As an amputee, the most important decision you will make regarding your prosthesis is choosing the practitioner who provides it to you.

For new amputees or parents of child amputees, this process can seem daunting, especially if you are without a support network to help you.  However, with the proper information and attitude, you will be able to make the right choice and begin a long term relationship with a trusted provider.

A reputable, capable prosthetist can make all the difference in the world to the amputee and MOST prosthetists are quite good at their jobs and make it their goal to retain you as a happy, comfortable repeat client.

The nature of the amputee/prosthetist relationship is quite personal.  For example, during the casting process the prosthetist must ensure that the socket fit will be correct.  This is done by shaping the cast to fit precisely to the residual limb.  Depending on the socket requirements, this process may require the prosthetist to be in contact with your body in the general vicinity of "intimate" areas.  If you are not comfortable with your provider, then this could be an uncomfortable situation.

Therefore it is extremely important that you be totally satisfied with the level of professionalism of your prosthetist.

The most important thing to remember is that YOU are in charge.  YOU are hiring this individual to provide a VERY EXPENSIVE (no matter who is paying for it) product to you that must be custom fabricated.

The first step is for you to interview a number of prosthetists.  Contact prosthetists in your area and book a consultation with them.  Bring any questions you may have and let them know that you are interviewing other potential providers.

Don't be afraid to ask to see their credentials.  A certificate or diploma at the very least and also ask about their membership status with the appropriate professional organizations.  In North America, the associations are AAOP, ABC and CBC.

During your consultation, ask about the different components available and ask for recommendations.  Also be sure to get a written estimate for the work that will be done.

Don't forget to ask about satisfaction policies, warranties, and any other guarantees of service that the practitioner may offer.

You should also ask for referrals.  Any prosthetic provider who stands behind his or her work will gladly provide you with the information requested.  Of course, any references must have given prior permission to the practitioner to use them as such.

If the practitioner balks at any of these requests, leave immediately and begin interviewing another practitioner.

It is the prosthetists' responsibility to be up to date on all of the Certifications and training required by the industry and to be aware of all the components available and their applications.

In order to become certified, a practitioner must successfully complete a minimum of 2 years of specific training and participate in an internship for another 2 years.

Periodically, the professional organizations release further educational requirements.  The prosthetist must successfully complete those training sessions in order to maintain their certification.

Also, many of the component manufacturers offer training sessions in the installation, specifications and applications of their particular components.

A common misconception is that an amputee who is also a prosthetist will provide better service or a better product.  That is just not true.  Incompetence comes in all shapes and sizes.

If anyone in the facility refers to the amputee as a patient, BEWARE.  Contrary to the opinions of some prosthetists, you are a CLIENT, not a patient and you are entitled to the respect due to you as a CLIENT who spends thousands of dollars with them, no matter who is signing the check.

I personally have had many run ins with prosthetists who are more concerned with my accepting the term patient than they are with the satisfaction of the client.

Prosthetists who insist on referring to clients as patients are dealing with ego issues that have no place in your BUSINESS relationship with them.

The rationalization "I am a professional, therefore you are a patient" is unacceptable.

If you are treated rudely or your questions are not answered to your satisfaction at any time, then you can bet that this behavior will continue.  Remember, you are the boss in this situation.

If there are many people waiting to be seen, then this indicates another level of lack of respect for the client.  Of course, sometimes situations happen where you will have to wait and this is to be expected, but if the situation is chronic, you may want to consider taking your business elsewhere.

It used to be a common sight at many prosthetic facilities to see amputees walking up and down public hallways in their underwear (in plain view of other clients in the waiting room and often anyone else just walking by outside) so the prosthetist could check the gait.  This is NOT acceptable.  If the facility does not have adequate PRIVATE space for you and your prosthetist to work, then you should take your business elsewhere.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS THIS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.  If you encounter this, leave immediately and file a report with the appropriate professional governing body and the local authorities (if the situation is criminal).  Reputable prosthetists do not tolerate this type of behavior and the profession has procedures in place to deal with this type of behavior.