Clinics & services
Orthotics & prosthetics
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Orthotics
Orthotics care is the assessment and fitting of orthoses. Othoses are devices used to change the force applied to the body, such as footwear.
Orthoses can:
- Improve your mobility
- Reduce pain
- Help manage fractures (broken bones)
- Assist muscle and bone weakness or alignment issues
- Help manage pressure
- Help manage contractures (joint alignment issues)
Orthoses can be custom-made, customised or fitted as prefabricated devices.
Examples of the types of ortheses we prescribe and fit are:
- Foot orthoses
- Footwear
- Ankle-foot orthoses
- Knee orthoses
- Fracture orthoses
- Spinal orthoses
- More complex devices as required
Prosthetics
Prosthetic care is the assessment and fitting of prostheses. Protheses are custom-made appliances which aim to restore the function of an amputated limb as much as possible.
Throughout the amputee rehabilitation process, we use different types of prostheses such as:
- Removable rigid dressings
- Interim and long term prostheses
We provide both upper and lower limb prosthetic care. We also provide education and gait training.
Costs
Orthotic clinics
Orthotic management is provided on a fee-for-service basis.
A concession rate is available for patients who hold a valid Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
Some outpatients may be eligible to apply for funding through the State-Wide Equipment Program (SWEP).
Patients with DVA, TAC or WorkCover may be eligible for funding for orthotic management.
If you have private health insurance with extras cover you may be eligible to receive some benefits but it is good to check with your fund prior to your appointment.
Orthotic inpatients
Austin Health inpatients are generally not charged for orthotic management conducted during their hospital stay and is necessary for safe discharge from hospital.
Prosthetic patients
The Victorian Artificial Limb Program (VALP), TAC, WorkCover and DVA will generally cover the cost of a prosthesis.
Ask your prosthetist if you are unsure whether this applies to you.
