Estimated Clinician-Patient Ratios in US Orthotic and… : JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics
rities. However, there have been no recent population-based examinations of these previously predicted shortages. Objectives This study estimated geographical differences and evaluated national and state-level trends in O&P care within the United States. The study used data on certified O&P clinicians, state populations, and rates of lower-limb amputation secondary to diabetes in Medicare populations. Study Design The original research article is a retrospective data analysis. Methods Clinician data from the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics Orthotics and Pedorthics, population data from the US Census Bureau, and Medicare data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services were uploaded into ArcGIS mapping software and geographically weighted for examination across spatial and temporal parameters. Results The data show national and state-level trends and disparities. The findings reveal large differences in care envir
