FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What if I am unable to afford the cost of my device?A financial discussion will occur prior to fabrication. In cases of financial hardship, there may be opportunities for our office staff to educate you on available financial support options.
-
What should I bring with me to my appointment with Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics?To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.Please bring new patient paperwork - which can be printed here. If you’re unable to print the new patient paperwork in advance of your appointment, please come 15 min before your scheduled appointment time. You should also bring the prescription from your doctor, your insurance card, and orthotic or prosthetic device currently using.
-
What if you do not accept my insurance?In most cases, we can work with insurance companies to provide out-of-network benefits. We also provide discounted services for self-pay patients.
-
How much will I have to pay for my device?Insurance benefits will vary. We verify insurance benefits prior to fabrication of your orthotic or prosthetic device to determine out of pocket costs. An Office Coordinator will discuss financial responsibility prior to fabrication of your device.
-
What types of insurance does Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics accept?We accept most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, Medicaid, worker's compensation, and private health insurance.
-
Where is Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics located?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics 615 S. Vandeventer Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 289-9100 Fax: (314) 289-9101 admin@streamlineorthotics.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Contact Us
-
What should I do if I experience redness or skin irritation?Minimal redness is normal but if you experience redness lasting more than 30 minutes after removing your brace, contact our office for an appointment. Prolonged redness may be indicative of excessive pressure. If there is skin breakdown, discontinue use of the brace and call our office immediately.
-
How long must I wear my brace?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics fabricates the orthotic based on the prescription provided by your physician. If you have problems with your brace once it’s fabricated, then please contact our front office staff to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about the length of time to wear the brace, please contact your physician.
-
Can I choose a color or pattern for my brace?We customize every brace for every patient, and can create a design that is right for you. Ask your practitioner to see examples of previous designs.
-
How often should I see my practitioner?Outside of any problems you experience or direction you receive from your physician or therapist, it is recommended that you come in at least every six months for a check-up.
-
Do I need a prescription if I want to have an adjustment made?Not usually. However, physician documentation may be required if the adjustment involves a significant change or replacement.
-
Can I play sports with my device?Your device is customized to the physician's prescription and what is disclosed with the practitioner during your appointment. If you require a device for a specific task, be sure to discuss that with your practitioner.
-
Can I adjust the device myself?No. You cannot, nor should another company adjust a Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics device. This can lead to personal injury or damage to the device and will void any warranty.
-
How long will my appointment take?The evaluation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the situation and may include a gait evaluation, muscle testing, and a casting procedure. A fitting appointment can also take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending upon the adjustments needed for an optimal fit.
-
What type of shoes should I bring to my lower extremity orthosis fitting appointment?You should bring a pair or two of the shoes you wear most often and athletic shoes. We do not recommend buying new shoes before your fitting appointment since your brace may determine what shoes will work best. If you have any questions about footwear, be sure to ask your Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics Practitioner.
-
Can members of my family attend appointments with me?Yes, of course! We love getting to know you as a person. Coming to understand your family, hobbies, background, and life experiences will help us formulate goals and a care plan to meet those goals. Having loved ones support you through this process is always important, and it is always an asset to have a second set of eyes or ears to catch details you may miss or ask questions you may not think of at the moment.
-
What should I do if the brace doesn't fit like it used to?Adjustments are commonly needed, especially if you have had surgery and we encourage you to call our office if there are any concerns with the fit, function, or comfort of the orthosis.
-
How are the parts of my prosthesis chosen?The parts chosen for someone’s prosthesis will take into account many aspects of the user’s life. Weight, strength, range of motion, activity level, goals, and hobbies are all important in the design of a prosthesis. Prosthetic components differ in durability and complexity. A prosthetist needs to determine the best combination for the optimal outcome, a proficient user.
-
What kind of progress should I be making?Learning how to use your prosthesis is different for all patients. Your prosthetist is a good resource for questions and exercises. Physical therapy is also strongly encouraged. These sessions will help reinforce good habits and help you to treat your prosthesis as a part of you. Progress with a prosthesis can usually be tracked by the type of assistive device the patient is using. Many patients start out using a walker or two crutches. They might progress to one crutch or a quad cane. There are no strict guidelines about how long each of these devices is used for. Safety is the overlying issue, and we always recommend a prosthetic user progresses at a safe speed.
-
Does it hurt to walk on a prosthesis?Pressure inside the prosthesis is common, but pain should never be part of wearing your device. It is important to communicate with your prosthetist about any pain you are having. There are many types of adjustments that can be made.
-
How often will I see my prosthetist once I have my prosthesis?Adjustments to your prosthesis are not uncommon, especially when you receive a new socket or an entirely new prosthesis. These adjustments will become fewer and further between. It’s a good idea to check in with your prosthetist every 6 months, even if you aren’t having any problems.
-
Are phantom pains common?"Phantom pain" refers to the periodic sensation or feeling of a limb that has been amputated. In the beginning, many amputees experience phantom pains. In most cases, the pain will decrease with time. Phantom sensation may be something a patient experiences for many years, but frequently there isn’t pain associated with these occurrences.
-
When will I be fit with my prosthesis?A limb needs to be fully healed before it can tolerate prosthetic use. Any incisions need to be closed and any swelling left from surgery should be gone. Usually a compression garment or shrinker is used during the time between amputation and prosthetic fitting. This device helps reduce swelling and desensitize the limb, preparing it for the pressures of a prosthesis.
NEW PATIENT FAQ's
HIPAA PRIVACY NOTICE
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Streamline O&P is a medical facility and follows mask guidelines put in place by the CDC. We do have Covid-19 cleaning, disinfecting, and screening procedures in place. The screening questions include, regardless of your vaccination status, if you have experienced any of the following: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, in the past 48 hours, please reschedule your appointment until symptoms have been improving for more than 48 hours. Thank you for helping us keep our patients and staff healthy and safe as we work through these times.
WEAR & CARE GUIDELINES
Here you'll find instructions for Wear and Care of Clamshell TLSO, Clamshell CTLSO, and Anterior Opening LSO.
-
What if I am unable to afford the cost of my device?A financial discussion will occur prior to fabrication. In cases of financial hardship, there may be opportunities for our office staff to educate you on available financial support options.
-
What should I bring with me to my appointment with Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics?To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.Please bring new patient paperwork - which can be printed here. If you’re unable to print the new patient paperwork in advance of your appointment, please come 15 min before your scheduled appointment time. You should also bring the prescription from your doctor, your insurance card, and orthotic or prosthetic device currently using.
-
What if you do not accept my insurance?In most cases, we can work with insurance companies to provide out-of-network benefits. We also provide discounted services for self-pay patients.
-
How much will I have to pay for my device?Insurance benefits will vary. We verify insurance benefits prior to fabrication of your orthotic or prosthetic device to determine out of pocket costs. An Office Coordinator will discuss financial responsibility prior to fabrication of your device.
-
What types of insurance does Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics accept?We accept most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, Medicaid, worker's compensation, and private health insurance.
-
Where is Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics located?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics 615 S. Vandeventer Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 289-9100 Fax: (314) 289-9101 admin@streamlineorthotics.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Contact Us
-
What should I do if I experience redness or skin irritation?Minimal redness is normal but if you experience redness lasting more than 30 minutes after removing your brace, contact our office for an appointment. Prolonged redness may be indicative of excessive pressure. If there is skin breakdown, discontinue use of the brace and call our office immediately.
-
How long must I wear my brace?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics fabricates the orthotic based on the prescription provided by your physician. If you have problems with your brace once it’s fabricated, then please contact our front office staff to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about the length of time to wear the brace, please contact your physician.
-
Can I choose a color or pattern for my brace?We customize every brace for every patient, and can create a design that is right for you. Ask your practitioner to see examples of previous designs.
-
How often should I see my practitioner?Outside of any problems you experience or direction you receive from your physician or therapist, it is recommended that you come in at least every six months for a check-up.
-
Do I need a prescription if I want to have an adjustment made?Not usually. However, physician documentation may be required if the adjustment involves a significant change or replacement.
-
Can I play sports with my device?Your device is customized to the physician's prescription and what is disclosed with the practitioner during your appointment. If you require a device for a specific task, be sure to discuss that with your practitioner.
-
Can I adjust the device myself?No. You cannot, nor should another company adjust a Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics device. This can lead to personal injury or damage to the device and will void any warranty.
-
How long will my appointment take?The evaluation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the situation and may include a gait evaluation, muscle testing, and a casting procedure. A fitting appointment can also take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending upon the adjustments needed for an optimal fit.
-
What type of shoes should I bring to my lower extremity orthosis fitting appointment?You should bring a pair or two of the shoes you wear most often and athletic shoes. We do not recommend buying new shoes before your fitting appointment since your brace may determine what shoes will work best. If you have any questions about footwear, be sure to ask your Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics Practitioner.
-
Can members of my family attend appointments with me?Yes, of course! We love getting to know you as a person. Coming to understand your family, hobbies, background, and life experiences will help us formulate goals and a care plan to meet those goals. Having loved ones support you through this process is always important, and it is always an asset to have a second set of eyes or ears to catch details you may miss or ask questions you may not think of at the moment.
-
What should I do if the brace doesn't fit like it used to?Adjustments are commonly needed, especially if you have had surgery and we encourage you to call our office if there are any concerns with the fit, function, or comfort of the orthosis.
-
How are the parts of my prosthesis chosen?The parts chosen for someone’s prosthesis will take into account many aspects of the user’s life. Weight, strength, range of motion, activity level, goals, and hobbies are all important in the design of a prosthesis. Prosthetic components differ in durability and complexity. A prosthetist needs to determine the best combination for the optimal outcome, a proficient user.
-
What kind of progress should I be making?Learning how to use your prosthesis is different for all patients. Your prosthetist is a good resource for questions and exercises. Physical therapy is also strongly encouraged. These sessions will help reinforce good habits and help you to treat your prosthesis as a part of you. Progress with a prosthesis can usually be tracked by the type of assistive device the patient is using. Many patients start out using a walker or two crutches. They might progress to one crutch or a quad cane. There are no strict guidelines about how long each of these devices is used for. Safety is the overlying issue, and we always recommend a prosthetic user progresses at a safe speed.
-
Does it hurt to walk on a prosthesis?Pressure inside the prosthesis is common, but pain should never be part of wearing your device. It is important to communicate with your prosthetist about any pain you are having. There are many types of adjustments that can be made.
-
How often will I see my prosthetist once I have my prosthesis?Adjustments to your prosthesis are not uncommon, especially when you receive a new socket or an entirely new prosthesis. These adjustments will become fewer and further between. It’s a good idea to check in with your prosthetist every 6 months, even if you aren’t having any problems.
-
Are phantom pains common?"Phantom pain" refers to the periodic sensation or feeling of a limb that has been amputated. In the beginning, many amputees experience phantom pains. In most cases, the pain will decrease with time. Phantom sensation may be something a patient experiences for many years, but frequently there isn’t pain associated with these occurrences.
-
When will I be fit with my prosthesis?A limb needs to be fully healed before it can tolerate prosthetic use. Any incisions need to be closed and any swelling left from surgery should be gone. Usually a compression garment or shrinker is used during the time between amputation and prosthetic fitting. This device helps reduce swelling and desensitize the limb, preparing it for the pressures of a prosthesis.
ORTHOTICS FAQs
-
What if I am unable to afford the cost of my device?A financial discussion will occur prior to fabrication. In cases of financial hardship, there may be opportunities for our office staff to educate you on available financial support options.
-
What should I bring with me to my appointment with Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics?To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.Please bring new patient paperwork - which can be printed here. If you’re unable to print the new patient paperwork in advance of your appointment, please come 15 min before your scheduled appointment time. You should also bring the prescription from your doctor, your insurance card, and orthotic or prosthetic device currently using.
-
What if you do not accept my insurance?In most cases, we can work with insurance companies to provide out-of-network benefits. We also provide discounted services for self-pay patients.
-
How much will I have to pay for my device?Insurance benefits will vary. We verify insurance benefits prior to fabrication of your orthotic or prosthetic device to determine out of pocket costs. An Office Coordinator will discuss financial responsibility prior to fabrication of your device.
-
What types of insurance does Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics accept?We accept most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, Medicaid, worker's compensation, and private health insurance.
-
Where is Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics located?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics 615 S. Vandeventer Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 289-9100 Fax: (314) 289-9101 admin@streamlineorthotics.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Contact Us
-
What should I do if I experience redness or skin irritation?Minimal redness is normal but if you experience redness lasting more than 30 minutes after removing your brace, contact our office for an appointment. Prolonged redness may be indicative of excessive pressure. If there is skin breakdown, discontinue use of the brace and call our office immediately.
-
How long must I wear my brace?Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics fabricates the orthotic based on the prescription provided by your physician. If you have problems with your brace once it’s fabricated, then please contact our front office staff to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about the length of time to wear the brace, please contact your physician.
-
Can I choose a color or pattern for my brace?We customize every brace for every patient, and can create a design that is right for you. Ask your practitioner to see examples of previous designs.
-
How often should I see my practitioner?Outside of any problems you experience or direction you receive from your physician or therapist, it is recommended that you come in at least every six months for a check-up.
-
Do I need a prescription if I want to have an adjustment made?Not usually. However, physician documentation may be required if the adjustment involves a significant change or replacement.
-
Can I play sports with my device?Your device is customized to the physician's prescription and what is disclosed with the practitioner during your appointment. If you require a device for a specific task, be sure to discuss that with your practitioner.
-
Can I adjust the device myself?No. You cannot, nor should another company adjust a Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics device. This can lead to personal injury or damage to the device and will void any warranty.
-
How long will my appointment take?The evaluation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the situation and may include a gait evaluation, muscle testing, and a casting procedure. A fitting appointment can also take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending upon the adjustments needed for an optimal fit.
-
What type of shoes should I bring to my lower extremity orthosis fitting appointment?You should bring a pair or two of the shoes you wear most often and athletic shoes. We do not recommend buying new shoes before your fitting appointment since your brace may determine what shoes will work best. If you have any questions about footwear, be sure to ask your Streamline Orthotics & Prosthetics Practitioner.
-
Can members of my family attend appointments with me?Yes, of course! We love getting to know you as a person. Coming to understand your family, hobbies, background, and life experiences will help us formulate goals and a care plan to meet those goals. Having loved ones support you through this process is always important, and it is always an asset to have a second set of eyes or ears to catch details you may miss or ask questions you may not think of at the moment.
-
What should I do if the brace doesn't fit like it used to?Adjustments are commonly needed, especially if you have had surgery and we encourage you to call our office if there are any concerns with the fit, function, or comfort of the orthosis.
-
How are the parts of my prosthesis chosen?The parts chosen for someone’s prosthesis will take into account many aspects of the user’s life. Weight, strength, range of motion, activity level, goals, and hobbies are all important in the design of a prosthesis. Prosthetic components differ in durability and complexity. A prosthetist needs to determine the best combination for the optimal outcome, a proficient user.
-
What kind of progress should I be making?Learning how to use your prosthesis is different for all patients. Your prosthetist is a good resource for questions and exercises. Physical therapy is also strongly encouraged. These sessions will help reinforce good habits and help you to treat your prosthesis as a part of you. Progress with a prosthesis can usually be tracked by the type of assistive device the patient is using. Many patients start out using a walker or two crutches. They might progress to one crutch or a quad cane. There are no strict guidelines about how long each of these devices is used for. Safety is the overlying issue, and we always recommend a prosthetic user progresses at a safe speed.
-
Does it hurt to walk on a prosthesis?Pressure inside the prosthesis is common, but pain should never be part of wearing your device. It is important to communicate with your prosthetist about any pain you are having. There are many types of adjustments that can be made.
-
How often will I see my prosthetist once I have my prosthesis?Adjustments to your prosthesis are not uncommon, especially when you receive a new socket or an entirely new prosthesis. These adjustments will become fewer and further between. It’s a good idea to check in with your prosthetist every 6 months, even if you aren’t having any problems.
-
Are phantom pains common?"Phantom pain" refers to the periodic sensation or feeling of a limb that has been amputated. In the beginning, many amputees experience phantom pains. In most cases, the pain will decrease with time. Phantom sensation may be something a patient experiences for many years, but frequently there isn’t pain associated with these occurrences.
-
When will I be fit with my prosthesis?A limb needs to be fully healed before it can tolerate prosthetic use. Any incisions need to be closed and any swelling left from surgery should be gone. Usually a compression garment or shrinker is used during the time between amputation and prosthetic fitting. This device helps reduce swelling and desensitize the limb, preparing it for the pressures of a prosthesis.