I’m Moving — What Do I Do About My Child’s Prosthetic Care?

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A Simple, Supportive Guide for Families on the Move

Moving is a big transition for any family. When your child uses a prosthesis, it can feel even more stressful to figure out how to continue their care in a new place. The good news? With a little planning, your child’s prosthetic needs can stay on track wherever you go.

This guide gives you the key steps—clear, simple, and easy to follow.

1. Start With Your Current Care Team

Before you move, reach out to the prosthetist, surgeon, and therapists who already know your child.

Ask for:

A brief summary of your child’s current needs
Prosthetic records (measurements, design notes, alignment history)
Therapy notes and upcoming goals

Doing this early helps your new team hit the ground running.

Your current care team may also have recommendations for providers near your new home. The field of pediatric specialists that work with children with limb loss and limb difference is small. Your current providers may have suggestions or a connection where you are moving, so don’t hesitate to ask!

2. Find a Pediatric‑Experienced Prosthetist

Not every clinic specializes in children. Look for a provider who understands growth‑related changes and pediatric activity needs.

Helpful questions when calling new clinics:

“How many pediatric patients do you treat?”
“How quickly can you see us after we move?”
“Are you willing to reach out to our old care team to help with my child’s care continuity?”
“How do you coordinate with PT/OT?”

Location matters too—kids often need more frequent adjustments than adults. Be sure that where you choose your providers can be easily accessed by your family for your child’s frequent visit needs.

3. Plan for a Smooth Transition

To prevent gaps in care:

Schedule a pre‑move prosthetic check.
Have your current prosthetist check the fit, replace worn parts, perform a safety inspection, and provide extra supplies if appropriate.
Schedule an introduction visit with your new care team

Schedule a visit with your new care team shortly after your move. This will help you and your child get introduced to the new care team and build the relationship with your child for their care. It’s important you create a follow-up plan and know how to contact your new clinical care team in case your child needs adjustments or follow-up appointments. Meeting your new care team when it’s not urgent can help transition care smoothly.

Know when to seek care quickly.
Watch for redness, pain, blisters, broken parts, or sudden changes in fit—especially while traveling.

4. Update Insurance Early

Insurance can change when you move, especially across state lines.

Consider:

Calling your insurance company before your move
Confirming in‑network prosthetic providers
Asking about continuity‑of‑care coverage
Letting the new clinic know when insurance updates are finalized

Prosthetic offices are typically very helpful with authorization paperwork. Having a case manager or special contact at the insurance company can help with insurance transitions and ensure your new plan will cover your child’s prosthesis.

5. Support Your Child Emotionally

New cities and new clinicians or doctors can feel intimidating.

Try:

Showing pictures of the new clinic
Simple explanations about meeting their “new helpers”
Encouraging them to share questions or worries
Touring the clinic if possible

Small reassurances go a long way.

6. Re‑establish Therapy and School Support

Once you arrive:

Schedule PT/OT evaluations early
Contact your child’s new school nurse, counselor, and teacher
Discuss mobility needs, safety, and any 504/IEP requirements
Make a plan for PE and recess activities if your child needs accommodations

Good communication makes the return to school smoother. A Limb Difference Clinic or Rehabilitation (PM&R) Physician may help with these transitions and establishing resources for support at your child’s school.

Be sure to connect your new care team to your child’s old providers. This can help facilitate communication and ease the transition between teams so your child has the best supports during this transition.

7. Share What Makes Your Child Unique

Let the new team know:

Your child’s hobbies and sports
What has worked—or what did not work—with past prostheses and therapies
Their preferred colors, themes, or designs

This helps create a prosthetic and care plan that fits not just their body, but their personality.

Remember: You’re Not Starting Over

Moving doesn’t erase your child’s progress—it simply adds a new team to support their journey. With a bit of preparation, your child’s prosthetic care can continue smoothly, safely, and confidently in your new home.

Disclaimer:

OPSB products and products distributed by OrthoPediatrics Corp. should be used under the guidance of qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. Please consult your pediatrician or orthopedic specialist for professional advice, including intended use, warnings, precautions, side effects and contraindications. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and instructions.

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