What to look for in an O&P practice; Part 1
Posted: October 11, 2011 Filed under: Blog, Central Brace & Limb Co. | Tags: ABC certified, BOC certified, Central Brace & Limb, o&p facility, orthotists, prosthetists Leave a comment »
The field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) is the evaluation, fabrication and custom fitting of artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. O&P is an allied health profession with a variety of exciting employment opportunities available including O&P practitioners, pedorthists,assistants, fitters, and technicians.
The profession includes orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, who should be certified and specifically trained in respective field. Many practitioners go to school in a related field and then become certified at completion, or if they have worked in the field for many years, they might have simply taken a certification test. The two main certification boards are:
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics
- Board of Certification/Accredidation
These websites allow anyone to check if their practitioner and/or O&P practice is certified.
First, let’s look at the overall care an O&P practice should provide to each patient:
- Patient Assessment: Perform an exam to fully understand the patient’s orthotic/prosthetic needs.
- Formulation of the Treatment Plan: Treat the patient’s condition to meet his/her needs and goals.
- Implementation of the Treatment Plan: Perform the necessary procedure to complete the treatment plan. This may include the creation of a prosthetic limb or an orthopedic brace.
- Follow-up Treatment Plan: Provide continuing patient care and evaluation to ensure that the treatment (brace or prosthesis) is working well.
- Practice Management: Maintain a well-run practice regarding human resource management, physical environment management, and financial management.
- Promotion of Competency and Enhancement of Professional Practice: Participate in professional development through continuing education, training, and research.
Please continue on to part 2 of this series to learn what to look for in a Prosthetist and Orthotist. Contact ABC certified Central Brace & Limb Co. to speak with one of our expert practitioners at any of our 7 central Indiana locations, 1-800-277-LIMB. Take the first step to a brighter outlook!
