LEARNING

PEDORTHICS

A pedorthist is an individual who has studied foot anatomy and pathology, biomechanics, shoe construction and modification, foot orthosis fabrication and materials, footwear fitting and patient/practice management.

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The word “pedorthics” first appeared in medical dictionaries in 1980, although in the US the field itself began to emerge in the late 1950’s, after World War II and an outbreak of polio created a need to address foot trauma through footwear.

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In Europe, professional associations of shoe makers have been documented to the Middle Ages with the tradition continuing today.  Insurance coverage is not limited to Diabetes but is oriented toward encouraging healthy living on one's feet in shoes and treatment is evidence-based.  

CERTIFICATION

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) is the national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic and prosthetic professions.

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ABC pedorthic certification is the designations given to those individuals who have met ABC's extensive education and training requirements and/or who have passed specific examinations that are based on a comprehensive practice analysis of the pedorthic professions. The examinations measure the candidate's knowledge of pedorthics, their analytical and problem solving skills as well as clinical, patient management and communication skills. ABC pedorthic certification is the profession's highest standards for professionals providing patient care and technical services.

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C.Peds must maintain continuing education credits.

FACILITY ACCREDITATION

A rich shoe inventory of different shapes, sizes and widths from narrow to extra wide was an important requirement when Boston Pedorthic was first accredited.  The benefit to the patient is the ability for an exacting shoe fit across various manufacturers.

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ABC implemented its facility accreditation program in 1948.  The standards support the ABC mission to provide quality healthcare and consequently help increase efficiency and support initiatives to improve patient outcomes. The program encompasses comments and recommendations from a variety of resources including the federal government, business owners, clinical practitioners, patients, and healthcare payer and referral sources. The standards were field tested through on-site evaluations and written surveys to representative patient care organizations. As the foremost standard for pedorthic patient care facilities, ABC accreditation is commonly used as a standard of quality care by insurance companies and regulatory bodies. 

THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTING

An ABC Certified Fitter-Therapeutic Shoes (CFts) is an allied health professional specifically educated and trained to provide non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom multi-density inserts. This includes fitting, adjusting or modifying devices.  This also includes patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up and practice management.

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CFts must maintain continuing education credits.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Pedorthics can improve health and reduce disruptive symptoms for many medical conditions.  A prescription is required for all custom work.  Clinical notes may be required before your appointment.

MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

Insurance coverage for orthopedic footwear varies between insurance plans. Most plans cover footwear for persons with Diabetes and complications affecting the feet.