The Experience of Visiting an Orthotist

There are different types of orthotic clinics and clinicians that will provide different patient experiences, but the process throughout is generally the same. Whether you are seeing an occupational therapist, physical therapist, certified orthotist, another allied health professional or reliable health care professional, you will likely experience a similar visit where the clinician is there to help you get on track with the care you need.

Patient care can sometimes seem complicated and overwhelming in healthcare systems, especially when you are going between different providers during your treatment for a device like an AFO. You may have been diagnosed with drop foot through your medical provider and referred to a certified orthotist to be fit with your AFO device.

‍

Orthotists fit AFOs daily, and are trained on the specifics between all device options. Once the device has been deemed medically appropriate, the process for the AFO can be complete. Appointment duration varies depending on the severity of the patient’s needs and brace complexity. These health care professionals in particular are often also certified as prosthetists, also known as certified orthotist/prosthetist (CPO). For them, unlike the process they must follow while fitting prostheses (prosthetic devices) and artificial limbs for amputations, fitting for an orthotic device like an AFO can be much quicker and simpler, depending on the treatment plan. 

As a patient, it’s important to know there are organizations actively helping to maintain the progress and education of the orthotics field, so your care is always up to date and meeting industry standards from certification exams and ongoing accreditations. American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics is a national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions. Also known as ABC, this organization represents the quantity standards in certification and accreditation for thoughts of individuals and patient care organizations. Additionally, the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) is responsible for accrediting orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic education programs including the clinical residency.

In partnership with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), NCOPE leverages evidence-based accreditation practices to demonstrate its dedication to enhancing the profession. NCOPE is committed to enhancing the technical and clinical services delivered by the students and residents today, and in their future practice. For prosthetists/orthotists, their involvement in the advancement of the industry is key to their clinic and patients’ success.

‍

As a patient seeing an orthotist for an AFO, once in the clinic your medical history, any referral information from your prescribing doctor, and your physical performance will be reviewed to assess your overall needs. The orthotist can evaluate your disabilities through a variety of assessments of your gait, muscle tests, lifestyle, and goals to ensure they are fitting you with the best orthosis for your needs.

Once the orthotist has determined your impairment indications as well as discussed your personal factors like weight, height, activity levels, etc. they will be able to recommend the best AFO for your needs and ultimately fit you in your bracing solution. Some AFOs can be fit on the same day depending on the clinic’s stock of the product and the AFOs fitting requirements, while some may take days to weeks for the fitting to be finalized.