<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2007-04_05/Henry,-Karen-2(sm).jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> <b>Growing up</b>, most kids just want to fit in with the other kids. As they get older, they find that being different isn't so bad. If you're a business owner, being different is essential. What sets you apart from your competition? What do you do better than anyone else? What is your "niche"? Miki Fairley explores whether or not a niche business can help drive business to your practice in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_01.asp">Setting Yourself Apart: Is a Niche O&P Business for You?</a>" Suppose you have the happy dilemma of a thriving practice. You're almost too busy to keep up with your patient load, you can't support any additional staff, and patients are calling you from outlying areas asking if you can see them. Do you add a satellite office? More than one? Judith Philipps Otto takes a look at whether or not size really does matter in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_02.asp">Managing a Practice: In Search of the Perfect Size</a>." <h4>The Road to Parity</h4> In every issue of <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, Morgan Sheets provides an update on parity legislation around the country, but how exactly does each state go about getting prosthetic parity legislation introduced and passed into law? Morgan takes a closer look at what Rhode Island and Pennsylvania have done on their "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_03.asp">Road to Parity</a>" and how the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is stepping up its efforts to help states achieve their parity goals. <h4>Determination Drives Recovery</h4> In May 2006, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Iraq, leaving 22-year-old Marine Corporal Tim Jeffers with severe wounds to two-thirds of his body. Louis Givens, CPO, at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System in California, said it is a miracle that Tim survived. Louis provides a<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_04.asp"> first-hand account</a> of how he is helping this extremely determined and courageous patient on his road to recovery. <h4>Outside In</h4> We are introducing a new department in this issue called "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_09.asp">Outside In</a>," which provides a look at how allied health professions impact your O&P businesses and practices. This month, Miki Fairley explores the role that case managers can play in helping you grow your business and the role you can play to help facilitate the process. <h4>See you in San Francisco</h4> As this issue goes to press, we are preparing to go to San Francisco to participate in the 33rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prothetists. Please stop by and visit us at booth #119. If you confirm your free subscription to <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, you'll be automatically registered in our drawing for a free iPod or iTunes gift card. And, if you fill out a Face-to-Face profile form and return it to us by the end of show, you'll double your chances of winning. I hope to see you there. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2007-04_05/KarenHenrySig.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" />
<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2007-04_05/Henry,-Karen-2(sm).jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> <b>Growing up</b>, most kids just want to fit in with the other kids. As they get older, they find that being different isn't so bad. If you're a business owner, being different is essential. What sets you apart from your competition? What do you do better than anyone else? What is your "niche"? Miki Fairley explores whether or not a niche business can help drive business to your practice in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_01.asp">Setting Yourself Apart: Is a Niche O&P Business for You?</a>" Suppose you have the happy dilemma of a thriving practice. You're almost too busy to keep up with your patient load, you can't support any additional staff, and patients are calling you from outlying areas asking if you can see them. Do you add a satellite office? More than one? Judith Philipps Otto takes a look at whether or not size really does matter in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_02.asp">Managing a Practice: In Search of the Perfect Size</a>." <h4>The Road to Parity</h4> In every issue of <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, Morgan Sheets provides an update on parity legislation around the country, but how exactly does each state go about getting prosthetic parity legislation introduced and passed into law? Morgan takes a closer look at what Rhode Island and Pennsylvania have done on their "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_03.asp">Road to Parity</a>" and how the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is stepping up its efforts to help states achieve their parity goals. <h4>Determination Drives Recovery</h4> In May 2006, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Iraq, leaving 22-year-old Marine Corporal Tim Jeffers with severe wounds to two-thirds of his body. Louis Givens, CPO, at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System in California, said it is a miracle that Tim survived. Louis provides a<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_04.asp"> first-hand account</a> of how he is helping this extremely determined and courageous patient on his road to recovery. <h4>Outside In</h4> We are introducing a new department in this issue called "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2007-04_09.asp">Outside In</a>," which provides a look at how allied health professions impact your O&P businesses and practices. This month, Miki Fairley explores the role that case managers can play in helping you grow your business and the role you can play to help facilitate the process. <h4>See you in San Francisco</h4> As this issue goes to press, we are preparing to go to San Francisco to participate in the 33rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prothetists. Please stop by and visit us at booth #119. If you confirm your free subscription to <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, you'll be automatically registered in our drawing for a free iPod or iTunes gift card. And, if you fill out a Face-to-Face profile form and return it to us by the end of show, you'll double your chances of winning. I hope to see you there. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2007-04_05/KarenHenrySig.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" />