FootZine, Volume 83
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An Independent
Newsletter  for Podiatric Staff
from  Gayle S. Johnson

From:  Jessica Skeen
re:   Podiatry Scrubs

Hi, Gayle!! 

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a website or a company that might sell Podiatry uniforms or “foot” uniforms.

Thanks,

Jessica Skeen

*_*   Editor's Note   *_*

Wouldn't it be nice if some of the suppliers who make special designs for personnel who work in cardiac care, pediatrics and dental offices would think of the "feet people", too?

~ Gayle

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From:  Sue Dissinger
re:     Shoe Sizes Different (Volumes 80, 81 and 82)

Hi Gayle,

I am answering Dr. Chapman's question about Dr. Comfort Shoes.  We order from Dr. Comfort and I have recently ordered two shoes and two different sizes.  I called in the order and did not have any problems.  You can give my email address if the doctor has any more questions.  I will be out of the office till July 5.  Take care and hope you have a great summer.

Sue Dissinger
lcpsue@ptd.net

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From:  Paul Kesselman, DPM
re:      Shoe Sizes Different (Volumes 80, 81 and 82)

As per Dr Comfort I am going to have Dave Schlageter call you to discuss this further.

Dr. Paul Kesselman

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From:  Dave Schafer
re:      Shoe Sizes Different (Volumes 80, 81 and 82)

I will contact Dr Chapman about split shoes. 

Our policy is that we will split a pair of shoes and inserts, but there is a surcharge of 50%.  We will take the shoes back but we only credit for the pair of shoes and not the 50% surcharge.  This has been our policy for over a year and we have sent faxes out to customers letting them know this and it is on our price pages.

As far as I know we are one of the few companies that will split shoes.  The surcharge is necessary for several reasons.  First, we get stuck with a lot of single shoes so we need to cover that cost.  Two, it makes the DPM look carefully at splitting.  We ask people not to split if there is a half-size difference, it should be at least one size. 

Dave Schlageter
Dr Comfort

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From:  Sharon Burkett (SAS Shoemakers)
re:      Shoe Sizes Different (Volumes 80, 81 and 82)

We understand how difficult it can be for people with differently sized feet to purchase shoes.  Our recommendation is for our customers to buy their mismated shoes directly from a local SAS dealer, where they can have their feet measured and be assured of a proper fit.  Most stores offer special prices for mismates and the customer will be able to leave with the shoes.

If this is not possible, mismates can be ordered through the SAS CASA Department. We are limited to the styles and sizes that are currently in production.  We are unable to make custom footwear.

Mismates are specially made and the process will take six to eight weeks before delivery. Without the benefit of having been fitted, we cannot guarantee to our customers that the shoes will fit properly when they arrive.  Since mismates cannot be returned to stock, we are unable to make exchanges or give refunds. Therefore, we would prefer that our customers order a style and size that they have worn before.  Orders can be placed by calling CASA at (210) 921-7415.  Any customer service representative will be happy to help.

If we can assist you further, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Sharon Burkett
SAS Shoemakers
CASA Department


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From:  Loretta Allen
re:      Seminars in the South or Midwest

Gayle,
 
We have an assistant in our office that we would like to find a training seminar in the Southern or Midwest region to send her to for some training.  Can you tell me off any seminars that you would recommend.  She has never been to any seminars.
 
Thank you for your help.
 
Loretta Allen

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From:  Heather Schafer
re:      Birkenstock Orthotic Sandals

Gayle,

Hey, I have a question to throw out to all the "coding" experts.............

What HCPC's code would you use to bill a 'Non-Medicare' insurance company for Birkenstocks with the custom arch supports made into them ?!?!

Another office had called and wanted this information....and we don't provide this particular device....... so I told her I'd check into this for her! Thanks for your help!

Heather

This is another in the series of “Mini-Gems”, taken from the extensive DME and IOD writings by the late Rich Levin, DPM.  Thanks to Dr. Ornstein for making them available for us to share with you.

Diagnostic Ultrasound: Since employing diagnostic ultrasound to my imaging armamentarium, I have seen patient acceptance of orthotic therapy skyrocket. Prior to incorporating ultrasound, I would show patients their static stance x-rays and give a mini course on podiatric biomechanics to explain common maladies like plantar fasciitis.  Often I would see patients looking back at me with the “deer in the headlight” looks.  Now when I scan their fascia with ultrasound they immediately can see that the heel that hurts has a thicker fascia than the one that doesn’t hurt.  I believe that utilizing this modality places a perception in the patient’s mind that you are practicing “cutting-edge” podiatric medicine and they are the beneficiaries of your talents.


Previous "Gems" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_90.htm



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"Unlearn your stress."  -  from "A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life", compiled by David Baird  

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Many factors these days often combine to pile up stress in our lives.  We all know that we are better off with less of it, so I am working to "unlearn stress".   Here's wishing you all a less-stressed summer!