Upper Extremity Prosthetics Rx & Medicare billing?

Upper Extremity Prosthetics Rx & Medicare billing?

Ed Roman, CP

12/27/2000

Hello list members: I have a 67 yom who acquired a traumatic amputation of the right (dominant) hand in 1973. (A Workman's Compensation case settled in 1975 and patient is now covered by Medicare.) This individual has been functioning with a standard WD prosthesis, cable control, since amputation. The individual has worked as an auto mechanic prior and since amputation. Since his retirement, he does some shade tree mechanics and also operates a switchboard at a community college. The patient now presents with numbness and tingling to his left upper extremity. The prescribing physician has ruled out any other cause of the numbness/tingling except axillary pressure from the harness. The 9 year old prosthesis has multiple cracks to the lamination and shows signs of abuse (hammering, scratched, chipped) to the plastic and the hook is well used.
A self suspending, myoelectric WD prosthesis was prescribed, fit and successfully delivered to the patient.
The newest question is: Can a conventional, cable controlled prosthesis be provided for his mechanical work? Will this be a covered item by Region B Medicare? The patient has expressed valid concerns about using the myo in the same manner he was used to using the conventional arm. I have contact Region B and there is no guideline published concerning dual prostheses for a unilateral amputee. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Ed Roman, CP