O&P Clinical Care Insiders

Hosted by American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Join Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), as he dissects clinical care topics with leaders of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Scientific Societies and the O&P profession. During these 30-minute podcasts, guests will discuss their area of clinical care and share personal experiences as professionals in that specialty and beyond, offering a relaxed journey into the professional lives of those that focus on a specific area of O&P patient care.

Listen to episodes

47 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 4329 min

Global Perspectives on Scoliosis Care

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D), of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Beate Flügel of Heidelberg University Hospital for a conversation about international collaboration, scoliosis management, and advancements in orthotic care. Drawing on nearly a decade of partnership between the Academy and Germany’s OTWorld, the guests compare educational pathways, clinical practices, and professional development opportunities in the United States and Germany. They discuss Germany’s unique dual vocational training system for orthotists and prosthetists, as well as the similarities and differences between OTWorld and the Academy Annual Meeting. The conversation also explores current approaches to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis bracing, including the use of Rigo-style braces, the importance of physiotherapy, and strategies for improving patient adherence. Davis and Flügel discuss the role of nighttime versus full-time bracing, the growing use of objective wear-time monitoring to measure compliance, and efforts to standardize digital workflows and advance 3D-printed scoliosis brace technology. Together, they highlight how international collaboration can drive innovation and improve outcomes for patients around the world. This episode is sponsored by Spinal Technology. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

May 13, 2026Episode 4221 min

Addressing Barriers to Care in O&P

In this episode, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Kiley Armstrong, MS, MPO, CPO, research prosthetist/orthotist at Northwestern University, for a conversation on the role social determinants of health play in orthotic and prosthetic care. Armstrong shares her journey into a leadership role with a soccer organization for individuals with amputations before previewing her session, “Considering Social Determinants of Health to Elevate O&P Care and Outcomes.” The discussion explores how factors such as education, economic stability, social environment, neighborhood conditions, and access to healthcare can significantly influence patient outcomes, often extending beyond the clinical intervention itself. Armstrong highlights real-world barriers including transportation, childcare, and insurance challenges that can contribute to missed appointments and interrupted care, while emphasizing the importance of trust building, awareness of implicit bias, and open communication in the clinician-patient relationship. She also shares practical strategies for addressing disparities, including leveraging community resource tools, developing referral networks, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and clinic leadership to better support patients. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

April 8, 2026Episode 4133 min

Back in the Cockpit: Returning to Flight After Limb Loss

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.

April 1, 2026Episode 4028 min

Powering Movement: A New Approach to KAFO Technology

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.

March 11, 2026Episode 3930 min

O&P MythBusters: Common Assumptions Explained

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

February 11, 2026Episode 3829 min

Measuring Mobility: Inside the Development of PROMPT

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/

January 14, 2026Episode 3734 min

Advances and Challenges in Bone-Anchored Prosthetics

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.

December 10, 2025Episode 3638 min

Five Challenges in Pediatric Prosthetic Care

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.

November 12, 2025Episode 3533 min

Beyond the Uniform: A Veteran’s Journey Through Recovery and Renewal

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.

October 8, 2025Episode 3431 min

Early Intervention and Best Practices in Cranial Remolding

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.