Pedorthic Newswire Issue #476

July 4, Issue #476

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: What do you do when a patient orders their extra depth shoes and custom inserts, we have all of the paperwork, we make the inserts, call for a pick up appointment and the patient just doesn't come back? Did they start the process again through another provider? We have no idea, but what is our recourse?

Also, if a patient's feet change while you are in the process of making him/her a custom brace or custom shoes and they decide they don't need them anymore, what can we do as the provider to collect our money?

- Meredith, C. Ped.

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITHOUT RESPONSES

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.

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Pedorthic Pre-Certification Training Course

July 30th - August 12, 2012

This is the FINAL COURSE before new regulations take place. 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

Last day of registration - July 18, 2012

Please contact Sarah Goldberg at

epi@eneslow.com

or 212-477-2300 x211 for more information.

Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course - $3,995

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Take care of your feet, especially in the summer

It's summertime and everyone is relishing the thought of walking barefoot, dangling their feet in a cool stream or strolling along a sandy beach. Flip-flops or sandals are common attire. Yet, the freedom of bare toes increases the risk of ankle or foot injuries. Protecting your feet can make a lifesaving difference.

Recent research studies conducted by the microbiology and immunology clinic at New York University's Langone Medical Center, found more than 18,000 bacteria were found on a pair of flip-flops. They found deadly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, human waste, and animal droppings. Bacteria counts increased on flip-flops when they were tested after going into public restrooms. These bacteria can easily spread to others or become significant infections if the shoes are handled by hand. Read the full article here.

Source: Ellwood City Ledger

Flat out fashionable

I was Armanied at the weekend. From top to toe I took on the elegance of the Italian designer. From the top it was all fairly predictable - lux makeup, check; dark hair arranged off face, check; mist of limited-edition jasmine fragrance, check; sharp tailoring, check - but towards the toe end came the unexpected. I chose flat shoes. And - here is the surprising bit - in so doing, I was being very Armani. Read the full article here.

Source: WA Today

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

View our Full July 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

Canadian scientists use stem cells to reverse diabetes in mice

By Pamela Fayerman

In a world's first, University of B.C. scientists have used human embryonic stem cell transplants to reverse diabetes in mice.

A 13-member team, whose work was published Wednesday in the journal Diabetes, showed that as the stem cells matured into insulin-secreting cells (beta-cells in the pancreas), a few dozen diabetic mice were weaned gradually off insulin over a period of months. Read the full article here.

Source: Canada.com

American Diabetes Association Celebrates Supreme Court Decision To Uphold Affordable Care Act

By Christine Kearney

With the recent decision by the Supreme Court to endorse the The Affordable Care Act (The ACA), The American Diabetes Association has something to celebrate.

This ruling means that the close to 26 million Americans who are battling diabetes and the 79 million who have prediabetes will have access to the crucial health care necessary for managing the horrible disease. Read the full article here.

Source: Medical News Today

The Global Diabetes Epidemic, Brought to You by Global Development

As globalization exports our culture across the world, it also spreads our health problems. For much of the 20th century, a person's likelihood to develop type-2 diabetes depended as much on the wealth of their nation as their biology. Those living in the developed world survived to old age and eventually succumbed to "diseases of affluence": cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. In contrast, undernourishment, violence, and communicable diseases ravaged the health of residents of developing countries. Read the full article here.

Source: The Atlantic

Diabetes Returns in One-Fifth of Those Cured Through Bariatric Surgery

Many people who undergo bariatric procedures for weight loss like gastric bypass surgery, LAP band surgery, or gastric sleeve surgery enjoy drastic weight loss along with the elimination of many weight related diseases. Having a form of bariatric surgery happens to be one of the top ways to cure type 2 diabetes.

As many as 95 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes were cured of the disease through weight loss achieved as a result of their surgery. A new study done by the Mayo Clinic Arizona has recently shown that more than one-fifth of those who were cured have had their diabetes return within five years, even if the patient hadn't gained any weight. Those who were most susceptible to this were those who had diabetes the longest prior to surgery. Read the full article here.

Source: Diets in Review

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Is your running shoe right for you?

By Dhamini Ratnam

You love the feel of wind against your face, but you can't seem to do anything about that blasted knee pain? The trouble may lie in your shoes. Dhamini Ratnam offers a guide to finding the perfect pair for yourself.

Mumbai-based Tara Dheeman has run two half marathons in the past four years. But that isn't any indication of how good a runner she is, she warns. "I clocked three hours 18 minutes in my first marathon," says the 27-year-old media professional in a tone that suggests much shame. "That's because my shoe began killing my foot in the last four kilometres." You need to be a runner to understand Dheeman's anguish. Five years on, and three pairs of running shoes later, Dheeman still hasn't found a pair that doesn't "kill her feet." Read the full article here.

Source: Times of India

New Trend: Gyms Banning Slim Clients To Foster Comfort For Overweight Patrons

By Candice Leight Helfand

A new fitness trend appears to be sweeping the nation - one that expressly excludes those on the more slender side of the scale.

Multiple reports have surfaced recently about gyms that cater exclusively to zaftig clients looking to lose weight in a place free of potential judgment from other, smaller patrons.

Though some all-inclusive gyms have attempted in the past to create a safe haven for anyone interested in exercising - for example, Planet Fitness, a national chain of gyms with a "judgment-free" motto and mentality - some creators of obese-only gyms feel it's not enough. Read the full article here.

Source: CBS Sacramento

Water workout

By Revathi Murugappan

Exercising in water helps reduces impact on joints, prevents injuries and tones your body.

SO, you're a little chubby, flabby and have joint aches. You're allergic to the gym and jogging in the park makes you puke.

Tired of wearing oversized clothes, you want to shed the jiggles but don't know where or how to start. This seems to be the concern of many first-timers embarking on the road to fitness.

Find a pool and get into the water, I say. But, you don't know how to swim, you protest.
You can breathe, right, I ask, and receive a grunt in reply. You don't need to know how to float or swim, I add. Just splash around while doing some basic exercises, have fun, and watch your body sculpt itself. Read the full article here.

Source: The Star

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.

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

Schedule 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

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