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Editorial Staff COVER STORY ROBUST EXECUTIVE EDITOR(S) Cover Story Rob Sobel, Christopher Costantini adjective; strongly or stoutly built. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Caryn Sobel, Tammy Daulton & Ben Nebroski ART DIRECTOR Kristopher P. Gramza DESIGN/PRODUCTION KPG DESIGN
Advertising & Sales Staff CURRENT PEDORTHICS Tracey Aaron, Arlington Publishing MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS MANAGER Christopher Costantini EXHIBIT AND SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER INTUITIVE Jay Zaffater
Headquarters Staff adjective; readily learned or understood. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Christopher Costantini MEMBERSHIP AND CONTINUING EDUCATION Althea Powell Chandler and Christopher Costantini GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR Dean Mason 38 | CEP LEGAL COUNSEL Does doing your Allan J. Weiner, Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP homework pay off?
Current Pedorthics (ISSN 1552-8111) is published bimonthly by the By Dean Mason, LO Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA), PO Box 72184, Albany, GA Today’s reimbursement landscape is 31708-2184. Telephone: (229)389-3440 Fax: (888)563-0945 loaded with traps and landmines, all of Website: www.pedorthics.org which will cost the unwary practitioner TRUSTED Email: [email protected] money. Dean discusses some of the Copyright© 2016, PFA. All rights reserved. No part of this publica- common pitfalls. Know when to zig! tion may be reproduced in any manner without written permission. This article is available for Continuing Letters to the Editor and other unsolicited material are assumed verb; a belief that something is reliable, good, honest, effective. intended for publication and are subject to editing. Education Unit (CEU) credit. Articles in Current Pedorthics do not necessarily reflect the opinion of PFA, its board of directors or its employees. Authors are responsible for the validity of their content and credentials. Current Pedorthics’ use of trademarked names is done in an editorial fashion intended to benefit FREE Scanner - Ask How the trademark owner, with no intention of trademark infringement. If you have any questions regarding display advertising, please contact Custom Diabetic A5513, EVA and Rigid Tracey Aaron at (815) 356-8344 or email: [email protected]. Foot Orthotics in Days, not Weeks To place a classified ad, please email: [email protected]. Please send all product and industry-related press releases to: [email protected]. Use of Scanner with lab services agreement, terms and conditions apply. Cover Photo: @iStock.com/Yuri_Arcurs Photo: Cover
2 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org [email protected] . +1-800-356-3668 . AMFIT.COM . @Amfitinc ROBUST
adjective; strongly or stoutly built. INTUITIVE
adjective; readily learned or understood. TRUSTED
verb; a belief that something is reliable, good, honest, effective.
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Scan this barcode with your smartphone QR reader or visit: www.acor.com/downloads.php www.acor.com to download our new catalogs 800-237-2267 Look for us: [email protected] You (option 2) Tube ACOR-CP-Ad-NewCustomCatalog-12-15-15-PRINT.pdf 1 12/15/2015 8:58:32 AM
NEW C C March/April 2016 current Pedorthics Volume 48, Issue 2 Features 16 | Can retail enhance your pedorthic 26 | Standards, Specific Details and practice? Jeopardy - Part 2 By Althea Powell, CPed By Anthony Lazzarino, DPM Althea Powell, a pedorthic practitioner who recently Understanding the standards that apply to our moved her practice to a new location cites why industry is critical to operating efficiently and within she feels retail is important and necessary for the applicable regulations. Dr. Lazzarino discusses the growth of a healthy practice. ambiguity of many HCPCS codes in the second of his three-part series on the standardization. 20 | How an Epidemic of Equinus Created 34 Three tips to help you succeed at retail a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business | By Chris Stanley, CPed By Jeffrey T. Jacobs, BOCPed Are you considering adding a retail component to Are today’s shoes creating a raft of symptoms in your existing practice or are you already there? our patients related to the equinus position the foot Chris offers some suggestions gleaned from a is placed in while wearing them? Jeff discusses his C career in retail and pedorthics to help you enhance success with patients that he has gotten to move to your retail section and make it, or keep it, a rousing M shoes that do not have heel elevation and therefore do success!
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K Equinus Equinus is often seen in patients who have been athletic for many years, in patients who are overweight and often in children during phases of rapid leg growth. Some children are also born with equinus causing A C F S I : early gait abnormalities like toe walking. C F O C G R B Contact A to get Departments C.R.O.W. B your copy of the new catalog or download 6 | From the President 10 | Featured Contributiors 44 | Marketplace T F it at www.acor.com 8 | From the Editor 14 | PFA News 45 | Products & Services
Scan this barcode with your smartphone QR reader or visit: www.acor.com/downloads.php www.acor.com to download our new catalogs Photo: Radiograph - truelok.net - Equinus deformity 800-237-2267 Look for us: [email protected] You Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 5 (option 2) Tube FROM THE Rob Sobel, C. Ped., PFA President PRESIDENT [email protected] ABOUT PFA
The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA), founded in 1958, is the not-for- profit professional association which represents the interests of the certified and/or licensed pedorthist and supports the pedorthic profession at large.
Through PFA’s efforts, pedorthics – the management and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities requiring fitting, fabricating, and adjusting of pedorthic devices – is a well-established allied health profession which makes an invaluable contribution to public health.
MISSION
The hard work and changes of the past year are beginning to bear PFA’s mission is to enhance the fruit for our organization. We have exciting news about upcoming effectiveness and efficiency of events to share with you. credentialed providers of lower extremity pedorthic modalities through It is no easy task to run an organization of this size, but we are education; increase the demand for doing it. We experienced a few of the usual transitional issues, services through marketing; and but have the kinks ironed out. We appreciate the patience of our promote the right to practice through membership during that time. With those issues behind us, we continue to work on bringing you great member benefits, and government affairs activities. educational opportunities that will help you add to your pedorthic expertise. Pedorthic Footcare Association
PFA’s 57th Symposium will be in Atlanta (a hub city) this PO Box 72184 November. Last year we did not have the funds to do this on Albany, GA 31708-2184 our own. This year is different. We are able to put together a symposium in a location that is easily accessible from anywhere phone (229) 389-3440 in the U.S., with hotel room rates not seen at a PFA symposium fax (888) 563-0945 for many years. With easy access, great room rates, a significant email [email protected] number of continuing education points, and all of your favorite website www.pedorthics.org
facebook "This year is different. We are able Pedorthic Footcare Association twitter to put together a symposium in a @pfapedorthics location that is easily accessible linkedIn Pedorthic Footcare Association from anywhere in the U.S..." google+ Pedorthic Footcare Association o & p social 6 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Pedorthic Footcare Association vendors, this is an event not to miss! To me it is like a homecoming, and a special one given that we have come so far in so brief a period of time.
In the past, our financial situation has bound us and prevented us from doing things we needed to do to expand this organization. We have not been able to market PFA or pedorthics in a way that allowed us to grow as we should. Our new budget for 2016 changes that, and as our cash reserves build we will continue to grow the marketing strategies that will benefit the industry and the individual pedorthist, because the two are linked together.
On the home front PFA’s strength and presence has not gone unnoticed. We have been invited to events in the healthcare sector, in which we will give input from a pedorthics perspective. Board member Peter Wong and myself will be attending such an event in April (personally funded), and we will report back to the membership.
On the international front, PFA has been approached by two countries inquiring about opening PFA chapters. It would seem our success with our Canadian chapter has gotten some attention as well. We will continue to strengthen these international relationships, welcome these new members, and add to our PFA family.
PFA is strong, and getting stronger, and the excitement drives us to do bigger and better things. Be a part of this exciting time! Volunteer on one of the committees that are driving this organization forward. Drop us an email or call to see what is going on, or to learn how to be more involved. Be a proud PFA member and come to the symposium in Atlanta to feel the excitement in person.
■ Rob Sobel PFA President
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 7 FROM THE Chris Costantini CP Executive Editor EDITOR [email protected]
Business Are You Following & PFA On Our Social Media Networks? Welcome to our Business & Practice dear Management Issue. These are dear challenging times to be in the Connect NOW with medical profession no matter what PFA and Others in the your specialty is and pedorthics is not Practice immune to that. Growing a healthy Pedorthics Community! and thriving practice is still possible, reader however. PFA has the responsibility to protect your right to practice and Don’t miss out on the latest grow your business and we do that announcements and current Management through government advocacy and topics we’re discussing on social by trying to provide education and media 24/7. tools to enable you to think outside See what the PFA is doing today your box. Recognizing the traps and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, opportunities and pointing them out google+ and O and P Social for issue to you is key to this goal. In this issue the latest industry and practice you will find some articles and ideas buzz! that we hope will help you navigate Join us by clicking on any icon the harsh reimbursement world and below! thrive.
Thanks to the hard work of our contributors who have shared their knowledge and experience. And to you, our reader, for it is your continued support of our advertisers that allow us to produce this magazine and bring valuable content to the pedorthic community at large. Please remember them when it is time to go to market or you are choosing shoes to provide to our client. It is their financial support that allows us to bring you ideas and nuggets of information you may never have had otherwise.
As always, the magazine is only as good as the articles in it. Become an author, you have something to share and it isn’t hard. Follow the Article Submission Guidelines {click here} from the PFA website and allow your fellow practitioners to benefit from your knowledge. O&P
Rob Sobel & Chris Costantini Executive Editor(s)
8 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org ADVERTISERINDEX
ADVERTISER PAGE
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ADVERTISING QUESTIONS
The advertiser index is published for the readers’ convenience. Click on the hyperlink to take you to the advertiser's website. If you have any questions about advertising, please contact our advertising sales representative Tracey Aaron at: email: phone: (815) 356-8344 or email: advertising@ ceu@pedorthics (229) 389-3440 pedorthics.org.
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 9 FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE OF CURRENT PEDORTHICS
Dean Mason, LO Mr. Mason owns North Shore Pedorthics, LLC in Lorain, Ohio and is a member of PFA’s Board of Directors as Treasurer, co-chair of PFA’s Government Affairs Committee and a member of the Publications Committee.
Dr. Anthony Lazzarino, DPM Dr. Lazzarino is Chief of Podiatry with the Veterans Administration California Health Care System. As such, he is in charge of seven clinic sites covering some 40,000 square miles of Northern California, providing a full spectrum of podiatric services. In addition, Dr. Lazzarino is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical School, Department of Dermatology and he is involved in conducting public and private research in biomechanics and tissue regeneration. He is also a 1982 graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.
Althea Powell, CPed Althea Powell-Chandler is a Certified, Licensed Pedorthist, Orthopedic shoe technician, who owns and operates a retail Pedorthic facility in Vero Beach FL. Althea has practiced in the field for 18 years. She is very passionate about the field of Pedorthics and sits on the PFA board as the membership chair. Actively volunteers in her community as a victim advocate for the Indian River Sheriffs Office.
Jeffrey T. Jacobs, BOCPed Jeffrey Jacobs, is the owner of Foot Dynamics, a pedorthic clinic and shoe store; and Advanced Casting Technology, a central fabrication orthotics and custom Birkenstock lab. located in Boise, ID. Mr. Jacobs’ background includes five years as general manager of Peterson Laboratories and Ascent Technologies, Northwestern University Medical School for Pedorthics, completion of the Locomotor Biomechanics and Applied Orthotics Therapy program of the American Physical Rehabilitation Network, participation in clinical conferences of the Foundation for Podiatric Medicine and American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society. Mr. Jacobs has an extensive history in skiing as well as being an avid road & mountain cyclist, trail runner, hiker and paddler.
Chris Stanley, CPed Chris Stanley is the Director of Pedorthic Education for Lamey Wellehan Shoes, a Maine-based independent retailer. Chris is a longtime footwear retailer, having entered the industry in 1987 with a major running specialty company. Lamey Wellehan recruited him a few years later to be the Athletic Department Manager of their newly expanded flagship store. Chris has continued his career there serving as Merchandiser, Store Manager and Wholesale Manager. In 2002 he became a Certified Pedorthist. As part of his newest position, Chris has created educational programs for Lamey Wellehan's six retail stores. In addition, he has worked with safety managers of local manufacturers, event managers of nursing homes and others groups in promoting foot health. At home he enjoys spending his free time with his wife of 29 years, their two daughters and three grandchildren.
10 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org
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12 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Full Page Ad PFANEWS News and Happenings from the Pedorthic Footcare Association
OHI & ACFAOM ESTABLISH be an ACFAOM Educational Partner to help us bring greater attention to this critical aspect of quality podiatric patient UNPRECIDENTED EDUCATIONAL care”.
PARTNERSHIP The two groups’ innovative alliance will enable the development of consequential educational programs and Multi-Year Alliance creates $120,000 Education resources that will assist ACFAOM members, and all DPMs, and Advocacy Grant Supporting Podiatric prepare for the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing them in a fast-evolving healthcare environment. While Biomechanics and the Podiatric Profession there exists a wide availability of surgical education and skill For Immediate Release: development programs, training in podiatric biomechanics is extremely limited. With the majority of podiatric patient Ronkonkoma, NY – February 10, 2016 – OHI, the leading encounters requiring some biomechanics-focused skills, the manufacturer in North America of custom, lower extremity ACFAOM-OHI relationship will address an increasingly orthotic devices and related products, and the American urgent need in the profession. College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM) today announced a joint educational partnership Said Jason Kraus, President and COO of OHI, “ACFAOM whose mission is to support the podiatric profession at large fills a vitally important educational gap for the podiatric and to advise on the impact of the rapidly shifting healthcare community and we are excited about helping them to achieve industry. The partnership is built around a $120,000 their goals.” education and advocacy grant from OHI for programs that will support biomechanics and the podiatric profession over a four year period. STEP UP!
P BER FA M ACFAOM is a national organization of highly educated M E E M M B Join the Thousands of Pedorthic A E F R P
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and medicine of the lower M extremities, is the cornerstone Been away for awhile? Recommending a friend? When of contemporary podiatric you sign-up at any one of the membership levels, you will practice. It believes that be seizing for yourself the greatest professional opportu- collaborating with OHI is a nity for access to unlimited educational, professional and powerful stride forward and personal development opportunities. From one-on-one an important evolution for the networking that allows you to expand your professional 70-year-old organization. expertise and practice, to new developments in the pedor- thic industry, your membership to PFA will enhance your Dr. Stephen Albert, success as a practitioner. ACFAOM’s Immediate Past President, commented “The To become a member, (see: ad previous page) download College has been concerned and fill out the PFA Membership Application Form for some time about the online at our website www.pedorthics.org to start receiving decline in emphasis on your professional benefits today! biomechanics in the schools, residencies, and continuing education programs. We are Accepting article submissions delighted that OHI, a very For Immediate Release: responsible company whose brands have all had a strong Current Pedorthics Magazine is now accept- affinity for podiatric medicine ing article submissions on the following subjects: for many years, has agreed to
14 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Business & Practice Management, Sports Pedorthics.org emails & pedorthic- Pedorthics, Retail Pedorthics, Education & Research. [email protected] Submit to: [email protected] Please make note: [email protected] will continue to be monitored and questions and PFA Mailing Addresses UPDATE! issues directed there will be answered, the follow- Please take note of the change and addition ing list of emails will appear on PFA forms and web pages so of addresses. We are working hard to update issues are directed to the appropriate individuals on the Board www.pedorthics.org website first and all our to be efficiently answered. Although not listed here, each doucments as well. So take a minute and update Board member will have an email that they can be reached at your records. directly in the following format; (first letter of first name).(last name)@pedorthics.org. Mine, for example, is c.costantini@ PFA Accounting Services & General Correspondance pedorthics.org. Here some of the emails and general what they PO Box 72184 are for. Albany, GA 31708-2184 [email protected] – General information. If you can't PFA Main Office (Delivery Address) decide what email to use, send it here and we will happily 378 Lakewood Ave. sort it out for you and have your issue addressed. Americus, GA 31719 [email protected] – Website, Current Pedorthics Thank you! magazine, general problems and issues relating to your web experience with PFA.
Vendor/Advertiser support [email protected] – Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter issues. REMEMBER, the companies that advertise in Current Pedorthics make it possible to bring you the [email protected] – Questions for the Current excellent content available in every issue for FREE! Pedorthics editorial staff and submissions for the magazine. Each ad you see is a link to the advertisers’ website so don't forget to click their ads, check out what they have to offer and [email protected] – Questions or orders for support the companies that SUPPORT YOU! advertising in Current Pedorthics magazine or on the PFA website.
Pictures not enough? How about [email protected] – Questions about Continuing video? Educational Credits, submitting quiz answers for CP Article CEU program Writing an article for Current Pedorthics and you don't feel pictures adaquately express what you're [email protected] – Questions, comments trying to say or demonstrate? Take a video! Put or brilliant ideas about anything related to the that smartphone to use. Create a YouTube® Channel for Government Affairs committee your content or send us the video and we can help get your [email protected] – Discussions, questions or just message across! to tell Rob what a great job he's doing! Info on creating a YouTube Channel: These emails will appear where they are appropriate on all https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1646861?hl=en the PFA forms, web pages, and emails. And info@pedorthics. Contact [email protected] for more info! org will always work! Let us know what we can do to serve you better!
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 15 Can retail enhance your pedorthic practice? Photo: @iStockphoto.com/MoustacheGirl Photo:
16 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Can retail enhance your pedorthic practice?
by Althea Powell, C.Ped
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 17 Can retail enhance your pedorthic practice?
fter being in the same location for This model of practicing pedorthics is the Aseven years and paying an exorbitant best way to engage prospective customers amount in rent, I decided to invest in on the benefits of our profession. Not only some real estate. It was one of the most are we dispensing the prescribed item, gratifying, frustrating, and terrifying things but we get the chance to tangibly educate I have ever done. There were two separate our clients on footwear. This model also forty-eight hour periods without any sleep. lends itself well to educating the referring physician and the client as to your abilities. We are known as “the place to go” The ability to have your service done in for problematic feet, but we offer so its entirety, in a single location, enhances much more. We are a retail pedorthic better results and follow-up care. facility offering full pedorthic services on premises, as well as regular retail, and Now with that being said, sometimes the shoe repair. misconception is that we only supply orthopedic footwear, and informing
"The ability to have your service done in its entirety, in a single location, enhances
better results and follow-up care." @iStockphoto.com/artisteer Photo:
18 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Can retail enhance your pedorthic practice?
and educating the public otherwise is a I think this is great avenue for the field constant battle. This is the only downfall as of pedorthics to have continued growth. it relates to getting bodies in the building. Our knowledge and experience are the This is the only way I see a struggle with best-kept secret within the footwear and regular retail shoes sales. footcare industries. I am fairly certain our colleagues hear that on a daily basis. The field of pedorthics enhances shoes sales. Once that retail customer comes in This model keeps me passionate about the and they are able to get one-on-one time field of pedorthics, and about continuing to with a pedorthist, and get educated, the be an ambassador for the field. acceptance is usually quite outstanding. Our experience has been not only do they come back, they bring others. Some will even ask for your marketing materials to pass on to their physician.
"Our experience has been not only do they come back, they bring others."
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 19 How an Epidemic of Equinus Created a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business
20 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org eel elevation in footwear may be the most Hfundamental and significant cause of foot pathologies in our society. There are no scientific studies that I know of that prove what I have learned over the past 5 years. However, the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. To give you a bit of a background story, I'll begin by saying that I've practiced pedorthics since 1990. I partnered up with a fellow that owned a Birkenstock specialty store in the downtown area. I was already in the business of making custom Birkenstocks for the podiatric market so the relationship was a natural one. We began by marketing ourselves to local doctors, PTs, chiropractors and podiatrists. Boise is an active community and since many of the medical professionals are runners, cyclists, skiers and hikers themselves, my skills and background in this area quickly gave me a reputation among referring physicians, many becoming my clients.
Jeffrey T. Jacobs, BOCPed
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 21 How an Epidemic of Equinus Created a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business
In 2010, I met Christopher McDougall, author the shoe than there was a sudden rise in rotational of Born to Run. It was his signature book about injuries like shin splints, IT Band, and hip pain. the Tarahumara Indian tribe of distance runners The running shoe industry response was to make in Mexico that started the barefoot/minimal “motion control” shoes, since the obvious cause running craze. That year I had the opportunity to was that 70% of the population overpronates. I speak with Micah True. Micah was the character don't agree. I believe that to a large extent, the known as “El Cabello Blanco” in McDougall’s cause of the overpronation is the elevated heel book who befriended the Tarahumara and was causing a premature heel strike that crashes the responsible for bringing them to the attention of forefoot to the ground in a lever arm effect. the running world¹. While the book is credited It was armed with this knowledge, that I discovered with promoting barefoot and minimally shod a running shoe brand that did not have an elevated running, my takeaway was quite different. heel, but was not flimsy or minimal footwear. I decided to try trail running and hiking in their McDougall blames Nike® for the dramatic rise shoes. Since there were no dealers in our market in injuries since the introduction of the modern area, I ordered eight pairs and put seven of them running shoe which was designed to facilitate into stock. As I began to have my patients try this a heel-strike running style¹. The shoes were new radical, “zero drop” shoe I kept getting the created with an elevated heel which was supposed same reaction, “Wow!” Patients started buying the to provide additional shock absorption for the shoes for wellness and got better quickly—some calcaneus. No sooner did they elevate the heel of
"McDougall blames Nike® for the dramatic rise in injuries since the introduction of the modern running shoe which was designed to facilitate a heel-strike running style."
22 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org How an Epidemic of Equinus Created a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business
"It makes sense, as there is an epidemic of Equinus in our society, and the causes are chairs, cars, shoes with heels, and toilets."
with orthotics and many without. I wondered why. around in shoes with 10 – 12mm of heel elevation, I started using the Silfverskiöld test², the classic sit on chairs at work, and lie in bed at night. evaluation technique for Equinus, as part of I started using the zero drop shoes with my my regular evaluation. I discovered that a large plantar fasciitis patients. I reasoned that, if the majority of my patients had little, if any, range treatment for plantar fasciitis is arch support, of motion in the ankle with the gastrocnemius rest and stretching, then bringing down the heel engaged and not much more with the knee bent. height of the shoes may actually start treating the Many people showed the classic signs of Equinus. cause instead of the symptoms. After all, when a I was beginning to understand why they had patient is sent to physical therapy for treatment problems like plantar fasciitis, bunions, neuromas, of plantar fasciitis, they are going to work on Achilles tendonitis and more. Humans need at stretching the posterior compartment. The rest of least 10 to 20 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion to the day is spent with the foot plantar flexed. So, ambulate normally³ and avoid injury; the patients I encourage my clients to wear zero drop shoes in question didn’t have it. with arch support during the day and Birkenstock It makes sense, as there is an epidemic of Equinus sandals (also zero drop) at home. The results have in our society, and the causes are chairs, cars, shoes been dramatic. with heels, and toilets. When do we ever get the Here are two cases studies to share showing the natural stretching of the posterior compartment zero drop concept on people for whom zero drop that we need? footwear might be contraindicated. The hamstrings, Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius Patient #1 was a morbidly obese, diabetic patient and soleus are all allowed to shorten as we walk with a cavus foot in Equinus and severe callousing
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 23 How an Epidemic of Equinus Created a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business
on the balls of his feet. The textbooks say to all cases, the efficacy of this approach to treatment dispense full contact orthoses and elevate the of foot pain has been more than amazing. heels to address the tight Achilles. I made the A recent edition of Podiatry Today features an orthotics and put them in a pair of Altra zero article titled “Understanding the Biomechanics of drop shoes. The patient returned for a follow-up a Equinus.” The article, written by Craig Clifford couple of weeks later and told me I had changed DPM, claims that Equinus is the root cause of his life. Now, this may seem a little dramatic until most foot pathologies including plantar fasciitis, you understand that during the evaluation he had neuromas, bunions, flat-footedness and Achilles neglected to tell me he didn’t sleep at night due tendonitis. He goes on to say that the common to muscle spasms and cramping in the back of treatments include intense physical therapy, his legs. Now that he is getting the stretch from taping, Botox injections, surgical elongation of the having his heels on the ground, he no longer has tendons and…heel lifts?² nighttime cramping. His callouses are gone, too. Although this is based on anecdotal evidence, I Patient #2 had acute Achilles tendonitis. The think that many of the conventional approaches for conventional wisdom is to elevate the heels and treating common foot problems are fundamentally refer to physical therapy (stretching). I asked her incorrect. Consider adding 6mm of heel lift to a if she was comfortable barefoot at home. She said shoe that already has 12mm of drop. This puts the that other than the discomfort from a lack of fat foot at 18mm of plantar flexion. This patient is pad on the balls of her feet she was fine and was then sent home to do their stretches. We should most comfortable in her Birkenstocks. She told me be recommending footwear that encourages the “it only hurts when I wear my shoes”. I put her in same stretching of the posterior compartment that a pair of zero drop shoes and she had instant relief. we would get in our natural condition. Elevating I have sold over 4,000 pairs of zero drop shoes over the heels in shoes even 6mm promotes poor foot the past 5 years. I repeatedly have positive results. health and function. While zero drop shoes may not be the solution in
24 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org How an Epidemic of Equinus Created a Successful Retail Pedorthic Business
"We should be recommending footwear that encourages the same stretching of the posterior compartment that we would get in our natural condition."
Our success with zero drop shoes has not gone experience the difference, they not only continue unnoticed by the other medical professionals to buy shoes from us, they tell their friends and in our market. We routinely get referrals from family as well. podiatrists, physical therapists, chiropractors and rheumatologists now for zero drop footwear and it References: is not hard to understand why. They want to refer ¹ McDougall, Christopher. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, their patients to someone who can help them. Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Today, I have nine employees and we have Never Seen, 2009 become one of the largest brick and mortar retailers ² Clifford Craig. “Understanding the Biomechanics of Equinus,” Podiatry Today Vol. 27 Issue 9 September of Altra footwear in the country. We are also the 2014 largest Birkenstock dealer in Idaho and one of ³ Root ML, Orien WP, Weed JH. Clinical Biomechanics. Vol II: Normal and Abnormal Function of the Foot, the top in the Northwest. This is not because we Clinical Biomechanics Corp. Los Angeles, 1977 are clever retailers; it is because we have gained a reputation for helping people. When we explain • the benefits of zero drop footwear, and the patients
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 25 Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/morawskistudio from: Photo
26 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org STANDARDS, SPECIFIC DETAILS & JEOPARDY
PART 2
By Dr. Anthony Lazzarino, DPM
Health care providers are employed in commercial exchange. The buying and selling of goods and services. As we know, commerce has its challenges. One challenge for a health care provider is inadequate standardization. Standards are impor- tant. Standards are developed to certify and expedite agree- ment, and are then adopted to expedite commerce. Standards enable commerce to proceed predictably, efficiently, and cooperatively.
Standardization optimizes compatibility, safety, repeatability, and quality. Formal standards authorize participants to realize gains and make mutually consistent decisions. When an item complies with an agreed standard, there is certification that it is suitable for intended use. Standards enhance the ability to meet needs. Participants in a commercial exchange can com- municate with a common understanding.
The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) was created to provide: standard descriptive regu- lation, coded identifiers, and reimbursement schedules for goods and services. The use of HCPCS for transactions involving health care is mandatory. HCPCS Level II Orthotic and prosthetic procedures and codes are a principal force in the marketplace.
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 27 STANDARDS, SPECIFIC DETAILS & JEOPARDY
Standards can be inadequate. The existence of a mandatory standard does not certify that it is always useful or correct. A given standard may not be adequate to facilitate it’s use. A standard is useful if it is a solution to a coordination problem, i.e., to have all parties acknowledge a point of agreement.
Many HCPCS Level II orthotic and prosthetic procedures codes are not adequate. They do not provide coordinated understanding. HCPCS code L 2755 is an example. HCPCS code L 2755 cannot be knowledgeably fulfilled. You can view the code at (click on link below):
"Webpage: HCPCS 2016 Code : L2755"
HCPCS 2015 Code L2755 reads as follows: “Addition To Lower Extremity Orthosis, High Strength, Lightweight Material, All Hybrid Lamination/Prepreg Com- posite, Per Segment, For Custom Fabricated Orthosis Only” (the grammar and punctuation is as published online).
Code L 2755 has an HCPCS long description and HCPCS short description.
The HCPCS code L 2755 short description is as follows: “carbon graphite lamination.”
HCPCS code L 2755 inadequacy starts with the term: car- bon graphite. The short definition of L 2755 specifies as Many HCPCS Level II above: carbon graphite lamination, and nothing else. Of the two available forms of carbon one is diamond, which is not orthotic and prosthetic stipulated. The second available form of carbon is graphite. procedures codes are not Speculation; is the term “carbon graphite intended to indicate the form of carbon known as: graphite? Graphite in commod- adequate. They do not ity form, is a type of coal. provide coordinated understanding. For HCPCS 2015 Code L 2755 the short form, what will you supply? Are you to “laminate”, (fix together or overlay) a
fragment of coal with something that is unnamed, unspeci- @iStockphoto.com/robertprzybysz from: Photo fied and then signify that the finished product is an HCPCS L2755? Further speculating, “laminate” a fragment of coal
28 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PART 2
(Carbon/Graphite) with an orthotic (of some By definition: an orthosis is an externally ap- kind) and indicate that it too may be an plied device used to modify the structural and HCPCS L 2755? functional characteristics of the neuromus- cular and skeletal system. Again no specifics, Sometimes the term “graphite fiber” is used to which of the many types of custom fabricated refer to carbon fiber, or to carbon fiber-rein- lower extremity orthosis is, or are mandated for forced polymer composites. The directive still addition? The lower extremity itself represents lacks certainty. First, “graphite fiber” was not a considerable portion of the neuromuscular indicated. Second, Carbon fiber is not made and skeletal systems. Should the reader need from or with graphite. Carbon fiber is made to consider any portion in particular? A hip, from filaments of polyacrylonitrile and other a knee, the calves, ankles, a toe device or a organic substances. All things considered, an whatever? HCPCS L 2755, as per the short form descrip- tion, is an unknown. The HCPCS code L 2755 long form descrip- tion stipulates: “High Strength, Lightweight The long description of HCPCS code L 2755 Material” without specifying the strength, is a puzzle. The long description of HCPCS weight, or material preference. This is uncer- code L 2755 commences with: “Addition to tainty. lower extremity orthosis.”
Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/dlphoto6 from: Photo "Again no specifics...The lower extremity itself represents a consider- able portion of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems. Should the reader need to consider any portion in particular?"
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 29 STANDARDS, SPECIFIC DETAILS & JEOPARDY
"Without product specificity, similar or similar materials. Typically embed- ded materials include: steel, wood, paper, the request for “all hybrid lami- ceramics, titanium, aluminum, aramids, latex, nation/prepeg composite, per copper, beryllium, asbestos, cotton, nylon, segment” cannot be knowingly carbon fiber, glass, glass fiber, boron, boro- silicates, silicon carbide, minimally specified interpreted." industrial waste products, and even graphite (as in pencil lead).
Specifically, we are asked to provide: “All Hy- Typical composite embedment materials in- brid Lamination/Prepeg Composite, Per seg- clude: portland cement, plaster, asphaltic con- ment.” Laminates and prepeg are composite crete, bitumen, vinyl substrates, glass, formal- materials. By definition all; reinforced, blend- dehyde compounds, gypsum, acrylics, latex, ed, intermixtures of materials are labelled as alabaster, epoxies, polyamides, aluminum, composites. titanium, alumina and more. Embedment techniques vary widely. Layers of different Reinforced materials are designed to yield composites may also be integrated resulting in specific properties, such as: stiffness, bend- a hybrid laminate. ing properties, particular strength factors, solubilities, thermal properties, resistance to An “All Hybrid Lamination/Prepeg Compos- wear, frictional properties, and environmental ite, Per segment.” could include every available factors. composite known to exist. Without product specificity, the request for “all hybrid lamina- Composite materials typically consist of fillers, tion/prepeg composite, per segment” cannot high-strength fibers, or aggregates set in dis- be knowingly interpreted. Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/Paolo_Toffanin from: Photo
30 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PART 2
Commercially available materials are referenced by content, physical properties, performance testing, and specification. This type of specification promotes the suitability of materials for use. Using unspecified materials is simply gambling with product outcomes.
It is important to note that as long as a material can meet a service requirement, it can be certified as suitable for that given purpose. Given a performance specification, a variety of materials can be selected to perform predictably and accept- ably, in a variety of applications.
It is equally meaningful to apply a performance standard to the components of a device, just as it is meaningful to apply a performance standard to a finished product. So that irrespec- tive of material selection, product performance is certified for an intended use. Short or long form, HCPCS code L 2755 has no such indications.
HCPCS L 2755 is only one of many HCPCS codes which lack substance. How does this leave the producer of HCPCS-specified products? Very ill at ease with HCPCS coding compliance? HCPCS coding noncompliance is a serious problem, with serious consequences.
Given HCPCS Level II coding, noncompliance is inevitable. No one can know with certainty what HCPCS code L 2755 is "How can anyone produce intended to provide. No one can produce an HCPCS-coded an HCPCS L2755? The only L 2755, yet legal requirements and auditing enforce liability. option is to guess. To com- To accuse you of non-compliance costs nothing. Justice is very expensive. You must prove, at your expense, that you plete a simple transaction have met or exceeded the requirements of an HCPCS code. why must you consider If you cannot prove that you delivered a code-delineated guessing?" product, you face unpleasant consequences. This is not a farfetched scenario. This is the present reality.
Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/robertprzybysz from: Photo How can anyone produce an HCPCS L2755? The only op- tion is to guess. To complete a simple transaction why must you consider guessing? Then with high probability live with
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 31 STANDARDS, SPECIFIC DETAILS & JEOPARDY
"Some reasonable advice, don’t guess and don’t gamble. Carefully read HCPCS coding before you accept an order."
the consequence of error. The unrealistic stan- sence of viable HCPCS Level II standards dards in HCPCS coding do not allow coordi- requires immediate address. Viable standards nation between suppliers and consumers. For are necessary. Consumers must know what a supplier, this is an absolutely unnecessary they are asking for. Producers must be able risk. Some reasonable advice, don’t guess and to produce goods without undue risk. These don’t gamble. Carefully read HCPCS cod- problems are correctable. ing before you accept an order. Do not fulfill The people who use an item or service, or requests for unspecified products. The risk is specify it (procedure codes, government, in- too high to proceed. dustry, etc.), have a responsibility to justify the standards they use. Specify technically correct The de facto HCPCS Level II orthotic and coding, establish the standards, and utilize prosthetic procedures codes grossly lack codes correctly. standardization. The Level II orthotic and prosthetic procedures codes are a powerful Producers need to be involved in preparing force derived intact from the obsolete informal and correcting coding. Become an active part conventions of a long extinct shoe industry. of the regulatory process. People in business We are in a 21st century economy. The ab- have to be involved. You are obligated to your
"People in business have to be involved. You are obligated to your Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/robertprzybysz from: Photo dependents and clients. Become an essential part of the process."
32 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PART 2 dependents and clients. Become an essential part of the process. It is reasonable and accepted for indus- QUADRA B C D E F STEP try representatives to achieve an A influential position, as a regulatory SYSTEM body, in industry. The American Revolutionize the way you look at FEET! Choose from 6 Custom-to-Foot-Type Prefabricated Foot Orthotics Medical Association (AMA) is a Accommodative Cushioning available for your Geriatric Patients! strong example of this approach to A Quad Great for: regulation. High Arches Ankle Pain and Instability Sesamoiditis Validate and verify acceptable coding standards. Standards need B Quad Great for: review, revision, and updates Flatter Arches Toe-In Walking regularly. Who can speak for cur- Sacroiliac Pain rent technology better than those C Quad Great for: from within the industry? Form Toe Out Walking inter-professional associations. Be Hip and Back Pain Heel Pain recognized and participate with the Centers for Medicare & Med- D Quad Great for: Flat Feet icaid Services (CMS). Be proactive, Plantar Fasciitis aspire to cooperation and shared Metatarsalgia/Neuromas decision making. E Quad Great For: Shin Splints Knee Pain Group together as industry repre- Achilles Tendinitis sentatives. Work in partnerships to F Quad Great For: develop common objectives. Take Severe Foot Pronation Ankle Pain and Swelling part in regulatory policies. Strive Bunions to guarantee equity among partici- No Casting Ready to Dispense Call NOW! pants. Facilitate improved health thequadrastepsystem.com [email protected] care delivery. TM the alternative to custom orthotics 877.792.4669 - end 2 of 3 - maker of the QUADRASTEP SYSTEM® and littleSTEPS® foot orthotics
HCPCS Webpage link:
"HCPCS 2016 Code : L2755" https://www.hipaaspace.com/Medical_Billing/Coding/Healthcare.Common.Procedure.Coding.System/L2755
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 33 three tips to help you succeed at retail
By Chris Stanley, CPed Photo: @Shutterstock.com/krimarPhoto: Photo from: @Shutterstock.com/krimar
34 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org More and more pedorthists are entering the retail game, providing goods and services direct to the consumer. For many this tactic is to help diversify their business that otherwise is fully dependent on referrals. However, just deciding to enter retail doesn’t mean you’ll be successful at it. It is estimated that two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product comes from retail consumption. While the market is huge, there are many substantial challenges business owners face. In 2015 there have been a significant number of store closings and bankruptcies which indicate shifting consumer preferences By Chris Stanley, C.Ped and an unsteady economy.
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 35 three tips to help you succeed at retail
However, success stories can be found as the odds that they – and their friends - will seek well, and with proper planning and vision a you out in the future. pedorthist can have a profitable and strong retail component. 2. Make measurement a routine
Here are three tips that can help any retailer: Successful businesses know where they are and where they want to be. That information 1. Be relevant to your customers isn’t intuitive but factual and comes from key metrics that you are measuring on a consistent The retail landscape is changing. It can be said basis. These are the statistics like your daily that the days are gone when a business reached revenue, profit per customer, cash on hand out to customers. Instead, customers are in and so on. However, each business is unique the driver’s seat and they are the ones doing and your key metrics could be quite different the reaching. While media fragmentation and than your neighbor’s store. A retail pedorthic societal changes make it increasingly difficult to operation might track how many OTC insoles reach potential shoppers, the age of the internet are sold each day or the number of pedorthic has made it very easy for customers to find you evaluations performed each week. The – and hundreds of other businesses just like importance is in identifying what data points yours. Most shops will fail if their goal is to just you should track and doing it on a routine basis. sell lots of products because commodities can Besides your general operating statistics, selling be purchased more cheaply, more conveniently statistics can be really important to give you and and even more quickly online. The key is to your sales staff daily goals. A very important be relevant to your customers – both current metric is sales-per-hour."when toTracking call?" that number and future. Focus on the solutions you provide helps you coach weak sales associates (which rather than just the products you sell. Mass could be you) and helps you plan store coverage market advertising is becoming less effective better. Also, calculate your average transaction than targeted advertising and multiple, segment- amount. If your average transaction was $150 specific social media outreaches can help tell but recently went down to $110, you now know the public what you are, why you are important you need to work on building that statistic and how they can reach you. Engage with your back up. The other selling metric to consider current customers after the sale – reach out to is UPTs, or units-per-transaction. Take the them through social media or even through number of items sold and divide it by the thank-you cards. Try to get an understanding of number of slips. Having a low UPT means what they want and bring it in for them. Being that your customers aren’t being shown add- caring and responsive will make your store ons or other revenue generating accessories. relevant to your customers, which will increase Once you do identify the metrics that you feel
"The key is to be relevant to your customers – both current and future."
36 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org three tips to help you succeed at retail
"There is a big difference 3. Don’t think of your business as a hobby between being an amateur Jumping into the direct-to-consumer retail and a professional..." market is a commitment and requires focus and work. Developing relationships with customers, working on building revenue one sale at a time, tracking data, and watching inventory are just a small sliver of what is required to run a successful retail operation. The day-to-day operations can become tedious and mental fortitude is needed to stay on target. There is a big difference between being an amateur and a professional and successful business owners are those who recognize that selling isn’t a part- time hobby but a full-time profession. It was Michael Jordan who said, “I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results”.
Those jumping into retail will find there is "whom else do we call?" no shortage of help that is available. Books, sessions, online articles and more are out there, but the easiest and most effective help is free advice. If you are a pedorthist and want to add a retail aspect to your business, reach out to other c.peds who have already
Photo: @Shutterstock.com/krimarPhoto: done the same thing. Talk to them and ask for their suggestions on how to be successful. A are important, make it a routine to calculate great place to start is with the PFA – contact and record that data. Create long-term goals, them and they can help connect you to peers and monitor and coach your team so you can who can help make a jump into retail less achieve those objectives. Keep these metrics intimidating and more rewarding. “in your face” and part of your business mentality. zend
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 37 DOES DOING YOUR HOMEWORK PAY OFF?
By Dean Mason, LO
38 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org CEP
Today’s reimbursement landscape is loaded with traps and landmines, all of which will cost the unwary practitioner money. Dean discusses some of the common pitfalls. Know when to zig! This article is available for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit. Read This Article, Take Survey to Earn Continuing Education Points
FUSTRATIONS AND PROBLEMS The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) offers Continuing Education Points For those who accept reimbursement from third parties (CEPs), approved by the American Board (insurance), practice management can be difficult to say for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) and the Board the least. Therefore, it is important to “do your homework” of Certification/Accreditation (BOC), via to keep frustration and problems at the minimal level. This specially designated articles within Current means taking time, often a significant amount, to ferret out the Pedorthics magazine. information that prevents your billing from processing the first time. To take advantage of the program, thoroughly read the adjacent CEU article HIPAA has had some positive effects on the health care and then visit: www.pedorthics.org and click on the business. The goal was to bring disparate communications Continuing Education Opportunities tab to and billing information into a single, cohesive whole. This purchase the 10-question quiz associated has occurred for the most part. There was a time when each with this article. CEP quizzes cost $15 for insurance entity used codes peculiar to them and you had members and $25 for non-members. The quizzes are worth 1.0 Scientific or Business to remember which codes were used for which diagnosis or CEP, depending on the content. Successful procedure. Talk about frustrating! completion of the quiz will result in 1.0 CEP reported directly to ABC and BOC at the Now, there is a universal set of codes, and that certainly does end of each quarter. simplify things. Every office has a notebook, a clipboard, or a rolodex with all the quirks pertaining to a specific carrier. Look for additional CEP-eligible articles in Then comes ICD-10, with a new and entirely different method future issues of the magazine; previous articles are available in the magazine archive of defining diagnoses. Fortunately, our procedure codes at www.pedorthics.org. remained the same. Be thankful for small miracles. If you have any questions, contact With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) PFA, at (229) 389-3440 or e-mail: comes more twists and turns. For better or worse, ACA is part [email protected]. of our universe. We must deal with it for as long as it is around.
One of the hallmarks of ACA is the significant increase in deductibles and co-payments. Once a high deductible plan
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 39 DOES DOING YOUR HOMEWORK PAY OFF?
was $500.00 annually. Today, most of the bronze LOTS of time on the phone. Not only do you level plans (chosen by a majority of those who wait, but many companies play their “advertising” have ACA plans) have deductibles between messages while on hold. Not only are you $4000 and $6000.00. There is an insurance card inconvenienced, but also propagandized at the carried by these patients, and it means literally same time. You are lucky if the only thing you nothing to you. The patient is responsible for this hear is bad music on hold. amount UP FRONT. This translates to you, as Medicare Advantage plans can have different the practitioner, having to find out how much the rules than standard Medicare plans do. Their patient deductible and co-pay is, and if it has not hook is that they offer additional services to the been met for the year, collect it from the patient beneficiaries, most of whom do not use them up front, or try and get it following delivery. anyway. One issue to understand, Advantage plans It is always a good policy to know the status of are operated by major insurance companies and deductibles/co-pays for each patient. After all, it is in most cases, if you are not contracted with these your livelihood we speak of. companies, you are out of network and cannot This will certainly involve time on the phone serve them or you will receive an even more speaking with insurance representatives. Plan on reduced reimbursement. Check first before you
" Medicare Advantage plans can have different rules than standard Medicare plans do. "
40 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org DOES DOING YOUR HOMEWORK PAY OFF? start a patient to see if you can even complete the services.
Accountable Care Organizations are the next new thing to make our lives more difficult. Essentially, it is a network within a network. Practices that are using the ACO model will require you to be part of their internal network.
Another new concept is the Dual Eligibles program. This is supposedly a seamless Medicare/Medicaid program that “simplifies” billing to a Medicaid contractor that processes the claims and produces one reimbursement check for both programs. This currently is in place in three states, my own of Ohio being one of them. Advertised as cost saving program where both government entities get together to provide a cohesive care plan for dual eligible beneficiary, in Ohio, it turned out to be a nightmare for providers.
Two days before New Year’s the state Medicaid department send out an email entitled “general information for Medicaid providers” that turned out to be nothing of the sort. Most providers don’t read these “general information” messages as they usually are just this side of spam. This one was not. It informed everyone that effective January 1 that Ohio would no longer be covering deductibles and copays for certain professions, ours included. Then we come to find out that the “reimbursed at " Accountable Care Organizations are the next Medicare allowable” meant sixty-five new thing to make our lives more difficult. "
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 41 DOES DOING YOUR HOMEWORK PAY OFF?
" They ones watching out for you is you, and the PFA. "
percent of Medicare allowable as the insurance information, though you still will have to wait to companies decided it should be. One wonders talk to a human at some point in the transaction. where the other thirty-five percent is going. GO PAPERLESS: The advent of websites also And to make matters even more interesting, allows you to submit your claims through these we must constantly check to see if the annual websites. You will find out fairly quickly if there deductible is paid because if it is not, it’s on you is a problem with a claim and then correct it. too, and you can’t bill the patient for it. Oh, and There are quirks with these programs as well, so don’t forget, the two percent withholding for be prepared for them. The advantage is that it “sequester” that is still being collected for many takes at least two weeks out of the reimbursement services. schedule by not dealing with paper claims. WHAT CAN YOU DO? HIT THE PHONES: Spend the time at the While this is all very disconcerting, it is the outset to check for eligibility and patient situation as it exists. Practitioners have to base responsibilities. Time is money, your time, your their business decisions on what they want to money. do and how little they will take for their work. Just as the physicians have to practice defensive Certainly the cost of obtaining goods has not medicine, pedorthists have to practice preventive been reduced even as our reimbursements have insurance reimbursement. Know what you are up not been raised. against and plan accordingly. The ones watching USE TECHNOLOGY: All insurance carriers out for you is you, and the PFA. If you have now have a website where you can go to do specific questions, either contact PFA or email research work. These websites contain a lot of to: [email protected].
42 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Innovaave Tie-Less Lace System & Adjustable Heel Counter
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44 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PRODUCTS&SERVICES
This reference guide is intended solely to make it easier for individuals, facilities and companies to locate pedorthic products. Companies listed in the guide are PFA vendor/manufacturer members. Companies may produce additional products beyond those listed, and most companies are pleased to provide additional information on request. As a courtesy to our readers, Current Pedorthics has noted the year the company joined PFA in parentheses after the company’s name. Inclusion in this list does not suggest or imply PFA endorsement of companies or products. Vendor/Manufacturer members are encouraged to keep their listing up-to-date. To arrange changes in your company’s listing, email: [email protected].
always been made in the USA. Visit our website for additional products.
Boynton Beach, FL Acor (1979) Amfit Inc. (1996) Phone: (866) 301-3338 Bunion Bootie (2014) Custom and comfort footwear, inserts and Since 1977, Amfit has elevated custom Fax: (561) 547-4684 materials. Originator of Tri-Lam and P-Cell. foot orthotics in the computer age. From Email: [email protected] Say good-bye to painful rigid splints, pads diabetic care to professional athletes and Website: www.massaginginsoles.com Cleveland, OH that do not stay in place, and spacers that beyond – Amfit 3D contact technology Phone: (800) 237-2267 are difficult to walk in. Bunion Bootie is offers innovative, user-friendly tools to Fax: (216) 662-4547 the complete bunion treatment package; create the exact results you desire. From Email: [email protected] protective, supportive, comfortable, and small scale operations to large labs. Website: www.acor.com not to mention, discreet. Truly one-of-a- Where technology fits. Perfectly. Amfit is kind in the world of bunion treatments. your custom foot orthotic partner. The newest in bunion treatment to help Vancouver, WA manage your bunion pain and best of all - Phone: (800) 356-3668 it doesn’t involve surgery! Fax: (360) 566-1380 Email: [email protected] San Luis Obispo, CA Website: www.amfit.com Bintz Company, Inc. (1991) Phone: (877) 208-4540 Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. (1973) Email: [email protected] Distributor of pre-molded orthotics, Website: www.BunionBootie.com Aetrex Worldwide has been a supplier of comfort foot products, fitting aids and footcare products for 60 years. Aetrex’s sheet goods. Products from Birkenstock, ® brands include Aetrex and Apex Birko Orthopadie, Pedag, Powerstep, Footwear, Lynco® Orthotics, iStep® and Spenco, Pedifix, Knit-Rite, Hapad, C.N. Waterhouse Leather Co., raw materials. Rieckens PQ and more. Apis Footwear Company Inc. (1998) Teaneck, NJ Wheaton, IL (2000) Manufacturer and distributor of fine Phone: (800) 526-2739 Phone: (800) 235-8458 Mt. Emry therapeutic line - accommodate, leathers, woolskins, suede pig-skins, Fax: (201) 833-1485 Fax: (630) 653-5077 never correct! We have the shoes to sheet goods and adhesives for use in Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] accommodate charcot, edema, hammer the pedorthic footwear and orthopedic Website: www.aetrex.com Website: www.bintzco.com toes, bunions & RA. Whether for depth, industries. width or even for shape, select from our variety of styles to fit that special foot of Hyannis, MA Affinity Insurance Services, your patient. Phone: (800) 322-1177 Inc. (1998) Fax: (508) 771-2300 S. El Monte, CA E-mail: [email protected] Affinity Insurance Services administers Phone: 626-448-8905 Website: www.waterhouseleather.com the PFA product and malpractice Fax: 626-448-8783 Birkenstock USA, LP (1990) liability insurance program. Designed for E-mail: [email protected] U.S. distributor of Birkenstock sandals, pedorthists, insurance protection can be Web site: www.bignwideshoes.com customized for each‑PFA member. shoes, clogs and arch supports, and also representing Footprints shoes and Birko Chicago, IL Orthopadie arch supports. Phone: (800) 544-2672 Fax: (312) 922-9321 Arizona AFO, Inc. (2003) Novato, CA Phone: (800) 949-7301 Arizona AFO manufacturers a line of Fax: (415) 884-3250 Dr. Comfort (2004) medical ankle braces for the treatment Email: [email protected] Akaishi (2013) of foot disorders. The Arizona AFO line is Dr. Comfort manufactures, warehouses Website: www.birkenstockusa.com Akaishi strives to provide an unfailing used by physicians and practitioners as a and distributes the finest quality extra- level of comfort and satisfaction to each way to increase mobility, avoid pain, avoid depth shoes for diabetics or patients who customer. surgery and provide a better quality of life. need quality comfort shoes. Mesa, AZ Mequon, WI After years of research into the structure Phone: (480) 222-1580 Phone: (800) 992-3580 of women’s feet and legs, AKAISHI has Fax: (480) 461-5187 Fax: (262) 242-9300 discovered the key to long term foot care Email: [email protected] Brooks Sports, Inc. (2001) Email: [email protected] Website: www.drcomfort.com and health. Through rigorous functional Website: www.arizonaafo.com Brooks Sports, Inc., is proud of our hard- testing, each line of Akaishi products is earned reputation for engineering footwear able to afford wearers with unsurpassed that provides the perfect ride for every comfort and support. Following stride. Brooks works to ensure that all of our overwhelming success in Japan, AKAISHI footwear products meet the biomechanical Drew Shoe Corporation aims to bring comfort and health to the needs of runners, enhance comfort, and aid (1968) feet of women throughout the world. in the prevention of running-related injury. Men’s and women’s depth and comfort We’re dedicated to reducing running injury footwear in over 150 sizes. Gardena, CA Bestsole, Inc. (2010) risk and have aligned ourselves with some Lancaster, OH E-mail: [email protected] of the top researchers around the work to We manufacture and distribute a glycerine- Phone: (800) 837-3739 Website: www.akaishiusa.com tackle this. filled, therapeutic, massaging insole. Fax: 740-654-4979 Our insoles will massage your feet and Bothell, WA Email: [email protected] increase circulation to your feet. They Phone: (800) 2-BROOKS Website: www.drewshoe.com are also excellent shock absorbers for Fax: (425) 483-8181 your feet, knees, hips and back. One Email: [email protected] pair fits in all shoes. Our insoles are Website: www.brooksrunning.com machine washable. We offer a two-year replacement warranty. Our insoles have
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 45 PRODUCTS&SERVICES
American craftsmanship to create high Fax: (773) 523-3639 performance socks for the everyday Email: [email protected] world. Goodhew: a sock for every walk Website: www.justinblairco.com in the walk of life.
Chattanooga, TN ING Source, Inc. (2013) Phone: 423-643-0821 ING Source, Inc. is a consumer health Finn Comfort (1993) Fax: 423-643-0825 Luxury comfort footwear. Men’s and and medical device manufacturer selling E-mail: [email protected] products world-wide. Our origins were women’s walking shoes, sandals and Web site: www.goodhew.us.com boots featuring removable/modifiable in design, development, sourcing and orthopedic footbeds. Hand-crafted in marketing consulting. ING Source holds Germany. several patents, and is the creator of the KLM Laboratories (2006) innovative OrthoSleeve Branded products Thousand Oaks, CA Guard Industries, Inc. (1996) of FS6 Compression Foot Sleeve; CS6 An industry leader in the manufacture of Phone: (805) 375-0038 Components for shoe care, foot comfort, Compression Calf Sleeve; KS6 Patella foot orthotics and insoles, specializing in Fax: (805) 375-0848 orthotics and prosthetics. Complete listing Knee Sleeve; ES6 Compression Elbow custom orthotics, pre-fabricated orthotics, Email: [email protected] of available products will be sent upon Sleeve; and the DermaSox Foot Treatment orthotic insoles and orthotic materials. Website: www.finncomfort.com request. System. ING Source also offers OEM for Valencia, CA St. Louis, MO compression wear and orthopedic support Phone: (800) 556-3668 Phone: (800) 535-3508 in sports, rehabilitation and Diabetic Foot Fax: (800) 556-3338 Fax: (314) 534-0035 Care to numerous premium brands. Email: [email protected] Foot Solutions (2012) Email: [email protected] Website: www.klmlabs.com Feet are your foundation for life. At Foot Website: www.guardmfg.com Hickory, NC Solutions, we use the most advanced Phone: (828) 855-0481 technology combined with a full Fax: (877) 635-1521 understanding of biomechanics of feet E-mail: [email protected] and gait, along with the highest quality Haflinger/Highlander Website: www.ingsource.com footwear on the planet to fit your unique (Gerda Hoehm) (1999) feet. Through our customized solutions, Klogs-USA (2007) we will improve your comfort and body Boiled wool slippers, latex arch support, KLOGS®, headquartered in Sullivan, MO alignment and help you achieve better felt and leather clogs, cork molded J.H. Cook & Sons, Inc. (2004) is a part of the Latitudes, Inc., family of health through your feet. footbed. Highlander is Gerda Hoehm’s Shoe modification components, foot new high-quality comfort line with a Komfort brands. Utilizing proprietary comfort products and shoe repair polyurethane components and slip- Marietta, GA removable footbed. Both Haflinger and supplies. Products from Aetrex, Spenco, last construction, KLOGS® offers Phone: (888) FIT-FOOT Highlander are made in Germany. Vibram and Soletech. premium comfort footwear designed to Fax: (770) 953-6270 New York, NY fit the anatomical features of the foot Website: www.footsolutions.com Granite Quarry, NC Phone: (212) 949-6767 Phone: (704) 279-5568 and provide instant wearability while Fax: (212) 949-8833 Fax: (704) 279-5261 eliminating a “break-in” period. With Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] removable footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics, a broad range of Frankford Leather Company, sizes and widths to ensure proper fit, Inc. (1997) slip-resistant outsoles and replaceable Frankford Leather Co., Inc., is your single Hapad, Inc. (1988) footbeds, KLOGS® is dedicated to source supplier for your pedorthic shoe Hapad is a leading manufacturer of 100% providing “WOW” Komfort in every step. repair and shoe store supply needs. natural wool felt foot products and sports www.wowkomfort.com In stock, more than 8,000 products replacement insoles used for conservative are available for immediate shipment. management of common, painful foot Sullivan, MO Representing major brands and lines complaints. Correctly skived and adhesive Phone: (573) 468-5564 like Vibram, Soletech, Spenco, Powerstep, backed for a quick and easy fit, Hapad Fax: (573) 468-5560 Pedifix, Pedors, Orthofeet, Kiwi; shoe products are an affordable alternative to JMS Plastics Supply (1992) E-mail: [email protected] care, adhesives, leather and more. Free custom made devices or they can be used JMS is the first U.S. company to have catalog available. to make custom modifications. Silpure in our nylon top cover on our Neolon. Silpure is an advanced anti- Bensalem, PA Bethel Park, PA microbial protection that provides Phone: (800) 245-5555 Phone: (800) 544-2723 proven anti-bacterial properties of Fax: (215) 244-4411 Fax: (800) 232-9427 silver. Available in 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] sheets. Our Neolon with Bamboo is also Website: www.frankfordleather.com Website: www.hapad.com deodorizing and anti-bacterial and comes in sheets 40” x 48” or 48” x 80”. Our new J-fab line of prefabs are thin, heat INTERNATIONAL moldable and they come in three styles Landis International (2014) Gadean Footwear (2010) Honeywell Safety Products and three colors. Landis International Inc. is a world leader Gadean Footwear is the largest (2013) manufacturing for new and reconditioned Neptune, NJ orthopaedic shoemaker in Australia. NEOS overshoes provide a tough barrier quality machinery equipment for the Phone: (800) 342-2602 Gadean Footwear provides retailers with between everyday footwear and the orthopedic and shoe repair industry. washable slippers, motion shoes, fashion harsh elements of nature. Wear over your Fax: (732) 918-1131 Already the undisputed leader and shoes, depth shoes, removable insole favorite, comfortable shoes or boots with E-mail: [email protected] main supplier for North America, Landis sandals and many more products. confidence that feet and footwear will Website: www.jmsplastics.com has steadily increased his international Malaga, Western Australia, Australia stay warm and dry. NEOS are extremely presence over the past few years! And Phone: 61-8-92486533 lightweight and easy to get on and off. it’s with great pride that we have recently Fax: 61-8-92486711 With different heights, insulation and open a new distribution center in Australia. traction to offer the right amount of Email: [email protected] Justin Blair & Company 800, Rossiter protection, NEOS has you covered. Website: www.gadeanfootwear.com.au (2001) Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Québec) Canada J3B 8J1 Smithfield, RI Manufacturer of Ralyn Shoe Care and Phone: 1-450-359-8800 Phone: (401) 757-2503 Backroom Supplies and NightCare Foot Toll-free: 1-800-634-0806 Fax: (401) 233-7641 Care. Distributor for Aetrex, Acor, Darco, Goodhew, LLC (2012) Fax: 1-450-359-9619 E-mail: [email protected] Herbal Concepts, Pedifix, Swede-O, Email: [email protected] Goodhew, a leader in the ModernCraft Website: www.overshoe.com Silipos and Therafirm. Website: http://landisusa.com movement, spins fresh designs, natural Chicago, IL performance yarns, and the heritage of Phone: (800) 566-0664
46 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PRODUCTS&SERVICES
Lord Custom Molded Shoes, new Inc. (1994) Fashionable custom-molded shoes for step men, women, and children. Guaranteed fit Propet USA, Inc. (2000) and service. orthortic lab, inc. Leading manufacturer in men’s and Bohemia, NY New Step Orthotics (2015) women’s comfort walking shoes. Available Phone: (800) SHOES11 in up to 5 widths, sizes 5-13 in women’s, Fax: (516) 471-3090 At New Step Orthotics our mission is to 7-17 in men’s. Propet features a vast Website: www.lordshoes.com provide quality orthotics and services that selection of Medicare A5500 coded Nolaro24, LLC (2015) reflect our effort to a quality product with footwear with removable orthotics, secure excellent customer service. We offer a 7 closure and maximum customization. Nolaro24, LLC is the Maker of Quadrastep day in house turnaround on all custom mediUSA, LP (2013) and littleSTEPS foot orthotics - the foot orthotics. We offer free in-bound Kent, WA first Patented custom to foot type shipping to our customers and a 1 year Phone: (800) 877-6738 Our company slogan “medi. I feel better.” prefabricated foot orthotics for adults and product warranty. Family owned since Fax: (800) 597-8668 reflects our view of ourselves as a partner kids, the Next best thing to Custom! 2004. Email: [email protected] to everyone who operates in the medical Website: www.propetusa.com aids market 80 Turnpike Drive, Unit 2B Phone: 866-798-7463 With our products and technologies, we Middlebury, CT 06762 Website: www.newsteporthotics.com would like to make people’s lives easier, Phone (Toll Free): (877) 792-4669 better and more comfortable. We aim to Website: www.thequadrastepsystem.com P.W. Minor, Inc. (1968) do this by meeting the different needs Email: [email protected] of all our customers, every day and P.W. Minor is the premium brand that throughout the world. PartnerShip (2000) provides pedorthically superior, precision- “I feel better” is therefore a promise The PFA Shipping Program, managed by fit footwear for discriminating consumers that becomes a reality with medi, PartnerShip, features discounted shipping unwilling to compromise style when because we offer indication-specific and rates with FedEx®, UPS Freight® and preventing or caring for their foot-health effective product solutions to the highest YRC. PFA members can enroll in this free needs. Delivering foot-health through standards, which, with the help of our member benefit and take advantage of precision fit shoes is a brand mission that pioneering, individual concepts and savings on every shipment – inbound, remains as true and relevant today as it was back in 1867. dense customer service network, can be National Shoe Specialties & outbound, business to business, provided wherever they are needed. business to consumer, express, small Biotime Footwear (2014) package ground, tradeshow and LTL Batavia, NY Whitsett, NC National Shoe Specialties & Biotime freight - all with no shipping minimums or Phone: (800) 796-4667 Phone: (800) 633-6334 Footwear (2014) requirements. For more information or to Fax: (585) 343-1514 Fax: (888) 570-4554 enroll today please visit www.partnership. E-mail: [email protected] For over forty years National Shoe has Website: www.pwminor.com E-mail: [email protected] taken pride on providing exceptional com/57PFA, call 800-599-2902 or email Web site: www.mediusa.com service to our customers by offering: [email protected]. • Leading, Reputable and Premium Cleveland, OH Quality Brands Phone: (800) 599-2902 Remington Products (2000) • A Knowledgeable and Professional Sales Fax: (800) 439-8913 Mephisto (1998) Website: www.partnership.com Insoles and sheet packages, rigid arch Team supports, viscoelastic heel cups, 3/4 and With worldwide headquarters in • Unparalleled Customer Service Sarrebourg, France, MEPHISTO - the full insoles. WORLD’S FINEST FOOTWEAR, was Our relationships are built on a foundation Wadsworth, OH founded more than 40 years ago by Martin of trust, respect and a desire to partner in Phone: (330) 335-1571 Michaeli. Mephisto has a loyal following the continued success of our customers Fax: (330) 336-9462 and a strong international reputation and vendors through innovation and Email: [email protected] for comfort and quality. Its high-quality continuous improvement. At National Website: www.remprod.com handcrafted footwear styles include Shoe we offer an extensive material & sandals, boots, clogs, dress and classic footwear selection for the Pedorthic/ PediFix, Inc. (2001) walkers, as well as the ergonomic brand, Orthopaedic/Prosthetic, Shoe Store Foot specialists since 1885, PediFix is Mobils. In recent years, the company and Repair channels of business across the only fourth generation, family-owned Renia GmbH (2001) also introduced the more athletic inspired Canada and the United States. business in the pedorthic industry. Specially designed adhesives and brand, Allrounder by Mephisto and their Choose from more than 150 quality Toronto, ON components for the shoe industry, shoe latest collection with superior toning foot treatment products, including a Phone: 800-387-5246 repair trade, and O & P industry. technology, Sano by Mephisto. Fax: 800-568-8930 unique OTC line guaranteed to generate Websites: www.nationalshoe.com cash sales, keystone profits and doctor Cologne, Germany Franklin, TN www.biotimefootwear.com referrals, an assortment of both traditional Phone: 49-221-6307990 Phone: 800-775-7852 and exclusive Visco-GEL foot pads and Fax: 49-221-63079950 Fax: 615-771-5935 cushions, new dermatology products, Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] GelStep silicone insoles and orthotics, Website: www.renia.com Web site: www.mephisto.com Diabetic Solutions Socks, PediPlast and more. 15 new products are being introduced this year. New Balance (1990) Contact PediFix today for a free color Miami Leather Company New Balance, headquartered in Boston, catalog. (2001) MA supports a family of brands including Brewster, NY Wholesaler to the orthopedic, prosthetic, New Balance, Aravon, Dunham, PF Flyer, Phone: (800) 424-5561 retail shoe and shoe repair trades. Wide Warrior and Brine. All brands specialize Fax: (845) 277-2851 SAS Shoemakers (1992) variety of products. in sizes and widths across a number of Email: [email protected] Comfort walking shoes for women and Miami, FL categories including running, walking, Website: www.pedifix.com men in a wide range of widths and sizes. training, kids, comfort casual, lifestyle, Phone: (305) 266-8328 San Antonio, TX team sports and apparel. Fax: (305) 266-8728 Phone: (210) 924-6561 Email: [email protected] Boston, MA Fax: (210) 921-7460 Website: www.miamileather.com Phone: (617) 783-4000 Email: [email protected] Fax: (617) 783-7050 Website: www.SASshoes.com Website: www.newbalance.com
Current Pedorthics March/April 2016 47 PRODUCTS&SERVICES
STS Company (1997) Spenco Medical Corporation Value Foam, Inc. (2014) Resin-impregnated tubular and fitted (2013) Value Foam Inc. is devoted to offering our socks made to take foot and ankle Spenco is an innovative healthcare customers high quality, low cost materials impressions for custom shoes and foot/ company whose mission is to help people Therafirm (A Division of commonly used for orthotic and prosthetic ankle orthotic devices. everywhere achieve more comfortably. Knit-Rite, Inc.) (1999) devices. Bring us your current invoice, we will be happy to offer you the same Mill Valley, CA While Spenco’s core business revolves Quality medical-grade compression hosiery type of materials at 10 percent less. Our Phone: (800) 787-9097 around producing high quality insole and and diabetic socks. Fax: (415) 381-4610 footcare products, Spenco also provides product lines include high quality EVA, Ellerbe, NC Email: [email protected] the most advanced sports medicine and AccuZote (a more economic substitute Phone: (800) 562-2701 Website: www.stssox.com first aid products. Above all else, customer of plastazore) and PPT/SBR materials at service is Spenco’s focus and we are Fax: (910) 652-2438 various density and thickness. 100% committed to providing outstanding Website: www.therafirm.com service as we help you find the solutions South El Monte, CA for all of your health and footcare needs. Phone: (800) 788-1358 Fax: (800) 788-1358 Waco, TX Tekscan, Inc. (1994) E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (800) 877-3626 Broad range of pressure assessment Web site: www.valuefoams.com E-Mail: [email protected] and clinical/research evaluation tools for Shoe Systems Plus, Inc. Website: www.spenco.com use in orthotics, brace evaluations, joint (2003) biomechanics, and gait analysis. Complete line of orthotic and prosthetic Boston, MA Phone: (617) 464-4500 equipment including finishers/grinders, Spira (2004) vacuum pans, pumps, presses, industrial Fax: (617) 464-4266 El Paso, TX sewing machines, fume busters and more. Email: [email protected] Phone: (866) 838-8640 Website: www.tekscan.com Goshen, NY Fax: (915) 838-8641 Vibram USA (1998) Phone: (800) 354-6278 Website: http://spira.com Since 1937, Vibram has stayed true to its Fax: (845) 291-7097 heritage by building products focused on Email: [email protected] Thor-Lo, Inc. (2001) quality and performance while keeping Website: www.shoesystemsplus.com Statesville, NC the end user in mind. Each sole, heel or Streifeneder USA (1997) Phone: (704) 872-6522 rubber component is built with proprietary Fax: (704) 838-6323 compounds and endless quality control. Preformed insoles, diabetic shoes Website: www.thorlo.com/ We are also proud to say that we produce and materials in different hardnesses, millions of soles each year in one of the especially for diabetics. last rubber soling plants in the USA - the Tampa, FL Quabaug Corporation in North Brookfield, Tru-Mold Shoes, Inc. (1980) MA. SoleTech, Inc. (1994) Phone: (800) 378-2480 Fax: (813) 246-5998 Tru-Mold Shoes offers a complete line SoleTech Inc., established in 1946, has of contemporary, fully accommodating Concord, MA a full line of cushioning and fabrication E-mail: [email protected] materials for the pedorthic footcare Website: www.eurointl.com custom-molded shoes, including the Phone: (978) 318-000, ext. 136 industry. Soletech introduced its registered Thera-Medic Shoe package – the most E-mail: [email protected] brand Cloud EVA and Soleflex EVA in the flexible, highest value shoe package for Website: http://us.vibram.com/ early 1980s and is now recognized as Medicare-eligible patients with diabetes. the industry leader for materials for the fabrication of custom foot orthotics and Buffalo, NY AFOs and components for build-ups and Phone: (800) 843-6653 modifications to extra-depth and custom Ziera Shoes N.Z., Ltd. footwear. In addition to its presence in Fax: (716) 881-0406 (Formerly Kumfs Shoes N.Z., the orthopedic market, SoleTech is also a Superfeet Worldwide LLP Email: [email protected] leading supplier of footwear components (2003) Website: www.trumold.com Ltd.) (1998) and materials to the shoe manufacturing Ziera Shoes, formerly Kumfs Shoes, are Ferndale, WA and shoe repair industries. women’s shoes, sandals and boots that Phone: (360) 384-1820 Claremont, NH are truly orthotic friendly. Ziera Shoes Fax: (360) 384-2724 Phone: 603-542-8905 Trufit Orthopedic Labs (2013) come in a wide range of heeled fashion Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 877-625-9494 Trufit Biomechanics Labs is a full service and walking footwear. We have widths Website: www.superfeet.com Fax: 603-542-8909 biomechanics and podiatric company. We in stock from M through XXW in sizes 34 Email: [email protected] manufacture individually engineered CAD/ through 45. Website: www.soletech.com CAM corrective foot orthotics in the USA. We operate multiple chiropractic and podiatric Port Orchard, WA. TechMed 3D (2011) patient-care facilities across Europe. In Phone: 877 717 0588 TechMed 3D is an easy to use, accurate, addition to operating several patient clinics Fax: 877 717 0589 Sole Supports, Inc. (2012) and portable solution for the digital in Europe, we continuously engage in highly Email: [email protected] Sole Supports is an innovative, medical- acquisition of images and measurements funded research and development projects Website: www.zierashoes.com grade foot orthotics manufacturer. We of human body parts, giving orthotists, in conjunction with several European make custom foot supports that follow prosthetists and pedorthists access government laboratories as joint ventures that your doctor’s prescription in order to to very reliable and consistent have become very successful in developing provide both immediate pain relief and prevention of any new pains or measurements. new patient care evaluation techniques deformities. Medical practitioners must Levis, Quebec, Canada and innovative medical corrective devices, first be certified to order from us because Phone: (418) 836-8100 grounded in science.Our commitment to we offer a completely different type of Research, Development and Innovation support than the ones for which they were Fax: (418) 836-1589 trained in school and because we must Email: [email protected] is a foremost goal, and we only employ have the best possible cast of your foot to Website: www.techmed3d.com medical, engineering, and computer science make the best support. professionals who share that vision. Lyles, TN Phone: 931-670-6111 Orlando, FL Fax: 931-670-6008 Phone: 855-910-2525 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 321-202-2819 Website: www.solesupports.com E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.trufitusa.com
48 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org PEDORTHIC FOOTCARE A SSOCIATION’S 57TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM & EXHIBITION ATLANTA, GA NOVEMBER 4 - 6 2016 STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.PEDORTHICS.ORG