Pedorthic Newswire Issue #458

February 29, 2012, Issue #458

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 COMMENT

Comment: I would like to share this new piece of information: Senate bill S. 2125 - A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify the designation of accreditation organizations for orthotics and prosthetics to apply accreditation and licensure requirements to suppliers of such devices and items for purposes of payment under the Medicare program, and to modify the payment rules for such devices and items under such program to account for practitioner qualifications and complexity of care. Senate bill S. 2125, which is in the first step in the legislative process, is co-sponsored by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

-Rick E. Sevier

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITH RESPONSES

Question: What category exactly does the CROW boot fall into? Is it considered an AFO, a custom Walking boot, etc? Can I as a CPed measure, cast, fit and dispense a custom CROW? If not, what is the explanation on why not. Thank you,

- CPed2006

Response: The CROW would be out of the scope of practice of an ABC-certified CPed. It is a custom AFO that extends proximally past what ABC says is the cutoff for CPed.

- Erick J. Janisse, C.O., C.Ped.

Response: It is my understanding that the new HCPCS code with descriptor L4631 AFO, walk type, custom fabrication is to be used for the CROW Boot. Also, according to the HCPCS code L4631 within the descriptor it states it is an AFO just as all the other HCPCS codes L1900, L1902, L1904, L1906, L1907, L1910, L1920, L1930, L1932, L1940, L1945, L1950, L1951, L1960, L1970, L1980, L1990 and L4396. HCPCS also states they are AFO's within their HCPCS coding descriptor. As for the third question; yes it can be depending on the patient's diagnosis, ICD-9 code, who you are credentialed by or if you are in a licensed state and who you are licensed by. Check with you credentialing body or if you are licensed check with the licensing board which you fall under within you state for verification.

-PNW Reader

Question: My question is about insurance billing. The store at which I work has billed for diabetic shoes and custom orthotics for a number of years. Like many of you, we have come to a point where the difficulties of obtaining reimbursement are starting to outweigh the benefits. The time and effort spent on chasing down prescriptions and certifying statements, checking coverage's for patients' insurance with whom we are not contracted (which of course means they will not "guarantee coverage" even though they give you a quote over the phone), re-submitting kicked back claims, etc. etc. All of these have reduced our margins to the point where we are asking is it viable to continue? To those who have dropped billing, what percent of patients have you lost and do you see them return if you adopt a "pay out of pocket and we will bill on your behalf" policy. If you have continued to bill insurance, has anyone found having numerous insurance contracts help buffer the negative aspects of billing that we all deal with? We currently are contracted with one insurance company and that has proven to be quite smooth, hence the question. Thank you for your time.

-David Vincent , C.Ped.

Response: TSB was once a good program. For our company, we bailed in August 2009 when facility accreditation was required to be a provider (customers paying us in full then Medicare reimbursing them; we did not accept assignment). While we have private areas and complete array of services, the regulations were more than we were willing to do. We found that some customers went other places, some stuck with us, and some that went other places have come back to pay full price out of pocket. Our model was not dependent on Medicare so we're doing well. Some costs, especially the hidden costs of time and efforts to chase down payments, are just too high. Each company will have to figure that out, but cheap shoes are cheap. We found that our customer loyalty for our company depends on quality products provided in professional, friendly manners. Business is good because quality and integrity is always worthy of full price.

- PNW Reader

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Walk safely in style

Health advice columnists and exercise gurus often advise Americans to walk, and for good reason. Walking is the most popular form of exercise and has proven health benefits. Walking can strengthen the heart and improve circulation, lessening heart attack and stroke risk. Low-impact aerobic activity such as walking also improves muscle tone, reduces arthritic pain, lowers bad cholesterol and eases stress. Choosing the right walking shoes can be crucial to avoid injury. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has these tips for Americans in need of a foot-friendly walking shoe: Choose a light-weight shoe. Look for breathable material, like leather or nylon mesh, on the uppers. Shoes should be supportive, yet flexible. Full Text

Source: Local 10

Preventing common foot problems: expert tips for improved podiatric health and overall wellness

By: Jay S. Berenter, DPM, FACFAS

These days, the vast majority of people are working to improve some aspect of their overall health. Popular resolutions can range from increased exercise and healthier eating habits to quitting smoking or simply taking a daily multivitamin; but amidst all these other goals, proper foot care often falls by the wayside. Common foot problems, such as foot pain, ingrown nails, athlete's foot or bunions, are all too often neglected at the outset - and subsequently permitted to progress to the point where professional treatment is required to reverse the problem. In most cases, improved preventative care is all it takes to keep these conditions at bay. However, some conditions may require professional treatment or even surgery: and before attempting to self-diagnose or self-treat any foot injury, pain or infection, it is important to consult an experienced professional podiatrist to ensure proper diagnosis and a safe solution for lasting health. Full Text

Source: LaJolla Light

Leading foot care retailer retains Trevelino/Keller

By: Carla Caldwell

Footsmart,the country's leading retailer of foot health products and comfort footwear, has retained Trevelino/Keller as its first public relations agency of record, according to a statement released by FootSmart. FootSmart offers more than 3,000 comfort, health and pain-relieving products to help alleviate nearly 65 unique foot and lower body conditions, including bunion and toe discomfort, heel pain and general foot pain, according to a statement released by the company. Full Text

Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

Visit our full March 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

New diabetes drug shows promise in disease control

An experimental diabetes drug shows promise in lowering blood sugar as much as an older generic medicine with less side effects, a new study has found. The research by a team from the University of Michigan Medical School in the US found the drug, called TAK-875, helps improve glycaemic (blood sugar) control as effectively as the sulphonylurea glimepiride, a common drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, and few side effects, according to the results of a phase 2 randomised trial published in The Lancet. Full Text

Source: ZeeNews.com

Insights into how fructose may contribute to development of obesity, diabetes

A group of scientists from across the world have come together in a just-published study that provides new insights into how fructose causes obesity and metabolic syndrome, more commonly known as diabetes. In this study which was performed in lab animals, researchers found that fructose can be metabolized by an enzyme that exists in two forms. One form appears to be responsible for causing how fructose causes fatty liver, obesity, and insulin resistance. The other form may actually protect animals from developing these features in response to sugar. These studies may provide important insights into the cause of the prediabetic condition known as "metabolic syndrome", which currently affects more than one-quarter of adults in the United States. Full Text

News Medical

Skinny shot: Diabetes patients praising new 'wonder drug'

By: Karen Grace

Can a shot make you skinny? A new injection is changing the lives of diabetes patients -- by changing their waistlines. It's a diabetes treatment and weight-loss drug packed into one dose. And patients say it's helping them melt away fat in just weeks. Two local women lost more than 100 pounds combined in less than a year. "I started to notice my pants were looser," said Xylina Smith, a diabetes patient and prescription employee at the Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic in San Antonio. She said having type 2 diabetes has taken a toll. She was overweight and always hungry. Full Text

Source: WFAA.com

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Wii games don't mean kids exercise more: study

Virtual boxing, tennis and dancing along with video game systems may not be helping children meet daily exercise requirements, according to a U.S. study. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas found that children who were given so-called active video games to play on a Nintendo Wii didn't end up logging any more moderate or vigorous physical activity than those given games they could play sitting on the couch. Some public health researchers have hoped that active video games might be an alternative to outdoor play and sports for at least some of the physical activity children need, especially for those who live in unsafe neighborhoods where playing outside isn't always an option. Full Text

Source: Chealth

Study: Concussion recovery time prognoses possible

By: Rob Rossi

Haylee Amend, 16, is coping with a sixth concussion in seven years. The latest, she learned Monday at the UPMC Sports Medicine facility on the South Side, will prevent her from attending classes at Mt. Lebanon High School for the next four weeks. "That made me feel better," Amend said. Her reaction did not surprise Michael Collins, a clinical psychologist with extensive neuropsychological training who heads the UPMC concussion program. Amend - a cheerleader injured from a fall during a stunt drill Jan. 30 - is one of several youth athletes Collins said he has confidently provided a recovery-period prognosis over the past few weeks. His confidence stems from data provided by the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC joint study on concussion prognoses. Full Text

Source: Pittsburghlive

Medical tattoos offer important health information

By: Maria Sudekum

Tattoos have long served as fashion statements, but a small number of Americans are now relying on them for a more practical, potentially lifesaving purpose: to warn first responders about important medical conditions. Some medical tattoos are being used to take the place of bracelets that commonly list a person's allergies, chronic diseases or even end-of-life wishes. "Bracelets are nice, but something as strong as a tattoo ... that is a strong statement," said Dr. Ed Friedlander, a Kansas City pathologist who has "No CPR" tattooed in the center of his chest, where a paramedic would see it. Full Text

Source: WRIC

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.

Robert M Palmer 2012 Schedule

March

Orlando, Florida - March 18-27

Elwood, Indiana - March 31 - April 9

April

Toronto / Sarnia - Canada TBD

May

Elwood, Indiana - May 5 - 14

June

Brea / El Monte, California TBD - June 23 - July 2

August

Elwood, Indiana - August 18- 27

September

Orlando, Florida - Sept 8 - 17

Elwood, Indiana - Sept 29 - Oct 8

Fall 2012

Malaysia TBD -

November

Elwood, Indiana - Nov 10 - 19

December

Brea / El Monte, California - Dec 8

RMPI Pre Certification Training- PEDORTHIC PRE-CERTIFICATION EDUCATION
PFA Scholarship Value @ 70% Savings
Published Tuition 2010 - $4K, "Powerstep Scholarship" Tuition Total $1500
(does not include travel / books / meals)
Must Enroll Before April 30, 2012
Attendance Date Flexible - CAPE/NCOPE Compliant - Levels 1,2,3
Courses Held In Elwood, Indiana Include Dormitory Housing & Shuttle Service
By prior reservation on a first-come-first-serve basis
To learn more about our courses or how you can share our vision, visit us at:
www.rmpi.org
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

March 6, 2012 - Teaneck NJ Aetrex Shoe Fitting Course
Please call 1-800-526-2739 if interested in this one day course.

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

UPCOMING COURSES FOR CERTIFIED PEDORTHISTS & ALLIED PROFESSIONALS

MONTHLY AND ONGOING

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

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

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

March

Elwood, Indiana - Two Courses: March 2 - 6