Gem #51

"Orthotic Pearls"

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.

Follow Up Visits: It is important to stress to patients that the orthotics alone cannot treat all their foot maladies, but they require periodic follow up exams to assure optimum function of their orthotic devices. I use the analogy of prescription eye-wear that requires eye examination at regular intervals to disclose any changes in their vision, [similar to] the need for regular follow up foot examinations to detect any changes in the biomechanics of their feet, which may relate to changes to their orthotics. I have my patients who have been dispensed orthotics return at 3 weeks, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year intervals. My office will also perform a 2-year follow up recall, from our billing software program, to all orthotic patients. In the letter sent to them we urge them to make an appointment to see if their orthotics need any adjustment or new top covers. I have been pleasantly surprised by the numbers of patients, who have not been seen in 2 years plus, who respond to the re-call letter and want to have new devices made.