Dear list,
I have a demo of the Step Smart in-house (actually out on trial) and Patient
#1 likes it so far over my custom SMO. This guy is about 6′, 200# and
backpacking-around-europe-active, and has a persistent drop foot from a knee
surgery. Having to guess right now, he will probably want to buy one & maybe
a spare… I did NOTHING to the brace, took it out of the bag and put it in
his shoe, and we both “tried” it out. Oh, and HE found it in his spare time
on the internet and called me to see if he could try it, as they would only
sell him one at $300+ (not sure of the exact price he was quoted).
Point of the story is, while I was working on other cases, he had the time
to focus on HIS condition, and research and find an appropriate product,
which he could have just purchased and been on his merry way. I think that
is what people mean when they say “consumerism” is on the rise in health
care. It can only increase as the insurance companies pay less and less, and
these internet sales companies have found a way to make it work for fewer
$$$. I mentioned a few years ago that maybe “our” patients may be better
protected as consumers, e.g. if you don’t like the way a brace fits or feels
– take it back to where you bought it for a refund or exchange… may be
coming true sooner rather than later!?!
Seems we’re finding out how much we’re worth on the open market – it’ll be
tough to legislate our way back in I think… but my whole point was that,
for this particular patient, he likes the product and likely will buy it at
the best price he can! Why not? Most of us do the same thing every day…
(cheapest gas, WalMart, Home Depot, etc.) So we can cry, or compete, or both
– but don’t forget to check in with the “patients”/consumers and see what is
working for them… that is who we are supposed to care about right?!?
That’s why I might make a few bucks for a few minutes selling a StepSmart –
because I CARED enough to give it a try.
Sincerely,
Justin Foster
>From: “[email protected]”
>Thanks to all those companies featured on the website for their
>participation, and a special thanks to those who continually seek the
>lowest common denominator, and are now responsible for forcing this
>woman into an orthosis that will be less than adequate. An OTS probably
>won’t be adequate, and it certainly will be less than comfortable.
>
>…on-line orthosis, O&P exclusivity “networks”, continual reductions
>in reimbursements due to “negotiated” contracts, stock & bill programs,
>etc…etc…
>
>
>– Ted Trower
>When we are all ready to stop slitting the throat of the profession
>to put a few coins in our own pocket we may have some hope of seeing
>the profession make some progress in the realms of respect AND
>reimbursement. Personally given this type of marketing from the
>manufacturer I don’t expect that I’ll be fitting any of his
>products. I don’t intend to let him have it both ways.
>
>
>
>Ted A. Trower C.P.O.
