Jodi Schneider has been a certified fitter at KHS for 16 years. She works with clients at our West Allis location as well as fitting off-site for clients who are unable to come in to the store. Here she discusses her professional work and the benefits of compression hosiery.

BLOG: What exactly is a fitter and what do you do?

SCHNEIDER: A fitter is someone who has been professionally trained to fit you with the proper brace, support, breast form, compression garment or other medical-type garment prescribed by your physician. In the case of orthopedic bracing, I make sure prefabricated or custom orthotic devices are properly fit and adjusted for your needs since each person is unique. I work closely with your doctor or therapist, to address your specific needs. The goal is to aid you in your daily living; we want the brace or garment you wear to enhance your lifestyle in the most comfortable way possible.

BLOG: How does one become a fitter?

SCHNEIDER: I would say, first and foremost, you must be someone who likes working with people and is a good listener. Professionally, after extensive training, we must pass an exam for our certification and from then on, annually pursue continuing education credits. Also, my LPN background helps me evaluate and understand the specific diseases and helps me define how best to help the patient.

BLOG: What are the benefits of compression hosiery?

SCHNEIDER: Wearing compression hosiery can make a world of difference. There are lots of benefits depending on the patient’s condition. For someone with tired, aching legs or mild to moderate edema, they will feel more energized and comfortable while preventing disfiguring and uncomfortable fluid build-up. For someone with venous or lymphatic disorders, the compression helps treat and/or stop the progression of the disorder, thereby avoiding serious complications like infections, clots and ulcers.

BLOG: Sometimes compression hosiery is hard to get on, isn’t it?

SCHNEIDER: Well, because it is designed to provide graduated pressure with the strongest amount of pressure in the foot and ankle area, it can seem tight. We always demonstrate the proper on and off techniques during the fitting process. We suggest using rubber gloves to help with the donning but we also sell four kinds of sock donners which make the process much easier. Most people, with proper instruction, can don their socks without a problem.

BLOG: Tell us about KHS’ Semi-Annual Hosiery Sale.

SCHNEIDER: This year the sale runs February 20-24, 2012 and is a good time to order more of your stockings, especially since 25% off is the biggest discount we offer. All kinds of products are on sale in addition to compression hosiery and arm sleeves including: anti-bacterial socks, athletic socks, diabetic and sensitive feet socks, even fashion support stockings and pantyhose.

BLOG: Do you need to make an appointment to get measured or fit?

SCHNEIDER: Appointments are not necessary, but are encouraged. If you come without an appointment you will be taken care of! If you have insurance, it’s easiest to call in advance so that your benefits can be verified before you come in—that cuts down on your time here.

Wisconsin’s Fourth District Representative Gwen Moore braved Milwaukee’s winter weather to visit us at KHS Friday afternoon, January 20^th. Accompanied by her constituent liaison, Congresswoman Moore toured our facility and learned first hand the value of complex rehab technology and the difference it can make in the lives of those needing it.

Congresswoman Moore in KHS Showroom

Along with providing durable medical equipment and service, orthopedic products, women’s health products, compression therapy and home modifications, KHS provides rehab wheelchairs fabricated for the specific needs of each patient. Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) clients usually qualify for Medicare based on their disability and not their age.

KHS, with approximately one-third of our 65 employees living in the congresswoman’s district, presented the case for making the specialized equipment used for complex rehab part of a separate benefit category within Medicare.

Securing a separate benefit category for CRT would, “appropriately distinguish and address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who require these complex rehab technology products and services,” according to a position paper on the subject. For the past 40 years the Medicare billing codes have remained the same while the technology has advanced.

The congresswoman asked a lot of probing questions and was interested in the latest technology in seating and positioning. She tried out a complex rehab chair and was able to experience how an appropriate “tipping” mechanism would benefit blood flow and pressure relief for someone who uses a wheelchair 14 hours a day. She also saw a custom back, seating and headrest system created from a computer model of the patient’s unique spinal curvature.

Rehab Technician Perry Kohorn Explains CRT to Rep. Moore

Congresswoman Moore was a gracious guest who left convinced of the difference between the standard durable medical equipment –  a common wheelchair – and the CRT equipment – products and services needing an interdisciplinary team of professional to fit, size and modify the equipment to a particular patient’s needs.

We wish the congresswoman the best as she takes this new knowledge to the halls of Congress and spreads the word among her colleagues: a bill that would provide a separate benefit category for CRT is worthy of their support!

Congresswoman Moore Learning the Value of a Tilt-in-Space

(For more information on the separate benefit category, visit ncart.us)

Recently KHS sold special in-house-created cookbooks and raffle tickets to raise nearly $1000 for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM) and the Hunger Task Force.

The brunch-type-foods cookbooks were developed by CEO Cindy Ciardo and divide recipes into two categories: egg-based dishes and baked french toast dishes.

The MRM provides a comprehensive approach to helping Milwaukee’s poor and homeless with programs that help heal the body, mind and soul. Founded in 1893 by a group of local Christian businessmen and community leaders, MRM offers support and education to the community through its various facilities.

Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force operates from the belief that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. They have been a consistent voice for the hungry, promoting socially sound policies that could end hunger in our community. A group of parents worried about children going to school hungry founded the organization in 1974.

As you reach out to support others in the community, know that the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and Hunger Task Force appreciate your generosity.