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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily
January 02, 2007 #2,779 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2007- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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Innovative Athletic Shoes with Stretch
Your patients will love Orthofeet's innovative athletic shoes, which are designed from the inside out to provide unsurpassed comfort and protection: Non binding upper design along with elastic elements improve fit, and ease pressure on swollen feet and bunions. Unique seam-free lining, padded with extra foam, enhances comfort and provides excellent protection. Anatomical last with double depth design offers relaxed fit and ample room for thick orthotics. Four widths including Women's Extra-Extra-Wide and Men's Narrow. Competitive prices: Shoes: $52; Prefab inserts: $8.95; Custom inserts: $22.Special Offer: $200 for Orthofeet Compact Display with 21 sample shoes (can be also used as a fitting set). Call 800-524-2845 or visit www.orthofeet.com/sport.htm and see for yourself why so many podiatrists and patients alike prefer Orthofeet!
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
New Year’s Resolutions Can Result in Foot Injuries: FL Podiatrist
As people ring in the new year, many will make resolutions to get in better shape, but they need to learn to listen to the bodies they are aiming to improve.
For Dr. Brian Rell, a podiatrist and surgeon at the Center for Foot and Ankle Disorders, the month of February is often a busy one. People who have been sedentary for prolonged periods of time and then decide to jump into a vigorous exercise program as part of their new year's resolution may start to feel aches and pains. One of the most common area affected by the stress is the feet.
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Dr. Brian Rell |
Stretching and proper shoes are important for everyone, no matter the age. Rell sees quite a few young patients in his office for reasons ranging from failing to stretch to wearing improper shoes to trying to work through an injury. Metatarsal stress fractures are common injuries, especially for those who decide to jump feet first into a running regimen. "They do too much too soon," Rell said.
Source: Melissa Followell, Bradenton Herald [12/30/06]
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Dia-Foot Says Get Ready for 2007!!
Dia-foot for 2007 has added new shoes from New Balance, Dunham, Rockport and Orthofeet. In January Dia-Foot will feature a new catalog revealing all the new products or view them at www.dia-foot.com
In addition to the above line Dia-Foot also carries Soft Spots, Hush Puppies, Aetrex and Apex. Every Diabetic shoe and Diabetic Insert Dia-Foot sells carries an attached SADMERC letter. This letter can be faxed to your office upon request. Our shoe orders start at $80 and come complete with 3 pairs of Pre-Fab Inserts and free shipping. Custom Insert orders start at just $126. Now through December 31st you can remove that silk tree from the corner of your waiting room and add an Orthofeet Display Rack, 21 Orthofeet sample fitting shoes, New Balance 811,816 and 843 sample, Dunham Boat shoe sample and a Hush Puppy sample for just $249 + shipping. This deal is while supplies last!
Contact Dia-Foot at 877-405-3668 or visit us at www.dia-foot.com
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E-HEALTH NEWS |
Congress Sends Health IT Back to Drawing Board
Capitol Hill's leading health information technology legislation for 2006 died a slow death, but lawmakers are hoping for a reincarnation of sorts in 2007.
Congress was unable to come to an agreement on the health IT issue before adjourning in December, despite spending about five months trying to bridge the gap between two significantly different Senate and House bills. The Wired for Health Care Quality Act passed the Senate in November 2005, and the Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2006 passed the House last July.
In the end, disagreements were too pronounced between House and Senate leaders over setting safe harbors for health IT donations to doctors, providing grants to technology adopters, and updating diagnostic code sets used by hospitals and physicians. This year, lawmakers will go back to the drawing board and craft new legislation rather than reintroduce the same bills that ground to a halt in negotiations between the houses, congressional aides and lobbyists said.
Source: David Glendinning, AMNews [1/1/07]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
Codingline-NYSPMA "Strictly Coding*" Seminar
Seminar Sponsor: ICS Software (The Sammy Systems)
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January 18, 2007 ("The day before the NY Clinical Conference") - Marriott Marquis
Topics: Medicare & CPT 2007 Update - DME Update - E/M Services & Documentation - Routine Foot Care - Surgical Coding - Forms in Practice - Modifiers - Audits - Practice Management Software & Websites - Q&As
Speakers: Barry Block, DPM, JD (Sponsored by Doak Dermatologics); Harry Goldsmith, DPM (Sponsored by Officite); Mark Schilansky, DPM (Sponsored by Organogenesis); and Paul Kesselman, DPM (Sponsored by Wright Medical).
Click on www.codingline.com/events-ny.htm for details and registration information.
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Plavix Side-Effect
Recently, I saw a patient in her home. I debrided her nails. Then I got a call stating that she has a bruise on her foot and the home attendant panicked and called a social worker. The daughters did not blame me for it. I went over today and saw an area of erythema there. The woman is taking Plavix and one daughter feels that is what did it, as do I. Does anyone have any experience with this side-effect?
John Spina, DPM, Brooklyn, NY
Query: Expert Review Fee I have been treating a patient who had a bad surgical result from another podiatrist years ago. He has been seeing an attorney and has had depositions from the offending podiatrist. I recently got a letter from the patient’s attorney that he wants to meet with me privately to discuss "issues that are pertinent to this lawsuit." This is not an "expert witness" request as yet. What should my fee be for such a meeting?
Gershon Goldman, DPM, Flushing, NY
Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Generally, such a fee would be based on your hourly rate, which in turn is related to how much you earn per hour and what credentials you have. Most DPM's charge between $250 - $350 per hour for expert review. A retainer of three hours should be collected in advance.
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o First of the Year Medicare Deductibles o DMERC Medicare 2007 Fee Schedule o Equal Pay for Equal Work o Two Surgeons Coding o Onychomycosis Definitive Treatment Denial
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Polypropylene Orthoses From: Paul Scherer, DPM
Kevin Kirby's photo of the high heels got me to dig out this photo. Sometimes we think our challenges with shoes in our culture are difficult but no where close to the shoe issues in other cultures.
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Polyproplylene Orthoses? |
This photo is from Northern Ethiopia. I think the man walked into a shoe store and had a computerized scan of his feel, resulting in this pair of polypropylene orthoses.
Paul Scherer, DPM, San Francisco, CA, hpoc@aol.com
RE: Orthotics For Skier with Achilles Tendinitis (Edward Orman, DPM) From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Lloyd S. Smith, DPM
Alpine skiing is about medial column support. While it is important to find STJ neutral, of more importance is where the center of knee mass is in relation to the foot. Minus genu varum or valgum, center of knee mass should be over the first interspace. So, how do you get this alignment and get an impression? Not with plaster casting and surely not with a foam box.
There are a number of "fancy" ski boot orthotic systems available to ski shops. Most are too prone to technician error and more often then not create a supinated custom insole. I have found that direct contact molding on a thermoplastic sandwich blank, with the skier standing on specially designed pillows, allows the visual examination of the center of knee mass over the foot by use of a plumb bob. Posting material is then added and ground to the appropriate alignment requirements. The orthotic is then placed into the shell to check its fit to the boot board.
Next, have the skier stand on the orthotics in the shells and visually check for upper cuff alignment. Adjust the cuff alignment, if you have the special tool, so that there is equal spacing medial and lateral. Then place the liner and orthotic into the shell. Further fit issues can be addressed with shell grinding and punching, and heel height adjustments. Keep in mind that the hinge point of the ankle should be aligned with the hinge point of the boot. You don't want off-set hinges.
There is a pronounced heel cup in the boot that can irritate the Achilles. Grinding the shell and off loading padding can help --- after the foot is stabilized on an orthotic. In fact, all boot fitting should be done after the orthotic is made.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Hoffman Estates, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com
Having skied more than 50 days a years for many years, I can appreciate all the comments regarding ski orthotics. Making things quite simple, I played around with a personal pair of Rohadur orthotics for several days to get my skis flat, my turns round and my balance perfect.
The old remedy that worked perfectly was a roll of duct tape. I added strips of duct tape in successive runs to each orthotic until I felt comfortable and balanced. I did this on different days to allow for different snow conditions. I found the most consistent way to get the best posting was to do this on days when the snow was firm and fast since this allowed for an accurate feel of a smooth surface.
After several days, and without trying to be too esoteric, I found my ideal posting. I then replaced the duct tape with Korex posting and I was done. I used those orthotics for years and they never failed me. I have used the same strategy for my patients when they are willing to play around and find their ideal balance points.
Simple? You bet. It works!!!
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 15 CPME-Approved CME credits Online for only $139(Less than $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm Choose any or all of over 20 CME articles posted You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA
Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Central California multi-location practice looking for PSR-36 associate leading to partnership. PSR-36 trained podiatrist with great opportunity for reconstructive surgical practice. Practice has Medicare-approved surgery center. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent salary and incentive. Respond to: westsidefoot@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR SOUTH MIAMI AREA
Large group, busy, multi-office, partner potential. Motivated applicants only. Mail resumes and letters of intent to 999 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. July start time OK, sooner preferable. E-mail lianadpm2@aol.com. I can also be reached at 305-331-4501.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CINCINNATI, OHIO
One of the largest podiatry practices in the United States is again in need of a PSR 24-36 Associate. All present doctors are in their thirties with similar training. Everyone is treated equally and there is definitely no limit to your success. Please submit resume or contact Karen Roesch via email or phone. Kroesch4poh@aol.com (513) 729-4455
ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO
Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901
ASSOCIATE POSITION--PHOENIX SUBURB
Attractive opportunity for enthusiastic, proficient, and personable associate. Well-established modern practice with multiple newer spacious offices, technology and equipment. Solid referral base, close to hospitals, knowledgeable certified staff. 22% MCR. Practice and surgical center partnership potential opportunity. Prefer 24-36+ PSR. Send CV: AZpodassociate@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES/SOUTH BAY AREA
Multi-office, multi-doctor, well-established practice near the beach cities. Seeking a board eligible/certified PSR-24 or PSR-36 trained foot and ankle surgeon. Well-rounded practice requiring knowledge in biomechanics, pediatrics, sports medicine, diabetic wound care, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Full-time position available immediately with generous compensation and benefits, including malpractice, and health insurance. Two-year commitment required with partnership opportunity. Send CV to akemfoot@sbcglobal.net or fax to (310) 838-0227.
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 9,000 DPM's and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 9,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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