NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 28, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shirley Cunningham arrived at Bulow BioTech Prosthetics' Columbia, South Carolina clinic in a wheelchair. She was unable to afford a prosthetic limb and believed her insurance would not cover the costs. After asking a few simple questions, Bulow realized she did qualify for insurance and was able to walk her through the process to get it. In a matter of weeks, Shirley had a prosthetic leg and the mobility to help her return to her job and her life.

"Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans often cover the purchase of prosthetic limbs for amputees, but the amount of people who don't know this is shocking," said Bobby Latham, CP and director of the Columbia clinic. "Patients need to schedule some time with their hospital case manager to discuss their options. Case managers often call us to help find solutions."

Cunningham, 54, lost her right leg below the knee to amputation earlier this year as a result of medical complications from diabetes. Familiar with Bulow BioTech's reputation for unparalleled customer service, her doctor contacted the Columbia clinic for their thoughts.

"Not only did we help Shirley get a new leg, but our examination probably helped her keep her existing leg," added Latham. "As a team, we can help spot potential problems for our patients and refer them back to the physician for further evaluation. The same foot issue that led to the right below knee amputation was starting to present on her left foot and we referred Mrs. Cunningham back to the physician."

"I am immensely touched by everything that the Bulow team did for me," said Cunningham. "I did not come to their office looking for anything more than some advice, and today I am standing on my new leg. I've been a CNA for the past 30 years; I am used to taking care of others and did not want to rely on my family, or the government to take care of me. This leg has given me independence."

Cunningham is currently rehabilitating and looks forward to regaining her mobility and returning to her job.

Scott Christiansen
CCO Healthcare Partners
stc@ccopartners.com
312.316.7732

Founded in 2006, Bulow BioTech Prosthetics is a national destination for lower and upper extremity prosthetics, myoelectric arms and bionic technology. Led by Matthew Bulow, who is himself an amputee, cancer survivor, diabetic, and world record setting athlete; the practice provides innovative prosthetic technology, one-on-one personal attention, and life-long nurturing guidance. Bulow serves patients from across the country at its clinics in the Nashville area and Columbia, SC. For more information visit: www.bulowbiotech.com.

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