Success Stories
The establishment of L-5657 reflects the advocacy and engagement of the O&P community. Certified prosthetists across the United States shared clinical insight and real-world experience demonstrating the Overlay’s impact on safety, independence, and quality of life.
As one US certified prosthetist shared:
“One of my patients previously experienced difficulty donning their prosthesis and suffered multiple falls due to excessive movement within the socket. Since introducing the Overlay, they feel more secure both when donning the device and during daily activities. This device has been integral in maintaining their health, confidence, and ability to function without the challenges associated with volume fluctuations.”
Lucie Beausoleil, Transtibial Patient (K-1 to K-2)
Before discovering the Overlay, Lucie rarely used her prosthetic limbs. She relied heavily on her wheelchair because managing prosthetic socks felt uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially in public. Wearing her prosthesis for more than 30 minutes at a time was a real challenge.
Since switching to the Overlay, everything has changed. She now wears her prostheses far more often and feels confident staying active throughout the day. On her very first day using the Overlay, she completed all her errands and walked continuously for more than three hours, something she never thought possible before.
Lucie says:
“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. No more socks; I don’t need to add or remove anything anymore. I can do my housework and run errands without taking off my prosthesis in front of people. Before, I’d cut outings short because I didn’t want to remove it in public. Now, with just a small adjustment, I can keep going. It’s truly a wonderful invention.”
Marc Flora, Transfemoral Patient (K-2)
Marc is a relatively new amputee who has been experiencing ongoing limb volume changes and needed improved stability and confidence with his prosthesis. Before using the Overlay, he struggled with socket comfort and secure fit, which limited his mobility.
Since incorporating the Overlay into his prosthetic system, Marc has gained greater confidence, stability, and independence, helping him walk more comfortably and safely as he continues his recovery.
Marc shares:
“This product is a game changer. Being only ten months post-amputation, it has helped me tremendously build confidence with my prosthetic. I can now walk unassisted because of it. I’ll say it again: It’s a game-changer.”
Elmer Hayes, Transfemoral Patient (K-3)
Elmer is an active K-3 transfemoral user who wears a seal-in liner with a vacuum suspension system. Prior to using the Overlay, he experienced socket looseness and instability, especially during longer periods of walking.
With the Overlay, Elmer is able to maintain a more secure and comfortable fit as his limb volume changes throughout the day, helping him stay active with greater confidence.
Elmer explains:
“The product works extremely well. I wish I had something like this earlier, especially for older sockets that developed gaps over time. It’s particularly helpful after I’ve been walking for a while and start to sink into my socket; adding the Overlay fills in those spaces and restores a secure fit.”
Expanding Access for Medicare and Beyond
The new L-5657 code is expected to significantly improve access for Medicare beneficiaries, while also supporting broader coverage across Medicaid and commercial insurers. By enabling earlier intervention with adjustable socket technology, clinicians can help reduce complications, prevent premature socket replacement, and support long-term mobility and independence.
Academy Attendance
We’re excited to announce that Ethnocare will be exhibiting at the Academy’s Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee, February 18-21.
The Academy’s Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium is one of the most important gatherings in O&P. This year, we’re especially looking forward to connecting in person and showcasing the Ethnocare Overlay now supported by a new HCPCS code in the United States.
Visit Us at Booth 523 to:
- Meet the Ethnocare team
- See the Overlay in real life and experience its design firsthand
- Discuss clinical use cases, fitting workflows, and patient outcomes
- Learn about billing, reimbursement, and coverage under the new HCPCS code
- Explore how adjustable socket technology can improve day-to-day prosthetic care
Whether you’re already using the Overlay or exploring new approaches to residual limb volume management, the Academy’s Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium is a great opportunity to experience this technology up close.
More About the New Code
Ethnocare Overlay Receives New HCPCS Code L-5657
We’re proud to share that the Ethnocare Overlay has been officially assigned a new HCPCS code L-5657, effective October 1, 2025.
L-5657 Descriptor:
Addition to lower extremity prosthesis, manual or automated adjustable air, fluid, gel, or equivalent socket insert for limb volume management, any materials.
This new code formally establishes adjustable socket inserts as a distinct prosthetic product category, recognizing their unique role in addressing residual limb volume fluctuations, one of the most persistent challenges in lower-limb prosthetic care.
CMS Recognition of a Distinct Therapeutic Category
As part of the coding process, CMS recognized the Ethnocare Overlay as the predicate product for L-5657 and acknowledged the distinct therapeutic advantages of adjustable socket inserts compared to traditional volume-management approaches such as prosthetic socks.
Key Advantages Include:
- Real-time adjustability without removing the prosthesis
- Targeted volume accommodation, directing pressure to areas of looseness rather than adding uniform bulk
- Improved suspension and stability, supporting safer ambulation and fall prevention
- Enhanced comfort and limb health, helping reduce pressure points and skin irritation
- Extended socket lifespan, often delaying the need for new socket fabrication
By enabling patients to fine-tune fit throughout the day, the Overlay helps maintain comfort, security, and functional confidence despite daily or long-term limb volume changes.
Billing & Reimbursement Resources Available
To support clinicians, billing teams, and payers, Ethnocare has published dedicated L-5657 reimbursement resources on its website, including:
- A Reimbursement Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q03-c3nw0
- An MSRP document to support transparent pricing and payer discussions: https://hubs.ly/Q03Ztszr0
- A medical necessity letter: https://hubs.ly/Q03Ztp_D0
These tools are designed to streamline claims submission and support consistent reimbursement across Medicare and commercial insurers.
If you’re attending the Academy’s Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium 2026, come meet us at Booth 523 in Nashville. We’d love to show you the Overlay in person and discuss how L-5657 is shaping the future of adjustable socket care.
