FW: Re: [OANDP-L] Fw: US Politics: Competitive Bidding for Prosthetics
Michael Link
Description
Collection
Title:
FW: Re: [OANDP-L] Fw: US Politics: Competitive Bidding for Prosthetics
Creator:
Michael Link
Date:
9/23/2002
Text:
Before this turns into a war of ethics I would like to say that as in
all debates, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Point #1-We have all seen a leg come into our practice, that we question
the need and or the intent behind the design.
Point #2-Anyone that pays for insurance coverage is well a where just
how they deal with the increased costs to provide
advanced technology to people in need.
The perfect prosthesis does not limit the potential of the amputee, but
in turn does not grossly exceed it either.
The cost of the components is not always directly proportional to the
function advantages. There are components that cost very little and are
not appropriate for some amputees, as there are some very expensive
options that apply to amputees with respectively low potential.
The choices we make should be defendable to providing a distinct and
realistic advantage to the amputee.
IMHO
Michael Link
-----Original Message-----
From: Justin Foster [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 12:32 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Fw: US Politics: Competitive Bidding for
Prosthetics
I want to expand on this thought a little...
>Justin you are right. It is want vs need. As leg salesmen we want our
>customers to have the best because this means the most money in our
>pockets. As Prosthetists we provide our clients with what they need.
>Today there are more leg salesmen than Prosthetists and that's our
>problem.
I think it may be OK to have Prosthetists, as well as leg salesmen.
There is a need for both as I see it, I just think the trouble begins
when these lines get crossed. As prosthetists, we should provide safe,
functional, and cost-effective means for people to regain independence
or a measure thereof. When and if a patient (client) is ready, the onus
should be placed squarely on their shoulders to come up with the funds
to purchase (from the local
leg-salesman) whatever they want... Third party payors cannot be
expected to continue at our current pace.
Justin Foster
Prosthetic Resident
CIRS - Palo Alto
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: <URL Redacted>
all debates, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Point #1-We have all seen a leg come into our practice, that we question
the need and or the intent behind the design.
Point #2-Anyone that pays for insurance coverage is well a where just
how they deal with the increased costs to provide
advanced technology to people in need.
The perfect prosthesis does not limit the potential of the amputee, but
in turn does not grossly exceed it either.
The cost of the components is not always directly proportional to the
function advantages. There are components that cost very little and are
not appropriate for some amputees, as there are some very expensive
options that apply to amputees with respectively low potential.
The choices we make should be defendable to providing a distinct and
realistic advantage to the amputee.
IMHO
Michael Link
-----Original Message-----
From: Justin Foster [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 12:32 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Fw: US Politics: Competitive Bidding for
Prosthetics
I want to expand on this thought a little...
>Justin you are right. It is want vs need. As leg salesmen we want our
>customers to have the best because this means the most money in our
>pockets. As Prosthetists we provide our clients with what they need.
>Today there are more leg salesmen than Prosthetists and that's our
>problem.
I think it may be OK to have Prosthetists, as well as leg salesmen.
There is a need for both as I see it, I just think the trouble begins
when these lines get crossed. As prosthetists, we should provide safe,
functional, and cost-effective means for people to regain independence
or a measure thereof. When and if a patient (client) is ready, the onus
should be placed squarely on their shoulders to come up with the funds
to purchase (from the local
leg-salesman) whatever they want... Third party payors cannot be
expected to continue at our current pace.
Justin Foster
Prosthetic Resident
CIRS - Palo Alto
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: <URL Redacted>
Citation
Michael Link, “FW: Re: [OANDP-L] Fw: US Politics: Competitive Bidding for Prosthetics,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/219602.
