This new procedure, integrated into the OrtoREC system, simplifies the renewal process for orthoprosthetic materials and prevents patients from having to travel to their reference hospital for appointments with Oncology or Gynecology specialists solely for this purpose.
The main improvement is that Family Medicine professionals can now process these periodic renewals, provided there is a prior hospital indication, the established renewal interval has been met, and there are no clinical changes or issues requiring specialized reassessment. The pathway has been operational since May and was technically reinforced in late July.
This measure brings healthcare closer to the patients' usual environment, offering a more accessible, homogeneous, and secure service. It reinforces continuity of care and coordination with hospital services, reserving specialized assessment for cases with clinical needs or product changes.
The procedure covers orthoprosthetic products linked to these needs, such as complete or partial external breast prostheses, breast supports for lymphedema, and compression sleeves and gloves for lymphedema. The general renewal interval is twenty-four months for breast prostheses and six months for lymphedema compression devices.
As of August 28th, Primary Care centers have processed 36 renewal prescriptions, with 25 for external breast prostheses and 11 for lymphedema-associated products.
The renewal process requires the patient to visit their reference health center, where the family doctor will verify the initial hospital prescription and conduct a basic clinical assessment. If there are no issues, Primary Care will electronically initiate the renewal prescription. The request will be reviewed by the Medical Inspectorate, and upon their approval, the patient can obtain the product from a collaborating orthotics provider.
OrtoREC, the electronic orthoprosthetic prescription system launched in November 2024, facilitates telecommunication between Primary Care, Hospital Care, Medical Inspectorate services, and orthotics providers, streamlining the prescription, authorization, dispensing, and billing of orthoprosthetic products.
