O&P Clinical Care Insiders

Powering Movement: A New Approach to KAFO Technology

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Fraser Allan, prosthetist/orthotist at Thuasne, to explore the SpryStep® Agilik™ KAFO and its microprocessor-driven approach to mobility. Fraser explains how the device differs from traditional high-resistance, stance-yielding systems by providing powered knee flexion and extension to actively replace lost muscle function. The conversation highlights improvements in swing-phase mechanics, support for crouch gait when stability is present, and the potential to reduce fatigue by limiting compensatory movements. They also cover key clinical considerations, including common contraindications such as contractures and spasticity, along with the importance of proper patient selection and expectation-setting. The episode wraps with a look at the device’s development, sensor technology, functional capabilities like sit-to-stand and stairs, and the trial-to-fabrication process.
 
This episode is sponsored by Thuasne.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

O&P MythBusters: Common Assumptions Explained

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm, founder of O&P Insight, for a MythBusters-style conversation about common misconceptions in O&P clinical practice. Together, they unpack several assumptions that can lead providers astray, including the belief that prior authorization guarantees payment and the importance of accurate enrollment and place-of-service billing for multi-office practices. The discussion also covers payer requests for invoices, clarifying what providers are—and are not—required to supply. The episode highlights key compliance considerations, such as why proof of delivery alone is not enough to justify billing, how standard written orders must be supported by current documentation of continued use, and the role CPO notes can play in supplementing physician records. Seth and Lesleigh also explore issues such as diagnosis-code mismatches, replacement rules within a reasonable useful lifetime, prosthesis eligibility when a power wheelchair is present, and circumstances where additional test sockets may be justified with proper documentation.
 
Show Notes
Lower Limb Prosthetic LCD and Policy Article
LCD - Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787)
Article - Lower Limb Prostheses - Policy Article (A52496)
 
Power Mobility Device LCD and Policy Article
LCD - Power Mobility Devices (L33789)
Article - Power Mobility Devices - Policy Article (A52498)
 
Standard Documentation Requirements
Article - Standard Documentation Requirements for All Claims Submitted to DME MACs (A55426)
 
Same or Similar Resources
Same or Similar: How to Avoid Denials - JA DME - Noridian
Same or Similar Chart - JA DME - Noridian
 
Making Corrections to Medical Records
Documentation Guidelines for Amended Records - JE Part B - Noridian
 
The Medicare Learning Network
The Medicare Learning Network® | CMS
 
Medical Records Requirements
MLN909160 – Complying with Medical Record Documentation Requirements
MLN4840534_Medical Record Maintenance & Access Requirements
Provider Minute: The Importance of Proper Documentation
MLN905364 – Complying with Medicare Signature Requirements

Measuring Mobility: Inside the Development of PROMPT

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Brian Hafner, PhD, bioengineer and professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, to discuss the development and validation of the Prosthetic Mobility Performance Test (PROMPT). Dr. Hafner shares insights from his upcoming Thranhardt Lecture at the Academy Meeting, where he will introduce the research behind this flexible, performance-based tool designed to measure lower limb prosthetic mobility in clinical settings. The conversation explores the challenges of building and validating outcome measures, cross-institutional collaboration, lessons learned during the pandemic, and the evolving role of standardized data in improving patient care and shaping policy within the orthotics and prosthetics profession.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show notes
Interviews with Rehabilitation Specialists:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9007274/
 
Survey of Physical Therapists:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12367168/
 
Survey of Prosthetists:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9452451/

Advances and Challenges in Bone-Anchored Prosthetics

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Dan Milius, CPO, a clinical prosthetist at the University of Colorado Center for Prosthetics and a member of the CU Limb Restoration Team, for an in-depth conversation on the advancements of osseointegration and bone-anchored prosthetics. Together, they unpack common misconceptions, discuss the importance of a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary care team, and share best practices for the early postoperative and rehabilitation phases. The episode also highlights recent initiatives from the Bone Anchored Prosthetics Society, including the Unconference and the State of the Science Conference, while addressing scope-of-practice and reimbursement considerations. The discussion offers practical insights for clinicians navigating the complexities of osseointegration care.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Five Challenges in Pediatric Prosthetic Care

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Michelle Hall, MS, CPO, FAAOP(D), lead prosthetist and O&P residency director at Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, Minnesota. Michelle breaks down the top five challenges she sees in pediatric prosthetic care, exploring topics such as parental indecision, condoning unhelpful behaviors, the risk of over-accommodation, distinguishing discomfort from true pain, and the value of giving children meaningful choices. Together, Seth and Michelle unpack the nuances of working with young patients and their families, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these complex, yet rewarding, clinical scenarios.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Beyond the Uniform: A Veteran’s Journey Through Recovery and Renewal

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Ian Parkinson, a veteran of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division who has bilateral transfemoral amputations. Ian shares his journey transitioning from military to civilian life after losing his legs during a combat deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting to life after injury, the value of structured rehabilitation, and the vital role of comprehensive prosthetic support. Ian also discusses his creative approach to recovery—like skateboarding on stubbies—and emphasizes the importance of community and specialized care in helping veterans thrive.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Early Intervention and Best Practices in Cranial Remolding

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Jim Brookshier, MPO, CLPO, FAAOP, cranial specialist and clinical professor at the University of Texas Department of Neurosurgery in San Antonio. Together, they explore the critical elements of effective cranial remolding care—from the importance of early intervention and referral source education to managing heat, ensuring compliance, and navigating the impact of social media. Brookshier shares insights on the narrow window for conservative treatment, practical tips for addressing heat-related challenges, and strategies to support families in maintaining consistent helmet use. The discussion also tackles the spread of misinformation online and highlights the resources, mentorship, and professional community available to clinicians in this evolving field.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Exploring AI in Clinical Care

In this episode, we're flipping the script on our usual host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), as our guest host Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO, of Bremer Prosthetic Design, leads the conversation. We're getting Seth's take on how artificial intelligence is making its way into clinical practice, from patient care and documentation to gait analysis. Together, they dig into the opportunities AI brings for efficiency and reducing clinician burnout, while also tackling key considerations like HIPAA compliance and the importance of accurate data. The discussion wraps with insights on what the future of AI could mean for the orthotics and prosthetics profession.
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.
 

Tackling Challenges in Upper-Limb Prostheses

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Shane Grubbs, CPO/L, FAAOP, director at Ottobock.care and chair of the Academy’s Upper-Limb Prosthetics Scientific Society. Together, they unpack Shane’s top five challenges in upper limb prosthetics—from building patient confidence to creating supportive environments, improving education, setting realistic expectations, gaining experience, and balancing fundamentals with innovation. Along the way, they discuss why mentorship, continual learning, and clear communication are critical to advancing clinical outcomes for patients.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Evaluating Patient Outcomes with the C-Brace

In this episode, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), welcomes Russ Lundstrom, Director of Clinical Research and Services at Ottobock and recipient of the Thranhardt Lecture Series Award. Lundstrom shares insights from his research on goal attainment and reduced reliance on walking aids, focusing on the use of real-world evidence alongside randomized controlled trials. The conversation explores the clinical impact of the C-Brace, including its influence on walking speed, fall reduction, and patient quality of life. Additional topics include goal setting, the value of individualized care, the role of physical therapy, and the importance of clinical judgment when introducing new technologies.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.