Upon arriving at our facility, you will be asked to complete paperwork detailing your relevant medical history and insurance coverage. You will then meet with the facility’s head prosthetist and other A Step Ahead staff members. During this meeting, your functional goals, desired lifestyle, and relevant clinical history will all be discussed so you and your prosthetist can jointly decide on the most appropriate prosthetic components for your needs.

You will also be given a complete tour of our facility during the consultation. This allows you to see how we operate, understand all of the services we provide, and meet our entire team of professionals. You will also be able to meet other amputees and talk with them about their experiences.

In addition to allowing us to learn about you, the consultation allows you to interview us. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to get the information you want during the consultation.

At A Step Ahead Prosthetics, we strive to make the insurance process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Upon your initial visit, you’ll complete paperwork that details your insurance coverage. Our experienced staff will then verify your insurance benefits and explain what is covered under your plan. We will work directly with your insurance provider to obtain the necessary authorizations for your prosthetic care and ensure all documentation is properly submitted.

Our team will keep you informed throughout the process, answering any questions and addressing any concerns you may have. We are committed to helping you understand your insurance coverage and ensuring you receive the best possible care with minimal stress.

At A Step Ahead Prosthetics, the casting process is a critical step in creating a custom-fit prosthesis that ensures comfort and functionality. During this appointment, the prosthetist takes a plaster cast of your residual limb, a process that normally takes 30 minutes to an hour. This detailed cast forms the basis for developing a precise mold for your prosthetic socket.

• Accurate Measurements: The prosthetist takes detailed measurements of your residual limb to ensure an exact fit.

• Plaster Cast Creation: A plaster cast is made to capture every contour and detail of your residual limb.

• Shrinkage and Shaping Education: If you are a new amputee, you’ll learn how to apply a shrinker or Ace bandage to shape and shrink your residual limb effectively.

• Continuous Application: After casting, you’ll reapply your shrinker or Ace bandage to maintain the shape of your residual limb and support the post-operative healing process.

This careful and thorough casting process is essential for ensuring that your prosthesis will be comfortable, functional, and perfectly tailored to your specific needs.

The diagnostic socket is a vital component in the prosthetic fitting process at A Step Ahead Prosthetics. This stage ensures that your prosthetic socket fits correctly and comfortably before the final socket is made. The diagnostic socket, also known as a “check” socket, is created from the plaster cast of your residual limb.

• Transparent Material: The diagnostic socket is made of rigid, clear plastic, allowing the prosthetist to see how your residual limb fits inside.
• Fit Assessment: The prosthetist places your residual limb in the diagnostic socket and you apply body weight to assess the fit, ensuring all areas are correctly supported.
• Adjustments: The clear material enables the prosthetist to identify and mark areas that need adjustment to improve fit and comfort.
• Weight-Bearing Verification: For lower extremity amputees, the prosthetist verifies that weight-bearing surfaces are properly supported. This includes checking the ischium for above-knee amputees and the patella tendon and medial flare for below-knee amputees.
• Suspension and Comfort: The prosthetist ensures the prosthesis stays securely on your limb and checks for any discomfort, making necessary modifications.
• In-Facility Use Only: The diagnostic socket is only worn inside our facility. You should not leave the facility in a test socket.

This detailed process, which typically takes about an hour, is crucial for ensuring that the final prosthetic socket will provide optimal support, comfort, and functionality.

The fitting and delivery stage at A Step Ahead Prosthetics ensures your prosthesis fits perfectly and functions optimally.

• Component Attachment: The prosthetist connects the prosthetic socket to the selected components tailored to your needs.
• Training: Learn to properly put on (don) and take off (doff) your prosthesis, including care and maintenance.
• Alignment and Adjustments: The prosthetist adjusts the alignment for optimal comfort and function, making dynamic adjustments as needed.
• Gait Training: Begin walking training, starting with parallel bars and progressing based on your individual needs and skills.
• Extended Session: The fitting session lasts at least half a day with frequent breaks for adjustments and rest.
• Continued Use: Wear the prosthesis all day to help shape your residual limb and get acclimated, reducing rehabilitation time.
• Coordinated Care: Ongoing communication with your doctor and physical therapist ensures integrated support for your rehabilitation.

This comprehensive fitting and delivery process ensures your prosthetic device is precisely tailored for comfort and functionality, supporting your rehabilitation journey.