Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Consultations

Our philosophy: enabling success

While amputation is often seen as a last resort, many patients come to see it as the beginning of a newly active life. We help physicians, health care professionals and their patients understand how amputation and a proper prosthetic fitting can bring positive results to a patient's life.

Pre- and post-operative services

Determining the most effective type of amputation for each patient (e.g., above knee vs. below knee, above knee vs. knee disarticulation) can be critical in achieving an optimal residual limb length for a properly fitting prosthesis. Next Step clinicians offer free consultation services to surgeons before surgery to discuss ways to maximize a patient's prosthetic potential and to determine the optimal location of the amputation.

Surgeons may refer their patients to Next Step before surgery to discuss prosthetic options and the fitting process, as well as patient expectations following amputation. Educating patients before surgery can help alleviate their concerns and better prepare them for life as an amputee. Next Step practitioners are able to begin the rehabilitation process the day before surgery. Practioners make a hospital visit to take measurements for a post-operative protection system. With the help of FLO-TECH's adjustable postoperative protective and preparatory system, the APOPPS, the practitioner can protect the patient against injury during both early and preparatory stages of rehabilitation, provide easy access to bandages and dressings for wound care, permit measured and controlled weight bearing, control swelling and edema, and give control as the patient prepares the residual limb for a definative prosthesis.

We also provide peer support and counseling to patients through our three staff amputees and specially selected clients, all of varying ages and types of amputations. Discussing lifestyle goals and concerns with other amputees empowers patients to achieve their own successes. For more information on local and national support services, see our Resources section or contact us.

Next Step prosthetists are available for an immediate post-operative fitting of the prosthesis in the operating room, so the patient awakens with a prosthetic limb in place.

Following surgery and during the fitting and rehabilitation process, we keep physicians apprised of the patient's progress with the prosthesis.

Detailed prescription ensures proper care

To ensure the proper continuance of care between a physician, patient and Next Step, a detailed prescription is important. A prosthetic prescription should include:

• Patient's name
• Patient's address
• Insurance identification number
• Diagnosis
• Itemized list of device/components
• Supplies needed
• Duration of use
• Physician's signature
• Date of physician signature
• Physician's UPIN

With a detailed prescription, Next Step can produce an accurate certificate of medical necessity (CMN) to return to a patient's physician to meet Medicare and other insurance requirements.

In-service consultation and training

If a physical therapist or medical professional would like to learn about a client's prosthetic componentry and helpful prosthetic training and therapy methods, we are happy to provide a free in-service. We also schedule training sessions in:
• specific sports (e.g., golf, running, skiing, etc.)
• effective gait training
• therapy techniques

Our network of professionals from across the country offers training expertise in a variety of fields. Contact us for information on our upcoming in-service training sessions.

Access to emerging technologies

Next Step prosthetists and clinicians work with research facilities and prosthetic manufacturers in developing new prosthetic technologies and components. Our clients are often invited to beta-test these technologies and products, giving them access to the latest developments in the field.

See our New Technologies section for information on our most recent collaborations.

"The bottom line is that I know how influential my prosthetists have been in my life and the difference they have made for me. I have been on all sides of the fence in this industry starting as a patient, then an influence in sports, later a technician, and soon to be a practitioner. I can only hope that I am able to influence and provide hope for people that go through a life altering experience like my own in the future. At the end of the day, if I am able to do that, that is the ultimate reward."

Jason Lalla
Paralympic
Gold Medallist
Next Step Prosthetist
Above-knee amputee

"In contrast to my previous experience, my introduction to Next Step was a wonderful experience. I knew during my first phone conversation with Matt that I had found a caring person and hopefully a facility to deal with my upcoming amputation. They helped me face the decision to have my foot amputated."

Art Hayward
Bilateral below-knee amputee

"Being a below-knee amputee for 36 years and working at Next Step has allowed me to work with new amputees and talk about my daily life as an amputee. It is also very gratifying to see clients regain their confidence and return to their daily lifestyle."

Frank Potter, PA
Below-knee amputee