The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 27, 2007 #2,820 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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“Happy Feet Are Healthy Feet” – MO Podiatrist

"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over," said Dr. Vincent Travisano D.P.M. "Happy feet are healthy feet – a pair must last you a lifetime." Dr. Travisano is a dedicated podiatrist, and has been practicing from his office on Big Bend in Webster Groves since 1983 – 24 years at the same location!

Dr. Vincent Travisano

Changes to the office include new nursing staff, yet the same smile greets you at the door from his receptionist of 10 years, Julie

Source: Webster-Kirkwood Times (MO) [2/24/07]

Scholl College Hosts “Chains to Change” Exhibit

The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine might seem like an unlikely place for an exhibit on the African-American experience. But a portrait of the Class of 1922 from the forerunner Illinois College of Chiropody tells why the shoe fits. Among the 50 or so newly graduated podiatrists are six young African-Americans, including one woman.

Scholl Student James Fullwood Jr. at exhibit (photo: Marina Samovsky/News-Sun)

More than three decades before the Civil Rights Movement began to gain steam, that kind of diversity in medical schools was almost unheard of. Dr. William Scholl, who founded the college in 1912, actually recruited women and minorities, according to David McKay, coordinator of the museum inside the school -- part of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago.

"Chains to Change," which traces African-American history from the beginning of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the 14th century through Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, was curated by a first-year student at Scholl, James Fullwood Jr. Fullwood, 25, said his own family history, which runs deep in the Carolinas, spurred him -- at McKay's request -- to organize the exhibit that features artifacts from a well-known collector, retired Navy Chief Nathaniel Hamilton of Gurnee.

Source: Judy Masterson , Lake County News- Sun [2/24/07]

NJ Podiatrist Sentenced to 3 Years for Disability Fraud

A former Freehold podiatrist was sentenced to three years in prison Friday for fraudulently attempting to obtain more than $85,000 in disability payments, according to Attorney General Stuart Rabner and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw. Jonathan B. Siegel, 47, of Freehold was sentenced to three years by Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. in Monmouth County.

Siegel was ordered to pay $33,574 in restitution to Unum Life Insurance Company of North America, representing the total amount he was overpaid as a result of the fraud, according to state Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown. The sentence followed Siegel's guilty plea to attempted theft by deception, a charge contained in a March 6, 2006, Monmouth County grand jury indictment. At his Oct. 11 hearing before Mellaci, Siegel admitted that between January 1998 and September 2001, he fraudulently attempted to obtain more than $85,000 in disability insurance benefits from the Unum Life Insurance Company of North America.

Siegel, a former New Jersey-licensed podiatrist, had filed a disability claim with Unum alleging that he was injured and could no longer work as a podiatrist. Siegel admitted that he provided falsified information to Unum regarding his employment and income in order to collect greater disability benefits. He also admitted that while collecting such benefits, he withheld information from the insurance company about his employment as a law clerk and attorney with law firms in New Jersey and New York.

Source: Asbury Park Press [2/24/07]

PA Universal Plan Gets Wary Welcome

Like many new prescriptions, Gov. Ed Rendell's Prescription For Pennsylvania universal health care plan has people optimistic about healing but worried about costs.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society praised Rendell for developing comprehensive health system reform that could offer health insurance to virtually all of the state's 767,000 uninsured. However, the society voiced concern about the governor's claim that "Cover All Pennsylvanians," a new state-driven health insurance proposal aimed at the uninsured, would only require $300 million in combined state and private funding.

Some details of the plan:
*Developing a pay-for-performance system.
*Allowing nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, pharmacists, dental hygienists and physician assistants to practice to the fullest extent of their training.
*Creating affordable health insurance for the uninsured. Employers with 50 or fewer employees earning less than the state average wage could participate. Employers would pay an estimated $130 monthly premium per employee, while workers would pay sliding scale premiums of $10 to $70 per month.
*Phasing in a 3% payroll tax on employers without health benefits.
*Phasing in an insurance mandate for residents earning above 300% of the federal poverty level and for full-time, four-year college students.
*Banning smoking in all workplaces, restaurants and bars.

Source: Doug Trapp, AMNews [2/26/07]

RE: Basketball Star to Attend OCPM
From: Chuck Langman, DPM

I want to add a little addendum to PM News’ piece on Larissa McDonough. She with be a third generation podiatrist. Her grandmother, Lubow Y. Pronchick was an early pioneer in the field for women. I took over Lubow's practice in 1993 and she passed away in 2003. Both of Larissa's parents are podiatrists as well, Mike McDonough and Daria Pronchick McDonough. They practice in Florida (Ormond Beach). I have had the pleasure of meeting Larissa a few times and know she will be a great asset to the field.

Chuck Langman, DPM, King of Prussia, PA, footdoc66@verizon.net

RE: PM’s February 2007 Cover
From: Howard J. Bonenberger, DPM

PM's February 2007 Cover

At the risk of sounding sanctimonious I wish to express my displeasure and frankly my embarrassment at the cover photo of the February 2007 issue of Podiatry Management which features the fist grasping the wad of money. My staff looked at the cover when the mail was delivered (so much for keeping the lid on wages); I can only hope that no patients glanced over the check-in counter and saw it. No lectures from me about the financial mess of the healthcare industry or moralizing about how fortunate we are to be high earners.

Many of us work tirelessly to put forth a professional image in combination with first-rate medical care. Our interests and Podiatry as a whole are not served well at all by this cover. Perhaps that is how the management of the magazine views us: hucksters, con men, flimflam artists. Most of us are honest, with ethical practices and have the best of intentions for our patients. The magazine is generally very interesting and helpful but this cover photo was in poor taste and gives an unprofessional image to podiatry.

Howard J.Bonenberger, DPM, Nashua, NH, HOWARDBON@aol.com

The author and cover designer responds:

For what it's worth, I feel this is an unfortunate interpretation of the graphic. The photo and cover lines were chosen to convey the STRUGGLE to make a profit despite the increasing challenges faced by respondents, and applaud the fact that our average respondents are succeeding. Without profit there is no practice, no staff, no patient care. (Many respondents, in fact, are not "high earners" and are struggling just to make a living in podiatry.) Through the data we collect, respondents have told us how much it costs to run a practice and the true tally of their earnings despite their listed fees. So my hat is off to the respondents for not succumbing to the pressures of the current healthcare system, and succeeding in spite of it.

Stephanie Kloos Donoghue, Ardsley, NY

RE: Perioperative Anlagesia (Carl Solomon, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Lowell Weil, SR, DPM, Eugene A. Batelli, DPM

We did this study 25 years ago at Northlake Hospital (Illinois) in a blinded, dexamethasone-control evaluation and it was published in JAPMA.
Results: There was less pain in the foot that had the dexamethasone (2 mg/surgical site) and there was no difference in wound or bone healing

I have used this regimen for 38 years with the following exclusions:
surgery involving tendinitis (Achilles, posterior tibial, peroneals, anterior tibial) immuno-compromised patients, and surgery involving infections or vascular insufficiency . These exclusions are simply to satisfy my personal comfort level and have no scientific basis.

Lowell Weil, SR, DPM, Des Plaines, IL, LSWSR@aol.com

I agree with Dr. Udell that the "written" treatment for neuropathy is a lot lower than the treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia in both the PDR and Pfizer's website. If you attend Lyrica workshops given by Pfizer researchers, they recommend using higher dosages than listed in package insert. Local pain management physicians are also using these higher does safely. What is really confusing is that in one condition Pfizer lists not to exceed the 300 mg/day and then in others they say higher dosages are safe.

I actually have been using lower dosages of Lyrica and achieving the same results by adding Metanx 1 tab daily. The mechanism makes sense and if anything else, it lowers the patient’s homocysteine levels. I also perform a series of tarsal tunnel injections consisting of lidocaine, Marcaine, and Vitamin B12 for the vasodilatory effects and the B12 for the "nerve healing" effects as written in some of the spinal cord injury research. I don't know if it’s the PO meds or the injections, but my neuropathic patients say they feel much better.

Eugene A. Batelli, DPM, Naples, FL, ebatelli2001@yahoo.com

Editor’s notes: This topic is now closed.

RE: APMA State Leader as an Expert Witness (Name Withheld)
From: Kathleen T. Neuhoff, DPM, DVM

I served as president of the American Animal Hospital Association in 2002-2003 (about 30000 members).Our legal counsel, who attended all our board meetings, continually reminded all board members that in the eyes of the public and our colleagues, we were ALWAYS representing our association in everything that we said. We were cautioned about what we could write on association stationary, comments we could make to drug reps(which could legally commit our association), interactions with the media, etc. If any of our board members or staff wished to serve as an expert witness in ANY legal case, it required approval of the board and willingness of the entire association to support the position. At times, we did serve as expert witnesses (although never in a malpractice case) because our position as leaders qualified us as such in the eyes of many, but in such instances, we were acting as representatives of the association.

In the 10 years that I served on the board, no one even considered testifying against a colleague individually. We have a standing committee that reviews hospital or DVMs that may fail to meet standards. If, after extensive review, including appeals and judicial review, the allegations were sustained, the practice or member had its membership revoked(happens 4 or 5 times per year out of perhaps 50 reviews), but we did not testify against that person in a court of law.

If a board member had ever wanted to testify against a colleague, he or she would have been required to resign his board position. Unless the APMA or other professional association believes the defendant deserves to be censored and is willing, as a group, to support that position (which seems highly unlikely to me!), it should not allow board members or staff members to testify against colleagues.

Kathleen T. Neuhoff, DPM, DVM

Editor’s note: This topic is now closed.

RE: Dragon Mistakes

There are some funny mistakes made by transcriptionists or voice recognition software. I almost let the following slip past me in a referral letter generated by Dragon Naturally Speaking: "...I appear ugly started her on a short course of an NSAID..."

What I actually dictated was: "...I empirically started her on a short course of an NSAID..."

Carl Solomon, DPM, Dallas, TX

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Associate Wanted....For well established Central Jersey practice, diversified in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. I am looking for a highly motivated, conscientious, individual with strong work ethics. My practice may offer great potential for the right person. Minimum PSR 24. Please reply to Jerseypod@gmail.com

LEASE SPACE MANHATTAN/ LONG ISLAND

Are you sending your MRs out? Now you can lease space and run your own MRIs, bill global, and have them read by a board certified radiologist. Two locations to lease, Manhattan East 60th street (near all public transportation) and Plainview, Long Island. Call for details, lease arrangements and reimbursements Email podo2345@aol.com or Call 516 476-1815

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WASHINGTON, DC

Associateship leading to full purchase or immediate sale. 25 Year old practice located in a hosp. w/ full surg privileges. Large number of diabetic patients and referrals. Fully equipped with x-ray, topical hyperbaric oxy units, 4 tx rooms and more. $400K on only 3 days a week. Will finance with generous terms and stay to introduce. Owner leaving area. Contact R. Benjamin, DPM jhallux@yahoo.com or 202-841-5545

ASSOCIATE WANTED - BOCA RATON-DELRAY BEACH AREA

Full time for growing practice-surgical training a plus-hard working a real plus-opportunity of a lifetime-partnership after 1yr. Need Florida license. Fax resume to 561-865-2225

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 – PORTLAND, OREGON

Immediate opening in beautiful Portland, OR. Busy, well-established private practice is seeking a dynamic, motivated, surgically-trained podiatrist. High volume of primary care referrals. Work with a well-trained support staff in one of the most efficient offices in the area. Surgically-oriented practice. Competitive compensation package including malpractice and benefits. Call (503) 652-1121. Ask for Dr. John Mozena or email jlmozena@aol.com

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 POSITION: BALTIMORE, MD

Mercy Medical Center -Position for a highly motivated individual with completed non-surgical residency or one desiring additional surgical training in well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2007. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY & CONNECTICUT

Opportunity to be a part of a prestigious and well-established large Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation practice, with locations in Stamford, CT and West Harrison, NY. Looking for a Podiatrist to join an already busy practice with opportunity to build. We have state-of-the-art offices with MRI, digital x-ray, paperless charts, physical and occupational therapy. Applicants should be Board Certified or Board Eligible. Competitive salary and benefits. For further information on the practice, log onto WWW.NYCONNORTHO.COM Interested candidates should forward their C.V. to: Cliff Katz, Executive Director ckatz@nyconnortho.com

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA-PM&S 36 ASSOCIATE WANTED

Large, busy podiatry group looking for associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Department, six appointment locations, EMR, MRI and Digital X-ray. Full compensation and benefit package offered. Mail CV to Martin Foot and Ankle, 1203 S. Queen St. York, PA 17403 or email business administrator, johnreitzel@comcast.net.

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 - EAST/CENTRAL TEXAS

Practice in East Central Texas has an opportunity for an associate to join as an associate leading to partnership. Hospital supported practice which has two doctors seeking a third for new office. Practice is leading provider in market and offers an outstanding compensation and benefit package. This position is targeted to be an equity partner within two to three years. easttxdpm@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SANTA FE, NM

Established, 30 year practice with multiple office locations looking for a PSR 24/36 trained, hardworking, personable, ethical, highly motivated individual for associate position with immediate partnership available. E-mail CV and reference letters to sfpodiatry@aol.com

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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