In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), speaks with Lt. Col. Christy “Clock” Kinsey, who underwent a transfemoral amputation and became the first female to return to duty as an Air Force pilot after limb loss. Christy shares the story of losing her right leg in a hit-and-run boating accident and the role peer mentorship played in her recovery. She walks through the challenges of remaining on active duty and ultimately returning to flight status—proving she could safely operate and egress an aircraft, meet rigorous physical standards, and adapt across multiple prosthetic systems for flying, running, and cycling. The conversation also explores the realities of active-duty care, including navigating HIPAA barriers, frequent relocation, coordinating between military and local providers, and planning for deployment. Christy reflects on pregnancy-related fit changes, mental health and isolation, and the critical role of flexible, clinician support in sustaining both her career and quality of life.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Fraser Allan, prosthetist/orthotist at Thuasne, to explore the SpryStep® Agilik™ KAFO and its microprocessor-driven approach to mobility. Fraser explains how the device differs from traditional high-resistance, stance-yielding systems by providing powered knee flexion and extension to actively replace lost muscle function. The conversation highlights improvements in swing-phase mechanics, support for crouch gait when stability is present, and the potential to reduce fatigue by limiting compensatory movements. They also cover key clinical considerations, including common contraindications such as contractures and spasticity, along with the importance of proper patient selection and expectation-setting. The episode wraps with a look at the device’s development, sensor technology, functional capabilities like sit-to-stand and stairs, and the trial-to-fabrication process.

This episode is sponsored by Thuasne.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm, founder of O&P Insight, for a MythBusters-style conversation about common misconceptions in O&P clinical practice. Together, they unpack several assumptions that can lead providers astray, including the belief that prior authorization guarantees payment and the importance of accurate enrollment and place-of-service billing for multi-office practices. The discussion also covers payer requests for invoices, clarifying what providers are—and are not—required to supply. The episode highlights key compliance considerations, such as why proof of delivery alone is not enough to justify billing, how standard written orders must be supported by current documentation of continued use, and the role CPO notes can play in supplementing physician records. Seth and Lesleigh also explore issues such as diagnosis-code mismatches, replacement rules within a reasonable useful lifetime, prosthesis eligibility when a power wheelchair is present, and circumstances where additional test sockets may be justified with proper documentation.

Show Notes

Lower Limb Prosthetic LCD and Policy Article

LCD - Lower Limb Prostheses (L33787)

Article - Lower Limb Prostheses - Policy Article (A52496)

Power Mobility Device LCD and Policy Article

LCD - Power Mobility Devices (L33789)

Article - Power Mobility Devices - Policy Article (A52498)

Standard Documentation Requirements

Article - Standard Documentation Requirements for All Claims Submitted to DME MACs (A55426)

Same or Similar Resources

Same or Similar: How to Avoid Denials - JA DME - Noridian

Same or Similar Chart - JA DME - Noridian

Making Corrections to Medical Records

Documentation Guidelines for Amended Records - JE Part B - Noridian

The Medicare Learning Network

The Medicare Learning Network® | CMS

Medical Records Requirements

MLN909160 – Complying with Medical Record Documentation Requirements

MLN4840534_Medical Record Maintenance & Access Requirements

Provider Minute: The Importance of Proper Documentation

MLN905364 – Complying with Medicare Signature Requirements