From the moment you enter a Hanger care center, our goal is to give you a calm and welcoming experience. That first visit to a prosthetist/orthotist is stressful for new patients. It’s natural to feel a little frightened and even sad when coming face-to-face with the new realities of your life. If you’re an experienced prosthetic or orthotic user but are now looking for a different provider, it can be a real challenge to think about stirring up the energy to begin again with a new prosthetist/orthotist. Regardless of your circumstances for an initial visit at Hanger, our wish is to counter any stress you feel with a renewed sense of hopefulness.
We take a team approach to caring for people. It begins when you call a Patient Care Representative to request additional information and to schedule your first appointment. You may be asked to give a general overview of your situation and the care you have received thus far. You may also be asked to provide information about your insurance or any other payer that may be involved. In this way, the representative is beginning to establish your patient file and will be able to pass on pertinent information to the rest of your care team.
The first phase of your office visit consists of a thorough examination and evaluation by a prosthetist or orthotist. For prosthetic patients, your practitioner will determine if your residual limb is ready to wear a temporary prosthesis. For orthotic patients, your practitioner will conduct a thorough physical examination, recommend an appropriate brace or support, and begin the fitting process. They can also answer your questions about prosthetic or orthotic care and rehabilitation. It’s a good idea to write down your questions ahead of time.