O&P Clinical Care Insiders

In this episode, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), welcomes Jason Kahle, MSMS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, for a conversation about making outcome measures more meaningful in clinical practice and reimbursement. Drawing on decades of experience in O&P and research, Kahle questions whether the growing number of available measures has translated into fewer denials and explains why payers often need more than a score to understand a patient’s needs and progress. He discusses the value of patient-reported outcomes and stronger documentation, particularly the subjective portion of the SOAP note, in building a clear and compelling patient story. Kahle also shares practical measures clinicians can incorporate into practice, including tracking stumbles and falls, activities of daily living, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, ABC and PROMIS PF. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes turning biometrics and changes in function into concise, visual narratives that communicate meaningful outcomes to patients, clinicians, other providers and payers.   O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), welcomes David Patterson, MS, CO, LO, founder of GOAL Pediatric Orthotics and chair of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists’ new Pediatric Society, to discuss the need for greater education, collaboration, and support in pediatric orthotics. Patterson explains why pediatric care can be challenging for clinicians who see children as only a small portion of their caseload and how the new Society aims to build confidence through mentorship, shared learning, and expanded educational resources. They also explore advances such as 3D printing, the need for stronger pediatric orthotics research and best practices, and the importance of recognizing that treating children requires a different approach shaped by growth, family involvement, and compliance.   O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), welcomes Jessica Corso, CO/L, FAAOP, orthotist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and chair of the Academy’s Craniofacial Society, for a conversation recognizing National Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Awareness Month. Jessica discusses current efforts to improve cranial remolding orthosis care through standardized training, consistent clinical practices, and ongoing outcomes research. She also explores the importance of evidence-based care in expanding insurance coverage, emerging advances such as 3D-printed helmets, and the Academy’s initiatives to support clinician education, collaboration, and high-quality patient care.   O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Lucas Crisanti, CPO, an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist, Ottobock prosthetic clinical specialist, and global running clinic coach, to discuss the growing role of adaptive sports in prosthetic care. Drawing on his background as a competitive runner and years of experience supporting para athletes, Lucas shares how volunteering with adaptive sports programs shaped his passion for helping individuals with limb loss discover the physical and emotional benefits of running as exercise and medicine. The conversation explores Ottobock's role as the clinical partner and repair sponsor for major international competitions, including the 2023 Para Pan American Games and the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where clinicians provide on-site prosthetic repairs and technical support for athletes from around the world. Lucas also highlights Ottobock's sports prosthetics portfolio, discussing key component options designed for running and other athletic activities, along with the importance of matching technology to each athlete's goals. The episode concludes with an overview of Ottobock's educational opportunities for clinicians—including MyLearning courses, Athlete's Corner continuing education programs, Full Circle Movement community events, global Running Clinics, and upcoming opportunities leading toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games—all designed to help more clinicians empower patients to pursue sport and physical activity at every level.   This episode is sponsored by Ottobock.   O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

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.