Top 5 Questions to Ask in your Prosthetic Consultation

Thinking about getting either your first or a new prosthetic arm can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. You may be wondering how it works, whether it will fit your daily life, or what it might cost. At Open Bionics, we believe the best way to start is with a free prosthetic consultation which is a 15-20 minute video consultation with one of our certified clinicians, who is best prepared to make the journey as seamless and stress free as possible! Our video consults take place over Google Meet, and we help you get everything set up so the process is smooth and accessible for you! 

Katie, our clinician in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, has gently guided many people through this process. She knows that a successful prosthetic consultation isn’t just about showing off our technology, it’s about answering your questions, building confidence, and understanding how a Hero Arm, Hero PRO or Hero RGD could fit into your life. Here are her top five takeaways for anyone wondering what to ask in a prosthetic arm consult:

1. Ask Everything – No Question Is Too Small
“I want to answer any questions they may have,” Katie says. Whether you’re curious about how the Hero PRO grips, what day-to-day use looks like, or the details of 3D-printed technology, your questions matter. One of the first things to ask during a prosthetic arm consult is: “How will this work for me?” Katie makes sure every question is addressed so you leave feeling informed and confident about your options.

2. Ask About Confidence in Your Decision
Choosing a prosthetic arm is an extremely personal decision, and it’s important to feel sure about it. Katie explains, “I want them to feel confident in their decision moving forward.” When thinking about what to ask in a prosthetic arm consult, consider asking: “Do you think this prosthesis is the right choice for my lifestyle?” Knowing a clinician is there to guide not just sell can make all the difference in your decision making.

3. Ask How It Fits Into Daily Life
A prosthetic arm is more than a device, it’s a tool for living. We will ask about hobbies, work tasks, and daily routines to see if our technology is a good fit for you. Katie says, “I want to reaffirm whether or not our prosthesis is good for what you do in your day-to-day life.” When preparing your questions, ask: “Will this prosthetic help me with my everyday activities?”

4. Ask About Costs and Financial Transparency
Money should never be a surprise. Katie emphasizes honesty about out-of-pocket costs if going through insurance and highlights funding pathways available if exploring self-pay options. “I want them to know what their out of pocket expenses will be, if any,” she says. Make sure to ask in your consult: “What will this cost me?” Having clear answers upfront helps you focus on the exciting possibilities of your new arm. We are prepared to walk you through our insurance form process and offer alternate funding options, such as crowdfunding, if need be.

5. Ask About Trust and Support
Finally, Katie wants people to know they can rely on her guidance. “I want them to know they can trust me to do what’s best for them,” she says. A great question in a consult is: “How will you support me through this process?” Building trust with your clinician ensures the consultation feels like the start of a partnership not just a demo or that you’re another number on a list. Open Bionics values a patient-first approach. 

If you’ve been wondering what to ask in a prosthetic arm consult, Katie’s advice offers a roadmap: ask about technology, fit, cost, and support, and leave confident in your decision. After the consult, there is no pressure to make a decision, if you need to speak with family, friends and take time to review your options, we are only a phone call away when you’re ready to proceed on your bionic journey.

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