OHI response to previous postings

OHI response to previous postings

Don Pierson

4/22/2014

A recent post suggested that Orthotic Holdings, Inc (OHI) was somehow organizing itself to become a competitor to the O&P practitioners. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Central Casting program is an innovative new service that makes C.Peds available to practitioners on a Time Shared basis. These C.Peds operate within their ABC scope of practice. And while it is true that OHI enjoys business from a variety of healthcare professionals, this program in no way intends to interrupt any referral activities to O & P. In fact, the opposite has been true. In the four pilot markets, we have found that when a skilled C.Ped works in a podiatry practice, the referrals to local Orthotists have grown on average 20%. This is not surprising given the different skill sets among all of the professionals and the traditional connection between C.Peds and Orthotists. Many of the podiatrists we are serving with this new program already provide custom orthoses to their patients, but only infrequently refer AFO's to O & P professionals. Our C.Peds have already identified many patients in these practices who require the services of a Certified Orthotist and we have been facilitating these connections.

We have also found that O & P professionals have embraced this innovative new service in their own practices where the need for a part time C.Ped had gone largely unmet. Although our C.Peds have a limited number of schedule slots available, all Arizona AFO clients have the first opportunity to secure them. Additionally, all referrals that are generated are forwarded to our existing clients.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone that Arizona AFO is a prolific supporter of O& P efforts through educational grants, sponsorship of speakers at educational forums and its unwavering support of AOPA as a Platinum Sponsor. Arizona AFO was also among the first central fabrication facilities to apply for and receive ABC's Central Fabrication Facility Accreditation for its facility. Our commitment and support of the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic market stands on its own and is largely unmatched by similar sized companies. Mr. Sabel's involvement in this innovative enterprise will only ensure a deeper and more expansive connection to the O, P, & P community.

We invite you to contact us directly for unfiltered answers to your questions and concerns. Feel free to call Don Pierson at Arizona AFO: 877-780-8382 or 480-222-1580.

Sincerely,

Jason Kraus
President & COO
OHI