The Voice of Podiatrists

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February 20, 2008 #3,172 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Howard Dinowitz Weight Loss Story on Today Show Available to View

In case you missed the amazing story of how NY podiatrist Dr. Howard Dinowitz lost 218 pounds in 13 months, you can view the entire Today Show at:

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23221968#23221968

Sheemon A. Wolfe, DPM

OPMA Past President Dr. Sheemon A. Wolfe, 84, of Dayton, OH passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 15, 2008. A well-known and respected podiatric surgeon, Dr. Wolfe retired from practice in 2002 after 49 years. Under his tutelage, many young men and women were prepared to take their podiatric skills into hospitals and clinics all over the country. Dr. Wolfe considered the residency program he funded as his legacy to all. He loved teaching and expected others to obtain additional credentials. At the age of sixty, Dr. Wolfe obtained his Board Certification in Surgery.He was a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Dr. Sheemon A. Wolfe

A life-long member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Dr. Wolfe became president of the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association in 1980. He was named Adjunct Clinical Professor in 1986 and Contributing Advisor of the American Council on Podiatric Medical Education. After retirement, he held Emeritus status at Greene Memorial, Good Samaritan, Miami Valley and Grandview Hospitals

PM News policy is to request that memorial donations be made to the APMA Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program, 9312 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814.

Source: Dayton Daily News {2/17/08} via OPMA

NYCPM Hosts Student Research Symposium

The First Annual Inter-Podiatric College Student Research Symposium (IPCSRS) was held at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine on February 16-17th . The IPCSRS was hosted by students Samir Lalani, Kurt Rode, Rafael Ramirez, and Nicholas Giovinco, along with faculty advisor Dr. Anthony Iorio. This conference was the first student-run event to offer members of all podiatric medical colleges the opportunity to present research posters in a constructive arena.

Sadia Shah, Tara Shirley, Nrupa Shah, Kurt Rode, Tina Malik, Paul Wilson (IA), Dr. Anthony D'Antoni, Ben Carelock (AZ), James Johnston (CA), Dr. Elieen Chewsid, Owmy Bouloute, Dr. Anthony Iorio (NY), Nathan Norem (IL), Christy King (CA), Michael Corcoran (IL). AZ Won 1st Place Research Award.

Conference attendees were then welcomed to attend numerous lectures and presentations ranging from topics such as diabetic wound care, biopsy techniques, vascular intervention, and surgical innovations. These lectures were accompanied by several hands-on workshops from a variety of specialty tracts.

With over a dozen corporate sponsors and participants, the First Annual IPCSRS proved to be a "one-of-a-kind" event in podiatric medical education. At the closing ceremony, NYCPM Student Association President Samir Lalani declared, "This event could not have been possible without the amazing support we received from Dr. Anthony Iorio. Without his help and guidance, this symposium would never have happened."

Podiatrist Suspected in Wife's Killing Found Dead

A Green Valley, AZ man suspected of killing his disabled wife on a trip through New Mexico late last year was found dead in his home Friday, the Associated Press reported. The body was found in David Taub's home after someone called deputies saying they could not reach the 63-year-old man. An autopsy was begun Saturday but blood toxicology tests still need to be done and a preliminary cause of death was not given by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, Deputy Dawn Hanke said.

Sheriff's bureau chief Richard Kastigar said it's likely the man is Taub and that the death appeared to be from natural causes. Taub, a podiatrist, was charged in October with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife Sherry Taub, 60, according to the AP.

The Taubs were in a recreational vehicle on a trip from here to Texas. Taub stopped at a truck stop in Lordsburg, N.M. Taub told New Mexico state police that he walked away from the RV and returned to find his wife beaten and robbed. He told state police he then drove 120 miles to a hospital in Las Cruces. His wife was pronounced dead at the hospital on Oct. 4. Taub attempted suicide the day he was charged in his wife's death.

Source: David L. Teibel, Tucson Citizen [2/18/08]

Query: Tear of Peroneal Longus

I have a 55 year old male who has sustained a complete tear of the peroneal longus tendon at the insertion into the first metatarsal base. MRI findings suggest a 3 cm. retraction of the tendon. Conservative measures, including CAM walker, physical therapy, NWB have proven unsuccessful. Any pearls would be appreciated.

Stuart W. Honick, DPM,PT, Hammonton, NJ

Query: Discharging a Patient

I have recently had a patient alter a work excuse that was written in order to be given additional time off from work with pain for what essentially amounts to a callus on her foot. I decided that keeping a patient like this in my practice would be a huge liability. If she is willing to alter an excuse slip, then what would stop her from altering any future prescriptions I might write. My question is: Does anyone have a sample form letter that I can use to send to this patient to discharge her from my practice. She has already been told via phone that she will no longer be treated in our office due to actions and that a letter would be following immediately outlining the details of this separation.

Robert Lagman, DPM Mandeville, LA

Editor’s Comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. I think that we would all like a “form letter” to send to patients we wish to discharge. Unfortunately, each discharge has its own fact pattern and requires an individualized response. This letter should be sent via U.S. Mail, certified return-receipt requested.

Keep in mind that just as important as your letter is your documentation of the events and reasons for discharging each patient. In many cases, it is advisable to seek legal counsel for this delicate task.

Query: Darco Orthowedge HCPCS Code

What would be the proper HCPCS code for a Darco Orthowedge shoe?

Michael Fein, DPM, Bethel, CT

Response: L3260 - surgical boot/shoe, each.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Lateral Cuboid Syndrome S/P EPF (John Levin, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

This calls for a close contoured, accurately balanced, stable and strong functional foot orthotic.

Arnold Ross, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, asross1@juno.com

Try using a custom orthotic. Order it with the top cover glued only at the heel. Have the patient stand on a cuboid pad and position it in the most comfortable location then glue it all down. This will support the lateral column.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, Podiatrist@mindspring.com

I would expect a chronic sprain or rupture of either the short plantar ligament or the long plantar ligament or possibly both. Measurement of the non-weight bearing inclination angles of the 4th and 5th metatarsals or lateral compartment plantar surface and the inclination of the calcaneal or rearfoot plantar surface. Both should be at or greater than 13 degrees. If the angles are lower, a semi-rigid orthotic that will hold the lateral arch to its proper pitch can be molded over a corrected model of the non-weight bearing foot.

Jack Glick, DPM, MHA, Beaumont, TX, afolab@att.net

Please consider cuboid manipulation therapy 2-3 times per week for two weeks. This can be performed facing the patient straight legged in the chair with your thumb from one hand on the cuboid thrusting along with the heel from your other hand. It can also be done using the cuboid whip technique with the patient prone staring with the knee flexed to 70-90 degrees and the ankle near neutral. There is an excellent review of cuboid syndrome describing these techniques by Stephen Patterson in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 2006 (5), 597-606.

Michael B. DeBrule, DPM, Marshall, MN, drdebrule@starpoint.net

Accepting Credit Cards (Peter Smith, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Accepting Visa and Mastercard in the office is essential in my opinion. It is the best thing I have ever done to improve cash flow, and reduce billing and bad check, etc. The money is directly deposited into our office checking account. I feel the fees are negligible in light of the fact that the money is in the bank... immediately. It is particularly useful for co-pays, deductibles, orthotics (non-covered), supply items, etc. It is also essential on those patients without insurance, or cash-pay. We require cash or credit card to see such a patient.

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

Dr. Smith’s office manager is right. Credit cards make it easier to collect.We accept Master card and Visa. American Express charges too much so We don't accept them. When we initiated the card use years ago, payments went up and delinquencies went down. Defaults became the credit card company's problem.

Alan Kalker, DPM, Middleton, WI, ajkalker@facstaff.wisc.edu

Compare the 1 or 2% you may lose with having that money in your account within 24-48 hours vs. that same patient who takes 90 days or more to pay. With this being said, it seems foolish not to take credit cards. two percent of 1000.00 is only $20.00. How much is the $1000.00 worth if you have to wait 90 days to get it? My practice average $40,000.00 in credit card sales per year and I was most happy to have that in my account within 48 hours as cash!

Steven H. Goldstein, DPM, stevefootdr1@cs.com, Royal Palm Beach, FL

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA , NAPLES

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot surgery including Charcot reconstruction and ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base salary, percentage, benefits including 401K. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

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 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 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.

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