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September 7, 2011, Issue #433
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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: I just had a CPed in Florida contact me about the issue of getting accurate chart notes for Medicare. Evidently she is experiencing prepayment or post payment audits. She has developed a form that is sent to the patient's primary care physician and states what is missing from the chart note (one of four elements missing or discrepancy between chart note and Certifying Physician Statement secondary risk factor data). The form requests that the physician sign and date an Addendum to Certificate with language stating that they are correcting, missing or inaccurate data. The supplier says this Addendum is helping her with audited claims 9 times in 10. Which means if you do the math, she would be experiencing a 10% recoupment. With the thin margins on doing Medicare TSD benefit program, can a supplier really afford the time/distraction from their retail business and other costs of an audit (sending and tracking this chart note request and forwarding the returned Addendums to the auditor) and still having to pay back 10% of money paid? She stated that she plans to drop out of being a Medicare TSD supplier at the time of re-accreditation rather than incur the cost of another accreditation site visit. How many other pedorthic shoe stores that are trying to do Medicare diabetic shoes plan to drop out of Medicare when their accreditation and surety bond cost come due? What impact on cash flow is a prepayment audit having on a retailer that has to pay vendor for shoes and then wait for prepayment audit of a claim to pay? All the well written articles in Current Pedorthics telling pedorthists what documentation is needed in a TSD patient chart do not address the financial costs of collecting this documentation and its impact on the bottom line. Would it help PNW readers if PFA looked at the financial viability of being a Medicare TSD supplier, i.e. interview pedorthic shoe store/TSD suppliers that are experiencing audits and try to find a business model that works financially? Otherwise all the articles about documentation are just filler material if there are no pedorthic shoe store/Medicare supplier remaining at some point in the near future.
-John Mishasek, BOCPD, C.Ped.
PREVIOUS QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS WITH RESPONSES
Comment: It would be useful to hear from pedorthist owned Medicare TSD supply businesses if they are requiring chart notes from the physician managing the patient's diabetes with the Certifying Physician statement. The chart notes would be of the primary care physician's foot exam notes or of their review of a foot exam by the patient's DPM or PA or NP that identified the secondary condition necessitating the supply of TSD benefits. If not, why are your not requesting these notes before supply? If yes, how are you going about getting these chart notes and what do you do if the chart note is missing one of the four elements that is required for the supply of TSD benefits? Are you using your own staff to get these chart notes in addition to the Certifying Physician statement/Rx? Or are you using the patient to drive the process of getting proper documentation? A branch office of national respiratory company had an primary care physician chart note audit of its home oxygen services last summer when this PCP chart note versus the PCP Rx was sufficient for determining medical necessity. The hospital pulmonologist may have ordered the original supply of oxygen but at the end of the one year Rx, the pulmonologist was no longer caring for the beneficiary. So the respiratory company would ask the primary care physician to renew the home oxygen Rx. The PCP would but without doing an oxygen saturation test to determine medical necessity for that new Rx. The Medicare supply company's charts were perfect to the old standards of a physician's Rx being sufficient for medical necessity according to the regional manager who is a customer of our store. But the auditor used the lack of primary care physician chart notes not documenting that an oxygen saturation test had been done and Medicare recouped over $700,000 from that one branch. I spoke last week with the lead pedorthist at a large O&P company branch that supplies MCR TSD benefits about this chart note issue, and he thought that their corporate policy of sending the podiatrist's foot exam note to the PCP was covering all the bases. My response to him was that without a copy of the PCP's chart note saying that he/she reviewed the podiatrist's foot exam and confirmed the secondary/risk factor that the file is at risk to an auditor determining lack of medical necessity documentation as determined by the primary care physician. A Certifying Physician Statement is not enough to have an audit proof file. And if the chart note is sent and is missing any one of the other 3 elements, it is also at risk to a recoupment. Thoughts?
-John Mishasek, BOCPD, C.Ped., Valentine Comfort Shoe Specialists
Response: Regarding John's question on documentation, I too am very interested in seeing the responses from other pedorthists. As the only pedorthist (and pharmacy technician and pharmacy manager) practicing in a small town pharmacy, I have been requiring chart notes from all of my physicians since January 1. While this takes care of the Medicare documentation requirement, it has also caused me to spend ridiculous amounts of time contacting physicians, multiple faxes and phone calls back and forth with the physician's staff, intercepting calls from angry patients ("they're just shoes, I don't understand why it takes so long"), educating patients, physicians and caregivers on the importance of appropriate footwear, why they're not "just shoes" and what documentation is required and then repeating this cycle over and over again. For example, I spoke to one physician's office last week regarding necessary documentation for 3 of his patients that he had faxed over prescriptions for. After 3 days and 8 different phone calls back and forth, I did get some documentation, but it was from 2 years ago! And so we start over with more phone calls and more upset patients. And this is after I have the patient make an appointment with their physician before we do shoes and send them with a letter to the physician informing them that we will need documentation of diabetes managemet and the qualifying foot condition. After seeing the documentation from some of these physicians, I began to understand why Medicare thought the requirement is necessary, but I still don't understand when I became qualified to decide when or if a physician's documentation is sufficient or why my practice is financially liable for the quality of their documentation.
-Pedorthist in Texas
Response: I'm a CPed and don't own the company for which I work, but I have put into place a very stringent compliance policy with MCR's chart notes requirements. Medicare will deny your claim if you don't have every piece of required documentation, and a podiatrist's note or assessment is not enough. We drive all the paperwork here in our office. We don't leave it up to the patient to get the paperwork. At times, we've have to tell the patient that we can't get what we need from the doctor's office, the patient makes a phone call and then, suddenly we get what we need. We try to keep the patient's involvement in the paperwork process as limited as possible, however. I, personally as a point of practice, require that all the paperwork be in order before I'll even see a Medicare patient. Included in (but not limited to) the pre-appointment paperwork is the detailed written order, Statement for Certifying Physicians and valid chart notes. Once we have these preliminary documents, then we schedule the patient to come in for their Pedorthic exam. Patients generally bring me a prescription from their doctor for diabetic shoes, which usually is just a page off the doctor's script pad that says "diabetic shoes." We've all seen these, but however, that will not pass Medicare's requirements of a "Detailed Written Order." Therefore, in my practice, we get a detailed written order from the doctor who is managing the patient's diabetes. That order must have a date, all the items to be dispensed (i.e., shoe AND inserts, not just "Diabetic Shoes."), and a signature that meets MCR's signature requirements. If you have not reviewed MCR's policy on what constitutes a "valid" signature, you need to look at it. It is very precise and they will deny a claim based on the signature alone. I have had shoes denied because the signature did not meet the signature requirements. Here is a link to that article: http://www.cgsmedicare.com/jc/pubs/news/2010/0410/cope12069.html.
We then get the Statement for Certifying Physicians. Again, it has to meet all the normal requirements. At the time we fax on the SCP, we request chart notes from the doctor who manages the patient's comprehensive plan of care. I will not see a patient or dispense shoes without complete chart notes. You have to have them. They are no longer optional. If the doctor indicates "peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation," and yet the chart notes only indicate "peripheral neuropathy," those will not qualify the patient for shoes. The notes have to state or show the callus formation, not just the peripheral neuropathy. If the doctor indicates "history of pre-ulcerative callus," the notes have to say that. Poor circulation is a difficult condition to qualify. The notes have to say "poor circulation" or show some other circulatory disease that would cause poor circulation in the feet. I attended an in-service recently conducted by a Medicare rep regarding chart notes. On "poor circulation" in particular, she said, "The trend in Medicare is moving toward denying all claims for shoes and inserts with a qualifying condition of "poor circulation" unless the chart notes indicate that the physician has conducted some type of diagnostics to prove poor circulation in the feet, such as a Doppler test. If there is no diagnostic in the chart notes, such as a Doppler, then trend is moving towards denying those claims."
The notes have to be within the last six months and they have to be signed off by the MD or DO. I've had to send notes back to doctors' offices to have the MD sign off on them because the notes were taken by and signed off by a PA or NP and never signed by the MD or DO. Any notes from a home health agency or podiatrist fall under the same rules. I send them to the MD and have him sign off on them. And again, the MD signature must meet the requirements for a valid signature, even on the chart notes.
One of the big issues with chart notes is our ability to read them. Many doctors have gone to computerized systems for maintaining chart notes, which makes it much easier, but plenty of doctors still handwrite all their notes. Important: If you cannot read the doctor's handwriting, Medicare auditors cannot read it either. Moreover, they have no real motivation to sort out what the doctor has written. I have had shoes denied because, even though every piece of required paperwork is present, MCR could not "read the doctor's handwriting," and therefore denied the claim. To reduce the denials due to handwriting, I created a Clarification Form, where I use Adobe to take a snapshot of the notes in questions and place it on a page where I request the notes (handwriting) be clarified. The form is dated and has a place for the doctor to sign off. I also fax the doctor's office a Diabetic Foot Assessment Form for Physicians (FAF) for the doctor to fill out when the notes are incomprehensible. I've actually had more success with getting the FAF filled out and sent back than the Clarification form. The FAF has to be done by the MD or DO, of course, but the doctors have responded really well to it.
Once I get all the paperwork completed, then the patient comes in and I proceed from there. Sometimes, the needs of the patient are greater than what the doctor prescribed. I recently had a patient with a hallux amputation and the doctor didn't realize we could get him inserts with a toe filler. He originally prescribed the heat-moldable inserts, but once I had a conversation about the patient's options with the doctor, he changed the prescription to custom inserts with a toe filler. I had to re-do the paperwork, but in the end, it is what was best for the patient.
I am very fortunate in that I have a staff of several people whose job it is to do nothing but chase that paperwork for me. I've worked where I was solely responsible for doing it all, so I've been on that side of it as well. Trust me - I understand the headache Medicare causes with all its paperwork requirements. But those are the hoops through which we must jump if we dispense shoes under their TSP.
-Tracy Maddoux, C.Ped.
Question: We've had a run here lately of patients refusing to either schedule a pick-up appointment and/or refusing to pay their co-insurance/deductible amount despite the fact that they were made aware of and acknowledged all anticipated costs before they agreed to have the work begun. I am wondering how the other Pedorthic Newswire readers handle situations like these. Do you bill the patient either way? Ship item(s) to patient and bill? Or simply throw the item(s) away and refuse future service?
- Erick Janisse, C.Ped, CO
Response: Medicare has a policy that if a patient dies or refuses to pick up a custom product, the supplier may file a claim for the cost of fabrication of custom item. When we used to be a supplier and ran into a patient (probably skeptical of why their physician wanted them to be in shoes other than the style/size that they had been using for 20 years) and was not responding to a delivery appointment, we would send a letter telling the beneficiary that if they did not schedule their delivery by a certain date we would use this policy and bill Medicare and them for the coinsurance for the custom items. More times than not, they would call and schedule their delivery. I think the new ruling about face to face delivery of TSD benefits would eliminate the possibility of shipping TSD footwear as a solution to this problem. As far as not getting paid for coinsurance payments, we always collected at delivery rather than chase payment later on from the beneficiary. We knew which secondary policies did pay the coinsurance, which ones did not pay or did not pay all of the coinsurance, and would not let patient leave facility without paying. Sort of like the physician offices that have a sign at the receptionist window saying copayments due before you leave the office. With thin margins on TSD footwear supply, one cannot pay personnel to keep tracking failure to pay coinsurance amounts and sending invoices month after month. Annual deductible that is subtracted from a supplier's payment can be problematic. And this problem can show up 3-4-5 months into a calendar year as other providers hold off on sending in their claims hoping that another provider will get stuck with the deduction of the annual deductible from their payment. I have heard that there may be a way to verify the amount of annual deductible still not met. Not sure how or even for real. But that would allow a supplier to add that to the amount due at delivery. Maybe someone else can post about checking annual deductibles.
- John Mishasek, BOCPD, CPed
Question: What is the origin of the word "Pedorthics"? I had a friend ask me this, and I thought it was a great question. Does anybody know?
- PNW Reader
Response: It is my understanding that in the early 70's when the Prescription Footwear Association had to separate the certifying body from the trade association. Several of our founding fathers coined the word "pedorthics and Pedorthist". I believe that these words were first mentioned by Tom McGuilcuty of Boston, MA. Did you know that prior to this we were called Certified Prescription Footwear Applicators (CPFA)? Part of the exam was to measure, select the correct last and size of shoes to fit the examiner.
Your question brings up a very important subject. Has PFA done a history of Pedothics? I think that this is a project that they should jump on and very soon, if they haven't already. Many of the founding members of our profession have passed on.The remaining pioneers are getting up in years. Now is the time to contact the old "Cordwainers" to get our history before it is to late.
- Jim Moore, C.Ped
Response: I decided to respond to "PNW Reader's" question about the etymology of the word pedorthist. I remember covering etymology during the anatomy section of the Ball State class in pedorthics almost 10 years ago. I recall it being my favorite class in all of the pre-certification regimen. I knew what the term pedorthist meant but decided to use the online dictionary to be sure.
Ped - Latin ped-, pes "foot"
orth(o) - Gk. ortho-, stem of orthos "straight, true, correct, regular,"
-ist - noun suffix
1: a: one that performs a (specified) action <cyclist> : one that makes or produces a (specified) thing <novelist>
b: one that plays a (specified) musical instrument <harpist>
c: one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance <automobilist>
2: one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill <geologist> <ventriloquist>
3: one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior <socialist> <royalist> <hedonist> or that of a (specified) individual <Calvinist> <Darwinist>
Therefore a pedorthist is "One that specializes in the science of making the foot straight." People have been doing pedorthics even since King Tutankhamun's time. As has been noted many times before that King Tut wore orthopedic sandals to help with possible clubfoot. When the actual term pedorthist came into common use I am unsure. I was unable to find it online. I decided to look up podiatrist as well:
Pod - Greek pod-, pous "foot"
-iatrist - noun combining form
physician : healer <psychiatrist> <podiatrist>
Therefore a podiatrist is "A physician that heals the foot." Etymology is so cool. I love finding the roots of words. This was a fun question to look up and many thanks to the Merriam Webster Dictionary Online!
- PNW Reader
Response: Responding to the question what is the origin of Pedorthic. It is a composite term combining the suffix "-ic" which means pertaining to and the word root "ped/o" meaning child or foot. In medical terminology the usage of word roots and suffixes from the Latin, Greek and Arabic languages comprises the descriptive terminology used universally in medical and health science schools world wide. Ped/o is a Greek derivative.
- G. Falcone, Trainer/Instructor Medical Terminology, QC Community College
Comment: Let me ask this from an employee standpoint: How much is the kind of Certified Pedorthist that you are looking for worth to you? I have worked as a CPed. for three companies in the last 7 years. For every employer I busted my - you know what - but at the end I was always the one who got screwed. I have a stack of Thank you cards and letters from patients and managers, thanking me for my great patient care, patient service and awesome work I have done to make the patient's life easier. I had and have patients who will not make an appointment if I am not the one they can see that day. Every company I hired on, asked the century old question "what is your salary expectation" and me, smart as I am, looked at the PFA survey and gave them a number ($) from the surveys "average" salary, listed based on years of experience, State you work in and so on. My first employer through his arms in the air, second shook his head and third just outright laughed at my answer. Neither one was willing to even get close to what I believed was a reasonable request. I had all the experience and track record needed to be eligible for those suggested salaries. At the end I needed a job and to feed my family and myself and therefore gave in to the employers offer. To top the humiliation, the first two employers did not offer any health insurance or any other benefits, including no education, travel, meal or whatever else reimbursement. I still busted my - you know what - went most of the time to work sick (top # of days I missed in a year: 3 days), worked overtime (ether underpaid or not (!) paid at all), and at the end my reward has been getting laid off three times because the business owner or company management had no idea how to run a business and did not save up for "bad times". Overtime and benefits are cut again and again I am possibly faced with another lay off because of the "bad economy".....really? I am still seeing about 18 to 20 patients a day. The number of people with diabetes has exploded and the number of other foot ailments has not been going down but actually gone up. Plenty of work and plenty opportunities to charge and to make enough money. Looking at this I believe not me, but you as a business owner have failed to keep or hire your "Dream CPed", by not sharing the profits in good time but rather punishing me in bad times. So, let me ask you: are you surprised you are not getting the "cream of the crop"?
- PNW Reader
Response: I am sorry for your previous employers having to"let you go"....It sounds like you are very qualified, so why don't you go out on your own?? Get your office, put some inventory in there, and take care of your many happy patients.
- Rick Snyderman Cped, Lped, CFo
Response: I appreciate what PNW Reader said about his work experience. However, we did retain one good CPed for approximately 10 years. We sent this individual (background as physical therapy assistant) to Oklahoma's pedorthic program (paid his salary, tuition, all travel expenses), paid for his certification exam, and ultimately he ended up with a $55,000 per year package of compensation, car allowance, health insurance allowance, paid vacation, etc. When we tried to encourage improvements in his performance/attitude from "what I did for customer is good enough" to "was that the best that could have been done for customer/patient" by implementing an incentive plan in lieu of another salary increase at ten years (remember he was already getting $55,000+ a year about 5 years ago), he bailed and left the field. As far as the other CPeds we hired, drug and/or alcohol addiction does not make for a quality employee no matter how hard or smart they work when they finally show up. And confusing 'look busy' to actually doing meaningful work is not conducive to long term employment either.
When we speak with any small business owner, finding and retaining good employees is one of the top challenges, not government regulations, not taxation, not competition. I guess my original intent of this posting was that the good/sober/take ownership of job CPeds are gainfully employed long term at a business that treats them fairly or they are in business for themselves. And while we have not personnally had a chance to hire a brand new to pedorthics CPed, the feedback I heard from the Hanger lead CPed told me that brand new CPeds still need time to gain real world patient/customer care experience (just like I had to) before they become a "good" CPed that one can trust to do right by the business' customers.
- John Mishasek, BOCPD, CPed
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SPONSOR NEWS
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HEALTH AND INDUSTRY
| Eat More Often, Shed More Pounds?
By: Jill Barker
It seemed like a good strategy: Eat a number of small meals a day instead of three large ones and you'll lose unwanted pounds. The theory behind the idea was that eating more frequently did a better job of regulating appetite, which resulted in the consumption of fewer calories over the course of the day. Full Text.
Source: Montreal Gazette
Parent Link in Obesity Problem
By: Geoff Maslen
Across Australia, young girls in single-parent families are at higher risk of being overweight or obese than those living with two parents. Yet boys are not affected to the same extent, according to an investigation by Deakin University health researchers.
Using data from a longitudinal study of Australian children*, the Deakin team examined information collected on nearly 9000 children aged between four and nine. The researchers found higher rates of overweight and obesity in girls from single-parent families than those in two-parent families. Children in single-parent households also watched more television, ate more food high in fat and sugar, and less fruit and vegetables than those living with two parents. Lead researcher Dr Linda Byrne says the results are confronting, but they should not be seen as an indication that single parents are doing a bad job. Full Text.
Source: The Age
Janet Napolitano: Shoes-On Flight in Sight
By: Josh Gerstein
Air travelers will eventually be able to keep their shoes on to pass through security, but the restrictions on carrying liquids on board are likely to remain in place for some time, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a POLITICO Playbook breakfast Tuesday. Full Text.
Source: Politico
US Brands Post Better-than-Expected Sales
By: Reuters
Top chains' August results beat expectations in back-to-school season despite economic slump and storm Irene
New York: Many top US retailers reported better-than-expected August sales, despite Hurricane Irene and sagging consumer confidence. Analysts expect the 24 retailers tracked by Thomson Reuters to post a 4.6 per cent gain in August sales at stores open at least a year. Full Text.
Source: Gulfnews.com
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DIABETES
| Dieting Beats Exercise for Diabetes Prevention, Combination Is Best
By: Carl Sherman
Lifestyle changes that include dieting to lose weight and exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes, but researchers were uncertain which element contributes more. A new study suggests that, in postmenopausal women at least, dietary weight loss alone is effective while exercise alone is not effective, and both together are best of all.
"The effects seems to be additive," said Caitlin Mason, Ph.D., lead study author. "The women who did both diet and exercise together had the greatest weight loss and greatest improvement in insulin and blood sugar control." In light of the additional benefits of exercise, such as preserving muscle mass during weight loss, "a combined program is the way to go," said Mason, a postdoctoral fellow in public health sciences at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Full Text.
Source: Health Behavior News Service
Study Highlights Five Keys to Diabetes Prevention
By: Amanda MacMillan
Would you be willing to change one aspect of your life -- such as eating healthier or exercising more -- if you knew it would reduce your likelihood of developing diabetes? Would you make two, three or five lifestyle changes to bring down those chances even more?
Every little bit helps, a new government study suggests. Meeting just one of five key health goals reduces your odds of developing diabetes in middle age by roughly one-third, the study estimates, and the more goals you meet, the lower your risk falls, even if you have a family history of diabetes. Full Text.
Source: CNN.com
Grant Raises Awareness of Diabetes
By: Francesca Donlan
Lotoya Miles, 32, didn't know if she had type 2 diabetes. Neither did Brande Ellis, 25, or Kimberly Jackson, 31.
All three Fort Myers women stood in line to find out at the Harry Chapin Food Bank's "Food for Life" mobile pantry distribution and health fair last week. Miles and Jackson had elevated sugar levels that put them in the diabetic range.
"I had a feeling," Jackson said. "I'm overweight and I don't exercise. I could eat better."
Eating healthier is one of the ways to combat type 2 diabetes. And the staff at The Harry Chapin Food Bank wants to help make that happen. They are distributing healthier foods to those at risk of diabetes as a result of a $50,000 grant from an anonymous trust. Full Text.
Source: News-press.com
Patient Can Wear Shoes Again After Treatment
Paul Mathews of Lexington has good reason to kick up his heels. After seeking treatment at the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health - Lexington Medical Center, he can once again wear a pair of shoes-something he hasn't been able to do in four years.
Mathews, who has diabetes, suffered from a chronic non-healing wound that appeared quite suddenly on his left heel. For most people, cuts and scratches heal within days or weeks. But for those like Mathews, whose natural healing process is hampered, a simple sore can become a complex medical problem requiring specialized care. Full Text.
Source: The-Dispatch.com
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SPORTS AND FITNESS
| Sport Safety: Can Regulations Make Contact Sports Safe?
By: Katie Moisse
The death of 22-year-old Derek Sheely, starting fullback for the Frostburg State University Bobcats in West Maryland, has once again hoisted concussions in contact sport to the fore.
Sheely died Sunday at the University of Maryland's R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore less than a week after he collapsed at football practice between routine drills. The cause of Sheely's death is unclear, but his father Kenneth suspects a brain injury was to blame. Full Text.
Source: ABC News
Expert: 3 Million Lost Teeth beacuse of Youth Sports
By: Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Dental injuries are all too common among young athletes, especially those playing basketball and baseball, an expert says.
"Basketball and baseball are the two biggest mouth-injuring sports. And the most common injuries we see are broken, displaced or knocked out teeth, and broken jaws," Dr. Stephen Mitchell, an associate professor in the pediatric dentistry department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said in a university news release.
It's estimated that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting events in the United States this year, according to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation. Full Text.
Source: Your Life, USA Today
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BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICS
| Pedorthics is a professional field covering the design, manufacture, modification and/or fit of footwear. Pedorthics encompasses shoes, orthoses and foot devices that prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, injury or congenital defect. Certified Pedorthists work with patients and their footwear to conform to a doctor's footwear prescription as part of the patient's treatment
To earn certification in Pedorthics, you must take a pre-determined number of course hours in pedorthics and pass a certifying examination overseen by either The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics® or Board for Certification/Accreditation, Int'l. Both the ABC and BOC are independent certification bodies that set standards for the profession and offer certifications that are recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
More information, including FAQ's
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics information on the step-by-step process of becoming a certified pedorthist
Board of Certification/Accreditation International information on becoming a BOC Pedorthist.
For information on the Canadian certifying organization visit The Pedorthic Association of Canada.
ONGOING COURSES AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICS
The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic 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, Mainland China and Korea are available. Click here to view a detailed calendar including dates and locations, information and pricing.
CFS Allied Health Education: Pedorthic Certification: Exam Review. This review is focused on supplying the student with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the ABC Certified Pedorthic exam by presenting exam-like questions, exploring possible answers, and discussing rationales for correct and incorrect answers. Contact CFS Allied Health Education at (918) 266-3678 or visit http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for more information.
*ABC and The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics are registered trademarks of the The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., which is not affiliated with CFS Allied Health Education and does not endorse this review.
ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE 1-on-1 or Group Tutoring Available; Eneslow Training & Tutoring Program, Individual and Small Group Program
WHO SHOULD COME:
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SUBJECTS: PEDORTHICS - SALES -RETAIL MANAGEMENT
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Pathology of Diseases and Malalignments
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Fee: Two hour minimum
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Added Value: An insider's look into the retail, pedorthic, sales, store operations, and business management of Eneslow.
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ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE, 470 Park Avenue South at 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016. Call for more info (212) 477-2300 (Ask for Sarah Goldberg, CPED) (212) 353-2876 Fax
email: epi@eneslow.com or visit http://eneslow.com/epi
Pro-Learn, LLC announces its new CAPE approved Pedorthic Pre-certification program
Pro-Learn's program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE) to provide Levels 1, 2 and 3 of pedorthic pre-certification coursework required by ABC and BOC to become eligible to apply and sit for board examination. ProLearn utilizes the latest technology in Distance Learning and Virtual Classrooms. This is the same Distance Learning Program technology model used by advanced O & P schools used to deliver their curriculum. This allows maximum flexibility in our programs that gives the student choices that fit their busy lifestyle, level of experience and learning style. Programs vary from three-week, live classes to completing the coursework completely online (Experienced, advanced degree holding healthcare professionals only). Our staff and faculty is composed of degree holding healthcare professionals who are Pedorthists, Nurses, O & P, Professional Pedorthic Educators and Physicians.
Please visit www.pro-learn.com or email cmartin@pro-learn.com for more information to assist you or your staff in making a decision on the right option for you, your business, your family, and your lifestyle.
International School of Pedorthics is offering two classes per month every month until December 31st 2012.
January 1 2013 ISP will close it's doors to pre certification and focus on International pedorthic training and post education advanced training.
ISP offers accreditation manual service with Accreditation Champ
And our newline of pre fabricated foot products,we offer our on site lab training, and consulting.
ISP has had training in Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, Puerto Rico ,Canada, Mexico and other countries.
Call 702-449-0978 or the office at 702-449-0974
2011 COURSES
SEPTEMBER, 2011
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: September 3 - 12, 2011 (Orlando, Florida) and September 17 - 26, 2011 (Elwood, Indiana)
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.
OCTOBER, 2011
GEORGIA - Foot Solutions Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course: Class Date October 31 - November 10, 2011
Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that holds classes four times per year. The company's course will offer the pre-certification in Pedorthics certificate needed in all three levels to sit for the C. Ped. Exam. The facility is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067.
For Application And Fee Information Contact:
Tracy Strickland - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 206 Tstrickland@Footsolutions.Com
Betty Hubauer - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 201 Betty@Footsolutions.Com
Dr. William Faddock - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 209 Bfaddock@Footsolutions.Com
Upon completing our course and successfully passing the competency tests, and fulfilling the 1,000 hour "Clinical practice Requirement" students are eligible to sit for the ABC or BOC exam to earn their Pedorthic Certification (CPED Pedorthist).
NOVEMBER, 2011
GEORGIA - November 11, 2011 Foot Solutions 1-Day Cram Session.
Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that holds classes three times per year. The company's course will offer the certificate needed in all three levels to sit for the C. Ped. Exam. The facility is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067. For Application And Fee Information Contact:
Tracy Strickland - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 206 Tstrickland@Footsolutions.Com
Betty Hubauer - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 201 Betty@Footsolutions.Com
Dr. William Faddock - 1-866-338-2597 Ext: 209 Bfaddock@Footsolutions.Com
DECEMBER, 2011
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: December 10 - 19, 2011 (Brea, California) - To Be Confirmed Soon
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.
BECOME AN ABC THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER
For information on Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses
October
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter/Live Portion: October 4 (Lexington, KY), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter/Live Portion: October 24 (Atlanta, GA - Medtrade), $195.
November
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter/Live Portion: November 17 (Teaneck, NJ), $195.
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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.
Ski/Snowboard Bootfit & Stance Alignment Focus of Unique Continuing Ed Course for Pedorthic Professionals
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY-Masterfit University, the world's only center for the study of snowsports boot fitting, offers pedorthists, orthotists and other allied fit professionals a unique opportunity to learn the skills of fitting and modifying "the most challenging footwear to fit on the planet." All while earning a significant number of continuing education credits.
Designed and taught by a group of Certified Pedorthists with over 225 years of experience fitting snowsports boots, Masterfit U is a fast-paced, hands-on experience with focus on biomechanics and alignment, orthotics fabrication and boot fit modification techniques. "Our less talk, more action and 'Learn It, See It, Do It' format is fun and effectively simulates fitting and back shop environments," says MFU curriculum director Mark Elling, C. Ped.
Attendees practice their skills in Masterfit's traveling boot labs that are outfitted with the most advanced fit analysis and modification tools and direct mold orthotic casting and grinding equipment.
Masterfit University will be held this year at:
· Mt. Snow, VT, Oct. 3-4
· Kitzbuhel, Austria, Oct., 18-19
· Denver/Lakewood CO, Oct. 26-27
· Seattle/Everett, WA, Oct. 31-Nov. 1
· Reno, NV, Nov. 7-8
Registration or more information: www.masterfituniversity.com; (914) 944-9038
Masterfit U's Masters, Masters-Backcountry Connection and Masters Plus courses individually qualify for continuing education credits from both the American Board for Certification in Orthotics Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOP, 14 credits) and the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC, 14.08 credits).
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:
October
12 Phoenix, AZ
19 Baton Rouge, LA
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
· October 5 - 9, 2011 (Elwood, Indiana)
· November 2 - 6, 2011 (Orlando, Florida)
· December 7 - 11, 2011 (Brea, California) To Be Confirmed Soon
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!
Chicago, IL- October 14-15: The Comprehensive Orthopedic Management of the Lower Extremity Ailments $249.00
This course is approved for 14.25 credits by the American Board for Certification (ABC) This two-day seminar focuses on how to improve patient outcomes through a wide-ranging list of topics including: advanced biomechanical and lower extremity exams; better patient communications; in-depth STS casting for, and use of, foot orthotics and AFO's; and a thorough review of DME supplier standards, billing and coding, and the application and integration of DME in the practice. The combined lecture and hands-on workshop approach provides an optimal and interactive learning environment. Complimentary Breakfasts and Lunches are included with the registration fee.To register, go to https://crs.langerbiomechanics.com/ or contact Ben Kraus at 800-645-5520 x 3534, or via email at ben.kraus@langerbiomechanics.com
Richmond, VA- October 21-22: The Comprehensive Orthopedic Management of the Lower Extremity Ailments $249.00
This course is approved for 14.25 credits by the American Board for Certification (ABC)
This two-day seminar focuses on how to improve patient outcomes through a wide-ranging list of topics including: advanced biomechanical and lower extremity exams; better patient communications; in-depth STS casting for, and use of, foot orthotics and AFO's; and a thorough review of DME supplier standards, billing and coding, and the application and integration of DME in the practice. The combined lecture and hands-on workshop approach provides an optimal and interactive learning environment. Complimentary Breakfasts and Lunches are included with the registration fee.To register, go to https://crs.langerbiomechanics.com/ or contact Ben Kraus at 800-645-5520 x 3534, or via email at ben.kraus@langerbiomechanics.com
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.
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CLASSIFIEDS
| Seeking to Hire: Established DME company with strong base business in need of a C.Ped in GEORGIA. Does not have to be located in Atlanta. Base salary, insurance, expenses, etc. This position requires daily travel with some very limited overnights. For consideration fax resume to 770 795 1199 or Email Dunham8828@bellsouth.net. 8/17
Seeking to Hire: United Home Health Care is hiring Certified Pedorthists and Orthotists, passionate about patient care. Requirements: experience with the care and fitting of the diabetic foot, excellent interpersonal skills, highly organized, motivated, and willingness for local travel to service account base. Appointments are scheduled centrally, these are not in-home fittings. Full and part time positions are available across the country, including but not limited to: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus OH, Roanoke, VA, Chattanooga, Memphis, Knoxville, TN, Baltimore, MD, Panama City, Tampa, and Port Charlotte, FL, Louisville, and Lexington KY, Northern, CA. New Jersey, Charleston, WV.
Please send inquires and/or resume to unitedhomeh@yahoo.com, fax 540-774-5071 or call Shelia at 540-774-5050. 8/17
Seeking to Hire: Pedorthic Sales Person: Modern, full service facility in St. Louis ready to hire dedicated and skilled practitioner. Base plus commission and benefits.
Call Comfort Shoe Specialists and talk with Edith at 314.822.3300 www.ComfortShoe.com 8/17
Seeking to Hire: Certified Pedorthist/Sales Representative: DME provider is expanding their Diabetic Shoe Program and is seeking an energetic Certified Pedorthist to market and fit diabetic shoes in LTC facilities. Must have a Min 2 yrs experience in sales and fitting shoes including modifications. Must be comfortable working with the LTC population and detail oriented. Extensive travel required - Must reside in geographical territory; Southeast (SC, GA and FL) or West (NV and CA). FT w/benefits. E-mail resume w/salary history to: kim.howard@fundltc.com EOE. 7/6
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: Midwest Medical Services, a national provider of DME products, is seeking to hire Certified Pedorthists. We currently have multiple opportunities in all regions across the United States. Position would entail performing in-home evaluation and fittings, sale of diabetic supplies and pain management DME, managing your territory, and providing excellent patient care. Must be ambitious, well organized, and dependable. At Midwest Medical Services, we strive to provide the best patient care possible and support those who provide great care in our name. Call Kim, (816) 718-6946, with questions and/or email resumes to hr@midwestmedservices.com. We look forward to hearing from you. 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: United Home Health Care is hiring Certified Pedorthists and Orthotists passionate about patient care. Requirements: experience with the care and fitting of the diabetic foot, excellent interpersonal skills, high level of organization, motivated, self starter, and willingness for local travel to service account base. Corporate office schedules all appointments and referrals, these are not in-home fittings. Full time/part time positions are available across the country including, but not limited to, the following areas: Detroit and Grand Rapids, MI, Indianapolis and NW Indiana, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus OH, Roanoke, VA, Panama City, Tampa, and Port Charlotte, FL, Louisville, and Lexington KY, and New Orleans. Please send inquires and/or resume to unitedhomeh@yahoo.com, fax 540-774-5071 or call Shelia at 540-774-5050.
Seeking to Hire: CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST AND/OR A CERTIFIED ORTHOTIST in the state of ILLINOIS, Full or Part-Time: Medical Dynamics, LLC is looking for a CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST AND/OR A CERTIFIED ORTHOTIST in the state of ILLINOIS. Medical Dynamics is a national Durable Medical Equipment provider, specializing in orthotics for contracture management and diabetic footwear. This is an immediate hire opportunity. Qualified Candidates Must Have:
- Ability to think independently and creatively
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Ability to develop strong customer loyalties
- Strong organizational skills and you must be a driven, self starter
This is an INDEPENDENT representative opportunity that is PAID 100% COMMISSION for patient orders that you complete. This position also generates a supervisor commission structure for reviewing all other orders that our ILLINOIS certified fitters complete for processing. This is an uncapped commission structure that provides continual cash flow. If this opportunity matches your desires and experience, please contact us immediately. We have an immediate need to fill this position. E-mail your resume and references to mbekkering@medicaldynamicsllc.net or fax to 480-275-3792 - only those candidates who meet our needs will be contacted.Compensation: 100% COMMISSION 6/15
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
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STAFF
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Editorial/Design/Layout: Aetrex Marketing Department |
ADVISORY BOARD
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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. |
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
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Our goal at Pedorthic Newswire is to generate an active online exchange of ideas among those interested in pedorthics. Please send articles, questions, responses and courses listings to editor@pedorthicnewswire.com.
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