Feature
Tales from the Front Lines: Strategies for Starting an O&P Practice in Uncertain Times
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it wasthe age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…" - from A Tale of Two Cities , by Charles Dickens According to some source...
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Feature
More Than a Supplier: Responding to Payer Requests for Component Invoices
By Garrison Wells
Dealing with third-party payers can be challenging, even in the best of times. Lately, however, conversations at various O&P professional meetings, on the OANDP-L listserv, and with experts interviewed by The O&P EDGE , indicate that some insuranc...
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Feature
Prior Authorization for Medicare O&P Services: An Update
By Peter W. Thomas, JD, and Christina Hughes, JD, MPH
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule on May 28 that would require suppliers of certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) to submit a prior authorization request to CMS or its con...
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Feature
Declining Amputation Rates Secondary to Diabetes and PVD: The Role of Time, Geography, Risk, and Race
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
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Feature
Assessing O&P Competency with the ABC Exams
By Eric Rosenberg, MBA
.sidebar { background: #EFEFEF; border: 1px solid #000000; float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 5px; width: 300px;} Candidates take the CPM test in St. Petersburg, Florida, in January. Photographs courtesy of ABC.
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Today’s Consumer
Chris Osborne: Writing Your Own Story
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
Changing the perception from disability to ability and providing hope in any circumstance, whether an amputation or another challenge, is Chris Osborne's mission. Photograph by Genie McElroy. As a reporter, you never want to become the news, Chris...
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Industry Leader
Anita Liberman-Lampear, MA
By Miki Fairley
Photographs courtesy of Anita Liberman-Lampear. Anita Liberman-Lampear, MA, president of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), greets new projects and challenges with energy, zest, and enthusiasm, and tackles them with a can-do at...
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Better Business
SOAP Notes Can Clean up Your Records
By Leslie Roberts, MSS, CP
The O&P profession we have known to date is having its proverbial reset button pushed. How we have done things in the past will no longer serve to keep us viable in the market, and many things are quite simply out of our control during this time o...
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Perspective
Payer Requests for Manufacturer Invoices: A Call for a Unified Response
By Susi Ebersbach, MT (ASCP), MBA
The issue of how to best respond to a third-party payer's request for a manufacturer's invoice has been surfacing time and again since I began in O&P almost two decades ago. And I have yet to see an authoritative publication or guidance from a nat...
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Shop Talk
Five Inexpensive Tools I Can’t Live Without!
By Tony Wickman, CTPO
Most people who know me know that I'm a tool nut. I've got tools I use, tools I just like to look at, and even tools I use to make other tools. My workbenches are covered with hand tools and power tools and tools for working with wood, leather, me...
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Stepping Out
Is There Pedorthic Life beyond the TSD Benefit?
By Dennis Janisse, CPed
Remember the good old days? Remember when fitting a pair of therapeutic shoes did not come with the specter of Medicare audits, prosecution, and prison time—when it wasn't necessary to hire a full-time employee to chase down physicians' progress n...
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Education Outlook
Program Profile Series: Alabama State University and Baylor College of Medicine
The O&P EDGE continues its series of National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)-accredited master's level O&P educational programs. Alabama State University, College of Health Sciences This month we feature two master's lev...
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Sports
Amputee Coalition Youth Camp / First-Ever Paraclimbing National Championship
Amputee Coalition Youth Camp: A Confidence-Building Experience Attending the Amputee Coalition's youth camp allows campers, such as (from left) Kylie Smith and Alexandra Jobe, to make new friends and reacquaint themselves with old friends. Pho...
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Viewpoint
Product Previews and More
By Tonja Randolph
As I write this, I am finalizing arrangements to join many of you at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 2014 National Assembly, September 4–7, in Las Vegas, Nevada. I always look forward to events like this because it gives me a...
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Online Exclusive
Delivering Solutions: O&P Clinic Success and the Tools for Achieving It
For Regina Weger, SPS' director of sales, there is no substitute for face-to-face conversations for building customer relationships. The most meaningful way to learn about a customer's needs is in person, which is why she, like many of SPS' leader...
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Hersco Ortho Labs is now a Richie Brace® partner lab! Podiatrists often insist on dispensing the original Richie for cases of PTTD, ankle instability, arthritis, and more. For faster turnaround on your Richie orders, send casts directly to Hersco.
Download prescription forms at www.hersco.com. Click on our Education tab for great tips and casting methods.
Certified pedorthists are available to answer any prescription questions you may have.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
SPS is excited to announce the launch of the new SPS online
store, SPSCO.com, the world's largest O&P online store.
Featuring the most comprehensive O&P product portfolio,
live chat, custom shipping options, side-by-side product
comparisons, advanced search, and a fast and user-friendly
experience.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
From the occasional jogger to the avid marathon runner, the bladeXT assists users in meeting their fitness routine requirements. This cross-trainer-style foot allows users to quickly transition from cardio to weight training without sacrificing safety, stability, or performance.
With an overmolded sole cover for improved traction and durability on all terrain, along with a heel wedge that can be added to stiffen heel action, this foot allows for the versatility that cross-training requires.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Join the celebration at
facebook.com/ABCOPP
and visit the anniversary
page on our website.
American Board for Certification/ABC
703.836.7114
www.abcop.org
Very similar to the Air-Lock in that it stays airtight, the Easy-Off Lock helps to create suction in the socket by allowing elevated vacuum. The one-of-a-kind lever design makes doffing the socket easy, especially for amputees with hand-strength issues or arthritis, or those who have trouble reaching the release button.
Features and benefits include:
- Dual suspension, suction pin lock system.
- Can be used with elevated vacuum mechanisms.
- Easy donning and removal with lever release.
- Great for amputees with hand-strength issues.
- Single-stage lamination.
- Offset alignment capability.
- Water-resistant.
- Eliminates the possibility of lock jams.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
The slim and robust 7E9 Monocentric Hydraulic Hip Joint is currently the only hip design approved for a body weight of up to 275 lb. The 7E9 is also the only hydraulic swing and stance hip approved for use with mechanical knees (3R60 and 3R106) as well as the C-Leg and Genium microprocessor legs. The flexibility of these component combinations ensures high functionality, safety, and improved mobility for those with hip disarticulation or hemipelvectomy amputations.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.com
The TRS MULTI-D (Multi-Diameter) TD expertly controls cylindrical handles, tools, and sports equipment that have diameters from 1. in. to 1. in. The 1-in. wide, heavy duty, quick-release ratchet strap and buckle system provides easy adjustability. The MULTI-D is perfect for rowing, river kayaking, using long-handle tools like shovels or axes, and using hatchets and
dumbbells.any tool or sports equipment with cylindrical handles. High strength but flexible body and excellent rocker action allow for wide angles of control. It's less than 4-in. long
and weighs less than 10 oz. Use L-6704. Available now.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.trsprosthetics.com
Customize Tensitube® Blue shrinkers with your company logo and promote your facility to doctors and rehab professionals. An elastic postop shrinker, Tensitube® Blue applies controlled compression to help provide pain relief and reduce hypertrophic scarring and edema. A complete product line is available in sizes ranging from 2-6 in. widths, and in 18, 24, and 30 in. lengths. For a free sample with your company logo, visit www.tensitubeblue.com
Paceline
800.443.1827
www.paceline.com
Combining quality with economical pricing, the protect.4 evo offers the comfort, stability, and support required for ligamentous injuries. Featuring a durable, yet lightweight, malleable frame, the product utilizes the four-point design principle for optimal stabilization, as well as effective reduction of medial rotation.
Features and benefits include:
- Polycentric hinges for anatomical tracking.
- Numbered straps to ensure simple and correct application.
- Strong, yet light, aluminum frame for easy customization of fit.
- Low profile.
- Flexion, extension, and immobilization settings follow all popular protocols.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
Find out why CPs and amputees are raving about this new, low-profile prosthetic foot. Our Flexeon™ fiberglass composite material is two times more flexible than carbon fiber and nearly indestructible. This translates into zero dead spots, zero repairs, reduced socket issues, and higher patient satisfaction-all of which are good for your business and your patient.
Our unique design ensures the most stable, natural K3 mobility and lifestyle experience for your patients. Try it and see for yourself.
Call today and receive a special introductory discount on your first two orders.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.abilitydynamics.com
TAD products are designed for people with upper-limb amputation, partial hand amputation, or hand dysfunction. The TAD system temporarily replaces the hook or prosthetic hand on body-powered or electronic UE prostheses. The system can also work with a WHO brace to which a quick disconnect coupler is attached in the palm area of the brace. TAD's quick insert-release terminal device can hold a wide selection of interchangeable tools and implements including dining or cooking utensils; personal grooming devices; and tools for gardening, carpentry, mechanic work, sports, and hobbies.
Texas Assistive Devices
800.532.6840
www.n-abler.org
The new Modular Ring Lock Knee Joint, model 1402-B, offers innovations like casted holes for optional ball catches (included) that can be easily installed at any time without machining or the use of specialized tools. In addition, the ring lock has been designed to improve grip for patients with poor hand dexterity and to increase rigidity to resist stretching. The 1402-B is also capable of accepting 3/16 in. x 5/8 in. and 1/4 in. x 5/8 in. uprights to help minimize inventory. Lamination uprights are also available for fabrication with composites.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The BTK AMP CAM Kit allows the highest tuning of tendon response within further progression of knee flexion.
Features and benefits include:
- Mimics natural muscle function.
- Adjustable tendon durometers.
- Adjustable extension stops.
- Adjustable dampening and rebound.
- 350 lb., K4+ activity.
- Use in any environment.
- Light and strong.
- Military approved.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
The KiddieROCKER™ is the newest addition to Allard's pediatric
dynamic response AFOs. Developed for children with more
involved pathologies, the KiddieROCKER increases stability,
supports the foot-ankle complex, and facilitates a more normal
range of motion during the developmental years.
Features and benefits include:
- Carbon composite with anterior shell, lateral strut, and engineered footplate with open calcaneal design.
- Allows integration of custom foot orthotic to help control ground-up forces.
- Lateral strut can serve as a base for a T-strap to control excessive ankle eversion.
- Anterior shell assists in management of proximal deficits by helping manage either knee hyperextension or crouch gait.
PEL
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The new medi 4Seal TFS Liner combines a revolutionary sealing technology with a unique self-gliding surface, providing extraordinary suspension, comfort, and ease of use for those with transfemoral amputations.
Features and benefits include:
- Integrated seals for easy inversion and a highly secure fit.
- Easy Glide PLUS outer surface-no donning aids or sprays required.
- Excellent tissue control due to a highly effective, full-length matrix.
- Optimal radial stretch for greater comfort.
- Simple to use gel-grip spacer socks for easy application (available separately).
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The Camber Axis Hinge® is now available with modular uprights to further enhance your orthotic design options. The 3/16-in. x 3/4-in. aluminum proximal upright and 1/8-in. thick stainless steel stirrup have been specifically designed to fit the proximal and distal uprights of the Camber Axis Hinge.
The Camber Axis Hinge Modular Upright Kit is supplied fully assembled and comes complete with seven color-coded, range-of-motion keys that eliminate the need for posterior stop mechanisms. This joint permits a solid ankle design that can be easily changed to articulated motion with variable stop settings.
Becker Orthopedic
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Freedom DynAdapt™ foot is a slim-profile, carbon-fiber foot system with a slender, anatomic design for easy fit and finish. Its multiaxial function provides maximum comfort and the uninterrupted strands of carbon fiber in the full-length heel provide patients with effortless rollover and a more natural gait. The new EnduraCore™ Technology composite laminate delivers up to three times the fatigue life of a standard laminate in a design that also returns more energy. The result is a highly durable product that preserves users' energy so they can do more with confidence.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
A new feature is now available for Motion Control terminal devices (MC ETD and MC Hand ProPlus versions).
- Force Limiting stops grasp force at approximately 2 lb., allowing grasping of delicate objects and reducing the fear of injuring someone by over-gripping.
- Each "pulse" increases the gripping force by approximately 2 lb.
- Auto Grasp detects a socket or electrode slip and automatically increases grip force.
- Suggested L-Codes: L-6881, L-6882, L-7009, and L7499.
Motion Control
888.696.2767
www.utaharm.com
The WillowWood Alpha® SmartTemp™
Liner, featuring Outlast®, combines
silicone with the heat-management
technology of Outlast. Utilizing one-way
stretch Select fabric, this liner
controls pistoning while regulating heat
by responding to fluctuations in skin
temperature.
Features and benefits include:
- Delays the onset of sweat and reduces chafing.
- Uses Outlast technology to maintain a comfortable residual limb skin temperature.
- Retrofits with Alpha Liners of the same profiles.
- Uses Select fabric for a broad range of motion.
PEL
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The Most Complete Line from One Manufacturer
Offered in PETG, PP Homopolymer and Copolymer, High- and Low-Density PE and EVA in Flex and
Superflex grades, SIMOLIFE® Sheet enables you to meet diverse requirements without compromise.
It is available in transparent, natural, flesh, black and white colors and a broad range of gauges, in sizes from 16 in. (406 mm) square to 48 x 96 in. (1219 x 2438 mm). All grades are FDA compliant and feature low, consistent shrinkage.
Call for Free Samples to Test Form
SIMONA AMERICA INC.
866.501.2992
simona-america.com
Choose the best Evolution liner for your patient: Origin OTS
for a variety of regular sizes, Custom Origin for
uniquely shaped limbs, or the UNIFORM for comfort.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
Dr. Comfort's Shape To Fit socks
and compression hosiery line
combines function, fashion, and
comfort for preventive, medically
correct support that's attractive
too. Features include an easy-on
graduated compression and Shape
To Fit's signature nonbinding
comfort band, which provides
superior, nonslip support.
Uniquely designed seamless socks and smooth-seam hosiery
with fresh-weave odor control make them an ideal choice for
people with diabetes and foot health considerations.
Dr. Comfort
800.992.3580
www.drcomfort.com
The FullStride™ Shadow from Becker Oregon is a lightweight KAFO that combines structural strength and cosmetic appeal with the FullStride mechanical stance-control orthotic knee joint. The inherent rigidity of the FullStride Shadow ensures that optimal joint alignment and function are maintained throughout the gait cycle.
Constructed of lightweight and rigid composite materials, the FullStride Shadow's sleek and open design offers patients an unparalleled blend of form and function.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The new College Park Genesee liner
provides the ideal benefits required
of a gel liner in an affordable package.
Shaped for fit and flexibility with
cushioning comfort and excellent limb-conforming
properties, this durable liner
accommodates a wide range of users. The
unique fabric provides a superior fiber-to-gel
bond, reduces pistoning, and eases donning.
- Infused with mineral oil for continuous skin hydration, preventing skin friction over the lifespan of the liner.
- Retrofits with industry standard liners of like thickness and profile.
- Longer length for the perfect fit.
- Suitable for K1 through K3 functional levels.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Designed for the athlete.
The Hinged Wraptor provides
increased stability and support. The
removable hinge system supports
patient transition from acute injury
to return to play.
Bledsoe Brace Systems
888.253.3763
www.bledsoebrace.com
GRACE Plates are round, thermoplastic or laminated socket adaptors with a European-pattern design that fit most all prosthetic components. Our plates allow for ease of alignment after sockets are fabricated. Created with state-of-the-art aircraft aluminum, the GRACE Plate has been used in thousands of prostheses. For your convenience, GRACE Plates come with the appropriate hardware for one low price.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication
800.940.5347
www.gpfinc.com
The innovative design of the DynaStar foot combines a long, carbon-fiber keel and hard heel linked by a unique PU joint.The DynaStar is made for K3 users who are looking for stability and comfort.
Features and benefits include:
- Split keel provides eversion-inversion.
- Rear stop absorbs possible overload.
- Low clearance (10.1cm/4 in.).
- Delivered complete with foot shell (Caucasian or Ebony), Spectra sock, and malleolar clip.
- Easy foot selection: only four modules depending on the user's weight and/or activity.
- Weight limit: 275 lb.
- L-Code: L-5981.
Nabtesco Proteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtesco-proteor-usa.com
Features include:
- The comfort of SoftKIT
- Fun covers just for kids!
- Cool, grey skulls
- Cute, pink hearts
- Available for Youth Sizes, S-XL
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
Aspen's most substantial LSO offers
unsurpassed pain relief. The new Vista® 639 LSO 4 Panel provides multiple
layers of support around the entire torso.
With coverage from the symphysis pubis
to the xiphoid process coupled with
overlapping panels, this comfortable
and clinically effective brace provides
targeted pain relief and superior motion
restriction in all three planes of motion. The Vista 639 brings
one-size adjustability, modularity, and versatility to a single brace
that can be seamlessly stepped down to provide the needed
support as the patient recovers. L-0639 approved.
Aspen Medical Products
800.295.2776
www.aspenmp.com
Fillauer's new Trautman Expansion Arbors prevent the sanding cone from flying away. When the Expansion Arbor spins, it expands and applies pressure to the inside of the sanding sleeve—holding the sleeve on the arbor.
Features and benefits include:
- A smoother grinding surface for straighter lines and a higher-quality finish.
- Eliminates grinding chatter from hard grinding surfaces.
- Available in three sizes and as a kit of three.
- Available in 1/2-13, 5/8-11, and M16 threads to fit most O&P machinery.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
The Freedom Agilix™ is a multiaxial, shock-absorbing, flexible foot system designed to manage loading impacts, reduce socket shear forces, and improve comfort while walking on nearly any terrain. The ultra-lightweight design offers low-impact K3 ambulators shockingly comfortable performance at a value like no other. Learn more about the Agilix on our website.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
A perfect balance of stability and dynamics.
Featuring a new actuator and kinematic sensor,
RHEO KNEE® 3 offers increased resistance
across a wider range of stance flexion. This
improved support helps increase the confidence
of all users, especially low K3 users. At the
same time, we didn't sacrifice the dynamics that
RHEO KNEE is known for and that high K3
users expect. In fact, we improved the dynamics
via a more powerful actuator and a faster swing
extension.
Contact your Össur® rep today to get certified
or to see a RHEO KNEE 3 demonstration.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
An innovative, low-friction fabric technology
for amputees that offers targeted protection
from friction and shear. When placed in at-risk
areas between the prosthetic liner and skin,
GlideWear® provides immediate relief and long-lasting
skin protection for lower-limb amputees.
The reusable GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch
is indicated for below-knee and above-knee
applications, and the most common areas of
concern including the patella, fibular head, and
distal anterior tibia. Choose from two sizes, sold
in two-patch packs. Made in the USA. For more
information, visit www.glidewear.com/plp
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The industry's only internal socket vacuum system just got a lot
more affordable. Discover why a vacuum inside the socket is
significantly more efficient than any
external vacuum pump.
Features and benefits include:
- No socket leak points.
- No pump bleed.
- Less noise.
- No sleeve required (when used with the Lyn Valve RV Slide).
- Transfemoral applications.
Call today for our new pricing.
5280 Prosthetics LLC
800.460.0288
www.5280prosthetics.com
Now Accepting Applications!
NUPOC's 21-month MPO program allows you to complete your first two quarters (6 months) and final quarter (3 months) online, plus four quarters (12 months) of supervised practicum on campus, where you practice P&O skills with individuals who live with neuromusculoskeletal impairments.
NUPOC graduates are eligible for NCOPE residencies and P&O certification examinations. The NUPOC MPO prepares students to become proficient, compassionate clinicians; assess, prescribe, and deliver comprehensive P&O services; apply research to clinical practice; and contribute meaningfully to the P&O profession. Apply today!
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
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