Pedorthic Newswire Issue #473

June 13, 2012, Issue #473

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 have had more and more people questioning what is required for Medicare during a patient assessment. The following is taken directly from the CMS website under DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS, and SUPPLIES (DMEPOS) QUALITY STANDARDS, page 18, Therapeutic Shoes and Inserts / Section "A" Intake and Assessment:

"Perform an in person diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination as related to the beneficiary's use and need of the orthoses/prostheses (e.g., sensory function, range of motion, joint stability, skin condition (integrity, color, and temperature), presence of edema and/or wounds, vascularity, pain, manual muscle testing, compliance, cognitive ability and medical history);"

Bottom line is that if you are billing Medicare for shoes/inserts, you need to be doing all of this for every patient. If someone (coworker, peer, vendor) tells you different, please refer them to this document. It is first and foremost about patient care, but getting to KEEP that reimbursement deposit is nice too...

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/DMEPOSAccreditationStandards.pdf

- Rick E. Sevier BOCO C.Ped - CFS Allied Health Education

Question: I am wondering if any PNW readers have had an experience similar to one I had recently and, if so, how they handled it. I have a patient who has severe tarsal tunnel sydrome in her left foot. Per the patient, when she worries about it too much this, she experiences "fear pain" in the contralateral foot - fear pain apparently being some sort of psychosomatic phenomena. She proceeded to inquire as to what I could do via her orthoses to address the so called fear pain. I had no answer. Any thoughts?

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

PREVIOUS QUESTION WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: At least once a month at our pedorthic retail store, we see a customer that needs a shoe that will fit a charcot shape foot on while having a normal contralateral foot. While refurbishing a relasted PWM Leisure Time DX2 shoe and its mate for a customer for a wedding he was attending, we were discussing options to have additional shoes. He has a limited budget so he needs shoes that are not only functional but durable. When I discussed this need with the orthotist that sees her TSD patients at our store, she mentioned that APIS/Boxerdog brand advertises a charcot shoe in its catalog. Have any Pedorthic Newswire subscribers had experience with this shoe and if so, what has been the process of ordering and the ultimate satisfaction with the fit, function, and durability?

- John Mishasek, BOCPD, CPed

OBITUARY

C. Ped, Masterfit University Instructor Jeff Bokum Dead at 39

Portsmouth, NH-Jeff Bokum, a C. Ped, instructor with Masterfit University and owner Profile Orthotics at S&W Sports in Concord, NH died May 30 after a six-month battle with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare form of the disease that affected his liver and thyroid. Bokum had been shuttling between his home in New Hampshire and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where he was receiving treatment for the disease. He died at Bridgton Hospital in Maine.

Bokum was 39. He is survived by his wife Shelly, also of Portsmouth. Click here to read in full.

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Reebok scam: SFIO to study books of other footwear and apparel companies

By Shruti Choudhury

The country's premier economic fraud investigating agency will soon ask major footwear and apparel companies for their balance sheets and other financials to study the industry standards with regards to dispatch of sales inventory in its scrutiny of the 870 crore Reebok India scam.

Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which took over the case from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs last week, has confirmed to ET that to charge a company with crime it has to compare its operations with other major players in the similar operational segment. Read the full article here.

Source: The Economic Times

Health apps pose issues of liability, says lawyer

Medical and fitness experts are worried about increasing reliance on smartphone and tablet apps for health and fitness advice, in the same way many people rely on a ''Google diagnosis'' for health problems. Read the full article here.

Source: Brisbane Times

My feet were such agony I got married in my wellies... but why are prescription shoes so ill-fitting and ugly to boot?

By Jane Feinmann

Sally Underwood has a cupboard full of shoes she never wears. Yet she's not a fickle shopaholic - she simply can't find a shoe to fit. Last year, she wore cream wellies for her wedding. Day-to-day, she lives in a pair of worn-out boots.

Since she was 15, Sally has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, where the body's immune system attacks the joints. Like nine out of ten of the 400,000 Britons with the condition, she has disabling foot pain and deformity. And, also like most sufferers, she's been given orthotic insoles - custom-made supports for shoes. The problem is, they won't fit in a single pair. Read the full article here.

Source: Daily Mail

Global Economic Headwinds Have Industry Execs on Edge

By Evan Clark & Kristi Ellis

Forget winning - it looks like the best the U.S. economy can hope for this year is not losing. Given the global outlook - with the euro zone facing an existential crisis and China cutting interest rates to support sagging growth - a status quo performance in the U.S. would not be such a bad thing.

Executives at some of fashion's biggest companies have been warning investors that, while business trends have been solid, they see a weakening in the second half. The concerns range from a general consumer malaise and unemployment to fewer tourist dollars coming from Europeans and the weakness in China. Read the full article here.

Source: Retailgeeks.com

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

View our Full June 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

Experimental diabetes drugs offer patients hope

Some experimental diabetes treatments in late testing offer patients hope of better controlling their blood sugar and weight and preventing dangerously low blood sugar, all big challenges for millions of diabetics.

Results from studies of several new diabetes medicines and insulin products, just announced at the premiere U.S. conference for diabetes specialists, likewise hold the promise of billions in annual revenue for drugmakers that have dominated the diabetes market and for others breaking into it. They have been presenting their data at the American Diabetes Association conference, held in Philadelphia from last Friday through Monday. Read the full article here.

Source: Fox News

Waist size signals diabetes risk

Having a large waist is an important early warning sign for diabetes, one that in some cases may be just as significant as body mass index (BMI), if not more so, a new study has found.

Waist size, which provides a rough measure of a person's body type, may be especially useful for identifying high-risk people who are overweight but not obese, the study suggests. Obesity is a clear-cut risk factor for diabetes, but doctors generally have a harder time determining which overweight people are most vulnerable to the condition. Read the full article here.

Source: CNN

Diabetes Rising Rapidly Among U.S. Kids

By Serena Gordon

Diabetes is increasing among U.S. children at an alarming rate, say researchers who report jumps of more than 20 percent since 2001 for type 2 disease, which is linked to excessive weight and sedentary lifestyles, and type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease.

"Both types of diabetes are increasing," said study co-author Dr. Dana Dabelea, associate dean for faculty affairs at the University of Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora. "For type 2, we have some clues as to why it's increasing, but for type 1, we still need to better understand the triggers of this disease." Read the full article here.

Source: Yahoo News

Diabetes Drugs Carry Vision Risks

A popular class of drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of vision problems, a new study suggests, underlining the importance of regular eye exams for anyone with diabetes. Read the full article here.

Source: NY Times

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Fitness playlists flow to the beats per minutes

By Dorene Internicola

When fitness instructor Shirley Archer plays Annie Lennox's song "17 Again" for her indoor cycling class, she urges students to connect with the vitality of their inner 17-year-old legs. When she teaches yoga she rolls out the harp solos. Experts say exercising to the proper music can boost your mood, kick your workout up a notch and channel the energy of a younger you. Read the full article here.

Source: Chicago Tribune

How effective are kettlebell workouts?

By Alex Hutchinson

In the fitness business, hype about new training techniques often outpaces objective evidence about how well they actually work. That was certainly true for kettlebells, the cannonball-with-a-handle training tools that started showing up on lists of fitness trends about three years ago.

But, eventually, the evidence catches up. A pair of studies published last month in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research take a hard look at how well kettlebells fulfill their promise of better strength, power and aerobic fitness. The results are generally positive, but also serve as a reminder of an important training principle: The more benefits you try to squeeze from a single workout, the less effective it will be for each individual goal. Read the full article here.

Source: The Globe & Mail

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

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

JULY

Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter/Live Portion: July 31 (Richmond, VA), $195

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

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

June

Brea / El Monte, California - Two Courses - June 22 - 26