Dear List,
I highly suggest reading the outstanding work of Phillip Stevens and Shane Wurdeman involving their clinical practice guidelines for prosthetic knee selection that was published in the January edition of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
In their CPG they found that use of MPKs among limited community ambulators increased level ground and uneven terrain walking speeds, reduces uncontrolled falls and increases both measured and perceived balance compared to NMPKs. They also reference several studies that have found no significant difference between MPKs and NMPKs in regards to overall costs to society despite the higher procurement costs of MPKs.
We all know that most insurance plans still consider a K3 functional level as a prerequisite for microprocessor technology. Has anyone had success obtaining authorization and then payment for MPK delivery to a K2 patient given the fair body of knowledge that says this should be the norm?
Please share your experiences. I will post responses to the list.
Thanks!
Gary L. Wall, MSPO, C.Ped, CFo.
Del Bianco Prosthetics and Orthotics
3410 Executive Dr. Suite 203
Medical Office Building 1
Raleigh, NC 27609
