cosmetic only AK
Joan Cestaro, C.P.
Description
Collection
Title:
cosmetic only AK
Creator:
Joan Cestaro, C.P.
Date:
9/21/2000
Text:
Hello all!
I read some posts about a month ago concerning the fabrication of a cosmetic
(non functioning) AK made with PVC piping. I have never made such a
prosthesis, but now find myself in this position. I have always made a
cosmetic prosthesis using conventional components. I would like to try this
new lightweight technique and hope that some of you may be able to offer
suggestions and advice for fabrication. I plan to use a flexible socket
that extends only ½ way up the residuum for comfort. She is rather long. I
also like the lightweight Bock IG9 Sach. Other than that, I'm open for
suggestions and really have no ideas how to attach the PVC piping.
My other concerns, beyond fabrication, are how to bill Medicare for this?
Do you bill the standard AK code with no additions? I was considering the
PVC elbow joint as discussed in a previous post. If I don't use a S/A
knee, this code is not correct. How do you get around this? I am unaware
of a cosmetic only code.
What are the liability issues with such a prosthesis? What if the patient
attempts to stand and falls? Is having the patient sign a form stating she
cannot functionally use this prosthesis protection enough? What have other
offices done in this case? This is the advantage of the PVC elbow- no
physical way to stand with this component!
Suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Joan K. Cestaro, C.P.
I read some posts about a month ago concerning the fabrication of a cosmetic
(non functioning) AK made with PVC piping. I have never made such a
prosthesis, but now find myself in this position. I have always made a
cosmetic prosthesis using conventional components. I would like to try this
new lightweight technique and hope that some of you may be able to offer
suggestions and advice for fabrication. I plan to use a flexible socket
that extends only ½ way up the residuum for comfort. She is rather long. I
also like the lightweight Bock IG9 Sach. Other than that, I'm open for
suggestions and really have no ideas how to attach the PVC piping.
My other concerns, beyond fabrication, are how to bill Medicare for this?
Do you bill the standard AK code with no additions? I was considering the
PVC elbow joint as discussed in a previous post. If I don't use a S/A
knee, this code is not correct. How do you get around this? I am unaware
of a cosmetic only code.
What are the liability issues with such a prosthesis? What if the patient
attempts to stand and falls? Is having the patient sign a form stating she
cannot functionally use this prosthesis protection enough? What have other
offices done in this case? This is the advantage of the PVC elbow- no
physical way to stand with this component!
Suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Joan K. Cestaro, C.P.
Citation
Joan Cestaro, C.P., “cosmetic only AK,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/214883.
