Although April and National Walk to Work Day have passed, I think that May lends itself pretty well to walking, too.  Here in the Northwest the weather is now mild enough to enjoy a lengthy walk, and the profusion of flowers in people's yards is spectacular!  I hope you get a chance to explore your neighborhood, or a park, or one of the great walking cities as selected by APMA and Prevention Magazine, while all the blossoms are out. 

~ Gayle

From:  William McCann, DPM
re:      DMERC Refunds (Volume 74)

Hi Gayle:

Once again, great FootZine.

In response to Marcia Urbana:
Our practice (in NH) has refunded DMERC and secondary insurances on returned shoes by mailing a check from our practice to the appropriate refund address.  These addresses differ from state to state.  Contact the appropriate payor for details and make sure you receive a letter verifying
the returned money.

William N. McCann, DPM
President-elect, AAPPM

Recently I was in a doctor's office and had quite a long wait before he saw me.  His staff had already explained that they had worked in two emergency patients that afternoon and had gotten far behind schedule.  One of the first things the doctor asked me when he came into the treatment room was whether we go to the movies very often.  Then he handed me two envelopes, each containing two movie passes, as he apologized for the delay.  While I completely understood how he could have been so late, I really appreciated that he didn't take my patience for granted.  Of course the best thing is to try to stay on schedule, but there are always situations to make that a challenge.  On the really slow days, if movie passes aren't an option, our patients might appreciate some coupons for a nearby espresso, donut, or ice cream shop.  I am sure they will remember - and talk about - that kind of pleasant surprise.

 ~ Gayle

Technology continues to expand its influence in all our lives, but I am still sometimes surprised at the places that it reaches.  Athletic shoes are continually being upgraded and redesigned and made faster, sleeker....and "smarter"?  The latest from Adidas is being touted as "intelligent", and programmed to detect changes in terrain and to adapt the cushioning in the shoe to suit the wearer's preferences.  The new shoe actually incorporates a 20-megahertz computer as well as a battery-powered sensor and electric motor.

This link will take you to the full story in the May 6, 2004, New York Times.  You may have to fill out the free registration page for a User ID and Password in order to access the story.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/06/technology/circuits/06shoe.html?8dpc


I wish you all a great weekend  -  and maybe some extra time to write!

 ~ Gayle

Copyright 2004 Gayle S. Johnson.  All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Acceptance and publication of any letter, article, news item or advertisement does not necessarily constitute or imply approval or endorsement by myself of the product, idea, or content therein. I reserve the right to edit or to not publish any material received. Any letters published are the property of FootZine. Any health- or legal- and financial- related information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal or financial advice, or a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional, attorney, financial advisor or any other consultant or professional. Information pertaining to legal matters should not perceived as legal advice, nor should discussion about such issues as Medicare, coding, and billing be considered as definitive. All content is presented as being only the opinions of the contributors and is for educational purposes only.

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