|
April 2005 • Vol. 1, No. 1
|
Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic
Care Through Knowledge
|
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Focus on Footwear for Improved Patient Outcomes
Like it or not, most Orthotists have the need to fit shoes for AFO, KAFOs or orthotic inserts. The anguish has never been in the fitting, but in the need to expend exhaustive efforts modifying shoes bought unknowingly by the wearer or the wearer's parents. Others of you may have found yourself as
the local area expert in diabetic foot care as an extension of an associated prosthetic service to
amputees or their relatives.
Whatever the reason, you may be considering the need to put together a Comprehensive Footwear
Program. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Vast numbers of studies have shown direct correlations between pressure and ulcer formation, which generally precedes amputation. Correct fitting shoes and/or orthotic inserts can significantly reduce the risks of developing ulcers.
2. Improper or poorly fit shoes can compromise the fit and outcome of patients wearing an orthoses or prosthesis.
3. Who is best qualified to dispense shoes to your patients? A local retail store? A department store or pharmacy? Or a trained, highly skilled orthotist such as yourself.
4. Providing a comfortable shoe, of unquestioned quality and durability designed specifically for your patient's needs protects their foot and can make them a patient for life.
5. Word of mouth is hard to buy, but a completely invaluable marketing tool. Make one patient very happy with a pair of readily available, contemporary, comfortable shoes and many more will come. Relatives, friends, collegues from work — they’ll all be calling you.
6. Medicare reimbursement for one pair of off the shelf extra-depth therapeutic shoes and three sets of heat molded custom multilaminar insoles is approximately $280 (dependent upon area and local DMERC codes). If you don't provide quality shoes for your patient, no doubt, someone less qualified will. Then you'll spend non-reimburseable time at your bench modifying them to fit your patient.
|
