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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,848 Podiatrists Daily
January 16, 2015 #5,271  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How many hospitals do you have admitting privileges at? |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1 | |
FL Podiatry Group Wins Award for Highest Audit Compliance Score
Access Health Care, LLC’s Compliance Department recently announced the regulatory audit results for the final quarter of 2014. The award for the specialist office with the highest score was given to the practice of Drs. Jude F. Pierreand and Nadja Pierre, podiatrists.
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Judy Hackett, Irene Nystrom, Brent Squires, LPED, Dr. Nadja Pierre, Edline Derival, and Maynard the HIPAA hippo. |
Each quarter, the Compliance Department audits each office in the company. The Compliance Department looks to ensure that all offices are following all federal and state regulatory guidelines for as OSHA, HIPAA, fraud, waste, abuse, office cleanliness, infection control, radiation policies, and pain management. The primary care and specialist office with the highest score for the quarter are each awarded a trophy, which they may display in the winning offices for that quarter. The trophy then moves on to the next winner of the following quarter.
Source: Tampa Bay Newswire [1/14/15]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
PA Podiatrist's Venison Recipe Wins Cooking Contest
Dr. John Tolli has combined his Italian heritage and love of hunting into a dish that’s sure to satisfy during the cold winter months. It’s his Venison Cacciatore, the featured entry for this week’s Local Flavor: Recipes We Love contest. Dr. Tolli received a $100 gift certificate from Ray’s ShurSave Supermarkets.
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Dr. John Tolli (Photo: Butch Comegys) |
A resident of Scranton’s Hill Section and a podiatry resident at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Tolli grew up eating plenty of good Italian meals in Westchester County, New York. “I always cooked with my mom and my grandma,” he said. Hunting was also a big part of his upbringing. A couple of years ago, after bagging a deer, he decided to convert his Chicken Cacciatore recipe into a venison version. “I figured I’d try the venison, because it’s not as fatty,” said Dr. Tolli, who developed the cacciatore recipe as a “conglomeration” of family, cooking show, and his own influences.
Source: Josh McAuliffe, Scranton Times-Tribune [1/14/15]
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| PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER | |
Alleged Malpractice - NY
Facts: Adult female Lois Kelley reportedly developed an infection, cellulitis, avascular necrosis, and osteomyelitis of her right first toe, after she underwent surgery for bilateral bunions performed by defendant podiatrist.
The plaintiff claimed the defendant violated the standard of care by failing to adequately care for and timely treat plaintiff; failing to properly diagnose her condition; failing to perform proper and indicated procedures and...
Editor's note: The complete PM Jury Verdict Reporter can be read here.
Result: Defendant's verdict ($0)
Defendant's expert witness: Paul Greenberg, DPM, NY, NY
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| DIABETES UPDATE | |
Older Diabetics Face Overtreatment Risks
Many older adults with diabetes may be overtreated for their disease, potentially leaving them more susceptible to more serious health threats as a result of adverse effects from medication, a new study warns. Many adults reach a hemoglobin A1C level of below 7%, including among adults ages 65 and older who are relatively healthy, according to the American Diabetes Association.
But more than half of adults ages 65 and older with diabetes registered a hemoglobin A1C level of less than 7% regardless of their health status, according to a study published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine. In those with intermediate to poor health, such tight control of blood sugar raised the possibility of developing hypoglycemia, increasing their risk for hospitalization due to adverse drug events.
Source: Steven Ross Johnson, Modern Healthcare [1/12/15]
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| FOOTWEAR-RELATED RESEARCH | |
Killer Heels Could Lead to Osteoarthritis in Knees: Study
Stanford University scientists have found that every time a woman puts on a pair of stilettoes, she is putting dangerous levels of strain on her joints. Most women would agree that tottering along in a pair of killer heels can result in sore feet, painful ankles, and a bad back. But a new study suggests that wearing high-heels of at least three-and-a-half inches also prematurely ages knee joints and could lead to osteoarthritis. For women who are overweight, the damage is even worse.
In the latest study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, scientists recruited 14 healthy women and scanned their knees as they walked wearing different types of shoes. The results showed the higher the heels, the more likely it was the knees were bent when shoes made contact with the ground - increasing the strain on the knee joint.
Source: Sarah Knapton, Bloomberg News [1/14/15]
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| HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION | |
Bill Looks to Boost Medicare Reimbursement for Telehealth
A key House committee has come up with a draft bill calling for Medicare to pay providers the same rates for telehealth services as for comparable in-person visits—as long as it doesn't raise overall costs. The lawmakers working on the bill intend to roll it into a broad package of legislation dubbed 21st Century Cures emerging out of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
The bill would require the CMS to come up with a methodology within four years for reimbursing both hospital and physician telehealth “to the same extent and amount” as comparable in-person services. The bill specifically asks the agency to consider telehealth services that meet unmet service needs, substitute for an in-person visit, reduce re-admissions, or allow patients to be treated at a lower level of care, such as with home health services.
Source: Darius Tahir, Modern Healthcare [1/14/15]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Joan Oloff, DPM
I think the MRI study has given you some valuable information; however, it is not the definitive answer. For differentiating tenosynovitis from stenosing tenosynovitis, it is best to perform a tenogram. I recommend referral to a good experienced MSK radiologist. Under ultrasonic guidance, the tendon sheath is injected with a local anesthetic and contrast. Fluoroscopic examination shows the flow of contrast and, when obstructed, confirms stenosing tenosynovitis. We usually have some Decadron injected to provide therapeutic relief. The procedure itself can be therapeutic, as the fluid can open up the channel between the tendon and the sheath. The goal is to mobilize the tendon.
In this way, the study has the opportunity of providing therapeutic relief, as well as diagnostic information. While the symptoms are in the arch, the tendon pathology usually is located in the medial ankle, as the tendon changes course to go into the foot. The FHL is more commonly the culprit. The enlargement of the tendon sheath by inflammatory fluid can cause secondary neuritic symptoms, but this is not a primary nerve pathology. When the tendon is stenosed, the fluid build-up increases in the arch.
True stenosing tenosynovitis requires surgical treatment, while everyday tenosynovitis rarely does. This is an unlikely presentation of an autoimmune or collagen vascular disorder, but I would agree to order the labs.
Joan Oloff, DPM, Los Gatos, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Michael McCormick, DPM
I am treating a similar very active patient with very much the same symptoms. She develops unremitting pain after an hour or two on her feet, and by the afternoon, she describes herself as crippled. She has a bag full of orthotic devices of all sorts, which she doesn't tolerate.
The only difference between the presentations is that I can elicit some deep plantar medial pain with deep palpation, but no pain or...
Editor's note: Dr. McCormick's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1C | |
From: Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped.
To relieve her pain, try a rigid rocker sole shoe. This will stabilize and support the midfoot while reducing the demand for motion during the propulsive phase of gait. We use MBT shoes; and Finnamic as our go-to brands. There are others in the marketplace. Furthermore, almost any walking shoe can be customized to achieve this goal. Shock-attenuating plantigrade inserts should also prove effective.
Robert S. Schwartz, CPed, NY, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM QUICK POLLS) | |
From: Arden Smith, DPM
In a recent "Quick Survey", 80% of the 815 respondents performed less than 10 surgeries in a month. If the respondents who performed "0" were eliminated, it would be 60%. Only 6.6% did more than 20 surgeries a month. Would you have heart surgery, cancer surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, or ANY SURGERY from someone who did less than 10 procedures in a month on a regular basis? You would probably want someone expert in a particular procedure.
Is it time for a change in paradigm? Should fewer people be doing more surgery [with the potential to lose their board certification if the "stray" out of a defined scope and "bite the hand that feeds them"]?
Arden Smith, DPM, Great Neck NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: George Jacobson, DPM
Back in 1987, when Florida was a test ground for HMOs, two main health plans "carved out podiatry", and the Medicare patients were given the additional benefit of RFC without medical necessity. These HMO plans are what we now call "Medicare Advantage Plans", which enhance the benefits and are very popular in Florida. Patients also still get gym memberships with what they call "Silver Sneakers." These improvements to Medicare are geared at the health of our patients, not egregious reimbursement. I do a complete history and exam on the first visit. I use Dragon Medical and the macro below for follow-up visits. I'll add any new medical findings or observations.
"Patient returns the office for non-medically necessary routine foot care benefit or non-covered routine foot care. No complaint of any podiatric covered conditions were mentioned by the patient. The patients says s(he) just wants the nails trimmed and calluses removed. Patient denied any changes in health status and medications. There are similar findings as initial visit.
ASSESSMENT: Routine foot care not medically necessary. (for Medicare I'll insert non-covered.)
PLAN: Palliative care was rendered which included cutting and/or debridement of toenails and paring of any callosities. There were no problems or difficulties in rendering this care. There were no changes in the patient's previous status unless indicated by additional notation or updated on patient's intake form within their chart."
George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous CAM Walker of the Day
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How to attend formal events in style! |
Submitted by Dr. Arthur Gudeon
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MEETING NOTICES
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YOU DESERVE A WEEKEND IN NAPA!
Feb 12-15, 2015 - "Annual Wine & Nerve Meeting"
Case Lectures, Great Food & Wine Tasting in the Heart of Napa.
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $195
(Only $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE
Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2015. The Fellowship includes advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org
DIABETIC FOOT AND WOUND FELLOWSHIP – DALLAS, TX
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to: amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CORNING, GOSHEN, ALBANY, AND SYRACUSE NEW YORK
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes in Corning, Goshen, Albany, Syracuse and surrounding area. Great opportunity for full-time or part-time income. Positions available immediately! Email inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA
Atlanta and surrounding counties. Immediate opening in established, multi-location, large group practice with access to multiple ancillary services including surgery centers, vascular and others. Seeking board eligible/certified, PSR-36 trained podiatrist with experience in foot and ankle trauma, diabetic wound care and reconstruction. Must be personable, self-motivated and hard-working. Spanish speaking preferred. Georgia medical license required. Please e-mail your CV to dfell@vpcenters.com or fax to (404)446-1957.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY
Looking for an experienced, board certified/qualified podiatrist for busy practice, must be personable, energetic and highly motivated. Well rounded practice incorporating all phases of podiatry including general podiatry, surgery, wound care, orthopedics. P/T, F/T position available, excellent salary. Please email CV to: jobke@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to:scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FORT WORTH, TX
25-year-old practice is seeking a personable, hard-working, self-motivated individual looking to practice in Fort Worth Texas. Candidate must be board qualified/certified by ABFAS. Office is state-of-the-art offering EMR, digital x-ray and orthotics, ultrasound, multiple lasers. Full-service opportunity including pediatrics, DME, wound care, hospital consultation, surgery center membership opportunities, pharmacy ownership opportunity, ancillary income opportunity. In MS Word format, Please email resume/CV, photo and References to gbeededpm@sbcglobal.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOME FOOT CARE, INC.-GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
Join the fastest growing podiatric house call company on the West coast! Part/full time, we schedule around you & your area, EMR, electronic billing, payment monthly, excellent road support staff. great for new graduates, semi-retired, building own practice, or anyone looking to make extra income. email CV to:homefootcare@hotmail.com check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin. High earning potential with competitive benefits as part of a 40 year old company for the right candidates. Contact ckestner@preferredpodiatry.com for additional information.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHEASTERN PA
General and surgical podiatry practice providing comprehensive patient care with hospital privileges available. Must be surgically trained. Send letter and CV to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Full Time position for someone who is motivated, and enjoys all aspects of podiatry. Must be board qualified. Great office with wonderful staff, EHR, Digital x-ray, and much more. Salary plus bonus. Email Resume: NJfootdr722@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY-NJ-PA TRI-STATE AREA
Orange County NY, Milford PA and Sparta NJ. 60 miles north of NYC. Terrific opportunity. Practice that has strong business operations, experienced support staff, exceptional customer service, is positioned well for changing healthcare and has an excellent reputation. Great schools and fantastic areas for families. (PMSR RRA cert) required. Generous salary, incentive bonus/benefits. Partnership opportunity. Serious inquires only. Summer 2015. Please email letter of intent, CV to footfracture@gmail.com
FULL-TIME PODIATRIC SURGEON - PROVIDENCE VA
Providence VA Medical Center is seeking a full-time Foot/Ankle Surgeon (Board Certified/Board Eligible) to practice in Podiatric Surgical Section. Expected to work in an integrated health care delivery system with focus in both inpatient/outpatient. Responsibilities: working in a multidisciplinary clinic setting with large patient volumes, teaching students, resident and fellows, performing foot and ankle surgery, rotating on-call responsibility and tan active role in both academic/research programs. Benefits package includes 5 weeks vacation, up to 5% matching on 401(k) type plan, free parking, and a competitive salary scale. Up to $157,000 salary. Send resume to: Michele.Gilbault@va.gov
ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Well established high volume Podiatric Surgical practice seeking associate to join 4 doctor/2 office opportunity. Excellent salary plus incentives and great benefits. All Board Certified Fellow Podiatric Surgeons highly respected in the medical community. Prefer forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgical trained practitioners only. Please email CV and references to medical 622@aol.com. If you are seeking a position in July 2015 when you finish your residency, this is an opportunity you should investigate.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - GEORGIA
Metro Atlanta area in Powder Springs and Roswell, GA. Established practices for more than 30 yrs available for sale, together or independently. Medium-size podiatry practice looking to downsize and these two practices are immediately available. All equipment offered with purchase. Current physician and staff will assist with transition for a successful acquisition, if desired. 3 yr gross annual averages are: $645k combined, $352k Roswell, $293k Powder Springs. Both of these locations have been open part time, but are busy practices with the patient demand for growth. Leases assumable in both locations, real estate purchase opportunity in Roswell available, if desired. Serious Inquiries only. KLBouchard@aafccpc.com or 770-255-0422.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
30 year old general podiatry practice. State-of-the-art medical suite renovated 4 years ago Modern equipment, prime location, large physician referral base, full hospital privileges. No house calls, nursing homes or hospital ER call. Established patient base and unique opportunity for surgically-oriented podiatrist in the Berkshires (Western MA) Priced to sell and will transition, if desired. Additional info best achieved via conversation. Contact: dross@albany.twcbc.com or cross12@nycap.rr.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN JOSE, CA
Podiatry and Mani Pedi Spa Practice for sale. Located on the campus of Good Samaritan Hospital for 7 years with a strong Brand Name and internet presence. This mostly cash practice consists of office based Podiatry care plus Manicures, Pedicures, and Skin Care with a fully trained staff. The sale includes a modern office with four treatment rooms, patient’s lists on EMR, web site and a Pinpoint Foot Laser. This is a “turn-key” practice with15 to 20 patients coming in every day. Ready for full-time expansion. Email:schrisdpm@sbcglobal.net Website: www.NeatFeetPlus.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIGITAL X-RAY SYSTEM
ScanX12 with In-line Erase by All-pro and Tigerview software for managing/viewing x-rays. Located in MA. Purchased new in 2008 for $22,000. Selling because unit is an extra one, not needed anymore. 2 plates and software included. - $8,000 or best reasonable offer. Email drlouisjames@aol.com for more information.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR MULTI-FUNCTION LASER
Q-Clear Laser Multi-function laser, FDA-cleared Fungus Toenails, and Warts. Less than three years old. Excellent condition, includes training certification and marketing materials. e-mail Footcare@comcast. net
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 16,000 DPMs. For details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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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.
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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.
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