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Hi all,
This is just a gripe about the SWEP program in Australia.
I have lately been filling out several SWEP forms with the aim of getting some patients of mine funding for shoes. It seems like this is a lot of work needed to be done by podiatrists for precious little/no financial remuneration.
From my viewpoint the only people who gain from this is the orthotist/ shoe store/medical grade footwear specialist. And of course the patient. Filling out the forms takes hours. Not to mention chasing GPs to fillo out their form.

Am I being greedy here by expecting something back for the time it takes with SWEP.
I realise with orthoses we can have more control and do get something back.

I'm interested to find out what other podiatrists do. Do some provide shoes as well for patients and thereby bypassing other professionals?

Thanks

 

The only times I have been physically assaulted over the last 25 yrs has been over shoes and I'm a big guy.
When DVA disbanded RALAC for footwear the rural pods where asked to prescribe and dispense.
This opened my eyes up to what an emotional issue shoes are...Male , Female doesn't matter.

My issue then and still is the poor quality of custom built MGF that where forced upon my patients by the Guy (can't call him bootmaker) that held the contract...DVA didn't care.

Probably a little off topic but Gee it was good to vent...

...shoes=emotion.

 

Thanks Colin. You've just touched on another gripe I have. The quality of shoes is never great either. The patient is rarely happy with what they get back. The quality of stock shoes leaves a bit to be desired too.

 

Thanks Colin. You've just touched on another gripe I have. The quality of shoes is never great either. The patient is rarely happy with what they get back. The quality of stock shoes leaves a bit to be desired too.

 

l dont know what you are doing that it takes hour's to do, we tell the client, to chase their GP for a letter, fill out the form and then see your Pod, most of the work should be done by the time it gets to you, your part shouldnt take long if the client does their bit, share the load;).

As to clients not happy with the shoe, big issue is they think they will get a shoe that looks like their young 23 year old daughter wears when going out.

The shoe will be a representation of two things, foot function/gait and it will also represent the foot shape, an OA Hallux Valgus foot wont go into a stiletto court shoe.:bang:

For this reason we have a number of finished product on display, one for a DB Charcot deformed foot, one that incorporates an AFO(built into the lining) and one for an AO Hallux Valgus.

Fitting day, where the shoe is not finished, is when we ask the client if they are happy with what has been done to date, if not we would remake at this point, l think most C.Ped.CM would do this.

 

I have been very fortunate over the past 3 years to be able to refer clients to an Orthotist who not only makes fabulous shoes, but also fills out all the paperwork! :D

.... feeling very spoilt! :rolleyes:

 

LOL, glad to hear your so well cared for, makes the day so much better.

An Orthotist that makes shoe you say, would love to meet them, l make custom footwear for 3 different Orthotist, one we do a joint clinic, the other two l never see the clients, but to date l have not meet an Orthotist that actually makes the shoe themselves, any chance of some contact details please?

 

Mr Andrew Cox - OAPL Bendigo
03 5441 4333

He's a lovely bloke and I've had no problems and no complaints about the orthotics, footwear or prosthetics he's provided