entitlements and lifespan of prostheses

entitlements and lifespan of prostheses

Joseph Lim P&O

3/21/2002

Hi everyone,

I would like to find out more about an amputees entitlements for prostheses in
various countries as well as the expected lifespan of a prostheses.

This entitlement can be either from a National health scheme, legal entitlement
or insurance entitlement.

for simplicity, We will be assuming the prostheses user will be between 22-40
years old, a transtibial amputee, is active and participates in sports like
running, badminton, basketball, and is concious of appearance. The amputation
may be as a result of either a medical cause or due to trauma.

my more specific querries are angled towards:
     a) how many prostheses should be provided (including spares)?
     b) what type of prosthesxes should be provided? eg should he be provided
with a minimum of a shower/bathing prostheses, a suitable everyday prostheses
and a prostheses for pursuit of sporting activities?
     c) if the provision is for 3 different types of prostheses as mentioned
above, should there also be 3 spare prostheses, for when the prostheses is sent
for servicing or repair?
     d) are cosmetic life-like silicon coverings also part of the entitlement?
     e) is there a suggested cost (percentage or otherwise) to the annual
service cost of a prostheses?
     f) inthe case of a legal claim, how much is factored in for cost increases
as well as future advancements and changes?

Thank you, I will post the replies when I've complied them. Kindly indicate if
you want to have your identity to remain anonymous.

Chai Jin Lim