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Our Facility

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABC)
Not a membership organization, ABC is the professional credentialing arm of the field of orthotics and prosthetics. Based on a series of stringent standards which are constantly upgraded, ABC accredits facilities and administers practitioner exams in order to insure quality care and devices.  Areas considered in the accreditation process are administrative proficiency, professional staff qualifications, patient care excellence, superior quality control procedures, and facility and staff management.

American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP)
Known informally as The Academy, this is the professional organization for practitioners accredited by the ABC. Its purpose is to further research and development of orthopedic techniques and devices, and to share the knowledge and accomplishments of orthotists and prosthetists with others in the rehabilitation field.

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
Specializing in administrative and advocacy issues, AOPA is the trade association representing O&P facilities and manufacturers. Areas affecting the orthotic and prosthetic profession, such as governmental regulations, reimbursement, and insurance practices, are a major focus.

Meet Our Staff

Practitioner staff
Ronald W. Pawlowski, CPO:  Ron, president of Calumet, graduated from the prosthetics program at Northwestern University and Southeast Junior College in Illinois in 1968. He spent the next two years in Vietnam, setting up a prosthetics lab in a military evacuation hospital and earning a Bronze Star during his tour of duty.

Upon his return, he continued his education while working in the family O&P business. He achieved his ABC certification in prosthetics in 1972, and his orthotic certification the following year.

On numerous occasions, Ron has been called upon to be an examiner for the National O&P Certification Examination administered by the ABC.  He has also served as an officer for the Indiana Chapter of Orthotics & Prosthetics.

An active professional, he continues to share his expertise with rehabilitation professionals in the community, updating them regarding new technology and advancements in orthotic and prosthetic development.  Ron is a member of the AAOP and is certified by the ABC.  He is also a member of several societies sponsored by AAOP including Spinal, Lower Limb Orthotics, Lower Limb Prosthetics, and Upper Limb Prosthetics.

Marion "Mickey" Ozretich, Prosthetist/Orthotist:  Trained in every aspect of O&P, Mickey has been a vital part of Calumet since 1962. As a staff prosthetist/orthotist, Mickey is the general lab manager and is responsible for the overall effective coordination of operation and delivery of services, as well as for maintaining appropriate inventory control and ordering O&P components.  Mickey’s master craftsmanship, along with his communication and technical skills, qualifies him as an integral part of our organization.

Patricia L. Metcalf, ART, Orthotist, and Certified Mastectomy Fitter:  A 1987 graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine with an associate degree in medical records technology and in general studies, Patty assists women in A Fitting Image, our postmastectomy boutique. With Patty's training through Northwestern University's orthotics program, she has the expertise to evaluate, fit, and special-order orthotic devices and therapeutic footwear. She has also completed training in mastectomy fitting from Camp International, Amoena, Active, Inc., Jodee, and Silima, among the nation’s foremost breast prosthesis manufacturers.  A member of AAOP, she is involved in several local community organizations.

Administrative
Micki Pawlowski:  An accomplished advocate for the O&P field in her own right, Micki manages the administrative, marketing, and patient relations aspects of Calumet. She was recently honored by AOPA for her efforts to inform legislators about insurance fraud and the necessity for educational standards among O&P practitioners. Married to Ron since 1970, Micki is also involved with many community organizations on Calumet's behalf.

Geoff Pawlowski:  Geoff is a graduate of Purdue University and serves as the business manager for Calumet; he has worked there since 1997.  He received his degree in organizational leadership and supervision, with an emphasis in marketing.  During his student years, Geoff worked at Calumet as an assistant fabrications technician under the supervision of Calumet’s certified practitioners.  He represents the third generation of the Pawlowski family active in the rehabilitation practice started by his grandfather over 50 years ago.

Kim Foerg:  Kim serves as Calumet’s receptionist and is responsible for scheduling appointments, patient registration, records keeping, and other office tasks.  A resident of Westville, she has worked at Calumet since 2002.  Kim brings many years of administrative expertise to the office, which she acquired while working at The Woman’s Wellness Center and MHC Occupational Medicine, both located in Merrillville.  She is active in several Catholic-affiliated youth programs and has three children with her husband, Jeff.

Patient Visits

A physician’s prescription is necessary for all care provided by Calumet.  Subsequent repairs, alterations, or replacement will require both an additional prescription and authorization.  If there is a question about proper medical documentation, we can advise patients or assist in obtaining a treatment prescription.

In addition to office appointments, our skilled practitioners visit acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, and nursing home facilities. However, some procedures can only be performed in our laboratory, requiring that patients bring in an orthosis or prosthesis for attention.

Patients who are unable to come to Calumet for treatment may make arrangements for a home visit by calling us. Our goal is to help homebound patients complete an orthopedic rehabilitation program that will restore as much independence and function to their daily lives as is possible. Whether the need is for orthotic or prosthetic management, our practitioners are dedicated to providing service when and where it is necessary.  Please contact our office for further details on care for homebound patients.

Hours & Appointments

Patients are seen at our office by appointment. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special appointments may be made outside normal hours. Patients unable to keep an appointment should notify our office at least 24 hours in advance.

Billing Procedures

Payment policies and plans are generally discussed during the patient's initial visit. We are an approved provider for Medicare, Medicaid, Anthem, and most other forms of insurance.  Payment for services not covered by insurance is arranged during the first visit.

We will assist our patients in processing forms when necessary. Specific financial arrangements can always be made in cases that require special attention. There is no charge for an initial consultation. And for our patients' convenience, we accept Visa and Mastercard.