Lower Extremity Services

Every Sky prosthetic device is custom made over 3-5 appointments. Most patients prefer to complete these appointments over 3-8 weeks. After an evaluation appointment and reviewing your medical history, personal rehabilitation ambition, and consulting with your primary care provider (PCP), your prosthetist will propose a set of device components (socket, foot, knee, liner) that best matches your needs. Sky will contact your PCP and insurance company to obtain the required documentation and authorization, and then take a cast and measurements of your limb to create a test socket. Next, at your diagnostic fitting appointment¸ the prosthetist will evaluate the fit of the test socket. If changes are needed, a second diagnostic fitting appointment may occur. Otherwise, the prosthetist will order final fabrication and schedule your delivery appointment. Your help contacting your PCP’s office to request documentation and insurance authorization may be highly important to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Sky will contact your primary care provider (PCP) to obtain required documentation, but you could accelerate this process by calling your PCP as well. You may need to complete an appointment with your PCP before Sky delivers your prosthesis. The three key documentation requirements are:

1. 1.     Clinical Notes – An assessment from your PCP that describes your ability to benefit from a prosthesis is required. This typically includes a thorough medical history and assessment of your mobility potential. A description of your activity level, including a K level (0-4), is required to obtain insurance coverage for your device. This helps identify the prosthesis that best meets your needs. If your PCP hasn’t recently assessed you for a prosthesis, you will need to complete an appointment with them before Sky can proceed with prosthetic care.The government has provided a letter you can provide to your PCP that clarifies the required documentation. This “Dear Physician” letter is enclosed in this packet – we encourage you to bring this to your PCP at your next appointment.

1. 2.     Standard Written Order – Created after Sky’s prosthetic patient evaluation, the Standard Written Order (SWO) is a detailed description of the prosthesis to be delivered. This document must be signed by the same PCP who provides clinical notes. Sky will request your PCP to sign this document in your behalf.

1. 3.     Authorization – Many insurance plans require authorization prior to receiving a prosthesis. If yours does, Sky will request authorization when possible, but some plans require your PCP office to request authorization.

Sky works diligently to provide care to patients regardless of financial capacity. Most insurance plans provide coverage for prosthetic devices, but do require Sky to collect patient copays and deductibles. A financial estimate for your prosthesis is available after the SWO is signed. If you cannot pay your copay or deductible at the time of delivery, Sky offers payment plans. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you can apply for financial assistance through Sky’s hardship application. Please speak with the Sky office to learn more about how to apply.

Every Sky prosthetic device is custom made over 3-5 appointments. Most patients prefer to complete these appointments over 3-8 weeks. After an evaluation appointment and reviewing your medical history, personal rehabilitation ambition, and consulting with your primary care provider (PCP), your prosthetist will propose a set of device components (socket, foot, knee, liner) that best matches your needs. Sky will contact your PCP and insurance company to obtain the required documentation and authorization, and then take a cast and measurements of your limb to create a test socket. Next, at your diagnostic fitting appointment¸ the prosthetist will evaluate the fit of the test socket. If changes are needed, a second diagnostic fitting appointment may occur. Otherwise, the prosthetist will order final fabrication and schedule your delivery appointment. Your help contacting your PCP’s office to request documentation and insurance authorization may be highly important to ensure you receive the best possible care.