The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 27, 2009 #3,480 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC

APMA reports with great sadness that Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC, executive director of the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday. Ms. Lohrentz was involved in the podiatric medical profession for 54 years.   

Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC

"Sandra's passion for podiatry and the education of the podiatric medical assistant far exceeded anyone's that I have known; she had a genuine passion for people," said ASPMA Past President Tina Del Buono, PMAC. "For those of us fortunate enough to have known Sandra, we only have wonderful, fun, warm memories of her. As I am thinking of her now I can only smile. Sandra will truly be missed by her family, friends, and colleagues in the podiatry community."

PM News policy is to recommend that memorial donations be made to the APMA Education Foundation's Student Endowment Fund. 9312 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814. 

Source: APMA eNews [2/24/09]

NY Podiatrist Provides Advice on Children’s Footwear

Although an older child needs supportive shoes, a younger child, one just learning to walk, does not. "Keep your child without shoes for as long as you can... then keep them in flat soft flexible shoes so they develop muscles. As they develop, we start using stiffer shoes but still flexible, more to protect them so they don't step on something as they are going outside,"  podiatrist Jennifer Hutton said.

Dr. Jennifer Hutton

As your child ages, you want the shoe to bend only near the ball of the foot. Measure your growing child’s feet every few months, and if your child is really active, a more expensive shoe is recommended. "I would not recommend buying a Wal-Mart sneaker or a sneaker that doesn’t provide  support. They are probably not going to support the foot for some of the activities your child might be in," the doctor said. The more athletic your child is, the more he or she will need a specific shoe.

Source: Marcie Fraser, Capital 9 News [2/25/09]

NYCPM Students Prepare For Medical Mission to Mexico

A group of students at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine is joining forces with the Welcome Home Outreach Ministries organization in California to undertake a podiatric medical mission trip on April 14-19, 2009 to the San Quintin Valley region in Mexico. Third-year medical students and doctors of podiatric medicine and an orthopedic surgeon to provide medical care to adults and children in need. The care will focus on the lower extremities,  using both conservative and surgical management techniques.

NYCPM students Munjed Salem (pictured) and Samira Mehrizi were at the New York Clinical Conference to introduce the NYCPM Mexico Mission Trip to attendees and exhibitors, in hopes of gaining exposure and charitable contributions.

The students have raised money to cover expenses that include airfare, meals, lodging, medical supplies, etc. through various events and through a generous donation from NYSPMA’s Foundation for Podiatric Medicine. They welcome additional donations at podmedmissionary.com

First Baseball and Softball Cleats Receive APMA Seal of Acceptance

Baseball and women's fastpitch softball cleat manufacturer, RINGOR®, has received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The Seal is awarded to products that exhibit "quality and effectiveness in allowing for normal foot function and promoting good foot health."

APMA Seal of Approval

"Footwear properly designed to protect feet during sporting events should always include features such as correct weight distribution, a firm heel counter, and adequate traction and control," said Ross E. Taubman, DPM, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
 

Delivering Bad News

Delivering bad news is never easy. But doing so is much harder when the recipient is a good friend. When you must tell an employee  “You are fired,” begin by acknowledging the situation’s difficulty. Say: “I cannot think of an easy way to say this. I truly value our friendship, but the job is not working out, and I have to let you go. The fact that I know how dedicated you are and how hard you work makes this all the more difficult. Although I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now, I truly hope that this will not affect our friendship.”

Note: Bad news like that should never come out of left field to anyone, friend or not. When you have been coaching an employee all along, at least the bad news will not be a surprise.

Source: Adapted from “A PowerPhrase a Week” by Meryl Runion via Communication Briefings

Query:  ICD-9 Code for Sesamoid Avascular Necrosis 

What is the correct diagnosis code for avascular necrosis of the fibular sesamoid?

Christopher Seuferling, DPM, Portland, OR

Response: The correct code is ICD-9 733.48 - asceptic necrosis, other bone.

Mark Schilansky, DPM, Catskill, NY

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

RE: Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC
From: Gayle S. Johnson

I was saddened to read of the passing of Sandra Lohrentz. She was a dedicated podiatric medical assistant who worked hard to produce excellent programs for not only ASPMA seminars, but also the Midwest Podiatry Conference. When she was called upon to fill the position of ASPMA Executive Director, she did so with a combination of wisdom, graciousness and enthusiasm for her profession and her organization.

I remember her warm welcome at meetings for new members and old friends. When I was new to the ASPMA Board, I enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce about "old times" with Sandra, and was impressed by her willingness to entertain new ideas. She played the role of sounding-board very well, and had the ability to remain the even-keeled voice of reason when others were less calm. I offer my condolences to her family. Sandra will be greatly missed by the podiatric community.

Gayle S. Johnson, Edmonds, WA

RE: EBM to Support ESWT (M Turlik, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, David Zuckerman, DPM

Just as electricity takes the path of least resistance, insurance companies take the path of least payment. It’s all about money for most companies, not quality of medical care. Hence, if an insurance company can find data not to have to pay for an expensive treatment, that will be the path they will take. What I find interesting and almost comical is that many times I will order an MRI and the insurance company will call and say, "we will only approve the MRI if you order an ultrasound exam first."  The radiologists in my area are not that sharp in doing pedal ultrasound and will invariably tell me to order the MRI anyway. I imagine if more of us start doing ultrasound exams routinely in our offices, the insurance companies will quickly find some way of finding it experimental. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

Editor’s note: Dr. Zuckerman’s extended-length letter appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=24838&start=1
 

RE: WI Podiatrist Among First to Use PinPointe FootLaser
From: Mark Wolpa, DPM

Editor’s note: Dr. Wolpa’s extended- length note can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=24840&start=1

This topic is temporarily closed.

IMMEDIATE OPENING – MIAMI, FL 
 
Part-time and Full-time position available now. Massive growth potential present in an expanding group practice. June graduates are welcome to apply. Send CV and LOI to qvan@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

CRYO-Pac portable unit with 4 probes. Hardly used. Can be transported easily from office to office. Multiple treatment applications. $7,500 or best offer. Call (772) 283-3800 or (772) 529-7770 (Cell) or e-mail jaz1616@bellsouth.net

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. 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 Visit our website

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has a 12-month Fellowship beginning Aug 1, 2009 and ending July 31, 2010. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE.  Interviews will be at the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Annual Meeting and Midwest Podiatry Conference. Candidates will be chosen by mid-April. 24-month surgical residency training is a pre-requisite .Send a letter of interest, CV and three letters of recommendation to: Amol Saxena, DPM, FACFAS, Fellowship Director, Dept. of Sports Medicine, PAMF, Clark Bldg. 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Ph: 650/853-2927 Email: HeySax@AOL.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN  

Seeking quality-oriented, patient-focused RPR-trained associate for a fast-paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care. Gain surgical experience while earning an excellent living. Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. If you are highly motivated, ethical, and have good communication and clinical skills, please forward your C.V. cfsdr@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE or ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTHEAST OHIO 

Well-established, two-office practice in Southeast Ohio for sale. Seller currently works 3.5 days per week. Gross >$300K, Net ~$140K.  Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition, Ohio Licensure. Contact seller at bjadpm@hotmail.com for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – ANDERSON, INDIANA

Well established office in Anderson Indiana for sale. Seller currently works 3 half-days per week and gross over $200K. Excellent locations and growth potential. Very podiatry-friendly community. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition. Contact seller at mddpm@sbcglobal.net for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – DALLAS, TX

10 year old part-time podiatry practice for sale in North Dallas. Middle to high income area. Could easily be made full-time. Great potential! please reply to: footdoc8390@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TX

Successful, multi-physician, multi-office practice in The Woodlands, Texas is seeking Podiatric Physician Specialist in Biomechanics, Sports Medicine, Gait Analysis, and Orthotics Laboratory. Please email current CV to kelley.glazier@yahoo.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI  

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds 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

  
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