Hello to All,
I have a Right transtibial patient whom I have provided care to for many
years. In 2010, he suffered a stroke, and has not walked, nor driven, since.
His Left leg (his “good” leg) is paralyzed, and unusable.
He is also now on Medicare.
He has approached me about making a driving leg. He is probably a K-0, so no
way Medicare would pay for a socket. He is willing to pay out of pocket for
a new socket that would be mounted over his old foot and pylon system,
purely to be used for driving.
I casted the patient last week. The front door hadn’t even closed when my
office manager asked if the patient has been released to drive. I am quite
sure that the patient has not pursued getting the proper paperwork to be
allowed to drive.
So. Do I provide this guy with a socket? Am I in any way responsible for
this man’s actions, should he get into a wreck? Should I ask to see proof of
an updated driver’s license before I do this?
All opinions welcome.
Thanks,
Warren R Mays, CPO
