Heritage Medical Equipment, LLC

AAOP 2011 - Orlando - Cybertech

MIke Martin from Cybertech was busy fighting off paparazzi all week in Orlando.  Cybertech released new product upgrades to the Cyberspine cervical collar which includes a thoracic extension and locking tabs for the straps.

Martin runs Cybertech's Research & Development Department as well as presents seminars on back bracing at state and national shows.  "Our products all have PDAC letters and are built to last."  Martin said."  We have a five year warranty to comply with Medicare's 'Reasonable Useful Life' requirements.  We put a lot of thought and effort into our back braces."  

 

AAOP 2011 - Orlando - The Newest Face in O&P

Kristopher Konrad Walz is the newest practitioner in the Orthotic & Prosthetic community.  This little guy got all tuckered out after visiting the Exhibit Hall.  It was a good time to get some rest because he needed his energy.  Later that night he had plans to see the "Great Fantini's" magic show.

His father Konrad is a CPO who works at the Bronx VA Medical Center.  Konrad likes to hunt, fish, and work on cars.  Congratulations Konrad - that is one cute baby.

AAOP 2011 - Orlando - ST&G's New Face

Look who is at ST&G!  Dave Littig, renowned prosthetist, avocado farmer, and fisherman is now a Clinical Director at ST&G.  

"ST&G is a solid company with great products for a prosthesis," Littig said.  "We have innovative products like the EZ Cover and a magnetic liner.  This is the right company at the right time."

Joining Dave at ST&G is Jane Ligeros.  Jane brings a wealth of O&P experience and knowledge to this growing manufacturer.  "It's exciting to be here at this time," Jane commented.  "I like being part of a growing enterprise."

So welcome aboard Dave and Jane!  Thanks for making a strong company even stronger.  

 

AAOP 2011 - Orlando - New Vendor Attracts Attention

Elizabeth Mansfield's table was crowded all week at the AAOP meeting in Orlando.  Clinical Education Concepts set up shop on the trade show floor for the first time at the Academy meeting.  

"This is a great venue for us, "  She said.  "Prosthetists want and need a marketing plan that positions themselves as experts in the medical community.  They are an integral part of the team responsible for the care and recovery of amputees.  We provide a marketing program that reflects exactly that."

Clinical Education Concepts (CEC) offers an education-based-marketing-platform that helps O&P facilities dominate their local markets.

"The days of prosthetists bringing a couple of pizzas into a PT clinic and pulling some sockets out of their bag are over.  We help prosthetists position themselves as the experts in their field.  Thats is what they deserve."    

AAOP 2011 - Hope Orthopedic's New Face

Scott O'Donnell is Hope Orthopedic's new Regional Manager.  He worked diligently all last week at the Hope Orthopedic table at the AAOP meeting in Orlando.  They were featuring their Ninja line of braces for back pain  and a couple new TLSOs that will be released soon.  The TOP SECRET TLSO products were unveiled on the trade show floor.

O'Donnell comes from O.R. sales and looks like a good fit for Hope Orthopedic's new management team.  Good luck Scott and welcome aboard.     

AAOP 2011 - Orlando - Townsend's New Face

 

Where were you?  I've been at the AAOP in Orlando all week.  And all the O&P celebrities are here.  Kurt Towson and Sophie Ducottet are pictured above.  Sophie is from Thuasne and Kurt from Townsend - two peas in a pod.  

"So far the acquisition is running smoothly."  Sophie said.  "It's exciting to have Townsend as part of the Thuasane family."

Townsend and Thuasne hosted four hospitality events this week in Orlando.  Mike Huston tended bar and Rick Riley showed off his legs. The events were packed with loyal Townsend ACL Knee Brace users, and some new friends.

 

Genesis II Prosthetic Foot Enhances Function

 

An abstract published on the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists' website concluded that the Genesis II appears to enhance function through energy absorption and generation during walking and running.  The subjects in this abstract preferred the Genesis prosthetic foot because it offered increased plantar / dorsiflexion during walking.  Increased propulsion and maneuverability were also reported.  

View the entire Prosthetic Foot Abstract

MICA is offering an introduction price (25% Discount) for the Genesis Plus during the month of October.   

"Bracing the Arthritic Knee" Selected by AOPA National Assembly

The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association will hold its annual meeting this fall in Orlando.  "Bracing the Arthritic Knee" will be among the courses presented.  Due to time constraints it will be an abridged version of the course currently offered by Heritage Medical.

"I am thrilled and honored for the opportunity to present in front of a national audience."  Tom McGovern said when asked about AOPA's selection.  "The audience is really going to appreciate the information."

"Bracing the Arthritic Knee" examines the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon's (AAOS) contradictions in their statements regarding the unloader knee brace.  The AAOS Position Statement on Knee Braces and their Treatment Guideline for Knee Osteoarthritis will be discussed.

The AOPA National Assembly will be held September 29th through October 2nd 2010 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.  "Bracing the Arthritic Knee" will be presented on September 30th between 10:30am and 11am.

 

Historic Agreement Signed

From Jim Rogers, CPO, FAAOP
AAOP President

I am pleased to report to the membership that the Board of Directors of the Academy has joined with AOPA, NAAOP, ABC, and BOC and approved an historic agreement to jointly recommend to CMS that there be specific minimum education and training requirements, consistent with those now in place at ABC, for those who will be allowed to bill for providing custom orthotics and prosthetics to Medicare beneficiaries.

We believe that this historic agreement is in the best interest of all O&P patients and our profession. The Academy has long taken the position that to provide high level O&P care practitioners must have appropriate education and training. Following are both the agreement being sent to CMS and the press release issued today.

Click here to read.