Dan Gottry - Blog

Dan Gottry's Blog

Monday, October 16, 2006

Profit Driven vs. Patient Oriented

Dear Dan,

Last Spring I asked my Amputee Clinic to prescribe a BE Socket with a special non-binding harness that would not impinge on my sound shoulder. There were several "vendors" present, one of them from the local Hanger facility. The request and prescription were specific for a harness/cable operated system due to limitations of the affected side

I interviewed at four different facilities in my area to ask what their ideas would be able to accommodate this for me.

The Hanger representative that I saw was only interested, and only presented, a myoelectic product even though it was specifically said in clinic, where he was that day, that this was not a feasible application. He repeatedly insisted that he could fit me with a good arm.

I have heard the same from other amputees who don't have the "nerve" to question the "expert" about what is proper for them.

I really question all the "hype" the media is fed about the wonderful new "bionic" arms and legs that are not feasible for an everyday user who would end up paying for costly repairs due to constant breakdowns.

One CP told me he saw more c-legs being pushed around in wheelchairs, rather than walking, while attending an ACA Convention.

The majority of amputees are not young, well-informed individuals. They are elderly and are used to being told by "experts" what they should have. The young, new traumatic amputees do not have the information needed to be able to distinguish a good CP from profit guided CP,. their main concern in the first year is just to absorb all the nuances of a different life. However, they do see the "bionic" stuff on TV and wonder if that would make them not so disabled, especially to their friends and family.

My son had the same experience 7 years ago when he was "assigned" to a Hanger facility and went through a very difficult time to get a proper fit. When he needed a new leg, he was extremely fearful of having to go through the same painful time again.

I sincerely question Hanger's business model. It is apparently profit-driven and not patient oriented comfort with the life giving ability to continue their lives as easily as possible.

Thank You

Hudaa Nielsen
Human Female Amputee

posted by Daniel Gottry at 1:04 PM