Current Pedorthics | March-April 2013 | Vol. 45, Issue 2 | Page 9

PFA has expanded its commitment to bringing more retail oriented education, strategy training and information to our many members who are “retail brothers in arms” – pedorthic practitioners who are looking to grow a “cash business” model by expanding or creating new business opportunities. Just by taking a look at the members of the PFA’s Board of Directors, you will find a great combination of insurance reimbursement modeled businesses, solely retail model businesses and a combination of both. I know as I start my journey into this new business frontier I am going to lean heavily on their advice and expertise, along with the many members and volunteer leaders in our immediate PFA community … and you should do this too. As a professional membership organization, PFA members should network and take full advantage of the services and information we all have to offer each other. We always can learn something new, so do not hesitate to contact any colleague or develop a personal business network to ask any suggestions you may need help on. From clinical techniques and materials to business management, there is someone who has done it before you and can help you navigate the waters to your business success. Also keep in mind that PFA strives to diversify its information to those who may not understand what pedorthists go through when it comes to running their businesses and keep certified on every level of practice management, especially with the insurance issues I mentioned. Recently through the hard work and determination of the PFA’s Government Affairs Committee, they were able to accomplish a victory in working to reverse the new AFO height requirement in the AFO-KAFO medical policy. Because of this, the PFA Board of Directors unanimously voted to seek membership on each of the four DME Association regional councils to assist with legislative and Medicare issue directly affecting the pedorthic industry. By moving to a mindset that is “thinking outside of the box,” PFA can now continue to successfully network for changes to Medicare, private insurance and health care benefits for practicing pedorthists and the industry. We are encouraging all of our membership to do the same and join their regional council, and consider volunteering to help PFA increase awareness on both the state, regional and federal levels on these issues affecting practice and use of pedorthics in health care. Diversifying our business models and how we approach the ways we work with change on the insurance and product front will help all of us continue to succeed and improve our industry in more ways than we can image. Asking questions, being a bit of a daredevil and networking with each other are the only tools we can use on an unlimited basis to change our professional outcomes. Let’s all keep an open mind and work together for a prosperous future in our ever changing chosen field of endeavor. When Quality Counts new Custom Orthotics from $85 Diabetic 3 pack from $85 Impression Foam from $26.99 per case step orthotic lab, inc. www.newsteporthotics.com 4225 S St Rt 159, Suite 1 Glen Carbon, IL 62034 618-288-9297 1-866-798-7463 Current Pedorthics March/April 2013 7