32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.2.6.1
The VR counselor should provide the VR client with sufficient information for the client to make informed choice regarding the provision of the orthotic / prosthetic (O & P) service.
* Prescriptions: The provision of all orthotic or prosthetic devices, or the modification of such items, must be prescribed by an orthopedist, surgeon or M.D., licensed in the State to prescribe it.
* Authorizations: Authorizations for orthotic or prosthetic device/services must be issued only to a facility/location where the fitting, fabrication, modification or repair of same is performed by or under the direction of a certified prosthetist and orthotist, a certified orthotist in the case of an orthotic device, or a certified prosthetist in the case of a prosthesis. Please see the fee schedule for detailed information for authorizations.
* Physical Therapy: When a new prosthetic device is prescribed for a person with an amputation, he or she should receive an initial physical therapy (PT) treatment/ training in a rehabilitation hospital, community hospital, or medical clinic setting if possible. The amount of time, care and services provided in the home by a home health physical therapist may not be uniform, and the length of physical therapy (prosthetic/gait training, etc.) time spent during the home visit may not be as comprehensive as conducted in a hospital or clinic setting.
* Checkout Sessions: Clients receiving upper and lower extremity prostheses should participate in the following checkout (office visit) sessions with at least the physical therapist and the orthotic & prosthetic company representative. When feasible, the team approach in the checkout sessions, which would include the client, the orthopedist, the physical therapist, the O & P company representative, and the VR counselor, is better for everyone.
These checkout sessions are to discuss and review the client's physical condition, and to review how the orthotic/prosthetic device is fitting and/or functioning, and like factors. In addition, these sessions allow upper and lower extremity wearers to demonstrate the individual is receiving maximum utilization of the preparatory (temporary) or the definitive (permanent) device.
At the completion of the initial physical therapy evaluation/training, the counselor should initially authorize, as needed, a minimum of ten physical therapy sessions and prosthetic/gait training sessions to insure maximum utilization of the prosthetic device. At the end of two months (60 days), the check-out session will be held to demonstrate the definitive (permanent) limb, how it fits, to check for shrinkage, swelling, skin irritation, etc.
32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.2.6.1