The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 29, 2007 #2,796 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IN Podiatrist Diagnoses RSD

Elizabeth Ochoa counts herself lucky that she's been blessed with what she called a “good doctor” who recognized a severe medical problem that afflicts her and knew what to do about it. She's been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also known as complex regional pain syndrome - RSD or CRPD for short.

Dr. Kevin Powers

She consulted with Dr. Kevin Powers, a Bloomington podiatrist, and after he ran several tests, it was determined that she suffered from RSD. “I said, ‘Can't you just give me a pill and fix it and maybe it will go away'. He said, ‘No this is serious. You could lose the use of your limb. You have to go see a specialist,” Ochoa recalled.

Dr. Powers wanted to be certain it as RSD and Ochoa was referred to Dr. Raj Tewari, MD, who practices at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, and the diagnosis was soon confirmed.

Source: Nick Schneider, The Daily World [1/26/07]

FL Podiatrist Named Outboarder of the Year

Arthur B. Korbel DPM, MD, a retired board certified podiatric surgeon, was awarded the "Outboarder of the Year" award for South Florida last week at the Fort Lauderdale Classic and Antique Boat and Motor Show.

Dr Korbel in 1956 19' Chris Craft on Lake George, NY. The boat has been totally restored

Dr. Korbel has a collection of antique and classic wooden boats and outboard motors.

Two Des Moines Grads Wed

Angela M. Reno and David R. Northcutt were recently married. Angela is a 1999 graduate of Concordia College. She attended graduate school at Des Moines University College of Health and Science. She is employed as a physician assistant in Dallas, TX.

Dr and Mrs.David R. Northcutt

David is a 2002 graduate of Purdue University. He attended graduate school at Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine. He is a podiatric resident physician in Greenville, TX

Source: The Kokomo Perspective (IN) [12/26/07]

Query: Podiatrylist.org

I received a notice in the mail today that tells me that my free online listing at PODIATRYlist.org is set to expire and in order for my listing to be continued I am to submit $19.95.I have never heard of this company out of Valatie, NY. Does anyone else know about it and if so, is it effective?

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Viera, FL

Editor's Response: PM News does not provide legal advice. We would be wary of any unsolicited bills of this type. Many companies send out such bills in hopes that a certain percentage of respondents will automatically send in a check.

While the Internet is now a viable place for patients to find podiatrists, there is no substiture for having your own website, and having it placed where patients can find it by using Google or other popular search engines. This company provides no data as to how many hits they receive or how they expect potential patients to even find their website among the 1,680,000 choices available to those who click "podiatrist" on Google.

Query: OsteoSponge

I am interested in feedback from anyone who has had experience with OsteoSponge, an allograft material made by a company called Bacterin.. Any feedback will be appreciated.

Steven Block, DPM, Owensboro, KY

RE: Running Shoe for Size 12-1/2 AAA (Doug Milch, DPM)
From: Paul Busman, DPM

How about custom made? http://www.herseycustomshoe.com/

They are not cheap, but they can fit anyone, including people with two widely different sized feet.

Paul Busman, DPM, Troy, NY, BREWERPAUL@aol.com

RE: Setting the Record Straight
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

I recently received a frantic phone call from a medical distributor claiming clients in Texas were told that due to recent changes in state and federal law:

1) Only pedorthists would be able to dispense shoes under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill; and

2) Only certified orthotists or prosthetists or certified orthotist prosthetists would be able to dispense orthotics and/or prosthetics.

In an attempt to set the record straight, I have researched this matter on both the federal and state statutes, spoken with the TPMA, Texas Board of Podiatry, and the APMA. .

Ongoing communications with Medicare and SADMERC’s medical director clearly indicates that DPM’s are considered to one of many professionals whose input and existence within the TSB is of paramount importance. Federal regulations also state that if a state licensure is required to provide the service/product then Medicare will not pay for provision of such product or services by an unlicensed individual. If, however, there are no state law regulations about provisions of these services products, then Medicare could pay any individual for this service/product.

Using AFO's and shoes as an example, in states where there is no requirement for licensures (NY is one of many) any individual may dispense orthotics or orthopedic shoes. State law in NJ and Texas however require an individual to be licensed to dispense orthotics, orthopedic shoes etc. Therefore in Texas and NJ (amongst others) some form of licensure is required to provide these products.

The state law in Texas specifically excludes specific professions from the need for licensure covered under their Orthotics and Prosthetics laws. Podiatrists, physical therapists and pedorthists are specifically excluded from those requirements (as cited in paragraph 605.303 of the occupations code) covering the practice of Orthotists and Prosthetists).

Furthermore the Texas Scope of Practice for Podiatry specifically states that: “Podiatry means the treatment of or offer to treat any disease, disorder, physical injury, deformity, or ailment of the human foot by any system or method. The term includes podiatric medicine." The key words here are by any system or method.

For more information please reference the following:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/txcodes/oc.003.00.000605.00.html http://www.foot.state.tx.us/qa.htm#q1

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP - TAMPA BAY AREA-FLORIDA

Immediate position available in growing multi-office/multi-physician practice. Looking for a highly motivated psr24/36 trained podiatrist. Must be board qualified/board certified ABPS physician and be highly enthusiastic, motivated, with excellent patient/ social skills. Excellent benefit package including salary/bonus, health ins, paid time off, paid CME, and much more. Please e-mail CV to drdad94@aol.com or contact (727) 944-2522 for more information.

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.

EXCELLENT ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Established 25 year well-rounded biomechanical and surgical practice seeking energetic, enthusiastic, personable and proficiently-trained PSR-24 or PSR-36 foot and ankle surgeon for associate with ultimate partnership opportunity in LA area. Excellent position for an individual interested in all aspects of podiatric medicine with emphasis on reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Only 8% Medicare with No HMO. Email CV to dr4feet@sbcglobal.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE -NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com

PEDALIGN SCANNER, COMPUTER, MONITOR, AND KIOSK FOR SALE

Considerable savings on 1 year old system. Lease may be assumed. Contact Jeffrie Leibovitz, D.P.M. Office 317-545-0505 ftbenpod@sbcgloabal.net

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 -WASHINGTON - SEATTLE AREA

Two-location practice looking for long-term commitment leading to partnership. Medicare certified surgicenter each location. Must be highly motivated, ethical & have good patient skills. Competitive salary & benefits package available. Excellent opportunity for the right candidate. Send CV to fax 425-775-9078, e-mail to nwfootandankle@yahoo.com or call 425-775-1505.

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 POSITION – MISSISSIPPI

Well established, busy, 3-doctor practice seeks PSR 12 or 24 trained podiatrist for associate position to fill vacancy of retiring member. East central location is a great area to raise a family and is a prime location for accessibility to several major cities. Competitive salary, benefits, and incentives. Partnership possible in 2 years to right individual. June - July start date. Applicant must be ethical, personable, and motivated. Please E-mail CV and letter of intent to shanegan@bellsouth.net

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

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