The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,700 Podiatrists Daily

February 15, 2008 #3,168 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

TX Podiatrist Unveils New Machine For Nerve Disorders

Two Austin physicians unveiled a machine Monday that could dramatically improve the life of people with Parkinson’s disease. It's a device that sends small electrical currents into the hands and feet of patients. They say so far it's showing very positive results.

Dr. Donald Rhodes

Dr. Donald Rhodes is a podiatrist who developed the machine originally for a patient who had a nerve disorder. He wondered whether it could help those with Parkinson’s disease. They began testing it a month ago. Once a day, patients use his machine to send electrical currents into their bodies. "It's done through electrodes on the hands and feet, and it stimulates acupuncture points and reflexology points, as well as free nerve endings," said Dr. Rhodes.

Dr. Rob Izor is the Austin neurologist who oversees the tests. He says all five of their patients have shown progress. Doctors Izor and Rhodes say more research is needed before their machine will be available to the public.

Source: Tom Harris, KVUE News [2/11/08]

Foot & Ankle Journal is Now Online

The Foot & Ankle Journal was officially launched in January 2008. This is the first online monthly journal to formally publish open access articles in podiatry and foot & ankle orthopedics. The journal features case reports, editorials, correspondence, news and updates in foot & ankle medicine and surgery.

The journal is formatted to allow instant open access to articles written from a variety of institutions all over the world. In January, the journal published three articles from three different countries: Holland, New Zealand and India. Submitted manuscripts take roughly four weeks to publish. Manuscripts are easily sent via electronic mail for publishing. The journal is peer-reviewed with a distinguished 15-member editorial board.

The journal has already completed the application with the Library of Congress for inclusion to MedLine and PubMed. The journal is now actively seeking articles, primarily as case reports.

OH Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison for Medicare Fraud

Shaker Heights podiatrist, Lawrence “Jeffrey” Harris, was sentenced to 78 months in prison and ordered to repay over $528,000 for conspiring and scheming to defraud Medicare. Harris defaulted on federal student loans from the first payment due in the 1990s. After being excluded by Medicare in 2000, Harris continued to bill for services under a corporate name, Achilles Food and Ankle, and under the names and provider numbers of several podiatry school classmates.

One such classmate’s widow testified that her husband (Kenneth Walker, DPM) was terminally ill and too weak to hold a pen during the time period his signature appeared on Medicare applications submitted by Harris. As a result of the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Harris was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Cleveland.

Source: Ohio Hospital Association Compliance Center

Query: Credit Card Processing Company

Any recommendations on a credit card processing company/terminal?

James Korponay, DPM, New York, NY

RE: Pre-Fab Orthotic W/ Deep Cup and Ribbing (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM, Carl Ganio, DPM

The insert which Dr. Kass is referring to is manufactured by Atlantic Foot Care. Natural Step shoes has their Atlantic Heat Molded inserts cut by Atlantic to match the lasts of their shoes.
Atlantic's Prothotics line can be found on line at: www.prothotics.com

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

I have produced such an OTC device. Is this the one you saw. See attachment?. It is one size fits all in men's 7-12 provided they have a high arch. The heel cup molds well to any heel, and the arch is high. A flatfoot or pronated foot generally will not tolerate it.

Pre-Fab Orthotic W/ Deep Cup and Ribbing

They are waterproof, fit dress shoes, boat shoes, sneakers, boots, etc. See attached order form if interested. I sell them for $40 in the office (2 for $60) Very acceptable markup.

Carl Ganio, DPM, Vero Beach, FL, drcarlganio@bellsouth.net

RE: Outsourcing Appointment Scheduling (James L. Rose, DPM )
From: Barbara J. Aung, DPM

Consider a better/alternative appointment scheduling program - one that will allow a patient to schedule their own appointment online during those time periods where you feel the staff may not be scheduling. We use the Eppointments scheduling program. Our office sets up specific appointment types with a duration. The patient selects why they are scheduling an appointment/coming in, and the software returns an opening (again based on the appointment type). The appointments are confirmed appointments, not a request. A nice feature is that all times/appointment types do not need to be made available for an Internet appointment only those designated and orchestrated by the office manager and/or practice physician to achieve/enhance practice efficiency.

This also saves office staff time. There are automatic e-mails to confirm/remind the patient of their appointment. Patients are also able to complete their new patient/medical history information online which is available to office staff to verify insurance or prepare their charts before they arrive which improves upon both front & back office work flow.

Barbara J. Aung, DPM, Tucson, AZ, info@healthy-feet.com

RE: Universal Healthcare (PM Jan 08 Column by Harry Goldsmith, DPM)
From: Scott Whitman, DPM

All I can add to the discussion is that the U.S. government has never, ever run anything with any measure of efficiency, so comparing it as a worthy foil to any offering from the private sector is absurdist at best. Imaging any government offering ever being voted off the block or into oblivion by the private sector is also absurd. We can't even kill off the Department of Education for God's sake. What possible chance would we have of ever extinguishing the inefficient, self-sustaing behemoth that a government health care system would surely present? I'm curious as to how any other health system of universal coverage from Hiliary sounds like a good idea. Isn't this the same unelected individual who presented a health care plan the first time and was rejected? What's changed? I can't tell.

I'd much rather entertain the plan offered by John Stossel. Although I'm by no means a libertarian, his plan actually makes sense. End health care insurance. That's it. The concept began in earnest with FDR and Medicare and has come to its current expression, which is "if it exists, I deserve it and someone should pay for it if I can't". Who says? At one time, when you went to see the doctor, you paid the bill. Right then. I believe we could offer catastrophic care plans from the government but otherwise, when you see the doc, pay up. That would effectively ration care by need, would eliminate the overutilization we have in this country, driving costs to over 12% of GNP. Best of all, no more plans, no more EOB's, no more getting screwed over payment, half the staff you used to have. Sounds sort of like what the dentists have figured out, no?

David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX, David5603@pol.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE -AUSTIN, TEXAS

15 year established practice with good mix of surgery and clinical patients. Nice office condo for sale with practice or lease. Current female Podiatrist will transition the practice. 300-400K yearly gross. Flexible payment options

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA

Multi-specialty group is looking to add another Podiatric Surgeon or General Podiatrist to our well-established group. Office locations in northwestern Pennsylvania. Unlimited opportunities exist for the right Associate, wound care experience is a plus. Please forward your CV to adminsec@ips-mso.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – RICHMOND VIRGINIA

Hospital-Based Practice with Tremendous Growth Potential and a Fantastic Opportunity for the Right Doctor. I am looking for someone who will be an associate for a couple of years, then discuss Partnership Buy-In. ABPS Certified/Qualified candidate DOES NOT need significant rearfoot experience, but arthroscopy skills appreciated. Need strong surgery and people skills, with emphasis on wound care, forefoot surgery, diabetic problems, etc. No nursing homes. My office is an extremely busy brand new state-of the-art facility with digital x-rays, computerized EMR, etc. Immediate start available, SALARY commensurate with experience. Please send resume to: podmed@mac.com

MEDICAL SPACE FOR RENT OR SALE - NEW YORK CITY

305 Second Avenue (17-18th Sts), 3 Treatment rooms, Private office, Lab, Separate Receptionist/Business area, waiting room, bathroom w/ stall shower Deluxe/Landmark/Prime Building and Location, 24/7 security. Multi-specialty condominiums originally designed specifically for podiatry has also been upgraded for dentistry. For further details contact Laura Dobrusin, Ny2azld@aol.com or jdobr@arizonamed.com 480-951-2480 602-980-8457.

PODIATRIST WANTED – MICHIGAN

Busy 2-Office practice looking for the right podiatrist to take the practice to the next surgical level. Fast track to partnership. PSR 24/36 ABPS qualified/certified. Email resume to drflatfoot@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - AUTOMATIC PROCESSOR

AFP Mini-Medical/90 automatic X-ray processor. Excellent condition. Purchased in 2003. Have monthly maintenance records. Location: Pasadena, MD. $1000. View at http://www.afpimaging.com/medmini Contact Jayne at jferris@chesapeakefac.com for details.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA

The office is 0.2 miles away from the hospital. Good mix of Medicine, Surgery, Wound care, and general podiatric care. Wound care center privileges available. No HMO's. Please call 1-772-475-7920 or derrico@pol.net for details

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City . Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

ASSOCIATE WANTED -BOCA RATON-DELRAY BEACH AREA

Great opportunity-must be hard-working, reliable, Responsible and good with patients & staff-surgical Training a plus-partnership after 1yr. Florida License required fax resume to 561-865-2225.

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

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85

PM Classified Ads Reach over 10,700 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 10,700 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.