How long will it take for me to schedule a complimentary new patient evaluation?
It’s never too early to meet with our clinical team for a new patient consultation and evaluation at no cost to you. Contact us as soon as you are ready to meet with us. We try to get things started as quickly as possible and schedule a day and time that works best for you. Finally, we will ask you to complete a patient registration/information form. You can download and print this form or at your request we will mail it to you. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment. It’s that simple!
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Fridays 8:30am - 12:30pm*
*We often extend our Friday hours to accommodate our patients when needed.
Where is your office?
Milwaukee
3400 S. 103rd St., Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53227
Our main office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is located 1 block west of I-894, and just 3 blocks south of Oklahoma Avenue. Greenfield Place is our building name. Because 103rd Street ends just south of our office–Oklahoma Avenue is the only access.
Madison
406 Science Drive, Ste. 402, Madison, Wisconsin 53711
Our Madison office is a shared location with Prosthetic Dental Associates of Madison. Dr. Kelly Beck and Dr. Alicia Estrella, specialists in prosthodontics, are available for collaboration when prosthetic needs extend to the oral cavity.
Satellite Offices
We also see patients in our satellite offices. Please call us for appointments at these locations.
Indianapolis, IN; St. Paul, MN; Kansas City, MO (Currently limited to pediatric microtia patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital).
What if I can’t come to your office for new patient consultation?
If you are unable to meet with our clinical team in person, we can schedule a brief evaluation via Facetime or Skype. If you are not comfortable with a video meeting, you can provide us with photos and schedule a phone meeting. Although it is possible to do a phone or video consult with patients who are not close by, we will need to see you in-person to be able to provide a prosthesis. Please get in touch for more information about traveling to our office.
What should I expect at the new patient consultation?
You will meet with one of our clinical anaplastologists who will listen to your concerns, examine your affected anatomy, and show you examples of prostheses. Our anaplastologist will describe your options for prosthetic attachment and will develop a treatment plan for you. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment.
Treatment Process
I want to proceed with treatment. What’s next?
If you decide to proceed with your prosthetic treatment plan we will ask you to provide insurance or other payer information. With your permission we will request a physician’s order and clinical notes from your doctor. This information will help us predetermine your insurance benefits and submit a prior authorization request.
What are appointments like?
Our certified anaplastologists custom-make your prosthesis in our own on-site laboratory ensuring high quality and individual design. We typically need 3- 5 appointments to complete your prosthesis. Our office is comfortable and relaxed. We treat our patients like family and make sure your time with us is stress free. We are gentle, respectful, and nothing we do is painful. We take our time while we sculpt and establish fit, but we know your time is valuable. We frequently work as a team to make appointments as efficient as possible. Because our work is highly detailed some appointments are lengthy (2 - 4+ hours).
Do you have any patients who I can speak with?
Yes! Please know that you are not alone. We have patients who enjoy sharing their story. If you are interested in talking to people with experiences similar to yours, let us know at your initial evaluation.
Is the process painful?
No need to worry–we are gentle and nothing we do is painful. Most patients find their appointments to be interesting and relaxing.
Insurance Coverage
Will my prosthesis be covered by medical insurance?
Most reconstructive prostheses are covered by Medicare and health insurance plans. As part of our initial consultation we develop a treatment plan that includes our fees. We are patient advocates and, with your permission, we will prior authorize the treatment plan you choose, help you pre-determine your benefits, and submit a claim on your behalf once the prosthesis is complete.
What type of insurance or forms of payments do you accept?
We work with various private insurance groups, workers' comp, veteran’s administration hospitals, and self-pay. We are a Medicare provider and we accept Medicaid in Wisconsin and Indiana. We also accept Care Credit plans. We are a network provider with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Exceedent, Dean Health Plan and Quartz/Chartwell. We have worked with most insurance plans and have been able to secure coverage for patients even when we are not in their network. Please be assured that we will help you navigate the complexity of billing for medical care. We also advocate on behalf of patients for coverage of reconstructive prosthetics with insurance providers. Our dedicated insurance specialist, Cindy, is available to answer any financial questions that you have related to your prosthetic care.
Cindy is available Monday-Thursday 7:00 am- 2:00 pm, (414) 543-1002.
About Prosthetics
How long will it take to get my prosthesis?
We typically see a patient once a week to complete their prosthesis in 3-4 weeks. For patients who do not live near our offices we will gladly consolidate appointments and complete the prosthesis in just a 4-5 day period. For patients who choose bone-anchored implants to attach a facial prosthesis, we need additional appointments to plan implant location. Osseointegrated implants must heal for at least three months before we can begin work on the prosthesis.
How are prostheses attached?
We evaluate your personal situation to determine the best method of prosthetic attachment. We consider your medical history, the extent of the absent anatomy, personal preference, and dexterity. All of our prostheses are designed for ease of attachment and removal.
Medical adhesive attachment
Most of our patients easily adjust to using prosthetic adhesives —much like flossing or caring for contact lenses. We offer a variety of adhesive products (a liquid adhesive or two-sided tape), so that you can choose the one that best meets your needs.Anatomical attachment
When part of the natural anatomy remains, we may be able to design a prosthesis that fits like a glove over the remnant. Although some practitioners recommend removal of the remnant to simplify the creation of the prosthetic, we understand that many patients prefer a conservative approach. We use techniques that allow us to overlap an intact portion of the anatomy to secure the prosthesis.Craniofacial bone anchored implants
Craniofacial bone anchored implants are small titanium fixtures that a surgeon implants during an outpatient hospital procedure. These implants bond with bone (osseointegrate) to provide a stable foundation for your prosthesis. The surrounding bone bonds with the implants during a 3-6 month healing period. Once the healing period is complete, you can snap the prosthesis onto the implants using clips or magnets; you can attach and remove the prosthesis with ease.
Am I a candidate for implants?
You should discuss with your surgeon if you are a candidate for implants as well as what the potential risks and complications of the procedure might be. Patients who have been treated with radiation therapy may require a longer healing period as well as hyperbaric oxygen treatment to decrease risk of implant loss.
Who places implants?
If you choose bone anchored (osseointegrated) implant attachment, we can work with your surgeon or recommend a surgeon close to where you live who is experienced with the Vistafix™ implant system. Together with your surgeon we identify the ideal location for 2 or 3 implants to assure the best possible prosthetic outcome for you.
I have bone anchored implants for attachment of my prosthesis. What if I need an MRI?
External components for attachment of your prosthesis should be removed by your anaplastologist or physician prior to undergoing an MRI. Please see this resource from Cochlear Vistafix (manufacturer of components for implant attachment of facial prostheses), and contact us with any questions.
What happens when the prosthesis is completed?
At your final fitting, you will have a prosthesis that you can wear with comfort and confidence. We will provide you with all the information and instruction you need for proper aftercare. A follow up appointment is scheduled two weeks after you receive your prosthesis to make sure everything is going well. If you do not live near our office then we will check in with you by phone or email. We do recommend annual return appointments to prolong the useful life of your prosthesis. At these return appointments we will thoroughly clean your prosthesis, touch-up color and make any necessary repairs.
How do I care for my prosthesis each day?
Generally, we recommend that you remove your prosthesis daily for cleaning, and for you to be able to clean the underlying skin. This is an easy process. We provide our patients with personalized instructions for daily wear and care. Our prostheses are easily cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, foamed ethyl alcohol or dye-free dish soap. We also stock adhesive products in our office for patient convenience. We do ask our patients not to experiment with products without checking first with us.
How often will my prosthesis need to be replaced?
A prosthesis lasts between 1 and 3 years depending on factors such as type of prosthesis, method of attachment, work and home environment, sun exposure, skin type, and hygiene. In most cases, we can use an archived mold to reproduce your prosthesis in only 1 or 2 appointments. In cases where there has been growth or changes in contour, we may need to remake your mold.
What are the limitations of prosthetic reconstruction?
A prosthesis is not living tissue and must be removed daily and for sleeping. It is important to clean the underlying skin and the prosthesis each day.
What if I am not satisfied with an existing prosthesis?
We meet with patients who are disappointed with a prosthetic restoration made elsewhere. If you are not satisfied with your existing prosthesis, we will listen to your concerns and discuss your options honestly. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment.