FAQ | SEMO Prosthetics & Orthotics

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about appointments, insurance, prosthetic care, billing, and what to expect throughout the process.

If we are billing insurance, you will need a referral or prescription.
Most first visits take approximately 30 minutes for orthotics and 60 minutes for prosthetics.
Most orthotic and prosthetic devices are custom made and require a follow up fitting appointment.
Most patients are ready for their first prosthesis about 4 to 8 weeks after surgery, depending on healing and overall health. Your prosthetist will guide you through each step of the process, including evaluation, casting, fitting, adjustments, and follow-up care.

Typical Prosthetic Timeline
1. Initial consultation and shrinker fitting
2. Evaluation and goal discussion
3. Casting and measurements
4. Diagnostic socket fitting
5. Delivery of final prosthesis
6. Ongoing follow-up and adjustments

We work with many insurance providers and are in network with most major plans. Contact our office and we’ll help verify your coverage and benefits before treatment begins.
We accept many major insurance plans, including Medicare Part B and most commercial insurance providers. Coverage varies based on your individual plan and the type of device or service provided.
In many cases, patients are responsible for a portion of the cost of their orthotic or prosthetic device. The amount depends on your insurance plan, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and the device being provided.
Yes. Once you provide your insurance information, our office staff will verify your benefits, determine available coverage, and obtain prior authorization if needed before services are provided.
No. Insurance verification and authorization provide an estimate only. Final patient responsibility is determined by your insurance carrier after claims are processed.
For questions about insurance, coverage, authorizations, or billing:
Poplar Bluff Office
915 W Pine St
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
573-778-3700
Cape Girardeau Office
2534 William St
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
573-332-1015
Payments can be made securely over the phone by calling either office. Checks may also be mailed to either location and should be made payable to:
SEMO Prosthetics & Orthotics

Yes. It is normal for your residual limb to change in size and shape over time, especially during the first several months after surgery. Your prosthetist will help make adjustments as needed to maintain comfort and fit.
Daily cleaning and inspection are very important. Watch for redness, sores, blisters, or skin irritation, and contact your prosthetist if you notice changes or discomfort.
Most patients wear their shrinker nearly full time except while bathing. Shrinkers help shape the residual limb and prepare it for prosthetic fitting.
No. Prostheses should be removed while sleeping. Most patients are encouraged to wear a shrinker at night to help manage swelling and maintain limb shape.
New amputees should gradually increase wear time over several weeks. Your prosthetist will provide guidance based on your comfort, skin condition, and activity level.
In many cases, yes. Your success depends on factors like healing, physical condition, therapy, and consistency. Our goal is to help you safely return to the activities that matter most to you.
Physical therapy is often recommended to improve strength, balance, mobility, and gait training after receiving a prosthesis.

Liners should be cleaned daily using warm soapy water or a rubbing alcohol and water solution to help maintain hygiene and skin health.
Prosthetic socks come in different thicknesses called plies. They help adjust the fit of your socket as your residual limb changes throughout the day.
Different shoe styles and heel heights can affect prosthetic alignment and function. Discuss footwear preferences with your prosthetist so adjustments can be made if needed.
Regular follow up appointments are important to monitor fit, comfort, and function. New prosthetic users typically have several follow ups during the first few months.
Your first prosthesis is often temporary and may last 3 to 6 months while your limb stabilizes. Long-term prostheses commonly last 2 to 5 years, depending on use and changes in your limb.