Touch Bionics Trip update from the Prosthetists!

A few weeks ago, Infinite Technologies owner and Prosthetist Joe Smith, Prosthetist Nick Covington and Prosthetic Resident Amanda Nigrelli went on a trip to the Touch Bionics Lab in Hilliard, Ohio with one of our patients to learn and become certified in the iLimb and iDigits.


We asked Amanda to give us some inside scoop from the trip. Here is what she had to say:


Day 1


Joe, Nick and I arrived at the Touch Bionics lab with our patients. Myotesting was performed to find appropriate sites for controlling the prosthesis using wrist flexors and wrist extensors. Our patient worked very hard with the occupational therapist to isolate myosites to gain greater control of device. The occupational therapist reviewed the computer software, “Biosim”, with Nick, Joe, our patient and myself.

Next, a silicone glove was made for our patient over a cast of the patient’s limb that was produced from silicone casting in our Arlington office. From that, we created a hard diagnostic socket and trialed placing temporary iDigits appropriately on our patient. With that, a plastic extension was added to create equal limb lengths. Once the device was calibrated, the patient performed occupational therapy fine motor skill tasks such as stacking cups, picking up candy and small coins. This was really neat to watch because our patient picked it up so quickly!


Day 2


When we arrived back to the Touch Bionics Lab, our patient was casted for a North Western style socket by a Touch Bionics Prosthetist. We did this with a goal to achieve better suspension and comfort for our patient, whose number one concern was functionality of the prosthesis. Next, modifications were completed that day by onsite by a prosthetist. A test socket was also pulled and trimmed for patient to trial the next day. While all this was going on, our patient worked with software and completed more tasks working with the occupational therapist.


Day 3


Today, a diagnostic socket was fit to our patient. iDigits were added and the prosthesis was calibrated to our patient through computer software, Biosim. With the diagnostic socket, our patient performed and practiced more occupational therapy tasks and learned more about the software. This software is compatible with iPhone/iPod touch so that we as practioners can use it in the office as well as our patient at home. While our patient was practicing more with the prosthesis, Joe, nick and I had an opportunity to have a more in depth course on software, application of iLimb/iDigits, and any troubleshooting problems that could possibly happen down the line.

After all this, Joe, Nick and I tested out and became certified iLimb/iDigits practitioners.


Overall Experience


We want to thank all the Touch Bionics practitioners, therapists, and staff who were extremely knowledgeable, willing to teach us, and very friendly us. While in Ohio, Joe, Nick, our patient and myself learned, trained, and were provided cutting edge technology in the prosthetic world. The Touch Bionics staff provided an excellent learning environment which cultivated knowledge that will allow us to provide excellent service and technology to even more patients in the future.


Follow Up with the patient: In office definitive fitting



The definitive device was shipped to our Arlington office a week after we returned from Ohio where we were able to do the final fitting for our patient in our own office. The Definitive socket was a North Western style socket with a rigid outer frame and flexible inner frame. This was a perfect fit and our patient required no adjustments at the fitting. With the new prosthesis, our patient completed some of the occupational therapy tasks for comfort and control and was very pleased with the prosthesis. As time goes on, more follow up will be needed with our patient and the patient will continue to come back for any adjustments.

 

Click this link to watch a video of our patient completing occupational therapy tasks with the definitive prosthesis after final fitting: http://on.fb.me/1mZa08R

For more pictures from the trip, visit here: http://on.fb.me/1qiYkS5

The Direct Socket: The Science Behind This Innovative New Technology, How It Compares To Traditional Prosthetic Casting, And If It Is Right For You

June 7, 2022
Infinite Technologies Orthotics and Prosthetics has geographically partnered with Össur, the inventors of the Direct Socket, as the premier facility in the Capital Region to offer this exciting new prosthetic socket technology.
SDO Vs SPIO

SDO Vs SPIO

February 21, 2022
The sensory dynamic orthotics (SDO) are a custom made to measure product, designed to provide compression to increase sensory and proprioceptive feedback as well as support to the musculoskeletal system [1]. The compressive garment comes in a wide range of designs and style options, from a glove to a full body suit.

Osseointegration

October 31, 2021
Osseointegration is a surgery that inserts a metal implant into a bone. Osseointegration was first introduced in the 1950s and today is commonplace in dental implants, hip and knee replacements, and newly with prosthetic limbs.

How Will You Know When The Time Comes To Replace Your Device?

November 12, 2020
Signs of damage such as cracks, warping and compressed padding are the first indicators there may be an issue. Check the arch of the orthotic. When the arch is compressed it should retain a sturdy shape. Arches that collapse too easily do not provide the support you need.

Benefits Of A Resting AFO, Aka Stretch Brace

October 3, 2020
No matter what your activity level is, it is important to stretch your ankles and calves every single day. Whether you are an active person or someone who is required to be seated majority of the day, stretching consistently will allow an increase in flexibility, decrease pain, and reduce your risk of injury such as Achilles tendinitis.

Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

February 13, 2020
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that appears in late childhood and into a patient’s teenage years. It is diagnosed through physical exam and x-rays. The spine develops a curvature, usually presenting as an S or C shape and can also have slightly twisted or rotated presentation.

Taking The Next Steps- Your Therapist And Orthotist/Prosthetist Working Towards One Common Goal

January 13, 2020
The world of Orthotics/Prosthetics and the world of Physical Therapy. Two worlds that at times have collided, but when collaborative they can have a profound impact on the outcome of a patient’s care.

Pain in the neck: The need to knows of Cervical/Cervical-Thoracic Orthosis

By Scott • July 13, 2019
Have you been in an accident and injured your cervical spine? Have you had corrective surgery in cervical or upper thoracic spine? Here is some information that will help you during your healing process and how to properly wear your doctor prescribed cervical collar or cervical-thoracic orthosis (CTO).

Microprocessor vs. Non-Microprocessor Prosthetic Feet

By Scott • July 4, 2019
One of the important features of a prosthesis for lower limb amputees is the prosthetic foot. There are many different models of feet by several companies, such as Otto Bock, Ossur, Endolite, Freedom Innovation and College Park. As the prosthetist knows, choosing the right prosthetic foot is very important for the patient. The foot can help the patient perform specific tasks, such as running, or just help with every day walking. As the field of Prosthetics has evolved, so has the feet.

What is a Detailed Written Order?

By Scott • June 5, 2019
A detailed written order is a document used to authorize what was ordered by a patient’s treating/prescribing physician. Detailed written orders must include all billable items, accessories or supplies related to the base item that is ordered. Some DME suppliers use prepopulated forms for their detailed written orders. If the supplier provides their own form, on these forms, the final document that is signed by the physician must clearly state what item(s) is being ordered for the patient. This may be done in two ways: • The DME supplier may indicate the items that are being provided before sending the form to the physician. The physician can then review the form and accept the items marked by the supplier or, make any necessary changes. The physician must then initial and date the revised entries. • The DME supplier may send the form to the physician without any items selected and ask the physician to indicate which items are being ordered. The physician must make their choice very clear. In each case, the physician must sign and date the form before returning it to the supplier. A DWO is required prior to billing. All DWO’s must include: Patient/Beneficiary’s name, date of the order, detailed description of all items, prescribing physician’s signature and date. Friendly Reminders • Medicare requires an order for every item of durable medical equipment. • Signature and date stamps are not allowed. Signatures must comply with the CMS signature requirements outlined in PIM 3.3.2.4. • If a DME supplier does not have a faxed, photocopied, electronic or pen and ink detailed written order signed and dated by the prescribing physician in their records before they submit a claim to Medicare, the claim will be denied. • If the claim is for an item for which an order is required by statute (e.g., therapeutic shoes for diabetics), the claim will be denied as not meeting the benefit category and is therefore not appealable by the supplier (see CMS Manual System, Pub. 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 29). • For all other items, if the DME supplier does not have an order that has been both signed and dated by the treating physician before billing, the item will be denied as not reasonable and necessary, except for items requiring a written order prior to delivery. If an order is taken verbally and sent to the physician for a signature and date, there are two documents: the verbal order and the written order with the physician’s signature and date. If a beneficiary comes in with a prescription containing all the elements of a detailed written order, then one document is on file. It is important to remember that if an item is dispensed based on a verbal order and a written order is provided afterwards, both orders must be retained. It is not adequate to only have a written order after dispensing an item. There must be documentation to show the verbal order was received prior to dispensing the item. Resources: https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jddme/topics/documentation/detailed-written-orders https://cgsmedicare.com/jc/pubs/news/2010/0410/cope12010.html
More Posts
Share by: