Tell Your State Legislators To Not Change or Adjust IM17 Patient Choice

HB (House Bill) 1067 dubbed “The Sanford Choice Bill” is scheduled to be heard by the House Commerce Committee on Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. We would ask that you consider calling & emailing our state legislators to let them know that the people of South Dakota do not want the legislature to “change or adjust IM17 Patient Choice.” It is crucial that the committee members hear our voices and are inundated with emails and/or calls throughout the weekend—asking them to oppose HB1067 “The Sanford Choice Bill.”

  • 62% of South Dakotans voted for the right to have Patient Choice when they approved Initiative Measure 17 on November 4, 2014.
  • It’s not right that the Legislature is considering overriding the will of the people of South Dakota.
  • Initiative Measure 17 gives patient’s choice. HB1067 gives Insurance providers, such as Sanford Health Plan, the choice to exclude patients from the doctors they might want to see.
  • The people of South Dakota that voted for the bill are smart and were not tricked into voting for Initiative Measure 17.
  • The people of South Dakota voted for the right to have the choice to choose their physician, hospital, chiropractor, dentist or other health care provider. HB1067 threatens this right that was approved by 62% of the population of South Dakota.
  • All payers in the state, with the exception of Sanford, are complying with IM17, and have been since it was approved by nearly 62% of the voters.
  • This bill would allow insurance providers, like Sanford Health Plans, to have only one health plan that includes all providers—and, you can bet it will be the most expensive, simply because they want patients to use their physicians and their facilities.
  • IM 17 is being misrepresented and they claim that the bill requires that all doctors be included in plans regardless of cost. This is not true. Insurance plans can set their fees at the levels they want, but cannot exclude a doctor who is qualified and willing to accept those fees.
  • Is it the will of the people or the will of one corporate entity that would best look out for the interest of South Dakotans?Thank you for your support and consideration to ask our state legislators to OPPOSE HB1067, “THE SANFORD CHOICE BILL”.To find the legislators in your district (area) please go to: http://legis.sd.gov/Le…/Who_Are_My_Legislators/default.aspx

Here are the e-mail addresses of the legislators that are on this committee:

  • rep.rounds@state.sd.us
  • rep.schoenbeck@state.sd.us
  • rep.novstrup@state.sd.us
  • rep.wiik@state.sd.us
  • rep.willadsen@state.sd.us
  • rep.beal@state.sd.us
  • rep.stalzer@state.sd.us
  • rep.hawley@state.sd.us
  • rep.wollmann@state.sd.us
  • rep.kirschman@state.sd.us
  • rep.zikmund@state.sd.us
  • rep.steinhauer@state.sd.us
  • rep.harrison@state.sd.us

Getting Back in the Game

What do Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Brandi Chastain, Ali Krieger, Heather Mitts and Molly Doetzel have in common?  They are all talented women soccer players who tore an ACL. And all, except Molly, played for the U.S. National Team.

Molly is still in high school and hasn’t achieved recognition on a national stage. But here, in Sioux Falls, she’s a star.

Molly anchored the defense for the O’Gorman’s Lady Knights soccer team that was so dominating that this year they gave up just six goals the entire season. And, no surprise, they won the state championship.

Molly was a big reason for the championship.  Need proof?  Had Molly not been injured, it’s entirely possible O’Gorman could have won last year, too.  It was in the state semi-finals that she tore her ACL, aka anterior cruciate ligament, and the Lady Knights fell short of the state championship.

Molly wanted to get back into action as quickly as possible.  She and her parents wondered who to call.  “Tons of people told us Dr. Looby was the best,” Molly said, referring to Peter A. Looby, an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Institute.

And with good reason. Dr. Looby completed his Fellowship in Sports Medicine at Harvard and, while there, was team orthopedic surgeon for the Bruins (hockey), the Revolution (soccer) and for the New England Patriots.  Looby knows how to help athletes get back in the game.

“One thing striking about NFL quality athletes is their ability to heal,” said Dr. Looby. “They are incredibly motivated. They get injured Sunday, you treat them Monday, they play next Sunday.”

The athlete’s motivation and Dr. Looby’s care got them ready. It was this level of care Dr. Looby   provided to Molly. “I was trained to handle elite athletes,” said Dr. Looby.  “I apply this training to all athletes whether they are training for the pros or they are weekend warriors.”

And so it was with Molly. “Dr. Looby repaired my ACL and helped me quickly regain strength and flexibility,” Molly said. “Everyone told me—and from my own experience—that Dr. Looby is the best of the best.” Something she echoes regarding her experience at Orthopedic Institute, particularly the rehabilitation process, which was led by Brad Pfeifle, VP of Sports Medicine & Rehab Services. According to her coach, Ryan Beier, “We didn’t know if she would be able to come back this season as strong as she had been in the past. She was able to play at full strength, if not even better than before and she didn’t need to wear a brace because of the hard work she did in therapy at Orthopedic Institute and with Brad.”

Although it might seem strange, tearing her ACL turned out to be a great, even life changing, experience for Molly. Consider: where does Molly go from here? Does she want to play at the next level? Qualify for the national team?

No, Molly wants to hit the books. So inspired was she by her experience with Dr. Looby and Orthopedic Institute that she’s now thinking about a career in sports medicine—something that touched Dr. Looby’s heart.

“It’s hard to imagine there could be any higher accolade,” Dr. Looby said.

Using Pins and Needles to Get Rid of That Feeling of Pins and Needles

By any measure, Dee Larson and her husband Dale lived a pretty good life. Dee was an executive assistant. Dale was a pharmacist.  With two grown children, doing very nicely in distant cities, Dee and Dale regularly played golf together. When they weren’t golfing or socializing, they traveled to warm and sunny places on land and enjoyed the occasional cruise.

But about 10 years ago, something happened. Dee noticed her legs were tired and thought something was happening to her nerve endings that made her feel like something was crawling in her leg. Sometimes it felt like pins and needles.

It was disrupting her sleep. “I was tossing and turning constantly,” said Dee. “It was affecting my husband’s sleep, too.”

For those who don’t recognize these symptoms, Dee suffered from what is known as “restless leg syndrome” or RLS.  It affects about 10% of the population, mostly women in their 50s, and is a neurological condition characterized by unpleasant and painful sensations, like those Dee experienced, and an irresistible urge to move the leg. Maddeningly, lying down activates the symptoms and, left untreated, RLS can cause fatigue and exhaustion, impair memory and concentration, and make travel difficult. Dee did seek treatment. “I tried every kind of medication,” said Dee. “But I didn’t like how they made me feel—and they didn’t help that much.” But there was something worse. “I had terrible dreams.” Her life was becoming a nightmare.

Dee stopped taking medicine and found a surprising treatment:  acupuncture.   And it worked.

Life, as it happens, takes unforeseen turns and sometimes what you need is unexpectedly at hand.  Dee set up an appointment for acupuncture with  K.C. Chang, MD, a physiastrist specializing in non-surgical treatment of the spine at Orthopedic Institute. Twenty five years ago he integrated acupuncture into his practice.  He is one of a few medical doctors practicing acupuncture in the state of South Dakota. Dr. Chang, who has treated about 20 patients for RLS began to treat her.  Dee said things got “progressively better with each session until I felt I didn’t need it anymore.”

Indeed, one day, no more pins and needles. Which is ironic since acupuncture uses needles to stimulate “meridians,” or energy pathways, in order to modulate the neurological states that apparently cause RLS. Ironically, later, after Dee had knee surgery, the RLS returned. Again: Dr. Chang and acupuncture to the rescue.

Once again, life is good.

Thank You for Voting Orthopedic Institute “The Local Best”

Congratulations goes out to Orthopedic Institute’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments for being voted THE LOCAL BEST 2015-16!

Our physical therapists, all of whom have advanced training are:

The Occupational Therapy clinic at Orthopedic Institute specializes in upper extremity evaluation and treatment.  Our therapists are able to provide care for each patient’s individual needs.  Our occupational therapists have master level degrees in occupational therapy along with clinic study and years of experience.

  • Nationally certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • Licensed by the state of South Dakota
  • Certified in use of therapeutic modalities
  • Trained in the specialized area of upper extremity rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions
  • Find out more:  Hand Therapy or Occupational Therapists

 

 

Orthopedic Institute Teaming Up with Two Great Partners to Offer Wellness Screening

November 2nd from 4-8PM
November 7th from 8AM-12PM
at GreatLIFE Woodlake

  • 30-minute screening
  • $25 – pay by cash, check or credit card at the time of your screening

GreatLIFE members may have the fee charged to their account. If you have DAKOTACARE coverage you may use your Flex Spending Account.

 

Functional Movement Screening provided by Orthopedic Institute:

  • One-on-one consultation with a physical therapist/athletic trainer to assess quality of movement and injury risk

Biometric Health Screening provided by DAKOTACARE Health Coaches:

  • Lab testing (total cholesterol, LDL & HDL, triglycerides, cardiac risk ratio, blood glucose)
  • Blood pressure
  • Body composition (body mass index and waist circumference)
  • Personal/family health history
  • Lifestyle review
  • One-on-one consultation with a nurse

Limited space available.
Sign up at GreatLIFE
Woodlake today!

At your screening, enter to win a GreatLIFE Massage,
Personal Training Session, or XLBT Wireless Headphones!

For more information or to sign up contact:

GreatLIFE Woodlake Athletic Club

4600 S Tennis Lane

Sioux Falls, SD 57106

605.361.0445

Aquatic Therapy: Treatment Offers Gentle Alternative for Some Orthopedic Patients

Article by Darcie Bontje, Sioux Falls Woman

While physical therapy is the prescribed course of treatment for many orthopedic injury sufferers, a land-based regimen is not suitable for some patients.

Brad Pfeifle, vice president of Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at Orthopedic Institute, says that’s where OI’s new aquatic therapy program fits in. “This is a great adjunct to our current physical therapy services for patients who can’t tolerate ground-based rehabilitation services.”

Through its partnership with GreatLife Malaska Fitness Club, Orthopedic Institute now offers aquatic therapy at GreatLife Woodlake Athletic Club, 4600 Tennis Lane in Sioux Falls.

Aquatic therapy allows patients who are unable to fully weight bear to ambulate sooner because they are more buoyant, Brad says.

The treatment minimizes swelling, improves range of motion, gently builds strength and decreases the impact on joints.  It can be used independently, where a patient is gradually transitioned to land-based therapy, or in combination with a ground-based program.

Benefits of aquatic therapy:

  • Reduce pain
  • Minimize swelling
  • Improve range of motion
  • Gently build strength and muscle tone
  • Reduce fall risk
  • Improve circulation
  • Decrease impact on joints

Orthopedic Institute’s licensed physical therapists provide one-on-one sessions for patients in Woodlake’s therapy pool, which ranges from 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit and features a wheelchair lift.  The pool depth ranges from 3.5-6 feet.

The Woodlake facility also caters to privacy.  “Patients can go from the locker room to the pool and back to the locker room without having to walk around the facility.  This unique setup really takes away the intimidation factor,” he says.

We have been building this program for more than a year,” says Brad, who adds that standardized therapy protocols will be closely followed.  “This is great for the community and something that people are really going to benefit from.”

Insurance does provide reimbursement for aquatic therapy and OI accepts outside referrals, he says.

“Whether someone is a surgical or nonsurgical patient, our ultimate goal at Orthopedic Institute is to get them back to an active, healthy lifestyle,” Brad says.  “Water therapy is a great median for that.”

For more information on aquatic therapy, call 605-977-6845.

Common Foot Problems: Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. This chronic problem is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament-like structure that passes from the heel to the forefoot. The inflammation is caused by the fascia partially tearing or pulling away from the heel. A bony spur may also develop where the fascia and heel bone meet.

Self-care includes over the counter arch supports or heel pads, exercises, massage and heat or ice.

Doctor’s care may involve anti-inflammatory medications, custom-made orthotic supports or heel cups, night splints, physical therapy, and, if necessary, a cortisone injection. Complete recovery may take months.

Surgery can be performed to release the fascia in severe cases. It can be done traditionally (open surgery) or endoscopically (using a telescope-like instrument and small incisions).

If your foot flattens too much, the plantar fascia may overstretch and become inflamed.

If your foot doesn’t flatten, the plantar fascia may be pulled too tight, eventually causing pain.

What Orthopedic Institute offers with pedorthic care:

  • Custom Orthotics
  • Running/Walking Analysis
  • Shoe Recommendations
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  • Amputee Foot/Toe Filler
  • Custom Bracing/ AFO
  • Shoe Modifications
  • External/Internal Heel Lifts

Dr. Watson specializes in foot and ankle medicine, and also general orthopedics.  He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at GIKK in Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Reid Herrboldt, MS, ATC, CPED

Our pedorthist, Reid Herrboldt, has many years of field experience and specializes in diabetic care, athletics, and pediatric care for orthotics and bracing.

To make an appointment to see one of our specialists please call 605.331.5890 or 888.331.5890 E-mail: contactus@ortho-i.com

Common Foot Problems: Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Over time, problems with the way you walk or stand can cause painful changes in ligaments and other tissues. The heel and ankle bones can be affected too. Heel pain also can result from an injury or a health problem, such as arthritis, that affects the entire body.

Self-care includes warm soaks and rest. Wear shoes that support your arches and have cushioned insoles. Stretching exercises and massage may also help.

Doctor’s care may involve oral medication to reduce inflammation, and stretching exercises. To relieve pressure, you may be given a special pad to wear in the heel of your shoe, or a removable heel cup or other orthotic support. If these methods don’t work, you may be given a cortisone injection.

Surgery is not common.

What Orthopedic Institute offers with pedorthic care:

  • Custom Orthotics
  • Running/Walking Analysis
  • Shoe Recommendations
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  • Amputee Foot/Toe Filler
  • Custom Bracing/ AFO
  • Shoe Modifications
  • External/Internal Heel Lifts

Dr. Watson specializes in foot and ankle medicine, and also general orthopedics. He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at GIKK in Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Reid Herrboldt, MS, ATC, CPED

Our pedorthist, Reid Herrboldt, has many years of field experience and specializes in diabetic care, athletics, and pediatric care for orthotics and bracing.

To make an appointment to see one of our specialists please call 605.331.5890 or 888.331.5890 E-mail: contactus@ortho-i.com

Common Foot Problems: Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus at base of right big toe

Hallux rigidus is characterized by loss of motion, pain, redness, and swelling at the base of the big toe. It’s a chronic condition caused by arthritis, often brought on by an old injury.

Doctor’s care may include using pads and an oral medication to relieve the inflammation, or cortisone may be injected directly into the joint.

Surgery is performed in severe cases. Bony spurs and part of the joint at the base of the big toe may be removed. Sometimes the joint is fused, rebuilt, or replaced.

What Orthopedic Institute offers with pedorthic care:

  • Custom Orthotics
  • Running/Walking Analysis
  • Shoe Recommendations
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  • Amputee Foot/Toe Filler
  • Custom Bracing/ AFO
  • Shoe Modifications
  • External/Internal Heel Lifts

Dr. Watson specializes in foot and ankle medicine, and also general orthopedics. He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at GIKK in Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Reid Herrboldt, MS, ATC, CPED

Our pedorthist, Reid Herrboldt, has many years of field experience and specializes in diabetic care, athletics, and pediatric care for orthotics and bracing.

To make an appointment to see one of our specialists please call 605.331.5890 or 888.331.5890 E-mail: contactus@ortho-i.com

Common Foot Problems: Bunions/Bunionette

Bunion X-ray

A bunion is an unsightly bump at the base of the big toe. Because bunions don’t fit most shoes, the skin in the area can become irritated and swollen.  Bunions, hammer toes, and metatarsalgia often appear together. Although bunions tend to be hereditary, wearing shoes with too narrow a forefoot or too high a heel can bring bunions on years sooner. Sometimes bunions develop with arthritis.

Self-care begins with wearing shoes that have a low heel and don’t cramp your bunion. You may be able to have shoes stretched to fit a bunion.  If your symptoms don’t improve, see a foot specialist.

Doctor’s care may start with recommendations about specific changes to your regular shoes, such as wearing shoes with a wider forefoot or using devices such as pads. If these measures fail, you might consider surgery.

Surgery involves realigning the big toe. Part of the first metatarsal bone may be removed or reconstructed. A wire may hold the new alignment. You may have a walking boot or surgical shoe.

Bunionette

Bunionette is like a bunion, but occurs at the base of the little toe. Treatment may include wearing shoes with a wider fore-foot.

Surgery involves the removal of the bony prominence.

What Orthopedic Institute offers with pedorthic care:

  • Custom Orthotics
  • Running/Walking Analysis
  • Shoe Recommendations
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  • Amputee Foot/Toe Filler
  • Custom Bracing/ AFO
  • Shoe Modifications
  • External/Internal Heel Lifts

Dr. Watson specializes in foot and ankle medicine, and also general orthopedics.  He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at GIKK in Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Reid Herrboldt, MS, ATC, CPED

Our pedorthist, Reid Herrboldt, has many years of field experience and specializes in diabetic care, athletics, and pediatric care for orthotics and bracing.

To make an appointment to see one of our specialists please call 605.331.5890 or 888.331.5890 E-mail: contactus@ortho-i.com