Pedorthic Newswire Issue #407

March 9, 2011, Issue #407

DISCUSSION

Send your comments, questions, responses, articles or case studies to Pedorthic Newswire at editor@pedorthicnewswire.com. Your emails will be reviewed by pedorthists and the editors of Pedorthic Newswire, and selected submissions will be posted in an upcoming issue for feedback from other readers. We reserve the right to edit submissions and responses. Please note: the deadline for all submissions and responses is 12 noon Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday for that week's issue.

NEW QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Question: As someone who has been suffering on and off with Plantar Fasciitis in the left foot for about a year, I am wondering if any of our readers have known an athletic individual who has been able to completely rid themselves of the condition. If so, how did they do it? Of course, there are many recommended approaches and treatments, but I'm curious to know of any actual success stories. Thank you!

- Faye Rapoport DesPres, Editor, PNW

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS WITH RESPONSES

Comment: Our industry is very disorganized, and if it is to survive, we will have to rethink how we fit into healthcare. We are still basically an unrecognized healthcare provider. PFA has not been able to create a strong long-term vision for our profession as it relates to CMS. Our industry is at the mercy of organized practitioners who do not care about the interests of the pedorthic community. I am referring to DPMs, the Pharmacists, and the O and P community.

I believe that we should try to work with the O&P community and join their associations, both nationally and on a state level. The O&P community is better organized and have much better funding than any pedorthic-based group. We should approach ABC and seek their endorsement. ABC is in a position to look at our industry with more depth. They credential C. Peds as well as fitters for shoes. It will be difficult to convince many C. Peds of this idea, but I don't see where we have a choice. PFA has done a miserable job and our industry is in peril.

I also think that the shoe industry should work together. My understanding is that they helped create PFA and slowly their input was weakened. The shoe industry has as much to lose as we do. I know that my shoe sales are down, and that can't be good for my vendors.The vendors should put their competitive nature aside and work collectively towards re-energizing the pedorthic community.

This statement was not made with malice, but with frustration. We have to get some positive traction soon. If we wait another year to start reorganizing, we will be in a deeper hole than the one we are in now, and in a more vulnerable position.

- PNW Reader

Response: I hear a lot of talk about how disorganized we are, and how we are unrecognized as a profession to the other practitioners and to the health care community along with a multitude of "issues." Well, I can tell you one thing, we have too many people talking and not doing! I was at this last trade show in Florida, and I went to the annual PFA members meeting and about 60-80 people showed up for it. Woohoo! We went over all the regular member stuff like the budget, more numbers, etc. Then, the board asked for volunteers to be on miscellaneous committees, and THEN WE WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE FOR EACH COMMITTEE, and I think each time we had to wait 10-20 sec for someone to step up to be a volunteer. Even the board had to step in and say "come on people."

Also right before the meeting was adjourned, the board asked, "ARE THERE ANY ISSUES THAT WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT?" PAUSE...OK then we adjourned. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!!!!!

What does that say about the people in our profession? We care enough to say that we went to the annual PFA members meeting? Then you see post after post after post about this stuff! This year I want to see the biggest turnout in PFA history for that meeting, and I want to see a change in all of us. We all need to step up to the plate and DO SOMETHING for yourself, for your profession, and to show all the other health care providers that we are here to stay! I am not saying that no one cares, all I am simply saying is that if you want to do something about the issues at hand, then stand up and have a voice! LET THE BOARD HEAR YOUR VOICE. Lets come together as pedorthists and be heard.

To all the pedorthist that are pissed off about what I have said, well all I have to say is "stand up and have a voice." I will be at this year's meeting, so see you then.

NOTE TO BOARD MEMBERS: Last year's meeting room was not big enough. Please have this meeting where we can sit more than 200 people -- we are going to need that many chairs this year (hopefully).

- A PROUD pedorthist Rodney Johnson C.Ped.

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: Does anyone know if custom foot orthotics are excluded in the new healthcare plan or if they are covered? I think if they are excluded it would help the pedorthists that don't bill orthotics, and also would help our businesses so we don't have to compete with other MD, DPM, and PT that bill for foot orthotics. But if they are included in the healthcare plan, then how do we get on the provider list so we can do foot orthotics? Does anyone have any ideas on this?

- Rodney Johnson, C. Ped.

Question/Comment: We are not allowed to file paper claims. This started three to four years ago. We are also getting the audits [mentioned in previous newswire discussions] and it is very difficult to get paid on an audit claim. So far we're batting 0...I realize they are trying to eliminate the fraud going on, but it is crippling.

The professionals like us have run business according to the rules. How can this go on, while we still have "out of towners" coming into our area to sell diabetic shoes with no "bricks and mortar" business within a hundred miles of us? I thought you have to have an office, as quoted in the rules, within 50 miles of your territory.

While I am on the subject, why are drug stores still allowed to dispense diabetic shoes and inserts? Where is there Certified Pedorthist or Certified Orthotist? I was told by a Medicare inspector that they fall under a different category! Where did they get their Orthotist or Pedorthic training?

- George N. Psillas, C. Ped <since 1974>

Question: I thought it was illegal to offer merchandise or financial incentives to diabetics to come in for a fitting. For the last two years in February, a local concern has offered free diabetic socks if they fit you for TSB product. Are pharmacies and/or home health organizations allowed to do so? The socks will be distributed when shoes are delivered.

- Just looking for a level playing field

Question: Can anyone direct me to a source for golf shoes that are available in wide and extra wide widths, that are also suitable for splitting the sole for a build-up? I historically used the PW Minor Swing on an as-needed basis, but learned this week that they no longer make that shoe.

- Wade Nield, C. Ped. Feet 1st Shoes, Jacksonville, Florida

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Apparel Industry Leaders Launch Sustainable Apparel Coalition

A group of leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic experts, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today launched the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The Coalition will work on a collaborative approach to reduce the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products sold around the world by:

· Leading the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability built on an industry-wide index for measuring and evaluating apparel and footwear product sustainability;
· Spotlighting promising technological innovations; and
· Identifying opportunities for improving current social and environmental practices throughout the supply chain by collaborating to establish consistent expectations for brands, retailers, and manufacturers.

The goal of the Coalition is to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability built on an industry-wide index for businesses to use to measure and evaluate apparel and footwear product sustainability performance. Full Text

source: iewy.com

SHOEBACCA.COM Set to Expand Warehouse Up to 500,000 Square Feet

SHOEBACCA.COM, fast becoming a leader in the online footwear industry, has announced that they've reached an agreement to expand their DFW warehouse space up to 500,000 square feet. This agreement will allow for SHOEBACCA.COM's future growth and expansion, and will put SHOEBACCA.COM on par with some of the largest online footwear retailers. Full text

Source: PRWeb

Taking a step in the right direction: Orthotic Clinic Aids Kids with Walking Defects

By Janet Silvera

Seven-year-old Renique Harris of Kingston may never walk in her lifetime. But, standing in a frame that locks her knees, while her little feet meet the ground is enough hope for her mom, Nicola Gordon. Renique was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects the brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking.

Unable to work because of her daughter's debilitating condition, Ms Gordon treks from as far as Kingston to Westmoreland looking for hope at the Riu Resorts multimillion-dollar-sponsored Paediatric Orthotic Clinic, which opened its doors three years ago. Full Text

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Florida Podiatrist Sentenced to 21 Months of Prison, $325K Restitution for False Claims

By Molly Gamble

Podiatrist Arthur C. Haspel, MD, of Boca Raton, Fla., has been sentenced on two counts of filing false Medicare claims and faces 21 months imprisonment, two years of supervised release and $324,491 in restitution, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Dr. Haspel was excluded from participation in the Medicare program in 2003 after he was sentence for unlawful distribution of hydrocodone in 2002. Still, he continued to provide services to Medicare patients and billed the program for the services he provided. In his claims, he stated the services were performed by other physicians, who would receive the Medicare payments and kickback a portion to Dr. Haspel. Full Text

source: Becker's ASC Review

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

View our Full March 2011 Webinar Calendar

DIABETES

Cuban Heberprot-P Proves Effectiveness in Treatment of Diabetic Foot Patients

Heberprot-P, a leading medicament in the Cuban biotechnological and pharmaceutical industry, has proven its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of more than 22,000 patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers. The director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Luis Herrera Martinez, affirmed that a clinical study in several European countries will contribute with new data on the product.

He recalled that it has been applied with excellent results in the quality of life of patients in Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Algeria, Dominican Republic and Libya; aiming at its expansion towards Russia, China, and South Africa.Herrera noted that pharmacosurveillance studies confirm that Heberprot-P is safe to use in the treatment of deep ulcers in lower limbs with almost no relapses, second injuries or amputations for this cause. Full Text

Source: ACN

Global Consensus Demands Better Diabetic Foot Health Management

A global consensus published this month in Diabetic Medicine aims to help people with diabetes who are presently at low-risk of foot complications to undertake a basic foot care regimen in order to reduce their likelihood of developing serious foot complications in the future. The consensus was developed by ten global thought leaders to provide a practical educational framework for all healthcare professionals managing patients with diabetes.

Information about foot health and foot self-care for people with diabetes who are at low-risk of diabetes-related foot complications is currently very limited. In response the consensus recommends the implementation of a four step 'CARE' programme to improve the management of foot health: Full Text

Source: PR Newswire U.K.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Football Player Diagnosed with Turf Toe

By Peter Gott

Question: What is turf toe? Does this happen just to athletes or can anyone get it? How is it treated? One of the football players from the Indianapolis Colts had this condition, and I am curious as to just what it is. Thank you for the information.

Answer: Simply put, turf toe is the overextension of the big toe. When this occurs, there is pain at the bottom of the toe and damage to the ligaments in the area that connects the big toe to the foot. The purpose of ligaments in this area is to prevent excessive movement and allow proper range of joint motion. Full Text

Source: GoErie.com

BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICS

UPCOMING COURSES FOR CERTIFIED PEDORTHISTS & ALLIED PROFESSIONALS

MONTHLY AND ONGOING

Riecken's Orthotic Labs - 800-331-8040; SAFIO Class, Second Friday of every month, at 5115 Oak Grove Rd., Evansville, IN. Four casting stands provided, limited to 8 students. Contact Darlene at the above number for more information.

Traveling Courses To Your Area sponsored by The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school. Please contact us to discuss your needs at phone: 765-557-7216. Email: pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school: Advanced Manufacturing - 50 Hour Course - Approved For 49.5 CME's for Pedorthists by the ABC. This course is designed to teach BAPFOL standards in manufacturing functional feet orthoses and provide an introduction to advanced biomechanical posting. Class size is limited to two students. For more information or to customize a course to meet your manufacturing educational needs, please email pam@rmpi.org or phone 765-557-7216. Tuition cost: $2K - includes housing and transportation to and from the airport and school.

The National Shoe Retailers Association is pleased to bring training and CEs directly to you, without the additional cost of travel, food, lodging, registration fees or lost work time. Our affordable WISER Sales Training DVD makes in-house training easy and there's now an online exam for Continuing Education credits from ABC and BOC.

WISER Sales Training provides quality training for new sales associates and re-motivates experienced sales staff. The DVD format makes it easy for employees to train at times convenient for them, and for employers to offer quality training without hiring outside trainers or taking the most experienced staff off the sales floor. ABC's Category 1 CEUs for WISER Sales Training total 21.75 credits (2.5 scientific, 19.25 business), good through year 2010. BOC's credit total is 20.34 (6.42 CPE Category 1, 13.92 Category 2).

Pricing for the program is as follows:

DVD, workbook and guide for trainers Members: $295 (Non-Members $395)

Additional Handbooks: $10 each

Online Test Members: $100 (Non-Members: $200)

For more information or to order, click http://www.nsra.org/wiser_intro.php?ad=pn

or call or email Veanne Lupia at 1-800-673-8446, ext. 7006, veannel@nsra.org.

Aetrex Worldwide Solutions for Foot Pathologies Seminars

Attendees will learn the importance of visual and digital analysis: pressure points, foot type, foot size and gait. Understanding activities and pathologies such as age, medical conditions and injuries (sports, diabetes, arthritis) will be discussed. Common foot pathologies will be reviewed, including methods of treatment utilizing state of the art technology. A hands-on workshop is also included. ABC - 7.75 Scientific Credits; BOC - 8.25

For information on Aetrex Worldwide Solutions for Foot Pathologies Seminars, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.

2011 Solutions for Foot Pathologies Seminars Calendar:

March

10 Richmond, VA

24 Greensboro, NC

April

5 Dallas, TX

7 Oklahoma City, OK

11 Orlando, FL

15 Teaneck, NJ

22 Manchester, NH

May

5 Murfreesboro, TN

12 Cleveland, OH

June

7 Erie, PA

16 Montgomery, AL

21 Seattle, WA

July

12 Oakland, CA

14 Long Beach, CA

27 No. Kansas City, KS

August

23 Teaneck, NJ

September

13 Atlanta, GA

October

12 Phoenix, AZ

19 Baton Rouge, LA

November

17 Teaneck, NJ

RMPI Advanced Manufacturing Courses: 49.5 CME's. For info contact: online@rmpi.org

Elwood Courses Includes Dormitory Housing & Transportation From Airport To Dormitories & School

Under Development for January, February, March - Connecticut and Texas

· March 2 - 6, 2011 (Orlando, Florida)

· April 15 - 19, 2011 (Brea, California)

· May 4 - 8, 2011 (Orlando, Florida)

· June 1 - 5, 2011 (Orlando, Florida)

· July 27 - 31, 2011 (Elwood, Indiana)

· October 5 - 9, 2011 (Elwood, Indiana)

· November 2 - 6, 2011 (Orlando, Florida)

· December 7 - 11, 2011 (Brea, California) To Be Confirmed Soon

JULY, 2011

The Shoe Service Institute of America, in partnership with CFS Allied Health Education, would like to announce a C.Ped. course to be presented prior to this summers SSIA convention in St Petersburg, FL. The American Board for Certification has approved a total of 14 CEUs that can be earned for the low cost of $395 during this two-day course.

Thursday July 14, 2011

8am - 5pm (One hour break for lunch plus two 15 minute breaks)

Basic Observational Gait Analysis - 4 Hours ($99)

This class explores various components used in observational gait analysis

by using live demonstrations of both normal and pathological gait.

Objectives include exploring components of normal gait, discussing muscle

and joint activity during normal gait, use of basic and advanced

observational components for gait analysis, and recognizing pathological

gait patterns. Labs are included to practice the techniques demonstrated.

Lower Extremity Casting Techniques I - 3 Hours ($99)

This class explores step by step procedures for weight bearing static &

dynamic impression foam casts, semi-weight bearing impression foam casts,

non-weight bearing plaster slipper casts, non-weight bearing fiberglass

slipper casts, bivalve custom shoe casts, subtalar control foot orthosis

Casts & UCBL Casting

Friday July 15, 2011

8am - 5pm (One hour break for lunch plus two 15 minute breaks)

Foot Examination and Assessment Techniques - 7 Hours ($199)

This class explores step by step procedures for performing foot, ankle and

lower extremity assessments. These include: Range of Motion, Quantitative

Sensory Testing, Muscle Strength Testing, Lateral Block, Hallux

Hyperextension, Metatarsal Raise, Vascular Assessment, Integumentary System,

PTTD Palpation and Single Heel Raise, and more! Labs are included to

practice the techniques demonstrated.

Total CEUs: 14 Hrs. Cost: Two-day package is $395 (Courses can be taken separately at above prices)

Enrollment and information: www.learnpedorthics.com/ssiaenroll.htm

CLASSIFIEDS

Seeking to Hire: Wellness Life Systems, a leading national diabetic shoe provider, is seeking highly motivated Certified Pedorthists with excellent communication skills to join our team. We have positions available in many regions across the country. ACHC accredited, inserts created in our own orthotic lab. This unique opportunity allows the right individuals to: Get back to patient care! Perform in-home diabetic foot evaluations, shoe fittings, and deliveries in your local area; Manage your own territory and set your own schedule. Call Frank, 816-268-6857, with questions, or send resumes to jobs@wellnesslifesystems.com Ongoing

Seeking to Hire: Since our company's founding in 1923, Yale Surgical Company has been dedicated to meeting the Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic needs of Connecticut. We are beginning a new family generation of practitioners and are eager to meet the continuing need in our area. We currently have multiple opportunities for C. Ped., CO, CP, CPO and Orthotic/Prosthetic Techs in our New Haven office. We would love to speak with you to discuss your goals and future plans. Please feel free to look at our website, http://www.yalesurgical.com/ and email your resume to info@yalesurgical.com at your earliest convenience. Comp. salary, 401k etc. - Edward N. Kaufman Ongoing

Seeking to Hire: Modern pedorthic facility with emphasis on total footcare is seeking pedorthic salesperson to join our staff. Hourly + commission in a fast paced, can do environment. Join our winning team as business grows: www.ComfortShoe.com Email Resume' to Edith@ComfortShoe.com with Pedorthic Newswire resume in subject line. 3/2

Seeking to Hire: Pacific Medical Inc is a large Prosthetics & Orthotics company with many offices located in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. We currently have a Certified Pedorthist position available in Medford, OR. Southern Oregon is a great location for outdoor recreation with the Rogue River, the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake, and the Pacific Coast all nearby. Our Medford practice is an extremely busy five employee office inside a large orthopedic center and is looking to hire a pedorthist. This will be a full time position with competitive base salary and benefits including a percentage of commission generated by office revenue. Our company will consider paying for orthotic fitter training courses if candidate wishes to advance by gaining additional certifications. Candidate must have a friendly personality and good work ethic. Phone, email or fax: Justin Williams, CP
Pacific Medical, Inc. Prosthetics & Orthotics; Phone: (541)613-4706; Fax: (541)608-2497; Email: jwilliams@pacmedical.com 2/23

Seeking to Hire: MediQuest is an 11 year old Springdale, AR headquartered DME Provider. Need is for Oklahoma City Regional area C-Ped Field Representative. Established accounts with rapidly growing patient base and opportunity. High commissions with expenses and benefits or salary plus commission possible. Job would entail measuring/fitting diabetic shoes w inserts and initiating progress notes collection and prescription collection; and sale of diabetic testing supplies with occasional other observed orthotic needs. Must enjoy people, be organized, dependable and teachable. If you're looking for something better with a bigger opportunity send resume. Good support from HQ. Email resumes to trjoseph@sbcglobal.net. 2 References required. Tom Joseph, Director of Diabetic Services, MediQuest, Inc. I will respond within 24 hours. 2/16

Seeking to Hire: Experienced Sales Professional. Amfit, an industry leader in equipment and supplies for the manufacture of custom foot orthotics is looking for an ambitious sales professional. If you would like to be a part of a dynamic team that is well respected in the Pedorthic Community, we'd like to hear from you. Please email in confidence to: Arjen Sundman, President: asundman@amfit.co 1/12

Seeking to Hire: FOOT SOLUTIONS, Flower Mound Texas-FULL TIME PEDORTHIST: If you enjoy helping people, FOOT SOLUTIONS offers a unique opportunity unlike any other in the medical retail world. At FOOT SOLUTIONS we offer great hours and very attractive incentive plans. It's a career you can be proud of! As a team member, you will receive training in foot anatomy & pathology and product knowledge. This position offers no nights or Sundays! You must be available Saturdays plus 4 weekdays. Our store hours are 10am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 5pm Saturdays. This position will require you to be career oriented, a self starter, highly motivated, customer service driven, and strong listening skills. The position requires someone who truly enjoys helping people. You will also possess strong follow-up skills, be goal driven and have a positive attitude. You will be a good problem solver, and have a strong attention to detail. You will have a minimum of 3+ years of face-to-face sales experience and a minimum HS Diploma or GED is required, Bachelors is preferred. Our ideal candidate will have experience in Pedorthics/Cpeds, or a background in Health Management is highly preferred. Competitive Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume to Foot Solutions, 2321 Justin Rd Suite 205, Flower Mound TX 75028, Attention Mike Carey, C-Ped. or email careylax@aol.com 1/5

Classifieds will run for 90 days unless we are informed that the position has been filled. Thank you!

To place a classified ad, please email editor@pedorthicnewswire.com

STAFF

Editor: Faye Rapoport DesPres, M.S., M.F.A.

Design/Layout: Aetrex Marketing Department

ADVISORY BOARD

Robert Schwartz, C. Ped.		John Mishasek, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped.
Erick Janisse, C. Ped.		Jerome S. Klein, C.O., C. Ped.
Edith James		Rick E. Sevier BS Ed., C. Ped., BOC Ped.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

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DISCLAIMER

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