Braces/AFO's

[AJDolby85]

I've been walking with the assistance of knee-high leg braces (my orthotics shop called them AFOs) for 20 years. Without them, I can't walk. My current pair has lasted me over 5 years, but it's time for new ones. Problem is, I haven't been able to find a brace shop in my area that accepts my insurance. Is there such a thing as an online national listing?

[LisaJoy]

Your insurance company should be able to give you a list of orthotics places in your area with whom they have contracted. If they do not have anyone, you should apply for approval to go out of network.

If they give you a hassle, get your primary care or orthopedic person to harangue them. Neurosurgeon, if they allow neurosurgeons to prescribe AFOs. My insurance company, Cigna, allows only GPs and orthopedists to prescribe braces.

If you have a big insurance company, they may even have an online listing. Cigna does.

Oh -- and fight them if they tell you you have to buy them "off the shelf" or get your custom afos by mail order. You absolutely HAVE to be able to have them fitted and adjusted. I got new afos in the fall -- they had to be re-made once and adjusted multiple times.