The Voice of Podiatrists

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February 22, 2008 #3,174 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Constant Wearing of High Heels is Problematic: IA Podiatrist

Stillettos, espadrilles, platform boots; high heels have been a staple in women's closets since the 1600's, but lately they've lost their strut among doctors who blame them for a variety of problems. High heels may make these women feel empowered, but Sioux City podiatrist, Doctor Randy Bergen, says wearing this fancy footwear on a regular basis could seriously end up cramping their style.

"Shortening of the Achilles tendon which is the major tendon in the back of the foot...when they go to wearing lower heels they'll feel discomfort and in some cases they're more susceptible to rupturing this tendon," says Dr. Bergen.

Bergen says heels put women's feet in an unnatural and unbalanced position, and after years of wear can cause soreness, or worse. "They cause or extenuate hereditary bunions, corns and calluses," he said. Not to mention the risk women take by trying to navigate on stilts.

Source: KPTH-TV Sioux City, IA [2/20/08]

NY Podiatrist Takes the Plunge for “Make a Wish”

Dr. Andrew Shapiro, chair of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association’s Public Relations Committee, and his wife, Marsha, jumped into the Atlantic Ocean (and reportedly quickly out again) …to help raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Dr. Andrew Shapiro & wife Marsha

The event, sponsored by the Long Beach Polar Bear Club, was held on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd. Over 2,000 people participated to help raise funds to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The goal of the campaign was $125,000—final tally has not yet been released.

Court Limits Suits Over Medical Devices

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made it harder for consumers to sue manufacturers of federally approved medical devices. In an 8-1 decision, the court ruled against the estate of a patient who suffered serious injuries when a catheter burst during a medical procedure. The case has significant implications for the $75 billion-a-year healthcare technology industry, whose products range from heart valves to toothbrushes.

In a recent three-month span, federal regulators responded to over 100 safety problems regarding medical devices. At issue before the Supreme Court was whether the estate of Charles Riegel could sue a company under state law over a device previously cleared for sale by federal regulators. Under federal law, a company must substantiate the safety and effectiveness of a medical device before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will approve it for the marketplace.

State lawsuits are barred to the extent they would impose requirements that are different from federal requirements, said the ruling by Justice Antonin Scalia.

Source: Associated Press [2/20/08]

Query: Paying a Percentage of Gross

I would like to add a part-time podiatrist to my practice. I prefer to compensate him/her with a percentage of whatever amount he/she grosses. What would be a fair percentage?

Name Withheld

RE: Lateral Cuboid Syndrome S/P EPF (John Levin, DPM)
From: Marc B. Klein, DPM

I have found that a full contact orthotic can help this problem. A full contact orthotic will support the lateral arch which is generally not supported by a traditional Root theory orthotic.

Marc B. Klein, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, drmarcklein@comcast.net

RE: DME Accreditation (Mark M Levine, DPM)
From: Carl Ganio, DPM, Jeffrey Kass, DPM

Certainly, we all agree that we should be exempt from this bureaucratic mess. We can send comments, and I recommend we stand tall... The deadline for comments approaches.... act now, or the Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P) industry will shut us out. They must have a strong lobby.

The 2006 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Accreditation Quality Standards are being posted for a 30-day public comment period only on the underlined/highlighted portions of the document. They have undergone minor revisions/clarification. Comments must be received electronically or by mail no later than 5:00 P.M. E.S.T., on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. The guidelines on how to submit your comments are located on the following website:
http://qa.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/03_DeemedAccreditationOrganizations.asp#TopOfPage

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

I received my Feb 08 copy of Podiatry Management yesterday. Dr. Kesselman answers some of Dr. Levine's concerns. However, Dr. Levine as always echoes the same sentiments that I have...what is the solution to an industry that is being plagued by lower reimbursements and retractions of previous benefits. While I do enjoy what I do, I am often frustrated by what is happening to the medical profession in general and that apparent 'handcuffs" we find ourselves in, in this upwards battle.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

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

Credit card payment options are a definite plus. Visa/Mastercard charge varied rates, depending on the average monies charged. The higher the average, the lower the rate. We receive a weekly statement, as well as direct deposits. We also accept Discover (as a last option- since it takes longer to get statements & we have to extrapolate charges). We do not accept American Express. Of course, cash is still king.

Robert K Hall, DPM, Ft Lauderdale, FL, robertkhalldpm@bellsouth.net

I advise my clients that taking a credit card or debit card is worth its weight in gold. Especially for the co-pays, it’s a done deal at the time of service and what is 5% or less of a $25 co-pay a whopping $1.25. You have the money that day and don't have to wait for a check in the mail or sending a bill by mail, or even having the patient remember to bring the checkbook. I never carry a checkbook myself and pay all my bills online or with a debit card. Also when bills are sent out for the larger deductible amounts, people are more apt to get the doctor bill out of the way and put it on a charge. At least this has been our experience with past problem patients of our clients.

It’s a least worth looking into for your practice and see if it makes dollar$ and $ense.


Carla-Ruth Poma, CHBME, Howell, MI, Mmbsinc@aol.com

Every year I try and review someway my practice can stop losing money. In Dr. Bell's response to credit cards he mentions that banks charge something to deposit checks. I have lost enough money this way - I don't want any of my fellow colleague's losing money this way. Put an end to it. There is a zillion banks out there. I no longer pay any maintenance fees, and no per check deposits. If they want my money to use while it sits there, I refuse to pay them anything. Additionally, if you hook up your checking account to a business money market you can collect interest. These days with online banking you can easily maneuver your money the way you need too.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

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 - 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

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT

Connecticut- Part time or Full time position available for a PSR 24 trained Podiatrist in the New Haven Area. We are seeking a hard working, ethical, charismatic practitioner for a well rounded established office Please email resumes to Surgeonseven@aol.com. Position available ASAP or July.

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 MRobsonDPM@aol.com

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 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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