hope that helps!

- Angie Bryl, Clinical Director, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.