The staff of Dr. Shirzad, a Spokane, Wa orthopedist placed an order for custom foot orthotics from…read moreThompson's Custom Orthotics. NW Orthopedic has worked with Thompson's previously. Both Dr. Shirzad AND a sports medicine doctor at Providence Holy Family agreed I should NOT wear the new custom insoles after learning of the pain wearing them caused.
The professional (Richard Allen) at Thompson's, accustomed to and proficient-in addressing and improving a range of challenging physical conditions, has a keen personal understanding of physical challenge.
I learned this as we spoke of harvesting game in our rural area. He explained that though eligible to hunt from his vehicle, he asks more of himself; testing his mettle and stamina. He's worthy respect. He has mine.
My case, with hammer toes gripping the world out in front of me, an as-yet undiagnosed neuropathy with a rather impressive array of pain, is, admittedly not so easy to resolve. But I'm small potatoes (my estimation of severity) compared to what Richard commonly addresses. Given his skill, I'm glad he's in the area.
Initially, after an interview to explain my symptoms, Richard used a press (vs put weight-on) foot scanning device, then decided on a course. For 220. paid up front and the same amount in two weeks, I'd be on a better road.
Two weeks later I was fitted and settled the account. The insoles felt very strange but trusting in the process I went on my way.
The prescribed break-in was abided-by and I eased into more frequent use. Within a week, aching told me all I needed to know. I backed off use and phoned for an appointment at Thompson's. The Hayden office was the first available slot and knowing my level of discomfort they got me in w/i two weeks (-/+).
In Hayden Richard suggested I stop using the insoles and get in to see the orthopedist (Shirzad) who some weeks later agreed I'd best stop use. In the interim I saw a sports medicine specialist at Holy Family who concurred.. suggesting OTC Super Feet or Soles insoles.
Given the consensus I phoned Thompson's.
Perhaps I might have gone the route of offered reshaping/tune-ups and hours on the road to result in a $440. tattered version of a $40 Sole or Super Feet insole. In-so-doing it might, in office hours and Thompson professional's time, have well-exceeded the financial compromise (refund) sought.
But today, hearing the door to compromise quietly shut, I calculated the value of continuing on w/Thompson's and left after no more than 10 minutes.
Time is precious. I'd already spent $90 to commute 625 miles taking 14.5 hours on the road by 9:00 am today. This for the sum of an hour and a half (+/-), a subcontractor's production of the insoles and Thompson office *paperwork.
*The orthotic contract was a pages-long opportunity to practice my signature.
The gentlemanly Richard explained that Thompson's could offer no portion of the $440. custom foot orthotics for a refund; likening the situation to a prescription that I may have been allergic-to. It's a good analogy, granted. It came quickly to him; perhaps having had a test drive beforehand.
I suggested to Richard that Thompson's could sum up what had been spent to manufacture and the cost of his time & overhead and refund the balance.
It wasn't to be. He handled my letdown well.
He said he'd be willing to reshape the insoles, to grind down some of what was perhaps too aggressive. I declined.
I'd put myself in Richard's hands, trusting that his confidence would craft a device to improve mobility. It did the opposite. Thompson was served over the patient, concluding in disregarding me.
Richard abided Thompson's policy. There would be no refund.
My review is just to say that some kind of middle-ground might have been fairly negotiated that addressed the difference between the actual expense to Thompson's and what I spent. I think I would have felt satisfied to be refunded 25%.
But the loss of such a sum for something I cannot use, something that actually makes matters worse is vexing. Continuing would mean weeks of appointments, each a 150+ mile round trip.
So what prompts this novel length review is twofold.
1). Looking out for others who are older, and (pun-intended) also not well-heeled.
In fairness; I think in more pliable youth, introducing an aggressive orthotic may be better-weathered. But in a someone age seventy, it has potential to be a problem.
2). What I'd hope of a local Inland Empire community business. Is it even possible today?
Rigid one-size-fits-all practicalities of serving an increasingly population can obscure the policy effect; leaving the public ostensibly served but at times done a disservice. Here, under a banner of policy & expediency, the dismissal seems cold.
I'm disappointed in the decline of what was common fair-play during my life.
So for those hoping to be relieved-of pain, if it doesn't go well at Thompson's, the only thing you'll be relieved-of is money.
