Following is the schedule of General and Breakout Sessions that will form the educational component to the 2009 Symposium and Exhibition.  Please note that this is NOT the complete schedule of events, which will include breaks, social functions, exhibit hall time, etc.  This information will be posted on a separate page shortly.

Note that speakers, topics and times are subject to change.

Thursday, November 19, 2009 

Speakers: Dennis Janisse, C.Ped., O.S.T.; Mary Jo Geyer, P.T., Ph.D., C.Ped.; Ray Burdett, P.T., Ph.D., C.Ped.

Session Title: Pedorthics in Third World Countries

Description: In June 2008, three pedorthists – Mary Jo Geyer, Ray Burdett, and Dennis Janisse – traveled to Bamako, Mali (West Africa) to present a week-long workshop for healthcare workers from 13 countries who treat patients with diabetes, leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. The program was part of an initiative by the World Health Organization to promote integration in the treatment of diseases by healthcare workers in developing countries. The faculty was presented with the challenge of designing a universal sandal that could be fabricated with local materials, using simple tools and with minimal training. The design also had to be very low cost and adaptable to a variety of therapeutic interventions. To complicate matters, the fabrication had to be taught in such a way as to transcend multicultural language barriers. As American pedorthists, we are constantly concerned with insurance, reimbursement and money issues. It is important to remember that there are innumerable people in the world who need pedorthic services who do not even know what money is, much less health insurance.

Speaker: Donald R. Haynes, C.Ped., BOC Ped., BOCO

Session Title: Evaluating and Treating Posterior Tibial Tendonits with a Short Ankle Foot Orthosis

Description: With the recent expansion of the scope of practice, pedorthists now have an opportunity to go above the ankle with a short AFO. This is an accepted treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. You will come away from this session with beginning working knowledge to evaluate for a short, AFO, how to choose the proper device, and casting techniques that Donald has been using for years. You will learn the necessary landmarks on the foot and how to mark them for fabrication, to assure a good fit for the patient.

 

Speaker: Craig Young, M.D. (PFA Medical Advisor)

Session Title: Radiologic Evaluation of the Foot & Ankle

Description: This session is an introduction to reading foot x-rays. It will review general x-ray reading rules & discuss the use of advance radiologic tests (e.g., MRI, CT). Radiologic findings in common and interesting foot conditions (with radiologic findings) will be reviewed.

 

Speakers: Liz Chiles, C.Ped.; William H. Applegate; Brian Lagana; Randy Stevens, C.Ped.
Session Title: Grassroots Advocacy

Description: Though the rules and regulations surrounding licensure differ from state to state, this session will be generic to anyone wanting to get involved in their own state. Liz Chiles shares her grassroot efforts in North Carolina to pursue licensure without having had any background in legislation, politics, or government. This session is for anyone looking to become involved in the pursuit of licensure for Pedorthist within their state.

A-4      9:30 – 10:30 AM

Speaker: Robert Schwartz, C.Ped.

Session Title: How to Build a Successful Pedorthic Retail Shoe Business: The Problem, the Opportunity, and the Solution (Part 1 of 3)

Description: Many adult American’s foot problems are related to their footwear, because many wear shoes that do not fit properly.  Learn more about what consumers want and what consumers need, and how those factors influence the success of your pedorthic retail shoe store.

 

Speaker: Cordell Atkins, P.T., DPT, CWS, CDE, C.Ped.

Session Title: Diabetic Wound Care for the Pedorthist
Description: According to the CDC diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people in the United States, 18 million diagnosed and 6 million undiagnosed. Statistics say that 15% of individuals with diabetes will have a foot ulcer and 15% of those with foot ulcers will have an amputation. Participants will learn and understand the cascade of wound healing process, be able to recognize appropriate wound care for the diabetic foot and wound as guided by the evidence, will be able to use evidence-based interventions to help reduce foot complications, and strengthen their provider role in the care of the patient with diabetes and foot complications.

 

Speakers: PFA’s Council on Pedorthic Education (COPE)

Session Title: Pearls of Pedorthics

Description: See several mini-presentations from PFA’s COPE Committee. Learn practical ideas, concepts, and facts that have been useful in their day-to-day practices.

Speaker:A. Brian Stoodley, C.Ped Tech (C), C.Ped (C)

Session Title:Verifying Orthoses Design & Posting after Fabrication

Description:The content of this presentation is most beneficial to the technically-minded pedorthist; however, it provides useful information to the clinically-minded pedorthist too, as it helps them to verify the design of their requested orthoses. 

Speakers: William Smith, M.S.P.T., C.Ped.; Art Smuckler, C.Ped., O.S.T.
Session Title: Advanced Orthotic Design in Conjunction with Muscle Re-Education in the Athletic Population (Part 1 of 2)
Description: This presentation will discuss the biomechanical cause of the most common musculoskeletal injuries encountered in the athletic population. Learn to develop a protocol and plan of care bringing custom molded orthotics, muscle re-education, joint mobilization and flexibility training together in order to insure higher success rates with your patients. Also explore the utilization of a multi-disciplinary approach by pedorthists to increase the effectiveness of their treatment plan.

 

Speaker: Donna Robertson, C.Ped., A.C.T.

Session Title: Sports Pedorthics

Description: Sports pedorthics course is designed to provide an opportunity to learn about lower extremity biomechanics and alignment issues of the athlete (pre-injury and post-injury assessment), sports specific injuries (acute and chronic stages), sports injury prevention, sports pedorthic management of the injuries, including specific foot orthotic assessment (materials) along with shoe evaluation, specifics and selection. Principle, practice and analysis of foot pressure (static, dynamic) scanning systems. Introducing the use of custom toe splints and their effectiveness in different case studies. Implementation and practice of step by step hands on evaluation using boney landmarks and gait analysis and a brief segment on how to market sports pedorthics.

Speaker: Beth Jarrett, D.P.M., C.Ped.

Session Title: A Comparison of Current Theories on Functional Foot Orthoses

Description: Functional Foot Orthoses were originally based on the concepts introduced by Merton Root in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Many of Root’s concepts still hold true today. Many new theories have been introduced, with some theories proclaiming to be entirely different than those described by Root. In reality, most of the theories have many similarities to Root’s original description. The first metatarsophalangeal joint/first ray function is of prime importance in most orthotic theories. Casting techniques vary depending upon the orthotic theory. Posting prescriptions change depending upon the orthotic theory. “Choosing” an orthotic theory to follow is much less important than understanding foot function and approaching each patient individually based on the specific needs of the patient.

 

Speakers: Fred Lerche, P.T., C.Ped.; Philip Voi, P.T.
Session Title: Mechanism and Effectiveness of an External Shoe Modifcation in Reducing Symptoms of Metatarsalgia

Description: Metatarsalgia can be a challenging condition for pedorthic management. This session focuses on a new innovative approach to decrease plantar pressures at the forefoot through an external shoe modification. Data recently collected through the Pedar insole foot pressure measurement system, shows a significant decrease in plantar pressures with use of this external shoe modification. Attendees will learn the fabrication process through video demonstration. Case reports will be utilized to demonstrate the clinical application and effectiveness of this new external shoe modification. Functional outcomes will be measured using the “Lower Extremity Functional Scale”.

 

Speakers: William Smith, M.S.P.T., C.Ped.; Art Smuckler, C.Ped., O.S.T.
Session Title: Advanced Orthotic Design in Conjunction with Muscle Re-education in the Athletic Population (Part 2 of 2)
Description: This presentation will discuss the biomechanical cause of the most common musculoskeletal injuries encountered in the athletic population. Learn to develop a protocol and plan of care bringing custom molded orthotics, muscle re-education, joint mobilization and flexibility training together in order to insure higher success rates with your patients. Also explore the utilization of a multi-disciplinary approach by pedorthists to increase the effectiveness of their treatment plan.

Speaker: Robert Thompson, C.Ped., BOC Ped., MPS-HHSA

Session Title: America’s Feet Are Hurting … and the Reasons May Surprise You!

Description: The results of the Institute for Preventive Foot Health’s statistically reliable national assessment of the health of age 21+ American feet are just in. This presentation will distill and detail the staggering 881 pages of raw data and tables that resulted from the research. The results to be shared will include: Project Methodology, Key Findings, Foot Health Insights, Foot-Related Medical Care Issues, The Impact of Foot Health on Exercise/Activity Participation, and Shoe Purchasing Insights. Almost 9 out of every 10 respondents reported experiencing at least one foot-related ailment or condition at some point in their lives. The vital role that C.Peds. play in Americans’ quality of life – and the opportunities available to them by applying these survey results in providing foot protection and injury prevention services to their clients – will also be discussed.

 

Speakers: Wendy Miller, BOCO; Scott Williamson, M.B.A., C.A.E.; Ted Markgren, C.O.; Brett Richey, C.Ped., J.D./M.B.A.

Session Title: Panel on Facility Accreditation

Description: The regulatory world that the pedorthist practices within is changing rapidly, with one of the most dramatic requirements being facility accreditation standards for all DMEPOS suppliers and providers, including pedorthists.  This panel will review the current regulatory environment relative to facility accreditation, provide updates and compare and contrast the ABC and BOC pedorthic facility accreditation programs. 

 

Speaker: Donald R. Haynes, C.Ped., BOC Ped., BOCO

Session Title: Evaluating and Treating Posterior Tibial Tendonits with a Short Ankle Foot Orthosis

Description: With the recent expansion of the scope of practice, pedorthists now have an opportunity to go above the ankle with a short AFO. This is an accepted treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. You will come away from this session with beginning working knowledge to evaluate for a short, AFO, how to choose the proper device, and casting techniques that Donald has been using for years. You will learn the necessary landmarks on the foot and how to mark them for fabrication, to assure a good fit for the patient.

 

Speaker: Roy Lidtke, D.P.M., C.Ped.

Session Title: New Technique Advances Foot Orthosis Design

 

Speaker: Ray Fritz, D.P.M., C.Ped. (PFA Medical Advisor)

Session Title: SOAP Notes

Description: Documenting patient encounters in the medical record is an integral part of practice workflow, starting with patient appointment scheduling, to writing out notes, to medical billing. This session will discuss one particular method of documentation – the SOAP note.

Speaker: Robert Schwartz, C.Ped.

Session Title: How to Build a Successful Pedorthic Retail Shoe Business: Successful Shoe-Fit Strategies (Part 2 of 3)

Description: Successful shoe-fit strategies are integral to any pedorthic retail facility. Learn to use pedorthic assessment principles, match foot and shoe anatomy and function, analyze worn footwear, use non-pedorthic footwear in your pedorthic selling and fitting, and much more.

 

Speaker: Bob Mays, CFE, AHFI

Session Title: Keeping in Step with the Law: The FBI's Strategy to Combat Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicare DMEPOS Benefit Programs

Description:  This session will provide an overview of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's strategy to combat waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare's DMEPOS benefit programs in an effort to maintain benefit integrity, ensure that Medicare is receiving the best value for its dollar on behalf of beneficiaries and taxpayers.

 

Speaker: George Breen, Esq.
Session Title: Doing Business in an Era of Increased Government Enforcement: Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls

Description: Health care providers, suppliers and manufacturers were subjected to increased scrutiny by enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels in 2008. The change in Administration and historic economic climate resulted in heightened enforcement efforts in 2009. The major changes to the False Claims Act, implemented through The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, and the HEAT (Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team) initiative have enhanced the risk of doing business with the Government. Health care entities need to be aware of the tools federal and state enforcers, as well as private litigants, have available to pursue claims of health care fraud. It is critical that companies have mechanisms in place to respond to these enforcement efforts. This program will address the following topics: what you need to know about the federal False Claims Act and how changes to the Act impact your business, what state enforcers are doing to pursue health care companies, how to handle the employee “Whistleblower”, and how to use provisions in recent Corporate Integrity Agreements to improve your own Compliance Program.

 

Speaker: James G. Clough, D.P.M.; Carol Anderson
Session Title: The Heel Pain Epidemic

Description: Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in the foot. It has become nearly epidemic. There are many causes of heel pain. These different etiologies will be explored to give the pedorthist a better understanding of the nature of the problem they are treating. Mechanical problems and neuro muscular imbalances are the most common etiologies of heel pain. Treatment for these clients needs to be based on a thorough understanding of the deficit. These mechanical and neuro muscular etiologies will be discussed in detail and treatment options for each pathology will be offered. The object of this talk is to give the pedorthist more knowledge on the diverse etiologies of heel pain and introduce an algorithmic approach to the treatment of these clients.

 

Speakers: Christine Duprey; Carrie Romandine

Session Title: Don’t Let Accounts Receivable Take the Stride from your Step

Description: What does Managing Accounts Receivables (AR) mean to you as a practitioner? What data/results should trigger me to be concerned about my AR? Learn about AR Management from the beginning, discussing real scenarios, working denials, rejections, and requests for additional information.

Speakers: Simon Tang, M.D.; Chih-Kuang Chen, M.D.

Session Title: Advanced Foot Assessment (I) - Kinematics of Flexible Flatfoot

Description: Flexible flatfoot (FF) is a dynamic foot deformity with collapsed medial longitudinal arch and associated forefoot/hindfoot malalignment. In a study of 100 subjects, we utilized the Yeti 3D Foot Scanner to calculate the forefoot varus angles. The mean forefoot varus angle in the FF group was 5.01±4.51 degrees, and 1.23±1.96 degrees in the control group. In another study of 33 subjects, we used Vicon 370 Motion Analysis System to measure the hindfoot motion in a rigid body model. The mean maximal hindfoot valgus angle in FF subjects was significantly increased (13.9±5.1 degrees) on barefoot walking as compard to that of control group (9.1±2.1 degrees). The maximal hindfoot valgus angle in FF group decreased to 11.3±3.5 degrees and 9.2±2.7 degrees after wearing ordinary sports shoes and using total contact arch support insole within sports shoes respectively. We introduce these assessment methods and strengthen the evidence base for orthotic management of FF.

 

Speakers: Robert Schwartz, C.Ped., Edith James, C. Ped., Rick Ravel, C. Ped., Luis Altoro, C. Ped.

Session Title: Panel onBuilding a Successful Pedorthic Retail Shoe Business (Part 3 of 3)

Description: Experienced successful pedorthic shoe retailers will share their common themes for success and unique approaches that separates them from and strengthens their business in the face of competition.

 

Speaker: Bill Meanwell, C.Ped.

Session Title: Sports Orthotics:  Are You Getting the Most from Your Orthotics?

Description: Does a multiple stream of revenue appeal to you? 26 million Diabetics vs 100 million active American adults - you can do the math. Did you know you can’t use an Orthotic designed for Running to play Tennis in? Isn’t it about time you understand both Functional and Accommodative orthotics and how they can optimize the performance of an athlete. How to understand the use of posting including the Kirby skive, Blake inverted and other plaster concepts. The placement of extrinsic posting for sport specific orthotics. Including compressible posting to sulcus, oblique posting to maximize stability and eliminate wear and tear on the body. Each sport has a wide variety of demands, for biomechanical efficiency athletic stability, enhance performance, reduce friction on shearing, and of course transference of peak pressure. It’s up to the C.Ped to understand these demands and be able to implement them into their practice.

 

Speaker: Donna Robertson, C.Ped., A.C.T.

Session Title: Sports Pedorthics

Description: Sports pedorthics course is designed to provide an opportunity to learn about lower extremity biomechanics and alignment issues of the athlete (pre-injury and post-injury assessment), sports specific injuries (acute and chronic stages), sports injury prevention, sports pedorthic management of the injuries, including specific foot orthotic assessment (materials) along with shoe evaluation, specifics and selection. Principle, practice and analysis of foot pressure (static, dynamic) scanning systems. Introducing the use of custom toe splints and their effectiveness in different case studies. Implementation and practice of step by step hands on evaluation using boney landmarks and gait analysis and a brief segment on how to market sports pedorthics.

 

Speaker: Brett Richey, C.Ped., J.D./M.B.A.

Session Title: Coding & Billing

Description: Explore the most relevant issues in coding and billing applicable to pedorthists.  This session will provide an overview of the most common "pedorthic codes" within the context of PFA's Pedorthic Coding Manual.  A valuable question and answer period will follow the presentation, so bring your specific coding and billing questions! 

 

Speaker: Erick Janisse, C.O., C.Ped.

Session Title: Exploring Neuropathy

Description: Peripheral neuropathy is always a hot topic in the world of pedorthics, but so often it is also a subject that gets paid a lot of lip service without the practitioner really having a comprehensive understanding. In this session we will review the actual mechanics and inner workings of peripheral neuropathy as well as its numerous symptoms and complications. We will explore the many different etiologies of neuropathy. We will examine how the different components of peripheral neuropathy – sensory, autonomic and motor neuropathy - all play a role in the deterioration of a neuropathic foot; leading to complications including injuries, pressure ulcers and neuropathic arthropathy. Finally, we will discuss how neuropathy is diagnosed and what treatment is available. Ideally, attendees will come away from this session with a deeper appreciation for and better understanding of the complex issues involved with peripheral neuropathy.

Speaker: Sylvia Malgadey-Forgrave,  B.Sc.H.Kin,  B.Ed.

Session Title: More 'Bang' for your 'Buck' on a 'Shoestring' Budget

Description: Pedorthists will take home some marketing nuggets on how to identify & target your clientele and referral sources.  We have taken our practice from an $8 profit to sales of over $1 M on a 'shoestring' budget.  Learn what worked, what didn't work and why.

 

Speaker: David Castellanos, C.Ped.

Session Title: The Lisfranc Joint: Causes and Treatments

Description: An injury to the Lisfranc joint can be debilitating, especially for athletes. Surgical procedures to fix the problem and orthotic intervention to protect the repairs have been often utilized, but not always discussed. This talk will be geared to shed light on the typical injury mechanisms, the surgical and non-surgical treatment interventions, the timeframe for return to activities, and the orthotic aftercare. In sports like football, the knee is often highlighted, and the athlete’s ability to recover from it is often known by the casual fan. But the Lisfranc injury, if not properly rehabbed, can be a career killer as well.

 

Session Title:Posting of Orthotics Using Pressure Sensors (Part 1 of 2)

Description:Dr. Allan Grossman, one of PFA’s Medical Advisors, is planning an evidenced-based workshop on the posting of orthotics using pressure sensors. Please join this first of two sessions to learn more.

 

Speaker: Bill Meanwell, C.Ped.

Session Title: Sports Orthotics:  Are You Getting the Most from Your Orthotics?

Description: Does a multiple stream of revenue appeal to you? 26 million Diabetics vs 100 million active American adults - you can do the math. Did you know you can’t use an Orthotic designed for Running to play Tennis in? Isn’t it about time you understand both Functional and Accommodative orthotics and how they can optimize the performance of an athlete. How to understand the use of posting including the Kirby skive, Blake inverted and other plaster concepts. The placement of extrinsic posting for sport specific orthotics. Including compressible posting to sulcus, oblique posting to maximize stability and eliminate wear and tear on the body. Each sport has a wide variety of demands, for biomechanical efficiency athletic stability, enhance performance, reduce friction on shearing, and of course transference of peak pressure. It’s up to the C.Ped to understand these demands and be able to implement them into their practice.

 

Speaker: Roy Lidtke, D.P.M., C.Ped.

Session Title: Foot Orthosis – The Bare Minimum

Description: Several foot orthosis have appeared that have taken the basic ¾ length shell and cut away areas in an attempt to reduce thickness yet keep the performance. Examples would be the cobra cut out, the split shell and recently the x-brace ribbon orthosis. This brings up the question what are the key areas of the shell that make the orthosis work?   This work tested three distinct orthotic designs and compared them to a standard shell to determine how such modifications alter the function of the device.

 

Session Title:Posting of Orthotics Using Pressure Sensors (Part 2 of 2)

Description:Dr. Allan Grossman, one of PFA’s Medical Advisors, is planning an evidenced-based workshop on the posting of orthotics using pressure sensors.

 

Speaker: Ross Marty, C.O., C.Ped., O.S.T.

Session Title: Technology for Your Changing World

Description: If you take a look at the changing medical field around us, you will notice that one of the biggest advancements in the field is the use of Technology for imaging, designing and even in surgical procedures. As our field begins to change, we need to develop new strategies to stay competitive not only in our practice but in today’s medical market We will discuss the use of several different systems that have the ability to scan, design and develop and manufacture your orthotic’s and footwear needs. At the same time we will discuss why this will save you time and revenue in producing your custom products. We will also discuss process to now use these innovative tools to market your practice for your future needs.

Speakers: Edith James, C.Ped.

Session Title: Flat Feet and Forefoot Varus Wedging: Motion Control

Description: The learning objectives for this session include: evaluate for Forefoot Varus support to prevent subtalar joint pronation; discuss how to provide forefoot varus support; and demonstrate extreme cases of forefoot varus support effecting ankles and knees, showing efficacy of this correction. 

 

Speakers: Lee A. Hunter, C.Ped.; J. Michael Hunter

Session Title: New Methods to Evaluate Modulation in Temperature for the Feet and Lower Legs

Description: This session will present is a new evaluation tool. Using the infared camara a Pedorthic or other health care practitioner can evaluate the modulation of temperature in the toes, feet and lower legs down to a .2 degree change. This tool can help the practitioner better understand the risk factors when fitting shoes and orthotics as well as compression garments by seeing exactly where the temperature modulations from circulation issues are located. This will be an interactive session. We will take two people from the audience and using the camera on each we will compare the photos and data. This is a wonderful tool which can be used by practitioners to enhance the quality of their care plan by evaluating risk factors and it is an opportunity to market to and contact Doctors and other healthcare practitioners something they most likely have not seen before.

This is not just any shoe-fitting course – it’s the next step! This course was created for those who want to advance to the next level of understanding. By attending this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to assess the foot and the lifestyle needs of your patients, understand the different types of footwear, touch on fitting with AFOs and other types of devices and understand shoe fitting in the real world.

 

Why Medical Compression Stockings? The program will discuss compression therapy and the effect it has on the venous and lymphatic systems. Patient benefits and choosing appropriate garments will be highlighted. Hands-on practice in measuring and fitting lower extremity garments will be a significant component of the certification. Participants will be certified fitters of Juzo compression garments, understanding the importance of using compression therapy to assist with larger treatment plans and be able to choose fabrics more effectively.