06/10/2025
From Lamination Sleeves to Letter Writing: AI Tools O&P Clinics Can Start Using Today
By Katie Janiszewski MSOP, CPO, Co-Founder of Align Medical Media More
You’ve probably heard of tools like ChatGPT, but you might not realize just how useful AI can be in the day-to-day operations of an orthotics and prosthetics clinic. Beyond the headlines and hype, AI is quietly becoming a go-to assistant for tasks that once took hours—especially in areas like communication, administration, and design.
Let’s start with ChatGPT, an AI language tool developed by OpenAI. While it shouldn’t be used to handle patient data (it’s not HIPAA-compliant), it can be incredibly helpful behind the scenes. Clinics are using it to draft emails,write letters to physicians, and create internal documents like office policies and onboarding guides. What might have taken two hours to write—like an office policy or a detailed letter—can often be done in 15–20 minutes from start to finish.
Trying to translate a new CMS policy into plain language? Paste in the PDF version of the policy, and ChatGPT can summarize the key points in a way that your team will understand. and more clinics are using ChatGPT to draft responses for RAC audits or insurance letters. It’s not a legal substitute, but it’s a powerful starting point—helping staff organize their thoughts, format responses professionally, and write in clear, confident language. A process that once required multiple rounds of writing and editing can now be done in half the time. ChatGPT can be used in endless ways, helping clinics save time, and reduce admin and clinician stress.
Another tool gaining traction is Leonardo.ai—a platform that uses AI to generate images based on text descriptions. At first glance, it might seem like something just for artists or game designers, but creative clinicians are finding ways to use it in the O&P world too. One standout application? Designing custom lamination sleeves for prosthetic devices. By describing the desired theme or aesthetic, users can generate unique, high-quality artwork in minutes. Clinics can then send these images to companies like Fred’s Legs, who turn them into one-of-a-kind lamination sleeves that reflect the personality and preferences of the patient.
These tools aren’t just fun—they’re practical. They reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, help clinics present themselves more professionally, and even add a personal touch to the patient experience. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use them. These tools are designed to be beginner-friendly, with simple interfaces and plenty of tutorials.
AI isn’t replacing practitioners—it’s supporting them. Whether you’re managing a clinic, working behind the scenes, or trying to market your services more effectively, tools like ChatGPT and Leonardo.ai can help you work smarter, not harder.
And this is just the beginning.
