The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 15, 2011 #4,108 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Homeopathy is a Safe Way to Complement Treatment Choices: IL Podiatrist

Few things rile scientific skeptics more than homeopathy, a baffling form of alternative medicine in which patients are given highly diluted and vigorously shaken preparations to trigger the body's natural healing ability. Though it has been used for centuries and some studies have reported positive findings, the practice has no known scientific basis. Most analyses have concluded there's no evidence it works any better than a sugar pill.

Dr. Roland Tolliver

Others see homeopathy as a safe way to complement treatment choices. "We don't always know why things work, but sometimes they do," said Freeport podiatrist Dr. Roland Tolliver, who uses it with his children and occasionally recommends arnica for patients with musculoskeletal issues. "Regular medicine doesn't always work either," he said. "The most important thing is to leave all options open."

Source: Julir Deardorff, Tr-City Herald [3/12/11]

MA Podiatrist Named a Top Doc in Boston 

Dr. Marshall Lukoff, a Dedham podiatrist, was named a Top Doctor in Boston for 2011 for "The Best in Boston Medicine". Fellow doctors voted on the top physicians in various specialties in the Boston area, and Dr. Lukoff was voted as one of the top podiatrists in 2011 by Top Doc Boston. This is a great recognition and award to receive, showing Dr. Lukoff's continuous commitment to providing the best in quality podiatric care for his patients. 

Dr. Marshall Lukoff

Lukoff is board certified and received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency in podiatric medicine and foot surgery at Central Hospital in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Source: DigitalJournal.com [3/13/11]

Age is No Deterrant For FL Podiatrist in Rugby League

They don’t move as quickly as they once did, but the intensity level and love of the game has not diminished. Old rugby players, like old soldiers, don’t fade away. They just move up to another division and continue playing. This weekend’s 33rd St. Patrick’s Day Rugby Tournament, thanks to a lobbying effort by Savannah attorney Bill Dillard, added a division for teams for players 45 and older. 

Dr. Dennis Frisch

Dillard, Dennis Frisch, and Greg “Broadway” Ray, all in their mid-50s, are members of the 22-man UGA team whose oldest player, they believe, is 61. Frisch is a podiatrist in Boca Raton, FL, and — believe it or not — a University of Florida grad playing on a Georgia alumni team. Frisch and Ray played in college at the club level while Dillard began playing after graduating from law school at Georgia, where he also earned his undergraduate degree.

Source: Mike Brown, Savannah Morning News [3/1/11]

Editor's Note:  PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: If you could alter the podiatric educational experience, what would you change? 

Dr. Joseph Agostinelli

Joe Agostinelli: Not to be harsh on the deans, I would not have the DPM colleges. I would have regular medical schools, then internships to learn how to be a physician. Then  podiatry students would do their residencies in the foot and ankle, and then become a regional specialist. 

Dr. Beth Jarrett, Dr. Marc Benard, and Craig Payne

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment  will feature a roundtable on diabetes, featuring Drs. Beth Jarrett and Marc Benard, and Craig Payne. You can register for this event by clicking here

Primary-Care Group Launches Center for Accountable Care

The Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative, a coalition of some 700 employers, consumer groups, and primary-care organizations, has formed the Center for Accountable Care in an effort to ensure that "a strong, robust patient-centered primary-care model is at the foundation of accountable care organizations.

Among its activities, the center will identify and share best practices related to medical-home-based ACOs and educate federal and state government officials, media members, and consumer organizations about the center's policy recommendations and advocate for those policies, according to a news release from the collaborative.

Source: Modern Physician [3/14/11]

RE: HIPAA Manuals
From Ron Werter, DPM
 
I'm starting to get solicitations about the HIPAA manual. Customized ones, generic ones, simple ones. I've decided to do the whole meaningful use thing so I can get paid for these changes that will happen with or without me. I don't really understand the manual. Is it like the OSHA manual from years ago? Are there one or three manuals? Are there things that really must be custom for my office, or is there a "pre-fab" that I can use and tweak a bit for it to be acceptable? Do I have to be trained? What is the maximum and minimum that is absolutely necessary?

Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY

RE: Comminuted Fracture S/P Ex-Fix (Name Withheld)
From: Multiple Respondents

After reducing the dislocation, use two points of fixation, both proximal and distal to the fracture/osteotomy site. Apply an above-knee cast to enforce compliance with non-weight-bearing. This is mandatory and not optional.    

Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Dallas TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com
 
I'm sure everyone on this forum will agree, we've all had troublesome patients like this. You could make an argument for approaching this in a few different ways. My suggestion would be to remove the ex-fix and screw, relocate the capital fragment, and apply a dorsal plate...followed by casting and excellent documentation.

Jesse Burks, DPM, Little Rock, AR, ftnankle@aol.com

I assume that the complication occurred after a bunionectomy and hammertoe 2-5 repair. It is not very clear in your post. What type of osteotomy requires this type of midshaft osteotomy followed by ex-fix and screw fixation anyway. My initial concern is that the osteotomy was unstable to start with.

In any event, my corrective surgery would include removal of the first met hardware and fixation with a six to eight hole plate, and if possible, an intramedulary pin through the met head and across the M-C joint. Some orthobiologics are always handy. Follow-up should include 6-8 weeks of short leg cast NWB and bone stimulator. While you're in there, don't forget to take out the Smart Toe implants that are not seated correctly...hopefully these poor positions were a result of the post-operative trauma. It is best to be decisive and firm with difficult patients, so quickly identify the problem to her and present your corrective surgical plan confidently, whatever it might be.

Vincent Gramuglia, DPM, Bronx, NY, a2onpar3@optonline.net

RE: Hyperkeratosis in an 87-year Old (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Evan F. Meltzer, DPM

In some cases, plantar orthoses do not provide enough biomechanical support to balance severe deformities. You might consider prescribing a modified Ritchie Brace with appropriate accommodation for the lesion, if your patient is willing to wear it.

Evan F. Meltzer, DPM, Jackson, MS, Evan.Meltzer@va.gov

RE: Suitemed and Compulink EMR Suites (Harry Cotler, DPM)
From: Ingie El-Khashab , DPM

I assume the question is referring to IMS which is sold by Suitemed, among other vendors. I have had the software for the last two years and have spoken to two other groups who have recently gone "live" on the system. We all purchased it from different vendors, yet we all have the same problems. It's a great system but you will never get the benefit of it because their support is terrible, the billing is very complicated, and customizing your templates is very time-consuming. They would rather you pay them for that service. I did begin using a  company that is a part of Suitemed to handle my billing, which alleviated a lot of billing issues that I had with the software. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to email me. 

Ingie El-Khashab, DPM, Decatur, GA, iel-khashab@activeafc.com

RE: Sending Patient Accounts to Collection (David Weiss, DPM)
From: Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM, NMD

5-9 delinquent accounts is quite a few. I would definitely start taking credit cards. You lose a little in transaction fees, but it is minute compared to what you are getting now, which is nothing. I was hesitant to use credit cards as well, but have been doing so for two years and am glad I did. As of Dec. 1, we actually started taking credit card copies of those patients with high deductibles. Some of the patients raise their eyebrows, some get a bit annoyed, some just hand it to my staff with their insurance card without a comment.

After you ask for their completed H&P, office policy and HIPAA papers, you then ask for their insurance card and credit card like it has been routine for years. If they question this practice, you explain that...

Editor's note: Dr. Ferrelli's extended-length letter can be read here. 

RE: The Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 /Obamacare (Carlos Montes, Jr., DPM, MS)
From: Multiple Respondents)
 
Using Dr. Montes' logic, if/when a single payor system comes to fruition, then our fee for service payments will skyrocket, since there will be no insurance companies to "extract the value." I don't think I'd hold my breath until that happens.
 
Robert A. Boudreau, DPM, Tyler, TX, rbftdoc@aol.com

I fully agree with Dr. Montes. The term "Obamacare" was crafted by the political right of this country as a derogatory term to use in reference to the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010. Just because Fox News and those opposed to the act continue to use it, it is improper and its use is not comparable to the Sherman anti-trust Act. The Sherman anti-trust act is the name of the act, not a derogatory term used by its opponents. This is a neutral forum and should continue to be so.
 
Brian Kiel, DPM,  Memphis, TN, footdok4@gmail.com

The law will be "affordable" because of the power of the press, the "printing press" that is!
 
Gino Scartozzi, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, Gsdpm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY - FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Progressive, busy practice seeks personable, ethical, confident associate interested in future partnership. Lucrative opportunity for self-starter with strong work ethic. State-of-the-art office in rapidly growing community with two new hospitals and new surgery center. Practice has excellent reputation with well established referral base. Cover letter/CV to: fredfeet@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NY

Busy Midtown Manhattan state-of-the-art practice with 2 locations seeking part time/full time associate. Must be in-network Empire BC/BS. Looking for a personable doctor with immediate availability. Residents Need not apply. DrB@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA, PA

Philadelphia surgical podiatrist, seeking surgical or non-surgical trained podiatrist to help expand practice hours. Located in a busy medical building. Clinic area is multi-specialty. Looking for someone to work expanded hours, days and some Saturdays. Call 215-665-9225 Dr. Smith, fax CV 215-665-9242 or email mybadfeet1@yahoo.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
 
Very well-established podiatry practice in Louisville, KY seeks a motivated, ethical practitioner trained in all phases of podiatry including routine care, surgery and wound care to join 2 other podiatrists. By joining our practice you will receive a competitive salary with a bonus structure and benefits. Our practice is equipped with DME, PadNet, Gait Scanner and on site retail store. There is a huge potential to grow your practice with our ideally located facility that has strong affiliation with leading area hospitals as well as 2 local residency programs. For immediate consideration, please forward CV to Samuel10530@yahoo.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER
 
Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for ugly, unsightly, toe nail infections. Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. Dr. Zuckerman is in the Fort Lauderdale area and will demo this lasers on your patients. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Hausted 825 GMCOO Unicare III stretcher. Approximately 7 yrs old, but rarely used. Great condition. Excellent condition, no rips or tears. $250 PDM J120B Podiatry chair-Used. Navy blue upholstery with some wear. Has Lift, Tilt and Back functions. Foot pedal. Screen and doctor’s stool included. $1,750. Photos on request. 410-768-5800 jferris@chesapeakefootandankle.com

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
 
Applications are being accepted for the Central Kentucky Diabetes Management Fellowship. Dr. Jonathan Moore, former UTHSC Diabetes Fellow, OCPM adjunct faculty, AAPPM board member and national lecturer and author on diabetes and practice management related topics is director and founder. Don't miss out on the most unique, dynamic fellowship in Podiatric medicine. Learn latest advances in Diabetes management/surgery along with knowledge to run and grow a successful practice. Generous stipend, full benefits and free housing in resort setting. Email CV and letter of interest to: jmoore@aappm.org  Visit our website

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WASHINGTON STATE - SUBURBAN SEATTLE

16 year established part time practice. Includes Midmark 417 (4 position keypad), Excel X-ray, processor, Ritter M9, instruments, bandaids, etc. 1 Day/week $50K gross. Professional Business appraisal at $48K. Asking $35K. Shared office with 2 FP's. Easily expandable. Reply: practiceforsale18@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview long island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

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