The Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA), founded in 1958, is the not-for-profit professional association which represents the interests of the certified and/or licensed pedorthist and supports the pedorthic profession at large. Through the efforts of PFA, pedorthics -- the design, manufacture, modification and fit of shoes and foot orthoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital condition, overuse or injury - is a well-established allied health profession which makes an invaluable contribution to public health.

 

PFA's mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the certified pedorthist through education; increase the demand for the certified pedorthist's services through marketing; and defend the certified pedorthist's right to practice through government affairs activities.

 

Members of PFA are individuals and companies from a variety of disciplines who share an interest in pedorthics, from practice and treatment through education and research. The Association serves its members through:

 

§           Educational programs, conferences and workshops on pedorthic techniques, issues and the latest product and treatment developments

§           Monitoring federal and state legislation that affects pedorthics, including Medicare's Therapeutic Shoes for diabetics benefit and Medicare implementation regulations at the national level, and state initiatives concerning practice at the local level

§           Publications -- regular publications, like PFA's bi-monthly magazine Current Pedorthics, and special brochures, circulars, pamphlets and books on particular topics

§           The Resource Center, a discount-to-members bookstore containing both publications and audio-visual materials

§           Cost-reducing business support programs for business owners. Among specific cost-saving services are:

1.      Low credit/debit card processing rates

2.      Shipping and Freight discounts of up to 25%

3.      Check verification and guarantee

4.      Low-cost insurance, including property/casualty, product and professional liability/malpractice coverage

5.      Health, dental and travel insurance for individuals, businesses and families

6.      Discounts on office supplies and equipment

§           Public education initiatives to help the general public, as well as members of the allied health professions, understand the benefits of pedorthic foot care

§           Pedorthic marketing material, including brochures and prescription guidance cards that help members teach patients, their families, care providers and others about pedorthics

§           Leadership opportunities within the pedorthic field in education, government affairs, marketing, membership services and research work

§           PFA Online - the monthly e-newsletter

§           Professional liaison with medical and allied health organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Arthritis Foundation, the International Association of Orthotics & Prosthetics, the National Association of Athletic Trainers and the Board for Certification in Pedorthics

§           The Pedorthic Desk Reference Guide that provides footwear terminology and diagrams, a prescription reference chart and a special section on Medicare coverage and regulations.

 

In addition to the specific services outlined above, PFA provides its members with significant discounts on education registration fees, publications and business support services.

 

Sole proprietorship, partnerships and corporations which are engaged in the dispensing of prescription, custom or comfort footwear or foot orthotics.

 

§           One person designated to serve as the company’s official representative who may or may not be certified in pedorthics

§           Discounts on PFA sponsored educational events

§           Discounts on Resource Center

§           Substantial Bankcard processing program discounts

§           Substantial Shipping program discounts

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Website development and technology programs

§           Government affairs representation

§           Ability to participate on committees

§           Voting rights

§           Discounts on PFA-sponsored educational events

§           Discounts on Resource Center

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Government affairs representation

§           Leadership opportunities - ability to participate on the Board and committees

§           Voting rights

§           Educational opportunities

Associate Member
Any employee(s) employed by a Regular Company or Vendor/Mfg. Member, or, a location that is an additional office or facility of a Regular Company’s main business location. An additional facility/location has access to the basic PFA services under the umbrella of the Regular Company Member's main business location. No Voting Rights. DUES: $85 (individuals outside of the U.S. and Canada please add an additional $10.00)

 

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Discounts on PFA sponsored education events

§           Discounts on PFA’s Resource Center

§           Access to Bankcard processing program discounts

§           Access to Shipping program discounts

 

(NOTE: Employees at an additional facility/location can sign up for membership under the main business location.)

This category includes physicians (MD, DPM, DO), residents, interns and medical students; allied health personnel who are interested in, but do not practice pedorthics (such as persons with the following designations: CO, CP, CPO, BOC, PT, RN, OST); retailers not actively engaged in pedorthics (such as shoe retailers and shoe repair professionals); and other individuals interested in PFA's objectives. If certified in pedorthics, but not a physician (MD, DPM, DO), individuals must join under the Regular Individual Member category. No voting rights.

§           Discounts on PFA-sponsored educational events

§           Discounts on Resource Center

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Leadership opportunities for physicians to serve as Medical Advisors to the Board

§           Discounts on PFA-sponsored educational events

§           Discounts on select Pre-Certification Courses

§           Special rebates and discounts on books from PFA’s Resource Center

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Work/Study opportunities at PFA’s annual symposium

Vendor/Manufacturer Member
This category includes suppliers, manufacturers and other firms (such as wholesalers) who provide pedorthic footwear and related products.

 

§           Discounts on PFA-sponsored educational events

§           Discounts on Resource Center book store orders 

§           Discounts on Symposium exhibiting and on advertising in the Symposium program book

§           Magazine subscription to Current Pedorthics

§           Discounts on advertising in Current Pedorthics magazine

§           Company listing, with logo, in the Product Reference Guide of each issue of Current Pedorthics magazine, and an identical text-only listing in the Product Reference Guide section of PFA's website 

§           Substantial Bankcard processing program discounts

§           Substantial Shipping program discounts

§           Marketing opportunities and Focus Groups

§           Government affairs representation

§           Leadership opportunities - ability to participate on the board and Vendor/Manufacturer Committee

§           Voting rights through Vendor/Manufacturer Liaison who holds a voting position on PFA’s Board of Directors