What Hanger Clinic is and who uses it
Hanger Clinic is a national network of prosthetic and orthotic clinics — meaning they fit and build artificial limbs, braces, and other devices that replace or support body parts. They operate hundreds of locations across the United States and employ prosthetists (the specialists who fit prosthetics) and orthotists (who fit braces and supports). If you need a prosthetic limb after amputation, a custom brace for a joint, or a spinal support device, Hanger is one of the largest providers you might encounter.
Hanger Clinic is a for-profit company, not a government program. They work with Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. They also see patients who pay out of pocket. The clinic handles the entire process: the initial evaluation, device design and fabrication, fitting, and follow-up adjustments. Many people find them through their doctor's referral, their insurance company's provider list, or by searching for "prosthetics near me."
Key Takeaways
- Hanger Clinic is a private company with hundreds of locations that fits prosthetics, orthotics, and support devices, and accepts most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Your first step is usually a referral from your doctor or a call to your insurance company to confirm Hanger is in-network and what your coverage includes.
- The fitting process typically takes multiple visits over weeks or months, starting with measurements and molds, then fabrication, then fitting and adjustments.
- Insurance often covers the device itself but may require you to pay a copay, coinsurance, or deductible depending on your plan and the type of device.
- If you cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost, ask the clinic about payment plans, manufacturer information programs, or whether they work with charitable organizations that fund prosthetics.
How to find a Hanger Clinic location near you
Hanger Clinic has locations in most states. You can search their website by zip code to find the nearest clinic and see their hours. If you do not have internet access, you can call their main line and ask for the location closest to you. Many clinics also accept walk-ins for initial consultations, though scheduling an appointment ahead of time usually means shorter wait times.
Before you go, check with your insurance company to confirm that Hanger Clinic is in-network. Being in-network means your insurance has negotiated rates with them, and you will pay less out of pocket. If Hanger is out-of-network, you can still use them, but your costs will be higher. Some insurance plans require a referral from your doctor before they will cover prosthetics; others do not. A quick call to your insurance company's customer service line will tell you what your plan requires.
What happens at your first appointment
At your first visit, a prosthetist or orthotist will talk with you about what you need the device for, what your daily activities are like, and what your goals are. They will examine the area where the device will attach or fit. If you are getting a prosthetic limb, they will assess your residual limb (the remaining part of your leg or arm after amputation). If you are getting a brace, they will check your range of motion and skin condition.
The clinician will take measurements and often make a mold or cast of the area. This mold is used to create a custom socket (the part that attaches to your body) or to shape the brace. They will also discuss what type of device might work best for you — for example, a prosthetic foot designed for walking versus one designed for running, or a soft brace versus a rigid one. They will explain the timeline, the cost, and what to expect during the fitting process.
The fabrication and fitting timeline
After your first appointment, the clinic sends your measurements and mold to their fabrication lab, where technicians build your device. This usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how busy the lab is and how complex your device is. During this time, you will not need to come back to the clinic.
Once the device is ready, you return for a fitting appointment. The prosthetist or orthotist will put the device on you, check how it feels, and make adjustments to the fit and alignment. This is not usually a one-visit process — most people need two to four fitting appointments over several weeks as the device is refined and as your body adjusts to wearing it. If you are getting a prosthetic limb, you may also work with a physical therapist to learn how to walk with it. Each follow-up visit is a chance to report problems, get adjustments, or ask questions.
Insurance coverage and what you might pay
Medicare covers prosthetics and orthotics if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. You typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your deductible. Medicaid coverage varies by state — some states cover prosthetics fully, others require a copay, and some have limits on how often you can get a new device. Private insurance plans vary widely; some cover prosthetics at 80 percent, others at 50 percent, and some require prior authorization before the clinic can proceed.
The out-of-pocket cost depends on the type of device. A basic prosthetic foot might cost $5,000 to $15,000 before insurance; a microprocessor-controlled knee can cost $20,000 to $100,000 or more. A custom brace might range from $500 to $5,000. After insurance pays their share, you are responsible for your portion. Ask the clinic for an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before they start fabrication — they can usually tell you based on your insurance information.
Payment options if cost is a barrier
If your out-of-pocket cost is more than you can pay upfront, ask the clinic about payment plans. Many Hanger locations offer financing through third-party lenders, allowing you to pay in monthly installments. Some prosthetic manufacturers (the companies that make the feet, knees, or other components) offer information programs for patients who cannot afford their products; the clinic can tell you whether your device qualifies and help you explore.
Some nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations fund prosthetics for people who meet their criteria. The Amputee Coalition and the National Association for the Advancement of Prosthetics and Orthotics maintain lists of these organizations. Your clinic social worker or case manager may also know of local charities that help. If you receive Medicaid, ask whether your state has a program that covers prosthetics beyond what standard Medicaid covers.
What to do if you have problems with your device
If your prosthetic or orthotic device causes pain, does not fit right, or breaks, contact the clinic where you got it. Most clinics offer adjustments and repairs at no charge during the first year. After that, repairs may have a fee, though many insurance plans cover repair visits. If the device is damaged beyond repair, you may need a new one; your insurance may cover a replacement if enough time has passed since your last device (typically one to five years, depending on your plan).
If you move to a different state or city, you can transfer your care to another Hanger Clinic location, or you can see a different prosthetics provider. Your medical records and device specifications can be sent to your new provider so they can continue your care without starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral to go to Hanger Clinic?
Not always. You can call and schedule an appointment on your own. However, your insurance may require a referral before they will cover the cost. Check with your insurance company first, or ask the clinic staff when you call — they deal with insurance requirements every day and can tell you what yours needs.
How long does it take to get a prosthetic limb from start to finish?
From your first appointment to walking with your new prosthetic usually takes six to twelve weeks. The fabrication itself takes two to four weeks, but you also need time for fittings and adjustments, and your body needs time to adjust to wearing the device. If complications arise or if you need a more complex device, it can take longer.
What if my insurance denies coverage?
Ask the clinic to file an appeal on your behalf. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims because the paperwork was incomplete or because they need more medical information. The clinic's billing staff can resubmit with additional documentation. If the appeal is denied, you can file your own appeal directly with your insurance company; the clinic can provide you with the medical records and justification you need.
Can I get a prosthetic from Hanger if I do not have insurance?
Yes. You can pay out of pocket, set up a payment plan, or ask about manufacturer information programs. The clinic can also discuss whether you might be uninsured but still may be able to access for Medicaid, which some people do not realize they may have access to for. Call ahead and ask to speak with a financial counselor who can discuss your options.
What happens if my prosthetic does not work for me after I get it?
Tell the clinic. The first few weeks of wearing a prosthetic are an adjustment period, and many people need tweaks to the fit, alignment, or socket design. If after adjustments it still is not working, the clinic can discuss alternatives — a different type of foot, a different suspension system, or a different approach altogether. This is why follow-up visits are built into the process.