The Associate™ from Foot Levelers Inc, Roanoke, Va, was a breakthrough in digital scanning technology when it was introduced in 2003. Now, Foot Levelers is introducing the next level in digital scanning: The Associate™ Platinum.

Foot Levelers has upgraded and updated its digital scanner. The scanning and ordering process has been made even faster and easier. The Associate Platinum's high-tech design does the work for you when it comes to scanning patients and recommending Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, increasing the level of patient education and acceptance. It gives your patients visual proof of their need for stabilizers.

Complete Evaluation

With the flexibility to choose a package that best suits their practices, DCs can offer patients a complete postural evaluation with the PostureCheck 3-D analysis system or simply use the scanner alone. The Basic Package comes with a compact digital scanner unit and a ready-to-use laptop upgraded with the latest software. The Associate Platinum brings 21st-century technology with features that provide:

• upgraded software that's easily navigated and makes specific stabilizer recommendations based on each patient's individual needs;
• a comprehensive report of findings;
• faster turnaround—The Associate sends your order instantly over the Internet to Foot Levelers' laboratory, eliminating the need to mail in casting kits;
• a quick scanning process so you can incorporate it into each patient's exam;
• a product guarantee—DCs can try the Associate Platinum risk-free with a 12-month warranty;
• storage of patient information—The product holds patient scans and ordering information for 24 months, so reordering is easier;
• customer support—Foot Levelers' customer service team will walk DCs through setup and operation, and will provide marketing tips.

The new scanner weighs only about 17 pounds and has an easy-to-carry handle, making it conveniently portable for on-the-go screenings. The design allows DCs to dedicate a space for it in the office and then pack it up and take it on the road.

The Associate Platinum automatically recommends stabilizers based on each patient's information, such as shoe type, activity level, height, and weight. The Associate Platinum provides improved explanations of the products. After analyzing your patients' information, it generates specific stabilizer recommendations that would work best with their conditions.

The Associate Platinum offers a simpler, more streamlined ordering process. DCs can customize their pricing into the system, so patients will see only the prices that the DC has set up for the stabilizers. It also allows the option of sending batch orders—so DCs can send in each order as they go, or wait until the end of the day and send in all of them at the same time. And to minimize paperwork and make your billing more efficient, The Associate Platinum offers the ability to customize your patient invoices. DCs can modify each patient invoice to include other services they have provided (such as adjustments or other products). The Associate Platinum reduces the amount of paperwork, so billing will be less complex for staff and patients.

Show and Tell

Instead of telling your patients about their postural imbalances, you can show them. Your patients have probably never seen their own foot scan, so they will not know what their feet are supposed to look like. Patients can easily see areas of asymmetry when they compare colorized versions of their foot scan with a balanced, symmetrical scan. Once patients have seen their foot scans, they are more likely to understand how custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers could help them.

The Associate Platinum Basic Package includes a lightweight, portable digital scanner and a laptop computer.

The Associate Platinum gives your patients visual proof of their imbalances. It's more than just a few pictures of their foot scan; there are clear explanations to help your patients understand the connection between their feet and their postural imbalances. The digital scanning system also generates a comprehensive report of findings written in language that patients can understand.

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. That's why Foot Levelers developed a report of findings that serves two purposes. The report is good for increasing patient acceptance and for insurance companies. It's an effective way to explain patients' postural imbalances and why the patients' stabilizers should be covered by insurance. The Associate Platinum's software provides the latest insurance codes to make sure that you the get the maximum reimbursement.

Accuracy

Research has proven that the weight-bearing scanning method is the most reliable, accurate, and effective process for providing patients with optimal stabilizer fit and support. The Associate Platinum uses this method to ensure that your patients get the correct amount of support they need. The digital scan is sent to Foot Levelers, where its lab technicians take 16 precise measurements from the image to create a pair of stabilizers that are an exact fit for the patient. Foot Levelers has used the weight-bearing method since its formation nearly 55 years ago.

The colorized image produced from the digital scan shows the weight distribution on both of the patient's feet. The Associate Platinum's report of findings also generates possible conditions that could account for your patients' postural imbalances, based on the symptoms they presented.

To see how orthotics can help you grow your practice, go to the Biomechanics section of our Buyers Guide.

The Associate Platinum simplifies the scanning and ordering process. The digital scanner eliminates the need to mail in casting kits, saving time and getting a DC's order in faster. Patients' orders are sent instantly over the Internet to Foot Levelers' laboratory, cutting turnaround time in half. DCs no longer have to wait for another casting kit to arrive before submitting another order.

The digital scanner enables DCs to incorporate a foot scan into every patient's regular exam. In fact, with the Quick Scan option, DCs can scan a patient in less than 2 minutes.

Product Guarantee

DCs can try The Associate Platinum in their practice, risk-free for 1 year. If the DC does not feel The Associate Platinum is helping the practice after 12 months, he or she can return it for a full refund.

Mark Mandell, DC, is director of business development for Foot Levelers, Roanoke, Va. Contact him at .