CO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When the quadriceps are severely weak during mid-stance, which gait deviation is most commonly observed? → Forward trunk flexion or knee recurvatum (hyperextension)
2. What does the term 'assignment' mean in Medicare orthotic billing? → The provider agrees to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment
3. Which Medicare benefit category covers most custom orthotic devices for outpatients? → Part B (Medical Insurance)
4. What is the approximate normal cadence for a healthy adult during comfortable walking? → 100–120 steps/min
5. What is the importance of continuing education for CO professionals in Infection Control & Prevention? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
6. What does residual risk mean in CO practice? → Risk remaining after all controls are implemented
7. Which property of carbon fiber makes it advantageous over polypropylene for energy-storing AFOs? → High stiffness-to-weight ratio with elastic energy return
8. Approximately what percentage of the gait cycle is occupied by the stance phase in normal walking? → 60%
9. Why is accurate documentation critical in orthotic care? → To track clinical outcomes and compliance
10. Why is accurate documentation important in CO? → It supports decision-making, compliance, and legal defensibility
11. In the Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) gait terminology, the term 'initial contact' replaces which traditional gait term? → Heel strike
12. In orthotic fabrication, 'posting' refers to: → Wedging the heel or forefoot of an orthosis to alter rearfoot or forefoot alignment
13. What is a key objective during the orthotic fitting appointment? → Ensure proper fit and function
14. Which rivet or fastener type is most appropriate for attaching metal uprights to a leather orthotic foundation to allow articulation? → Chicago screw (sex bolt)
15. Which federal anti-kickback regulation prohibits offering or receiving remuneration to induce referrals for services covered by federal healthcare programs? → Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)
16. What does the term 'trim lines' refer to in orthotic fabrication? → The cut edges that define the extent and flexibility of a plastic orthosis
17. Under Medicare policy, which documentation is required from the referring physician before a custom orthosis is considered medically necessary and reimbursable? → A written order or prescription specifying the orthotic need
18. A 'vaulting' gait deviation occurs when the patient: → Rises onto the toes of the stance limb to provide clearance for the swing limb
19. When must a claim for a custom orthosis be submitted to Medicare under timely filing requirements? → Within 1 year of the date of service
20. What is evidence-based practice in CO Infection Control & Prevention? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
21. What is peer review in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
22. Scissor gait, characterized by hip adduction and internal rotation crossing the midline during swing, is most commonly associated with which condition? → Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
23. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
24. What is a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) in the context of Medicare billing for orthotic devices? → A physician-signed document that establishes medical need for the ordered device
25. Upcoding in orthotic billing — billing for a higher-level device than was actually provided — is prohibited under which federal statute? → The False Claims Act (FCA)
26. What should a CO professional do upon discovering a colleague's unethical conduct? → Report through appropriate channels with proper documentation
27. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
28. What is the hierarchy of controls in CO risk management? → Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE
29. What is the approximate normal comfortable walking speed for a healthy adult? → 1.0–1.5 m/s
30. Which type of orthotic practice ownership structure offers the most personal liability protection for the owner? → Limited Liability Company (LLC)