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PROactive Focus on Outcome

PROSTHETIC FUNCTIONAL LEVELS

A functional level is the measurement of the capacity and potential of the patient to accomplish his or her expected, post-rehabilitation, daily function. The functional classification is used by the DMERC to establish the medical necessity of prosthetic knees, feet and ankles.

A determination of the medical necessity for certain components and/or additions to the prosthesis is based on the patient's potential functional abilities. Potential functional ability is based on the reasonable expectations of the ordering physician and the prosthetist, considering factors including, but not limited to the patient’s:

  • past history (including prior prosthetic use if applicable)
  • current condition including the status of the residual limb & the nature of other medical problems
  • desire to ambulate.

 

PROactive Focus on Outcome

K1 · K1 (Level 1): Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulator.  

 

K2· K2 (Level 2): Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator.

 

K3· K3 (Level 3): Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demand prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.

 

K4· K4 (Level 4): Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills.