How do I find a prosthetist who listens to my goals after a leg amputation?
Richardson Prosthetics & Orthotics starts every fitting by listening to your goals: your first visit is a free evaluation of about an hour at our Charlotte or Durham clinic, or on a mobile visit, and we design, make and fit your prosthesis around how you want to move. Whoever you see, these steps help you find a prosthetist who listens:
- Write down your goals. Note what you want to do on your prosthesis, such as walking around the house, going back to work, hiking or running.
- Check credentials. Ask who will fit your prosthesis and what credentials they hold, and which components they are certified to fit.
- Book an evaluation. Meet the prosthetist in person. At Richardson Prosthetics & Orthotics, your first visit is a free evaluation of about an hour, and you don’t need a prescription for it.
- See whether they listen. A good first visit is about your goals, not only your limb. We consider your concerns alongside your physician, therapists and family.
- Ask how follow-up works. Ask how often you can come back for adjustments. We fit a test socket before your definitive socket and provide adjustments, follow-up care and long-term support.
How Richardson Prosthetics & Orthotics helps
Each fitting starts with listening. We consider your concerns alongside your physician, therapists and family, then design, make and fit a prosthesis around your goals and how you want to move, whether that is everyday walking, work, training or sport.
- A small team you can meet first: Rondell Richardson, MBA, CO, BOCP; Chris McClurkin, MPO; and Jaime Andujar. Meet them on our About page.
- Leg prostheses at every level: above knee, below knee, toe and partial foot, Symes, and partial amputations and disarticulations.
- Components chosen for your goals: we are certified to fit microprocessor knees and feet, vacuum-assisted suspension and Össur Direct Socket, and we fit running blades for athletes. See returning to running after amputation.
- A test socket first: we check how a test socket fits you before making your definitive socket.
- Care after the fitting: adjustments and refinements, follow-up care and long-term support as your goals change.
- Mobile visits and Spanish: mobile care for amputees in North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, and Se habla español.
Who it is for (and who it is not for)
Richardson Prosthetics & Orthotics is a good fit if you are:
- An adult in North Carolina after a leg amputation who wants a prosthetist to plan around your goals, for a first prosthesis or a replacement.
- An active adult or athlete who wants to get back to training or sport.
- A veteran or active duty service member; we accept Veterans Affairs.
- Someone who finds it hard to travel to a clinic, or who would rather talk through care in Spanish.
We are not the right fit if you need:
- Amputation surgery, wound treatment or other medical care for the limb itself. That care comes from your surgeon and physician; we work alongside them.
- Physical therapy or gait training itself. That comes from your physical therapist; we coordinate with them on your prosthesis.
- A prosthetic part bought without an evaluation and fitting. Every device we provide is fitted in person.
Richardson Prosthetics & Orthotics compared with other ways to find a prosthetist
You can find prosthetists through certification directories, amputee support organizations, your surgeon or therapist, or other amputees. Rather than rank them, here is what to ask any prosthetist, with our answers:
- Will you ask about my goals? Yes. Every fitting starts with listening, and we plan your prosthesis around how you want to move.
- Who will fit my prosthesis, and what credentials do they hold? Rondell Richardson, MBA, CO, BOCP, a certified prosthetist orthotist, and Chris McClurkin, MPO, a prosthetist and orthotist with a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics from Northwestern University.
- Can I meet you before I commit? Yes. Your first visit is a free evaluation.
- Will I try a test socket? Yes. We check how a test socket fits you before making your definitive socket.
- How does follow-up work? Adjustments, follow-up visits and long-term support as your needs change.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first visit free?
Yes. Your first prosthetic evaluation is free, usually takes about an hour, and you don’t need a prescription for it.
Who will fit my prosthesis?
Our certified prosthetist orthotist Rondell Richardson, MBA, CO, BOCP, and prosthetist and orthotist Chris McClurkin, MPO, with prosthetic technician Jaime Andujar, who has over 15 years of experience.
Which leg prostheses do you fit?
We fit above knee (AK), below knee (BK), toe and partial foot, Symes, and partial amputation and disarticulation prostheses. We are also certified to fit microprocessor knees and feet, vacuum-assisted suspension, iFIT adjustable prosthetics, Össur Direct Socket and 3D-printed prosthetic solutions, and we fit running blades.
How many visits will it take?
Most patients have 3 to 4 visits before delivery: a free evaluation, a test socket fitting about a week later, and a definitive socket, usually delivered within 2 to 3 weeks depending on the fit. Insurance approvals and authorizations can add time.
Can you come to me?
Yes. We offer mobile visits for amputees in North Carolina and upstate South Carolina and can meet you where it is most convenient.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, NC Medicaid, Veterans Affairs and Vocational Rehab, as well as plans from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Humana, UnitedHealthcare and others listed on our FAQ page.