Prosthetics

How Soon After Amputation for Prosthetic Consult?

“Personally, I think it’s best to meet with a prosthetist early on. That can even be before a planned amputation. Or right after surgery. An early consultation helps a person to understand that there are options out there. Life doesn’t end after amputation. Every person will find his or her ‘new normal’. I like to meet with new amputees, provide resources, help them coordinate their post amputation care, and to just ‘be there’ for them. I love that I can view the patient experience from the perspective of someone who actually knows what it’s like to wear a prosthesis.

Jennifer Robinson
Bio-Tech Amputee Advocate and Director of Business Development
Certified Adult Learn-to-Swim Instructor/Leader of BASC Adaptive Swim Club

What Makes Prosthetic Care at Bio-Tech Unique?

“Our unique socket designs would have to be the #1 difference in the quality of our prosthetic limbs. We never just settle for ‘okay’. We spend time with our patients, to make sure they’re happy. We want the prosthetic limbs we provide to actually boost our patients into a higher functional level. I love when I see patients for follow-up and they tell me about new activities they weren’t able to do previously. We also make our prosthetic limbs right here in our clinic. That means we have control over the quality of the prosthesis and the time it takes to fabricate it. Our great relationships with manufacturers of knee, feet, and hand components enables us to give patients options. Free trials on new components means that I know a patient is happy with the component selection before the final the delivery date. We provide the best of the best. The latest technology.” 

Brian M. Gold, CPO
Bio-Tech Prosthetist/Orthotist 

Why is Patient Choice Important?

“I feel strongly that each patient has a right to choose quality care. The relationship that an amputee has with a prosthetist can be life-long. That’s why I always encourage people to interview different prosthetic companies to see which one is a good fit. At Bio-Tech, I can say that we never rest on our laurels. We’re always looking for ways to improve the patient experience, whether it’s keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, or creating new patient programs that address the emotional needs of our patients. We greet each patient as if a family member is entering our home. We fabricate each prosthesis as if that prosthesis is going to be worn by a family member. And that’s really how we treat our patients… like family.”

Michael Astilla, CO, BOCP
Bio-Tech President and Prosthetist/Orthotist 

What’s the Prosthetic  Fabrication Process Like?

“At the initial evaluation, we’ll discuss a patient’s medical history and perform an examination. Most importantly, we talk about goals for daily living. Once we have a goal,  we can figure out how to get there. The first step in fabrication is to make a model of the residual limb. The socket is the portion of the prosthesis that the remaining portion of the limb fits into. The socket is 100% custom to each individual. Based on each patient’s anatomy, functional requirements, and goals, we’ll select prosthetic components that fit onto the socket. It doesn’t take long for the first test fitting, where the patient can stand and take his or her first steps. Those first steps are a big deal.”

Jim Druwe, CPO
Bio-Tech Prosthetist/Orthotist 

FAQs

Is a prescription or insurance approval required for a general prosthetic consultation?
No. We do not charge for prosthetic consultations. Prior to proceeding with fabrication of the prosthesis, a physician’s prescription and other documentation will be required. Our patient care coordinators assist patients in obtaining all necessary paperwork. 

Are realistic looking prosthetic devices available? 
Yes. Foam covers can be applied over the prosthesis. The foam cover is custom shaped to closely match a natural limb. This, along with a protective skin, provides a more realistic appearance and also helps protect the inner mechanical components.

What is a custom design laminated socket?
Some people prefer for their prostheses to ‘stand-out’. Sockets can be laminated with custom designs using a wide variety of materials, including t-shirts. 

Does Bio-Tech work with children?
Yes. We  provide prosthetic care to people of all ages, all amputation levels, all limb shapes, and all activity levels.