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If there's anything that need to be open source from day one, it's prosthesis. It's more about the ability of prosthetic users being able to own the parts that
by kiba 13y ago
If there's anything that need to be open source from day one, it's prosthesis.
It's more about the ability of prosthetic users being able to own the parts that has been implanted into their body than being able to modify it per se.
This way, prosthetic users cannot be barred from law or practicality to seek competent prosthetic specialists and professional that's not from the same company that makes the prosthesis. For example, if I have an retinal prosthesis from a company that went bankrupt ten years ago, I can still seek services from some other company, with a technical manual and blueprint in hand.
- shakes 13y ago> If there's anything that need to be open source from day one, it's prosthesis. My mom had her leg amputated 8 years ago, and seeing her go through the process of getting a prosthesis I couldn't agree more. Due to wear and tear, she has to get a new prosthesis approximately every 2 years. We're in the US, and with insurance it ends up costing $10,000. I'm unbelievably excited to see new and innovative approaches to tackle this problem.
- acchow 13y ago> with insurance it ends up costing $10,000. You pay $10,000 out of pocket? How much is the total cost, and how much is covered by insurance? Also, wow.
- DavidWanjiru 13y agoIf this article is anything to go by, you shouldn't be surprised: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/health/exploring-salines-secret-costs.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/health/exploring-salines-s...
- shakes 13y agoYeah, $10,000 out of pocket. I'm not sure my parents have done the math on total cost / how much is covered by insurance. Insurance companies do a great job of obfuscating billing.