ABC World News, 9/8/2014; Prosthetic arms

ABC World News, 9/8/2014; Prosthetic arms

John Craig

9/9/2014

The last news story on ABC World News (w/David Muir) last night was a heartwarming story about two young boys who received printed functional prosthetic arms. However, one of the students providing one arm stated that the arm was made for about $350 ; and, further, that prosthetic arms should not cost $40K. Not sure which arms he was talking about - body powered or myo-electric. I think that statement could be interpreted that prosthetists are ripping patients off by charging thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars more for their service than the real costs. My questions are: how many total hours were invested in the provision of this service including research, design, manufacture, patient interaction, follow-up, etc.; how much did the machines, facilities, overhead, etc. cost to provide this service; what were the costs for insurance, FDA approval, professional training, obtaining professional (personal and facility) licenses
 including annual costs to maintain same, warranties, what happens if the product fails (then who pays to replace), how much non-billable time is accounted for, etc,etc. I think the story could have been presented fairly by stating that this prosthesis (which can cost as much as $40k) was provided free of charge to the young boys. Almost all of the prosthetists I know provide a needed service at a very fair price in these challenging times of regulatory issues and reduced reimbursements. The prosthetists I know are giving, compassionate professionals who try to provide beneficial services to their patients at as low a cost as possible. John G. Craig, CPO/LPO (Tx); FAAOP; FISPO PS- as you can tell I was a bit steamed about this news report (the part in the second sentence above).