Harlingen, Texas, VA offers Veterans same-day service action plan for orthotic, prosthetic needs

Pictured above: Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service team members Claude St. Pierre and Juan Montelongo prepare equipment in the prosthetic lab at the VA Health Care Center, Harlingen, Texas. (Photo by Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

The Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service for VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System now offers same-day service action plans for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) needs.

Same-day service means that, on the day Veterans initiate contact for O&P services, they will be able to talk with a prosthetic and/or orthotic professional to express their concern and discuss a mutually agreeable action plan for intervention.

The health care system officially began offering Veterans same-day service action plans for custom-made orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs on Jan. 2 this year. The recent change was made to help expedite the provision for prosthetic limbs, replacement parts, or custom orthotic braces.

“Having same-day service [action plans] for walk-in patients will save Veterans time in receiving the prescribed items,” said Brad Corkwell chief of Prosthetics Service for VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.

“This change will save time for the primary care providers, and more importantly the Veterans because they will not have to wait extra days to get services for the custom-made orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs that they need. This change is not for off-the-shelf braces such as a back brace or wrist brace.”

Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service purchasing agent Carlos Treviño helps roll a new wheel chair out for a Veteran. (Photo by Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

Veterans who currently have prosthetics and sensory aid devices will not have to make an appointment with their primary care provider to be referred to the O&P services. They can just walk in. Veterans are asked to remember that all their orthotic and prosthetic items must be currently prescribed by their primary care provider.

VA leads the world in providing leading technology to aid individuals in gaining their independence and revitalizing their lives. The Veterans Health Administration offers care to eligible service members and Veterans to ensure there is no delay in our wounded heroes receiving the equipment they need.

The Prosthetic Service at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend is part of the VA’s Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, responsible for the national policies and programs for medical rehabilitation, prosthetic and sensory aids services that promote the health, independence and quality of life for Veterans with disabilities.

Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services is committed to providing the highest quality, comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, the most advanced medical devices and products that are commercially available and promoting advancements in rehabilitative care and evidence-based treatment.