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

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Brian Hafner, PhD, bioengineer and professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, to discuss the development and validation of the Prosthetic Mobility Performance Test (PROMPT). Dr. Hafner shares insights from his upcoming Thranhardt Lecture at the Academy Meeting, where he will introduce the research behind this flexible, performance-based tool designed to measure lower limb prosthetic mobility in clinical settings. The conversation explores the challenges of building and validating outcome measures, cross-institutional collaboration, lessons learned during the pandemic, and the evolving role of standardized data in improving patient care and shaping policy within the orthotics and prosthetics profession.

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

Show notes

Interviews with Rehabilitation Specialists:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9007274/

Survey of Physical Therapists:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12367168/

Survey of Prosthetists:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9452451/

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Dan Milius, CPO, a clinical prosthetist at the University of Colorado Center for Prosthetics and a member of the CU Limb Restoration Team, for an in-depth conversation on the advancements of osseointegration and bone-anchored prosthetics. Together, they unpack common misconceptions, discuss the importance of a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary care team, and share best practices for the early postoperative and rehabilitation phases. The episode also highlights recent initiatives from the Bone Anchored Prosthetics Society, including the Unconference and the State of the Science Conference, while addressing scope-of-practice and reimbursement considerations. The discussion offers practical insights for clinicians navigating the complexities of osseointegration care.

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

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Michelle Hall, MS, CPO, FAAOP(D), lead prosthetist and O&P residency director at Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, Minnesota. Michelle breaks down the top five challenges she sees in pediatric prosthetic care, exploring topics such as parental indecision, condoning unhelpful behaviors, the risk of over-accommodation, distinguishing discomfort from true pain, and the value of giving children meaningful choices. Together, Seth and Michelle unpack the nuances of working with young patients and their families, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these complex, yet rewarding, clinical scenarios.

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

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Ian Parkinson, a veteran of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division who has bilateral transfemoral amputations. Ian shares his journey transitioning from military to civilian life after losing his legs during a combat deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting to life after injury, the value of structured rehabilitation, and the vital role of comprehensive prosthetic support. Ian also discusses his creative approach to recovery—like skateboarding on stubbies—and emphasizes the importance of community and specialized care in helping veterans thrive.

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

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Jim Brookshier, MPO, CLPO, FAAOP, cranial specialist and clinical professor at the University of Texas Department of Neurosurgery in San Antonio. Together, they explore the critical elements of effective cranial remolding care—from the importance of early intervention and referral source education to managing heat, ensuring compliance, and navigating the impact of social media. Brookshier shares insights on the narrow window for conservative treatment, practical tips for addressing heat-related challenges, and strategies to support families in maintaining consistent helmet use. The discussion also tackles the spread of misinformation online and highlights the resources, mentorship, and professional community available to clinicians in this evolving field.

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