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: t

he deadline for all submissions and responses is 12 noon Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday for that week's issue.

NEW QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Comment: The recent posts on pediatric flatfoot are helpful and interesting. However, I would like to offer a different opinion on orthotic treatment. Many children that over-pronate do not need a forefoot varus post. In many cases, the problem is caused by tight heel cords, lack of dorsiflexion and or weak post tib tendon. This causes the hindfoot to evert and the midfoot to collapse as the foot tries to get "motion" where it can as the knee passes over the foot at midstance.

Many of these pt's have what you could refer to as a flexible deformity. I rely on a deep heel cup and the proper amount of heel lift with varus wedge, extended distal to under the navicular. Placed in a proper shoe, one can gain an amazing amount of control, while avoiding the use of a forefoot varus wedge. I realize this runs counter to some popular teaching but I would prefer that the 1st ray be allowed to come down to a more natural position. Putting high degree of varus posting in developing feet, could encourage the development of a true forefoot varus later in life.

I also feel the family/pediatric physicians need to be detailed more. I cant recall how many times I have seen an angry parent of a 9 to 16 y/o with foot, shin or knee pain that was told "don't worry, they will grow out of it" or "it's just growing pains". Having lower extremity pain every sport season isn't "growing pains" when they experience it for several years in a row when they ramp up their intensity. Even a decent pre-fab that has the proper modification can work wonders and keep costs down.

Brian Graham C.Ped.
 

 

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: I have some concerns of my own, but I'd be very interested in knowing what the rest of the Pedorthic Newswire readership feels is lacking or could be improved as far as the pedorthic industry's educational offerings - both pre-cert and post-cert.

- PWN Reader  

 

Question: Where can bulk casting foam be purchased?  We like to use individual casting trays with bulk foam, which cuts waste and is cost effective when making supports in house. Our supplier just informed us that they were no longer distributing bulk foam.

- Edith James


Question: I do not take assignment for therapeutic shoes and inserts from medicare.  However, patients still want me to file a claim on their behalf.  The reason I do not take assignment is because of all the paper work and documentation.  When I file a claim, non assigned for the patient, for therapeutic shoes, I can not use the KX modifier because I do not have all the documentation.  But without the KX modifier the claim will be denied.  So it is a waste of time to send claim in without KX modifier.  Can the patient gather the documentation on his/her own and keep it on file and then fight it out with Medicare? Can I use the KX modifier on behalf of patient and not be held liable by Medicare for repayment if they are not sending me any money in the first place?  Or should I just refuse to file claim and let patient do it all?
 
- Scott Torppey, CO, C.Ped.


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. 

Store Owner Offers Stylish Yet Comfortable Solutions to Foot Pain

By Alexandra Yearly

Hamilton Foot Solutions owner Laura Roberts knows that a step in the right direction starts with a supportive shoe. Roberts had been plagued with foot problems of her own, so when she started looking into franchise options, Foot Solutions stood out as an opportunity to help others get rid of foot pressure and pain, she said.

At Hamilton Foot Solutions, customers will find a variety of comfort and therapeutic shoes, as well as shoe inserts and seamless, diabetic or copper socks. Full Text
Source: MercerSpace.com

Future of Debit Card Swipe Fees Uncertain 

by Arielle Kass 

When customers buy dresses or shoes at Sandpiper, Melissa Murdock's Vinings boutique, she tries not to think about just how much money goes to the banks and credit unions that issue debit cards her customers swipe. "I don't look at it because it makes me sick to my stomach," Murdock said. "It's thousands of dollars a year."

Bankers say the charges for debit card swipes -- called interchange fees -- are the cost of maintaining a network that allows customers the convenience of cashless transactions. Retailers say the prices have been rising on their backs, and it's time for a change. Full text

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

How to Write Product Descriptions that Sell, Boost SEO Efforts

by Armando Roggio

Compelling, informative, and unique product descriptions can help your ecommerce business increase sales. Moreover, original product descriptions can help avoid Google's so-called "Farmer algorithm" penalty, which can affect retailers that copy product descriptions from competitors, or that use the exact descriptions suggested by suppliers.

Recently, a Practical eCommerce reader, Greg Jameson, posted an excellent comment about product descriptions, writing, "unique content and added value is what sells. The merchant is the salesperson, so sell them on what you have to offer, don't just regurgitate what someone else has already said." Full Text
Source: Practical E-Commerce

From High Heels to Low Flats, Local Podiatrists Analyze Footwear

By Robyn Gautschy-Flourish

Women have been told that sometimes they have to suffer for fashion. That is certainly true when it comes to shoes. Whether it's sky-high stilettos or the latest sandal trend, women's shoes are not often designed for function over fashion.

Local podiatrists give us the low-down on how our feet are affected by various styles of shoes. Full Text

Source: Southeast Missourian

  

HauteLook Creates a New 'Sole Society'

E-commerce company HauteLook is expanding their online real estate yet again with their latest venture, Sole Society. Separate from their popular flash-sales site (which is now also accessible via their Facebook page), this new platform provides an interactive experience for members, with options to review and purchase a selection of shoes each month based on a custom style survey. Full Text

Source: Black Book Magazine

Web Technology Reveals Diabetes Patient Influence on Weight Loss Surgery Options

Wool.labs (TM), a business intelligence company driven by social cognition technology, has published the next study in its series, "The Impact of Weight Loss Surgery On Patients With Diabetes," revealing a highly engaged group of people with diabetes who were actively discussing weight loss surgery procedures and experiences online over the last nine years.

The "Patient Social Intelligence Report" leveraged Wool.labs' unique WebDig (TM) technology to track every conversation accessible on the internet and determined the trends among diabetes patients and healthcare providers as related to options to help manage diabetes - including bariatric surgery. Conversation data mined from social media spanned nine years and showed that diabetes patients who had tried bariatric surgery were big advocates for the procedure and saw a positive impact on their Type II diabetes. Full Text
 

Podiatrist Writes about Effective Heel Pain Treatments for Runner

By Dr. Burton S. Schuler

While there can be no doubt that running is an excellent form of exercise that results in increased cardiovascular health overall, the nature of the sport lends itself to injuries since it is a high-impact exercise that stresses major ankles, knees and hips joints. Unfortunately, it is all too common for runners to suffer from heel pain--caused by heel spurs of plantar fasciitis. These painful conditions undermine runners' ability to participate in the sport they love.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are two common conditions associated with running. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia (foot arch), which is the tough fibrous structure that runs the length of your foot. Heel spurs are bony growths that appear where there is abnormal pulling at the bottom and back of the heel. In Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, author and podiatrist Dr. Burton S. Schuler of Panama City. Fl explains that both of these painful conditions can be caused by one common characteristic: hypermobility of the first metatarsal bone, also known as Morton's Toe,  Long Second Toe. Full Text and Video  
 

Source: ExpoertClick.com 

Sponsor - PCP Medical  Also: Announcing! New Course Listings - Elwood, Indiana - May 11-20 - Elwood, Indiana - May 21-30

ELWOOD - The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Beijing, Mainland China and Korea are available. Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: May 11 - 20, 2011

Condensed course hours available upon successful completion of pre-entrance exam. Scholarships Available - Please visit our website at www.rmpi.org or contact pam@rmpi.org - Phone: 765-557-7216

Tuition includes Dormitory Housing and Transportation to and from the Indianapolis International Airport and the RMPI school (Elwood Course Location Only).  Note: limited availability and by confirmed reservation only. Private Apartment Housing is also available by request and comparably priced within walking distance from the RMPI. 

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:       

April

15      Teaneck, NJ

22      Manchester, NH

May

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

·        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

MAY, 2011

CHICAGO, IL May 14: Arizona AFO, Inc. presents 'The Custom AFO Workshop' in a convenient one day format! Whether or not you are new to custom AFOs, you will not want to miss this great opportunity. Industry experts with many years of experience will share their ideas to help you be the best you can be. $150.00 Fee Includes; Lectures, hands on casting workshop, handouts, casting materials, breaks, lunch and more!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN; · The latest in appropriate L coding · Which AFO to use for treatment of various indications · How to obtain the best cast possible · How to provide quality AFO products · Tips for selecting appropriate footwear and footwear modifications · Ideas for marketing to referral sources, and much more.......

Total CEUs; This program has been approved for 6.5 credits through ABC, and 7 credits through BOC. To Enroll; CALL (877) 780-8382 and ask for the "Workshop Registration", Email your contact info to education@arizonaafo.com, or go to www.ArizonaAFO.com and use Keyword: Workshop.

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO SIGN UP TODAY!

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 

 
AUGUST, 2011

Atlanta, GA, August 13: Arizona AFO, Inc. presents 'The Custom AFO Workshop' in a convenient one day format! Whether or not you are new to custom AFOs, you will not want to miss this great opportunity. Industry experts with many years of experience will share their ideas to help you be the best you can be. $150.00 Fee Includes; Lectures, hands on casting workshop, handouts, casting materials, breaks, lunch and more!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN; · The latest in appropriate L coding · Which AFO to use for treatment of various indications · How to obtain the best cast possible · How to provide quality AFO products · Tips for selecting appropriate footwear and footwear modifications · Ideas for marketing to referral sources, and much more.......

Total CEUs; This program has been approved for 6.5 credits through ABC, and 7 credits through BOC. To Enroll; CALL (877) 780-8382 and ask for the "Workshop Registration", Email your contact info to education@arizonaafo.com, or go to www.ArizonaAFO.com and use Keyword: Workshop.

OCTOBER, 2011

San Jose, CA, October 15: Arizona AFO, Inc. presents 'The Custom AFO Workshop' in a convenient one day format! Whether or not you are new to custom AFOs, you will not want to miss this great opportunity. Industry experts with many years of experience will share their ideas to help you be the best you can be. $150.00 Fee Includes; Lectures, hands on casting workshop, handouts, casting materials, breaks, lunch and more!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN; · The latest in appropriate L coding · Which AFO to use for treatment of various indications · How to obtain the best cast possible · How to provide quality AFO products · Tips for selecting appropriate footwear and footwear modifications · Ideas for marketing to referral sources, and much more.......

Total CEUs; This program has been approved for 6.5 credits through ABC, and 7 credits through BOC. To Enroll; CALL (877) 780-8382 and ask for the "Workshop Registration", Email your contact info to education@arizonaafo.com, or go to www.ArizonaAFO.com and use Keyword: Workshop.

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO SIGN UP TODAY!

NOVEMBER, 2011

Phoenix, AZ, Nov 19: Arizona AFO, Inc. presents 'The Custom AFO Workshop' in a convenient one day format! Whether or not you are new to custom AFOs, you will not want to miss this great opportunity. Industry experts with many years of experience will share their ideas to help you be the best you can be. $150.00 Fee Includes; Lectures, hands on casting workshop, handouts, casting materials, breaks, lunch and more!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN; · The latest in appropriate L coding · Which AFO to use for treatment of various indications · How to obtain the best cast possible · How to provide quality AFO products · Tips for selecting appropriate footwear and footwear modifications · Ideas for marketing to referral sources, and much more.......

Total CEUs; This program has been approved for 6.5 credits through ABC, and 7 credits through BOC. To Enroll; CALL (877) 780-8382 and ask for the "Workshop Registration", Email your contact info to education@arizonaafo.com, or go to www.ArizonaAFO.com and use Keyword: Workshop. 

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

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