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Will my insurance cover care
from Cornell O&P? |
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Although
COP has provider contracts with most insurance payers, often
we find serious coverage limits (especially for prosthetic
care). While Medicare, Medicaid and GIC plans are usually
adequate, private insurance provided by your employer can
be so inadequate that care cannot be afforded. O&P coverage
is usually under your DME (durable medical equipment) and
may have severe restrictions or low annual limits. Our staff
will verify your particular coverage before services are rendered
(unless urgent care does not allow enough time for verification). |
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Does Cornell O & P take my particular
insurance? |
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Cornell O & P is a provider
of many insurance carriers (see list of insurance carriers) |
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What if I do not live near Peabody, Danvers or Beverly, but want to be seen by Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics,
will you come to my home? |
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We see patients at any
of the numerous clinics we attend around the state (see list).
It is difficult to provide our types of services in your home,
but there are times when we can make exceptions. |
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Will I see the same COP practitioner
each time I visit the office? Will anyone come to the hospital? |
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Yes, whenever possible.
We find continuity of care is appreciated by most patients,
and we make every effort to have you see your own practitioner.
We will routinely see patients in the hospital and work collaboratively
with hospital staff to coordinate your care. |
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Can I be seen for an evaluation or
follow up without a prescription? |
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Yes, in most cases.
If a prescription is needed we will send a letter to your
physician describing what is needed. |
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Is my brace covered by my insurance? |
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Most orthoses are covered
by health insurance payers. To be certain, Cornell O&P routinely
verifies a client's insurance coverage and will provide you
with a patient financial responsibility letter if there is
a portion of the procedure not covered. |
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Do I need a prescription for my brace? |
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Yes, for all orthoses
a properly worded prescription from your physician is required.
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How long does it take to have an
orthosis made after my initial visit. |
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Usually, Cornell O&P
can fabricate a custom orthosis in one week. Most off-the
shelf- devices can be fit the same day. |
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I am having an amputation soon. Should
I make a pre-surgical appointment? |
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In most cases this is
not necessary. However if you have adequate time or serious
concerns about your ensuing prosthetic care, you should not
hesitate to make an appointment. Invariably, much of the stress
experienced in advance of an amputation is due to not knowing
what to expect afterwards. A pre-surgical visit may answer
your questions and significantly decrease that stress. |
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How soon will I be on my feet after
my amputation? |
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As soon as you are able.
Physical therapy right after surgery usually centers on safe
mobility before you receive your prosthesis. Depending on
your health and physical ability, most patients work on transfers,
getting about with walkers or crutches in the first few days
following amputation. (See
New Amputees) |
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How soon will I have my prosthesis? |
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This can vary significantly
depending on your particular situation. The most important
factor in determining this is how fast the limb heals. Often
the same circulatory problems that necessitated the amputation
can slow the healing process. Sometimes the surgeon will request
an immediate prosthesis be applied in the operating room.
This prosthesis is not designed for full weight bearing and
is replaced in one to two weeks. More often (especially when
circulation is a factor), the first prosthesis is applied
about the same time the sutures are removed at around four
weeks. (See
New Amputees) |
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How functional will I be after I
receive my prosthesis? Will I ever hope to play golf and go
biking after I have my leg removed? |
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Most people are surprised
at what they can do with a prosthesis. Most often these activities
are more limited to your general health than any limitations
due to the prosthesis. |
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My right leg is amputated. Can I
expect to drive as before or will I need special equipment? |
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Although a few below
knee amputees can effectively drive using their prosthesis,
in most cases an easily operated left-foot gas pedal can be
installed. These are inexpensive and fold out of the way for
general use. |
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Can I speak to someone in my situation?
Can you recommend a support group for me? |
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Yes, definitely. We
often arrange for new amputees to speak with others who have
been though a similar process. We can direct you to support
groups in your area and also to organizations such as the
ACA (Amputee Coalition of America).
(See Support Group)
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