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Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Assistants in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics

May 2025

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Results Relating to Domains and Tasks

Orthotic Assistant Domains and Tasks

Weight
Domain 1: Assessment   27%
0101. Review patient’s prescription/referral.     
0102. Obtain and/or review patient history and assessment findings, including but not limited to previous device use, medical history, functional limitations, activity levels, patient measurements.   
0103. Consult with certified orthotist and/or interdisciplinary team about patient’s condition to understand the treatment plan and goals.    
0104. Document assessment findings using established documentation requirements.   
Domain 2: Implementation of the Treatment Plan   31%
0201. Confirm the treatment plan with the supervising orthotist to ensure that device selection, materials, design, and components are appropriate and patient specific.   
0202. Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan.   
0203. Select appropriate materials and techniques to gather patient data for fabrication or device selection (e.g., measure, take impression, cast, scan).   
0204. Select appropriate prefabricated orthosis based on patient measurements, manufacturer’s specifications, and the established treatment plan.   
0205. Modify and prepare patient model/image for custom fabrication.   
0206. Participate in the fabrication and assembly of the orthosis to prepare for initial or diagnostic fitting.   
0207. Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers’ guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting.   
0208. Assess alignment of orthosis for accuracy in the sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes to provide optimal function and comfort.   
0209. Complete the fitting process to achieve optimal fit and function of orthosis, and confirm the device meets the treatment plan objectives.   
0210. Reassess orthosis for structural safety.   
0211. Educate patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis (e.g., fitting guidelines, wearing/break-in schedules, follow-up care).   
0212. Document treatment using established documentation requirements.   
Domain 3: Continuation of the Treatment Plan   27%
0301. Obtain feedback from patient and/or caregiver to evaluate outcomes (e.g., wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, ability to don and doff, proper usage and function, concerns, changes in medical history).   
0302. Assess patient’s general health (e.g., skin condition, psychosocial status, physical health).   
0303. Assess fit and function of orthosis to determine need for changes to meet goals of the established treatment plan.   
0304.  Assess patient’s progress toward treatment goals (e.g. document pertinent outcome measures, communication with interdisciplinary team).    
0305. Inform certified orthotist of all findings that affect the treatment plan.   
0306. Complete necessary adjustments to orthosis to maintain optimal fit and function.   
0307. Inspect adjusted orthosis for structural safety.   
0308. Evaluate results of adjustments to fitted orthosis, including static and dynamic assessment.   
0309. Educate patient/caregiver to ensure continued proper use of adjusted orthosis.   
0310. Document all findings and actions related to follow-up using established documentation requirements.   
Domain 4: Practice Management   15%
0401. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations (e.g., CMS, HIPAA, FDA, ADA, OSHA, state licensure).   
0402. Adhere to professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., ABC Code of Professional Responsibility).   
0403. Comply with established documentation requirements related to patient billing and claims development (e.g., insurance processes, authorizations, denials, appeals).   
0404. Promote a safe and professional environment for patient care.   
Please see Appendix B of final report for details of frequency and criticality.

 

Prosthetic Assistant Domains and Tasks

Weight
Domain 1: Assessment   20%
0101. Review patient’s prescription, referral, chart notes, and medical and device history. 
0102. Evaluate patient’s needs and concerns to determine appropriate care. 
0103. Evaluate existing device and fit, as applicable. 
0104. Consult with supervising prosthetist about patient’s condition to understand the treatment plan and goals. 
0105. Document assessment findings using established documentation requirements. 
Domain 2: Implementation of the Treatment Plan   35%
0201. Provide patient/caregiver with pre/post-operative education and care. 
0202: Educate and prepare patient/caregiver for treatment plan. 
0203. Perform procedure utilizing appropriate materials/techniques to obtain impression/model, adhering to all standard safety protocols. 
0204.  Prepare and modify impression/model for fabrication. 
0205.  Fabricate, assemble, and align prosthesis to prepare for safe initial or diagnostic fitting, according to treatment plan. 
0206. Assess and adjust static and dynamic alignment of prosthesis to provide optimal function and comfort. 
0207.  Ensure that materials, design, and components are provided as specified in the treatment plan. 
0208.  Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit and function of device. 
0209.  Finalize prosthesis for structural quality and safety at time of delivery, according to manufacturer’s guidelines. 
0210. Educate patient/caregiver about the use and maintenance of the prosthesis. 
0211.  Document treatment using established documentation requirements to comply with the treatment plan. 
Domain 3: Continuation of the Treatment Plan   30%
0301. Obtain feedback from patient/caregiver to evaluate effectiveness of treatment (e.g., wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, ability to don and doff, proper usage and function). 
0302. Assess patient’s general health (e.g., skin condition, psychosocial status, physical health). 
0303. Assess fit and function of prosthesis to determine need for changes. 
0304. Assess patient’s progress toward achievement of planned treatment goals. 
0305. Consult with supervising prosthetist on findings that affect the treatment plan. 
0306. Implement appropriate adjustments to device based on feedback and assessment. 
0307. Reassess prosthesis for structural quality and safety. 
0308. Evaluate results of adjustments to prosthesis, including static and dynamic alignment. 
0309. Educate patient/caregiver to ensure continued proper use of adjusted prosthesis. 
0310. Perform appropriate outcome measure testing. 
0311. Document findings and actions related to follow-up using established documentation requirements. 
 
0312. Communicate with patient’s care team about relevant findings or changes made. 
Domain 4: Practice Management   15%
0401. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations (e.g., CMS, HIPAA, FDA, ADA, OSHA, state licensure). 
0402. Adhere to professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., ABC Code of Professional Responsibility). 
0403. Comply with established documentation requirements related to patient billing and claims development (e.g., insurance processes, authorizations, denials, appeals). 
0404. Promote a safe and professional work environment for employees and patients. 

Please see Appendix B of final report for details of frequency and criticality.