Pedorthic Newswire
January 25, 2012, Issue #453

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 QUESTION 

 

 

 

Question: This question is for those independent footwear retailers, who have undergone an onsite survey and also are looking to maintain accreditation with the ABCOP. I would like to hear from those that have footwear retail as their primary source of business. While it's imperative we have guidelines we must maintain and follow, I think there are some expectations or rules that can be unreasonable for an independent retailer. At times it seems like even with all our ducks in a row the inspector ends up looking for the proverbial "Red Herring."

Example: Private Area solely dedicated for evaluations.

Disposal container for sharp objects.
Fire drills and escape plans.
State compensation laws postings.

Is it possible that their expectations or the rules in place can be a little unreasonable? I'm primarily asking this of independent retailers without the resources of a full scale lab or school on their site. I would like to hear if some of these rules have an adverse affect or demand on your business and time.


- Luis Altoro, C.Ped. and Proprietor



st tPREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITH RESPONSES

 

 

 

Question: If I have a customer come into my Shoe Repair Shop and this customer would like me to add 1 3/4" of heel to toe lift to his work boot, does my facility need to be accredited? Keep in mind that I only accept cash payments at my facility.
How about if I sell Motorcycle Boots with fitted OTC inserts? Again, cash only. Do I need to be ABC or BOC accredited? Thank you.

 - CPed2006

Response:  Accreditation is only necessary if you want to bill Medicare and/or third party payors that have an accreditation requirement. The services and supplies you mentioned would require accreditation in order to meet national standards for Medicare reimbursement.

- Wendy Miller, BOCO, BOC Director of Facility Accreditation  


Question: What studies exist that show the efficacy of the therapeutic diabetic shoe program and that it actually is effective in saving amputations or preventing ulcerations?   
- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped.

Response: I would look to Great Briton. I think they initially did the studies and justified the program. However, in 2009 - 2010, There was an article that reflected that Great Briton was looking to end the program because the cost was too high and not justified (This is government medicine).  Not sure where it ended up.  But would imagine in today's climate it is a program that could disappear or get scaled back to only the most difficult cases.

- PNW Reader


Question: I fitted a patient recently with therapeutic footwear and DF inserts which I believe are a proper fit. The patient came back for a follow up and stated that shoes are too big and cause heel slippage on the right foot (which is also her 1/2 size shorter foot). I gave the patient a heel slippage explanation, and also explained about correct diabetic shoe fit. This explanation hit deaf ears, and the patient insisted that the shoes are just too big. The patient also claimed redness and irritation at the heel. Evaluation did not show either. I added a tongue pad to the right shoe and also instructed patient to properly close the shoe (strap was worn very loose) and patient stated that it made it fit better.

Patient then had a follow up with a Podiatrist and the patient complained to the Podiatrist. Podiatrist held the sole of the shoe to patient's foot (did not actually fit check with the shoe on!) and stated that the shoe is almost 12 cm too long and that this is the poorest fit he had ever seen. The Podiatrist also dictated this in his notes and he asked for a shorter shoe. A reevaluation showed, again, proper shoe fit. I explained to the patient that I would not dispense a shorter shoe and that she would have to see one of our other CPed's. The patient complained to the physicians and I was told to dispense a shorter shoe. I declined and was told this may have consequences. Has any ever dealt with a situation like this?

- PNW Reader and Fellow C.Ped.

Response: We are not always right; we are not always wrong. It sounds like a compromise is a solution. Is it possible the shoes would fit better if you fitted one width narrower or ˝ size shorter? What about a different last? How does the insert material you selected affect fit? How about the other practitioners in your facility? What is their solution/opinion? Find a formula that the patient and prescriber can buy into.

- Robert S Schwartz, C.Ped.

SPONSOR NEWS
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HEALTH AND INDUSTRY
Battle of the Athletic Gear Makers: Nike vs. Under Armour vs. Lululemon

OK without looking at a chart, guess which company's stock is nearest its all-time high: 1. Under Armour (UA) 2. Nike (NKE) 3. Lululemon (LULU)

If your guess was Nike, you'd be right. The global footwear and apparel giant is within a dollar of its all-time high of $101.97. But Lululemon and Under Armour are within 6.8% and 16.5% of their all-time highs, respectively, as well. It's a sporting trio if I ever saw one. The question now is whether one or more of them can keep the surge going. Rather than pick an outright winner, let's look at the pros and cons of each, and you can make up your mind from there. Full Text

Source: Investor Place


Footwear choice can lead to falls

By: Sharon Johnson

Today I would like to start at the bottom. Let's begin by asking you to look down at your feet. What are you wearing today? If you're reading this, and it's early morning, you may be barefoot or have on socks or slippers. If it's evening, it may be shoes you see at the ends of your legs. Is it possible those shoes have elevated heels? Here's the thing. Research shows, indisputably, that what you have on your feet influences balance and gait. And your risk of falling increases dramatically if you wear certain types of footwear. Walking barefoot or in socks while indoors and wearing high-heel shoes either indoors or outdoors increases the risk of falls for older adults. Things like "heel collar height, sole hardness, tread and heel geometry" also are relevant. Full Text

Source: Mail Tribune


Podiatrist & lifecoach Michelle McCrumb believes in starting small

By: Pat Waring

Michelle McCrumb's approach to health and fitness is gentle and gradual. A longtime podiatrist who has added wellness coaching to her offerings, she advocates starting small, doing what's comfortable, and adding to the challenge slowly but surely. She insists that even starting the tiniest exercise plan can lead to a productive fitness routine in time. "If you start by walking only one minute a day, by the end of one month you'll be walking half an hour," she said during a recent conversation in her Heel & Sole Podiatry office in Vineyard Haven. Full Text

Source: MV Times
 
AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS 

DIABETES
Five Grants Awarded In New Jersey To Fight Childhood Obesity

As childhood obesity rates continue to rise dramatically, United Healthcare is supporting kids' creative efforts to battle obesity through its United Health HEROES grant program. United Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, awarded five HEROES grants to schools and community organizations in New Jersey for youth-led projects that address childhood obesity. UnitedHealth HEROES is a service-learning, health literacy initiative developed by UnitedHealthcare and Youth Service America (YSA) designed to encourage young people, working with educators and youth leaders, to create and implement hands-on programs to encourage healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. Full Text

Source: NJ Today


Berry good news for women with diabetes

By: Siski Green

After a 12-month trial looking at the heart-protecting qualities of foods containing flavonoids - bio-ingredients found in berries, tea, red wine, many fruits and vegetables and dark chocolate - researchers from the University of East Anglia revealed that a diet rich in such foods can help in the management of adult onset diabetes. In the study of 93 women with type 2 diabetes, aged from 51 to 74, the research team noted that a group whose diet was enriched with extra flavonoids recorded a 3.4% reduced risk of suffering a heart attack in the next decade when compared to a group given a placebo. Full Text

Source: Saga Co


Bristol, AstraZeneca Diabetes Drug Fails to Win FDA Backing

By: Allison Connolly and Molly Peterson

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and AstraZeneca Plc failed to win U.S. clearance to sell the first in a new class of experimental diabetes pills as regulators sought more data on the medicine's safety. The Food and Drug Administration is seeking data from current studies of the treatment, dapagliflozin, in adults with Type 2 diabetes and may require new clinical trials to better assess the risks and benefits, the companies said today in a statement. Bristol-Myers, based in New York, and London-based AstraZeneca remain committed to the drug, they said. Full Text

Source: Business Week

SPORTS AND FITNESS 
Exercise caution when choosing health apps

By: Janice Lloyd

The mantra "Just do it" is not one to live by when trying out health and fitness apps for mobile devices, exercise physiologist Carol Torgan says. Just think about it, she says. "People are making (apps), and they might not have any knowledge or certification," says Torgan, an American College of Sports Medicine fellow on technology and exercise. "There's no Good Housekeeping seal of approval yet." Full Text

Source: USA Today


Families value youth sports even in recession

By: Ben Katzner

With tightening budgets and an unpredictable economy, raising a young athlete isn't easy. But in the St. Cloud area, the financial pinch being felt in many families lives has yet to affect their children's participation in sports. "People love their kids and getting involved in their passions," said Chris Lewis, who is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Comets AAU basketball teams. "It's a great opportunity for parents to really sink themselves into that passion. But it's a lot of money, there's no doubt about it." Full Text

Source: SC Times
BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICScped
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

Eneslow Pedorthic Pre-Certification Training Course August 6, 2012 - August 19, 2012

In cooperation with ABC requirements, Eneslow Pedorthic Institute (EPI) is offering the three-level competency training course for aspiring CPEDS. To provide maximum benefit in a minimum of time, a portion of the level one curriculum will be administered through a distance learning program that includes required readings, interactive CD's and testing of all mandatory topics. Upon passing the level one test, students will attend the remainder of the pedorthic pre-certification course at Eneslow Pedorthic Institute for 2 weeks from August 6th to August 19th, 2012. This class completes required education prerequisite to sit for national certification exam. It does not satisfy the requirement of 1000 documented hours of field experience.

 

Please contact Sarah Goldberg at epi@eneslow.com or 212-477-2300 x211 for more information.

To purchase materials for the course, please click here.



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

Information on 2012 Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses will be coming soon. 


2012 COURSES  

 

2012 FOOT SOLUTIONS PEDORTHIC PRE-CERTIFICATION COURSE SCHEDULE & INFORMATION

Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that holds classes four times per year. The course will offer the certificate needed in all three levels so that you qualify to sit for the C. Ped. Exam. The facility is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067

February 13 - February 24

 

 

May 11 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

 

 

May 14 - May 25

 

 

August 3 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

 

 

August 6 - August 17

 

 

October 8 - October 19

 

 

November 9 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

 

 

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     bhubauer@footsolutions.com

Dr. William Faddock 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 209    bfaddock@footsolutions.com

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Information on 2012 Aetrex Worldwide Solutions for Foot Pathologies Seminars will be coming soon.  

      

 

2012 COURSES

 

NATIONAL PEDORTHIC SERVICES - EDUCATIONAL COURSE

April 27-29, 2012 & September 21-23, 2012

National Pedorthic Services, Milwaukee WI.

Hands-on Custom Foot Orthosis Fabrication Course -18.25 ABC - CEPUs

Contact: Nora Holborow at (414)438-6662 or visit www.npsfoot.com

E-mail: nholborow@npsfoot.com

 

May 18-20, 2012 & August 24-26, 2012

National Pedorthic Services, Milwaukee WI.

A Hands-On Approach to Footwear Modifications - 19.25 ABC - CEPUs

Contact: Nora Holborow at (414)438-6662 or visit www.npsfoot.com

E-mail: nholborow@npsfoot.com


 

 

CLASSIFIEDSclass
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


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

 

STAFFstaff

Editorial/Design/Layout: Aetrex Marketing Department

 

ADVISORY BOARDboard

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

ADDITIONAL COMMENTScomments

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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DISCLAIMER

General Disclaimer. Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of questions, comments, news stories, or case studies does not imply endorsement or approval by Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. or Foot.com of the company, product, content, or ideas expressed in this newsletter, which are the sole responsibility of the respective authors. Neither Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. nor Foot.com, nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliate entities, agents, employees, or subcontractors shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, including lost profits (even if we are advised of the possibility) arising in any way from the information contained in this newsletter.

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Pedorthic Newswire is a free service of Foot.com. COPYRIGHT 2003-2010 - No part of Pedorthic Newswire can be reproduced without the express written permission of Foot.com.


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