Pedorthic Newswire Issue #475

June 27, 2012, Issue #475

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: We stopped accepting assignment for custom molded shoes and are limiting accepting assignment for ready made shoes to one of our three stores. While we've experienced a small decrease in Rx $$$, we are experiencing new found interest in our pedorthic products by orthopedists and physical therapists. What has been the most effective medical marketing strategies to orthopedists and physical therapists?

- Robert Schwartz, C. Ped.

PREVIOUS QUESTION WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: I read with amused interest Rick's posting and the link to what Medicare requires of a patient assessment. The question I have is that if Medicare's current focus is on the primary care physician chart notes for medical necessity documentation for auditing purposes, what is the purpose of a practitioner's assessment and chart notes of risk factors? The supplier's practitioner can no longer fill out Certifying Physician Statement, so determining a risk factor does not appear to be the responsibility of the supplier's practitioner. Before we dropped our Medicare supplier number, we found that telling the primary care physician what risk factor(s) exist can be futile in some cases, i.e. patient would have severe bunions but primary care physician would write on forms "Patient does NOT have bunions" and then check off the existence of peripheral neuropathy. But what do you want to bet there would be zero documentation of callusing that is required to be present along with DPN diagnosis (way to go whomever consulted with Medicare and Congress on the TSD legislation originally to have a dual risk factor requirement for one of the six secondary factors).

The only non-podiatric supplier left in our community (a new O&P supplier looking to break into a hyper-competitive O&P market) does not really do a lengthy assessment of feet. The few minutes spent with patient is all about what style and size of shoes using 12 pair of Dr. Comfort shoes to try to nail down what to order. Their charts end up with all the proper delivery documentation and a copy of the physician orders (Certifying Physician Statement/Rx). But very little in the way of the supplier assessing medical necessity. I guess they are hoping and trusting that the primary care physician chart notes match the risk factor(s) on the orders.

We are so glad that we dropped this suicidal book of business.

- John Mishasek, BOCPD, C.Ped

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Shoemakers search for survival strategies

By Li Jiabao in Chengdu

Rising costs and sluggish overseas demand are testing Chinese shoemakers' ability to
maintain profits. While some have moved to inland cities to take advantage of lower costs, others have enhanced their technology or "own brands" to achieve higher added value. Zhang Huarong, who established Huajian Group in Dongguan, Guangdong province, in 1996, has been moving the company's manufacturing operations to inland cities such as Ganzhou in Jiangxi province and Xiangcheng in Henan province in recent years. Read the full article here.

Source: China Daily

Shoe-maker Puma tracks it carbon footprint through "green accounting," in vogue at Rio summit

In a quest to find out, sportswear giant Puma's chairman, Jochem Zeitz, helped develop the Environmental Profit & Loss Account, or EP&L, a balance sheet that assigns a dollar figure to the environmental costs inflicted at every step of the manufacturing process that transforms rubber, cotton, leather and other materials into the brand's iconic soccer shoes, track suits and jerseys. Read the full article here.

Source: Washington Post

Minimalist Running Shoes Are The Next Target In Court

By Darren Rovell

Boosted by best-selling book "Born To Run," the barefoot running shoe business has grown dramatically in recent years. Seen as a more natural way to build muscles in the feet, which some say have been compromised by the support built into today's running shoes, many consumers have flocked to the trend in hopes that these shoes would simulate the effects of running barefoot.

But much like the toning business, which plummeted after Skechers and Reebok settled with FTC over claims that the shoes would work your body in ways no shoes ever had before, the merits of minimalist shoes are being attacked. Read the full article here.

Source: CNBC.com

Cereals aimed at kids haven't improved much nutritionally, new report finds

By Deborak Kotz

Over the past three years, cereal manufacturers have improved the nutritional content of
products marketed to children, but they have also increased advertising aimed at kids for
sugary cereals that, despite improvements, still aren't as nutritious as products aimed at
adults. That's the finding of a report being released Friday by the Yale Rudd Center for
Food Policy & Obesity in New Haven, which analyzed more than 100 brands of cereal marketed to children, families, and adults. Read the full article here.

Source: Boston.com

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

View our Full July 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

Fructose Not So Bad For Diabetes When Consumed In Moderation: Study

New research suggests fructose may not be so bad after all for diabetics -- rather, it's
having too much of it that may wreak havoc.

St. Michael's Hospital researchers in Canada found that people with Type 1 and Type 2
diabetes actually experienced blood sugar control benefits when they consumed fructose, as well as a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight and uric acid. These health benefits were similar to those that would be seen on medications, researchers noted. Read the full article here.

Source: Huffington Post

Secondhand Smoke Is Linked to Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke have higher rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes than do nonsmokers without environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, a new study shows. The results were presented June 24 at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston. Read the full article here.

Source: Science Daily

Wild almond tree oil 'may help combat obesity and diabetes'

By Ani

Researchers, including one of Indian origin, have found that a future weapon in the battle
against obesity and diabetes could come in the form of an oil derived from the seeds of wild almond trees.

According to researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology, the key to the oil's potential lies in its ability to affect certain microorganisms living in our bellies.
In the study, the researchers reported that adding sterculic oil to the diets of obese
laboratory mice increased their sensitivity to insulin. This was due to the oil's effect on
three types of microorganisms that live in the guts of the mice. Read the full article here.

Source: Yahoo News

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Cities' efforts to make exercise easier pays off

By Dorene Internicola

Fitness is often a combination of personal choice and environmental support, experts say, and a ranking of the 50 healthiest U.S. cities seems to reinforce the theory.

High rates of physical activity helped to propel Minneapolis-St. Paul to the top of the list
of the American College of Sports Medicine's 2012 American Fitness Index (AFI) for the
second year in a row, while raised obesity levels and smoking pushed Oklahoma City to the bottom. Read the full article here.

Source: Reuters

Fitness mistakes to avoid while aging

Fitness and aging go hand in hand. How you live your younger to mid-life years affect your fitness levels as you age.

For instance, did you know that excessive sugar-heavy dessert consumption can age you? Did you also know that strenuous cardio workouts without weight training and flexibility exercises can age you too? Eating right is not the only solution to healthy aging; many diet and fitness mistakes can lead to unhealthy aging. We give you the top diet and fitness mistakes to avoid in order to age well. Read the full article here.

Source: India Times

Finding a Sustainable Running Stride

By Tara Parker-Pope

Have you managed to sustain your running routine? In recent years, the focus in recreational running has not been on achieving faster times or longer distances. Instead, longtime athletes and newcomers alike have been searching for a training method that will keep them from being sidelined by injuries. Read the full article here.

Source: NY Times

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

July

Elwood, Indiana - Two Courses: July 27-31