Like so many others, I have
found this summer to be very busy, so I appreciate
all those who have taken time to write and share
their information and resources.
We are taking a different approach to this week's
coding question. We would like to have input
from any of you who provide Birkenstock's Orthotic
Sandals about your billing or coding for those.
Thanks for your help!
~ Gayle
*_*
"I've learned.... That I can't choose how I
feel, but I can choose what I do about it."
- Andy Rooney in What I've Learned
*_*
*_* Letters
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* *_*
*_*
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
*_* Networking
*_*
Position Open In September 2004
Part-Time front office medical assistant.
Monday and Tuesday, with perhaps some Friday
mornings. Billing knowledge a plus.
Telephone skills. For small one-doctor
podiatric office in Northeast San Antonio, Texas.
Great for student or retired person looking to
supplement income.
Contact Sharon at podiatryclinics@sbcglobal.net
Notices of positions wanted or positions available,
as well as other "classified" information,
are welcome. They are posted at the FootZine
web site's Networking page. Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm
*_* FootZine
Feeture Article
*_*
Gems of Practice Management
by Hal Ornstein DPM, FACFAS and Lynn
Homisak, PRT
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.
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
*_*
"Unlearn your stress." - from
"A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life",
compiled by David Baird
*_*
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!
~ Gayle
*_* *_* *_*
Copyright 2004 Gayle S. Johnson. All Rights
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