Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthetics & Orthotics
What is an orthosis?
An orthosis is a brace that supports or immobilizes a part of the body (upper limb, lower limb, or spine) for the purpose of healing, or to improve function. An orthosis can be as simple as a foot orthosis that fits inside your shoe for everyday use, or as complex as an ambulation training orthosis that helps a child with Cerebral Palsy to learn to walk independently. Orthoses can be helpful for people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, scoliosis, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, joint replacement, back pain, foot pain and post-polio, to name a few.
What is a prosthesis?
A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a limb or part of a limb that is missing. A prosthesis can be as simple as a replacement for just the tip of the index finger, or as complex as an above the knee prosthesis with computerized hydraulic knee joint and carbon fiber dynamic response foot. Prostheses are fit to individuals of all ages who have experienced an amputation surgery or who were born with a congenial limb difference.
What is pedorthics?
Pedorthics is a field related to orthotics that focuses specifically on the foot. Pedorthics involves the design, manufacture, modification and fit of shoes and foot orthoses to alleviate problems caused by disease, congenital condition, overuse or injury.
Where is the RIC Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinical Center located?
Our main facility, RIC’s Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinical Center, is located on the 17th floor of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's (RIC) Fagship Hospital.
Prosthetic and Orthotic Services are also located at the following sites of care:
| AlexianRehabilitation Hospital, Elk Grove Village |
Orthotics |
| HomewoodDayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics & Prosthetics |
| Northshore DayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics |
| Ravenswood DayRehabCenter |
Orthotics |
| River North DayRehabCenter |
Orthotics |
| Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center (SSRC) |
Pedorthics |
| Willowbrook DayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics |
| Windermere House at Hyde Park |
Orthotics |
What are the business hours of the RIC Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinical Center?
Our business hours are:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Each clinician has unique patient care hours each day of the week. Please call during our business hours to schedule an appointment to see your clinician, to speak with a financial coordinator or for any other general questions.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription to make an appointment at the RIC Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinical Center?
Yes, you will need a prescription to make an appointment for an evaluation for a new prosthesis or orthosis. All prosthetic and orthotic services are provided under a physician’s order or prescription. If you already have a physician following your prosthetic and/or orthotic care (this can be a physiatrist, orthopedist, pediatrician, or family doctor), you may fax an order to us at 312-238-1932, or mail it to us.
If you are in need of a physician to follow your prosthetic or orthotic care, RIC has an excellent team of physicians with experience in treating individuals with all types of conditions. Please call outpatient scheduling at 312-238-6100 to schedule an evaluation with an RIC physician.
If you already have a prosthesis or orthosis that was made at RIC, some minor adjustments, repairs or replacements can be made without a new order. If major adjustments, repairs or replacements are needed, we will need to contact your physician for a detailed order before proceeding. If you have HMO insurance, you will need a referral from your primary care physician before every appointment with your orthotist or prosthetist.
Please call us at 312-238-2810 if you are unsure if you need a physician’s order for your appointment.
I have a doctor’s appointment (or therapy appointment) at RIC in a few weeks. Can I see an orthotist or prosthetist that same day?
Please call us at 312-238-2810 to see if an orthotist or prosthetist is available on that same day. Our schedulers can even look up your therapy appointments or doctor’s appointments and suggest appointment times that may work for you. We try our best to accommodate your appointment needs so that you can coordinate multiple RIC services during one trip to our facility. Call early to increase the likelihood of securing your choices for appointment times.
I live outside the Chicago area. Can I have my prosthesis made at RIC?
Yes! Some patients travel a long way to be seen at RIC. If you do not have a physician following your prosthetic care, we recommend that your first trip to Chicago involves an appointment in one of RIC’s Amputee Clinics. In Amputee Clinic, you will be seen by a physician and prosthetist prior to your appointment with the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center (POCC). This will help to coordinate all of your RIC services (such as vocational rehabilitation, prosthetic fitting, physical and occupational therapy, consultations with other physicians, etc.) and formulate a plan of care for you return visits. Please call us at 312-238-2810 if you have questions about traveling to RIC from outside the Chicago area. We can also offer suggestions for transportation and lodging during your stay.
If you are traveling from outside the United States, our guest services coordinator can help coordinate travel arrangements, lodging and RIC services for you. You may contact the international guest services coordinator at 312-238-4118.
I was injured on the job and am covered by Worker’s Comp insurance. Can I come to RIC?
Yes! Worker’s compensation case managers may contact our Workers Comp Liaison at 312-238-1312 for assistance with scheduling and coordinating appointments for multiple RIC services. For individuals traveling from outside the Chicago area, our liaison can also assist with transportation and housing arrangements. RIC’s comprehensive rehabilitation program is an excellent fit for patients who will be re-entering the work force. Our vocational rehabilitation services can assist with functional capacity evaluations, work conditioning, work hardening and more. Case managers may also call our Workers Comp Liaison to schedule a tour of RIC and to learn more about RIC’s rehabilitation programs.
I moved closer to another RIC facility. Can I see a prosthetist or orthotist at that site?
Absolutely. Prosthetic and orthotic services are offered at a number of locations throughout the RIC system of care. If you would like to transfer your care to a site closer to home, speak with your current RIC prosthetist or orthotist. They will be happy to suggest a location that works for you and will ensure that your care is transferred smoothly. The following sites offer orthotics, pedorthics and/or prosthetics:
| AlexianRehabilitation Hospital, Elk Grove Village |
Orthotics |
| HomewoodDayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics & Prosthetics |
| Northshore DayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics |
| Ravenswood DayRehabCenter |
Orthotics |
| River North DayRehabCenter |
Orthotics |
| Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center (SSRC) |
Pedorthics |
| Willowbrook DayRehabCenter and Outpatient Services |
Orthotics |
| Windermere House at Hyde Park |
Orthotics |
Please contact us by phone at 312-238-2810 to schedule an appointment at any of these locations or to learn more about the sites of care that offer prosthetic and orthotic services.
I need adjustments to my prosthesis that was made by another prosthetist not at RIC. Can I still come to RIC?
All prosthetic and orthotic services are provided under a physician’s order. If you already have a physician following your prosthetic care, you may fax the order for adjustments, repairs or replacements to us at 312-238-1932, or mail it.
If you are in need of a physician to follow your prosthetic care, RIC has an excellent team of physicians with experience in treating individuals with all levels of amputation. Please call outpatient scheduling at 312-238-6100 to schedule an evaluation with an RIC physician in Amputee Clinic. The clinic team will be able to recommend any specific changes to your current device. You may choose to bring these recommendations to your original prosthetist, or to see an RIC prosthetist to follow these recommendations. Please be aware that there will be a charge associated with any adjustments, repairs or replacements that are performed.
I have diabetes. Can I get diabetic shoes from RIC?
RIC does not provide shoes; however, a clinician can provide advice on the appropriate style and size of footwear to use with your prosthetic or orthotic device. We can also provide you with a list of recommended shoe retailers in the Chicago area.
I have an amputation above the elbow. Can I get a bionic arm?
The “bionic arm” is part of a government-funded research study and is not available for use by the general public. There are very specific criteria that individuals must meet in order to be eligible as subjects for this research study. For information about the bionic arm, please visit the Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs area of our Web site. If you have additional questions, please e-mail bionicarm@ric.org or call 312-238-6035 and provide your name, daytime telephone number and a brief description about the nature of your inquiry. The appropriate individual within RIC will return your call.
I recently had an amputation. Do you know where I can find a support group?
RIC has an amputee support group called UnLIMBited Potential. This group meets on the first Friday of each month unless otherwise stated in the calendar of events. To receive a calendar of events or to learn more about this support group, please call 312-238-1160.
The Amputee Coalition of America is another excellent resource for individuals with amputation and their families.You can contact the Amputee Coalition of America by phone at 1-888-AMP-KNOW (1-888/267-5669), or visit their Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org (opens new window).
How many appointments will it take to finish my device?
The number of appointments can vary depending upon the type of device and the complexity of your condition. On average, it takes one to two appointments to complete an orthotic device. On average, it takes four appointments to complete a prosthetic device.
How long will it take to finish my device?
The length of time from evaluation to final delivery varies depending upon the type of device, the number of fitting appointments that are required and the length of time that is required for financial verification. Most orthotic devices will be finished in one to two weeks from the date of the initial evaluation, not including financial verification time. Most prosthetic devices will be finished in four to six weeks from the date of the initial evaluation, not including financial verification time. Financial verification can take one to six weeks, depending upon your insurance carrier.
How much will my device cost?
The cost for a prosthesis or orthosis can vary depending upon the technology and materials used, the complexity of fabrication and the extent of follow-up care required. A typical orthosis can vary from $50 - $8000. A typical prosthesis can vary from $5000 - $70,000. Certain devices may fall above or below these ranges as well.
Before your first evaluation, we recommend that you call your insurance carrier to verify coverage for prosthetic devices and to clarify the dollar amount or percentage covered and any specific types of devices that are excluded under your insurance plan. Ultimately, it is your personal responsibility to understand the policies of your insurance carrier. After your evaluation appointment, your device recommendation will be forwarded to our financial coordinator for verification of benefits.
Before continuing with casting, measurement or fitting of a custom device, you will have the opportunity to meet with our financial coordinator. You will receive a written breakdown of the cost for the device that has been recommended for you, including the amount covered by insurance and the amount that will be your personal responsibility. You will have the opportunity to review this cost estimate and decide whether to proceed with fitting. If you determine that the cost for your device will pose a significant financial burden, you may choose to explore an alternative device with your prosthetist or orthotist.
We will work with you to explore funding resources for your orthotic or prosthetic device. If you have any questions or concerns about our financial policies, please feel free to call us at 312-238-2810 and ask to speak with a financial coordinator.
I am covered by Medicare Part B. Do I still need to go through this financial verification process?
We make every effort to help our patients make informed decisions about their prosthetic and orthotic care. Understanding your financial responsibility is just one part. Medicare covers 80% of many medically necessary devices. There are some devices that Medicare does not cover at all, or that Medicare will only cover once or twice a year. Because a prosthetic or orthotic device can range from $50 to $70,000, even a 20% copay can be a financial burden.
You will receive a written breakdown of the cost for your device regardless of your insurance type. This written cost estimate will include the amount that is covered by insurance and the amount that will be your ultimate financial responsibility. You will have the opportunity to review and approve this care plan before continuing with the fitting and delivery of your device and will make the ultimate decision regarding your prosthetic and orthotic care. You may request that we explore less expensive alternatives for your device or you may choose to bear the financial responsibility for a device that is not covered by your insurance carrier.
I was casted last year for a brace. Can you use the old cast to make a new one?
In most cases, no. In order to provide the most appropriate fit possible, your orthotist will perform a complete evaluation and casting for the new device. In just one year, there can be significant changes to your anatomy or to your functional ability that will impact the fit and function of the orthosis. If it is appropriate to use your old orthosis as a model for making the new device, your orthotist will discuss this with you during the evaluation.
Do I need special shoes to wear with my orthosis?
In many cases, your existing shoes are adequate to accommodate an orthosis, assuming that your shoe style is appropriate for you to begin with. Some orthotic devices require a slightly larger shoe to fit over the foot section. While RIC does not provide shoes, a clinician can provide advice on appropriate style and size of footwear to use with a device.
How long will my braces or artificial limb last?
The useable lifetime of an orthotic or prosthetic device is dependent on many factors. Your weight and activity level, as well as the specific design of the device, all contribute to the actual wear of the appliance. The materials used to fabricate a prosthesis or orthosis are generally very durable and material wear is usually not the main reason for needing a new device. Some parts, such as straps on an orthosis, or bumpers in a prosthetic foot, are replaced and maintained many times before the device is completely replaced. The most frequent reason for replacement of a prosthesis or orthosis is anatomical change that affects the fit of the device. The most common is growth, but changes in alignment and atrophy of muscle can also necessitate the fitting of a new device. It is reasonable to expect most orthotic devices to be useable for one year or more and some are worn for many years without problems. Most prosthetic devices are used for two to five years. It is important to have your device re-evaluated every 6-12 months to ensure the integrity of straps and other parts.
My prosthetist has started making my new prosthesis and I decided that I want a different knee joint. What do I do?
A prosthesis is a custom made device. You will have every opportunity during the evaluation process to express your expectations for your prosthesis. When there is more than one component (knee, foot, etc.) that is medically appropriate, your clinician will present these options to you. Please take time to consider these options and choose carefully. Once you have indicated your approval of the treatment plan and the fitting process has begun, we will not be able to alter the prosthetic prescription unless medically necessary and approved by your physician. Please be aware that you will incur a charge for any items that were customized for you, even if they are not part of the final device.
My child needs a new Velcro strap on her AFO. What should I do?
Please call our office at 312-238-2810. In some cases, you can be seen that same day by one of our technicians. They will be able to replace the Velcro strap while you wait for the device, provided there are no other issues that need to be evaluated by a clinician. Please be sure to call ahead, as our technicians and clinicians see patients by appointment only.
My prosthesis or orthosis is not working correctly. What should I do?
First, discontinue wear if you notice that a part of your prosthetic or orthotic device is broken, loose, cracked, making an unusual noise, causing discomfort or causing skin breakdown. After discontinuing use of the device, please call us at 312-238-2810 to describe the nature of the problem. Our scheduler will make every effort to fit you in as soon as possible so that your prosthetist or orthotist may evaluate the fit, function and condition of the device.
Please remember that your prosthesis or orthosis is custom designed for your current body shape, size, weight and activity level at the time of evaluation and casting. Follow-up appointments are necessary to identify changes in your anatomy or condition before they cause a problem. We recommend that you are seen at least every six months for follow-up care or sooner if you notice changes in your weight or activity level. Your clinician will let you know if your device requires more frequent follow-up care or specific maintenance.