Patient Experience

At Scott Sabolich Ottobock.care we make the intake process as easy as possible. First, we gather all necessary paperwork including your doctors prescription, clinical notes and insurance information.

Paperwork

You will receive intake paperwork to fill out and bring to your first appointment. Keep a list of questions and concerns for your prosthetist. Note problems or discomfort in your residual limb or existing prosthesis so they can be addressed by your practitioner. Be sure to bring your insurance cards and written prescriptions from your physician’s office to your initial appointment if we have not received them from your doctor.

Your Appointment

Please wear comfortable clothing when you visit our facility. Lower extremity patients should wear shorts if possible. Remember you’re visiting a patient focused center. Don’t hesitate to voice concerns or ask for what you want or need at any time.

Please contact our office if you need assistance with travel arrangements.

Your evaluation is designed to discover the best prosthetic solutions for you. Your prosthetist will make clinical recommendations based on education and years of experience, but the focus is listening to your goals, expectations and unique challenges.

The visit begins with an examination of your residual limb and conversation about your lifestyle, limitations, goals and desires. If you’re already wearing a prosthesis we will examine it as well.

Physical Evaluations

For the lower extremity patient we conduct a thorough outcome study and check the alignment of the body. For upper extremity patients we evaluate functional ability and upper body strength. Your evaluation could last 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of amputation and functional ability.

A Welcoming Environment

Your initial visit will also be a chance to explore our state of the art facility. You will also get to know your professional care team which consists of your intake coordinator, financial advocate, prosthetist and assistants. It’s an important part of your first visit and helps you get comfortable with your surroundings. We also strive to bring patients together to share experience and advice

In most cases the prosthetic fitting process will consist of multiple appointments, where patients can spend several hours per day at our facility. We want you to feel comfortable, welcome and right at home from the very beginning. It’s all a part of our delivering unsurpassed service and care.

At Scott Sabolich Ottobock.care, we are here to keep you and your prosthesis working at peak functional performance. A prosthesis is a mechanical device and just like your car it requires occasional tune-ups. But even if you take great care of your new prosthesis at some point you will need to replace it.

Depending on your activity level, your prosthesis could last between two and five years. If you believe it needs an adjustment, maintenance or replacement it’s important to contact our office.

When to get a follow-up

You may need a prosthetic check-up if:

• Your prosthesis doesn’t fit well.
• You haven’t seen your prosthetist in at least six months.
• You experience weight gain or loss even if it’s 5 pounds.
• Your activity level has changed.

A prosthesis, (or components of) normally require replacement when one of the following takes place:

• The socket is markedly discolored
• You have had revision surgery
• There is a change in the size or shape of your residual limb
• The socket is worn out or cracked. A socket usually lasts 2 to 4 years depending on your activity level
• The socket no longer fits. A change in weight as small as 2% of your bodyweight could cause changes that require additional adjustments.

Supplies

After receiving your prosthesis, you’re often in need of prosthetic supplies—including suspension sleeves, liners, socks and/or shrinkers. Please contact our office for help getting everything you need. Our supply coordinator will contact you after delivery of your prosthesis for scheduled supply needs.

Emotional Support

Developing a strong emotional support system is vital for most patients. It can include family members, friends, counselors, therapists and even your prosthetist or physician. Getting to know other amputees can be very therapeutic. Amputees support groups are available nationwide, you can find one near you by visiting the Amputee Coalition’s website.