Pedorthic Newswire Issue #466

April 25, 2012, Issue #466

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 AND COMMENT

Question: I was wondering how many C. Peds accept insurances other than Medicare? Are there any benefits to doing so, or is really just one more hoop we have to jump through. Please share your thoughts, thank you!

- Pacific Coast C.Ped

Comment: Hello. I'm writing to share BOC's latest release, which details BOC's two new members to the Board of Directors.

Rod Borkowski, General Manager, Health Essentials
Brad Watson, BOCPO, Clarksville Limb and Brace and Rehab, Inc.

Please read about the two new additions here.

-Carli Cohen, BOC

PREVIOUS COMMENT WITH RESPONSES

Comment: I've asked Tara, PNW's Editor, to rerun the story below that was featured in PNW earlier this year regarding the dramatic reduction in diabetic lower extremity amputations. I really believe that the Pedorthic community has been a big part of the solution and should be very proud of this achievement. In addition, this helps validate Medicare's Therapeutic Shoe Benefit as a now proven example of how affordable conservative modalities can be used effectively to help prevent serious and costly health conditions.

Considering the magnitude of the story for our industry, I was really surprised that it didn't generate more discussion. Any other thoughts or comments about this?

Read the article here Diabetes Amputations Falling Dramatically or by using this link http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/25/cdc-diabetes-amputations-falling-dramatically/

-Larry Schwartz, Aetrex

Response: "They found that though the number of people with the disease more than tripled over those two decades, foot and leg amputations fell after 1996."
Pedorthists should definitely be congratulating themselves for contributing to these results. Our relationships with our patients via education and footwear reduce diabetic amputation. Those of us with reminder systems in place do help to contribute. I would like to see if Medicare protocols instituted in the last 3 years, which have resulted in many Pedorthists cancelling their participation, will have any effect.

-PNW reader

Response: The recent news about the reduction in the rate of diabetic amputations is great news, but I think it has to be taken with a grain of salt. If I am not mistaken, the newly released study stated that the number of amputations per however many diabetics had decreased.

I am afraid that the reality of it may be that over that same time span there has been such a rapid and dramatic increase in new diabetes patients that they simply haven't had sufficient time with diabetes to develop the level of neuropathy that leads to amputations. I hate to be pessimistic, but I think the amputations are definitely coming; and the rates will be at or above their previous levels.

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

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

NSGA: Athletic Footwear Market Tops $18 Billion

The athletic and sports footwear market reached $18.4 billion in 2011, according to NSGA's soon-to-be-released "Sporting Goods Market in 2012." This represents a 5 percent increase from the $17.5 billion in sales in 2010. In 2010 sales had increased 2 percent from the previous year. Sales in 2011 mark the first time the footwear market has surpassed the $18 billion mark.

Once again, the largest category of athletic and sport footwear was walking shoes, which reached over $4.5 billion in 2011, up 7 percent versus 2010, when consumers spent $4.23 billion. Full Text

Source: SportsOneSource Media

Give Shoe Taxes the Boot

By: Edward Gresser and Bryan Riley

Liberals and conservatives have plenty to disagree about. But faced with continuing high levels of unemployment and slow economic growth, they should agree on a few things-and one is that Congress should find ways to help Americans at the bottom rung of the economic ladder. The Affordable Footwear Act (AFA) is one such effort. Introduced by Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) in the House of Representatives and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in the Senate, it would repeal many of the disproportionately high tariffs on shoe imports and save American families as much as $3 billion a year. The AFA was first introduced in 2009, but three years later, Americans continue to pay more than they should for footwear. Now is the time for Congress to reduce tariffs on shoes and help all Americans save a few dollars on their next pair of work boots, pumps, or sneakers. Full Text

Source: The Heritage

Do your shoes measure up?

When was the last time you had your feet measured? If you can't quite remember, your so-called tried-and-true shoes may have your feet crying out for a different size. That's right, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 40 percent of male and female respondents couldn't remember the last time their feet were measured. Additionally, 65 percent of American women between the ages of 18 and 49 haven't had their feet measured within the last five years; meaning they are probably trekking around in shoes that don't fit. Full Text

Source: Local 10

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

Visit our full May 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

Painless blood draw device using microneedles could be available in 2013

By:Deanna Pogorelc

How much more likely would a diabetic be to check his blood sugar regularly, or a nervous patient to fulfill her doctor's request for blood work, if there were no "ouch" factor involved? Howard Weisman, the CEO of Seventh Sense Biosystems, said the painless blood draw system his company is developing could show us the answer as soon as late next year. Full Text

Source: Med city news

New bill provides diabetes care in schools

By: Tara Herrschaf

Kindergarten teacher, Donna Gleaton and her student, Caleb Keaton make it a point to check their blood sugar together. Both have type one diabetes and insulin pumps. Over time they've educated their entire class about the disease.

"They've gotten use to the routines and checking blood sugars and making sure that we're ok and they help tell Caleb, make sure to check your blood sugar. And they're always asking, does Caleb need to check his blood sugar? But we do good, just make it part of our daily routine," said Gleaton. Full Text

Source: Walb News

Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers Resorting to Extreme Weight Loss Surgery

Diabetes sufferers are taking drastic measures in an attempt to get their weight under control but Sydney Naturopath, Hayden Keys cautions patients about the risks associated with such major surgery - especially when other, non-invasive methods have also proven to be effective in combating Type 2 Diabetes. Two recent studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlight the alarming trend of diabetes sufferers undergoing either gastric-banding surgery or gastric bypass surgery. Full Text

Source: Webwire

SPORTS AND FITNESS

10 Ways to Fit in Fitness

Treat it like business "Schedule your workout on your calendar like you would a work meeting," says Laura Lee Bloor, a holistic health coach based in San Clemente, Calif. "My clients are ambitious, professional women. They wouldn't skip an important business meeting, so the key is to treat exercise with the same mentality." "Take your favorite half-hour show, and devote each commercial break to a different core exercise," Bloor says. She recommends the following fitness sequence: break 1: push-ups; break 2: crunches; break 3: plank; break 4: bicycle crunches. Full Text

Source: Norwich Bulletin

Quick sports physicals not enough to ensure health of teen athletes

Parenting a teenage athlete is a juggling act-monitoring homework, keeping up with practice and training schedules, weeks packed with competitions or games. It may seem like a never-ending "to-do" list and that yearly sports physical can seem like just one more thing in a busy parent's life. But the quickest way of checking it off the list could be detrimental to a teen's health.

"Sports injuries are a small portion of what is affecting our teens' health and well-being. The sports physical required by schools and sports leagues just skims the surface and doesn't dive deep enough into the real issues that affect a teen's health," said Jerold Stirling, MD, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. "Some of the deeper issues such as mental health, social and emotional challenges can't be addressed in a school gym surrounded by hundreds of other kids or with a quick exam at a retail store." Full Text

Source: Medical Express

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

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.

Pedorthic Pre-Certification Training Course July 30th - August 12, 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 during July 30th, 2012 to August 12th, 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.

For more information on ABC Clinical Practice Requirements, please go to www.abcop.org.

Please contact Sarah Goldberg at epi@eneslow.com or 212-477-2300 x211 for more information. Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course - $3,995

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

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

May

Elwood, Indiana- Two Courses: May 18 - 22