The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 26, 2010 #3,815 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Barefoot Running Shoes Can Cause Tendonitis: OH Podiatrist

One of the latest technologies in running equipment is called the barefoot running shoe. The shoe is designed as a training tool, not a regular running shoe. The idea behind it is to emulate a natural stride, most often seen in children.

Dr. Ted Bowlus

Podiatrist Dr. Ted Bowlus says runners who overuse these shoes can get injuries from the top strap. "It runs on the tendons on the top part of your foot, and that can create tendonitis," he said. Bowlus also advises that runners not use the shoes to correct injuries. However, for healthy runners, the shoe can strengthen the stride and build up tendons.

Source: Melissa Voetsch, WTOL [3/24/10]

MN Podiatrist Reappointed to State Podiatry Board

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Dr. Schelli McCabe to the Board of Podiatric Medicine. She has been  reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 6, 2014. McCabe, of St. Peter, has been a licensed podiatrist in Minnesota since 1987. She is the daughter of M.D. Olmanson, MD, of St. Peter; granddaughter of Albert Fritsche, MD, of New Ulm, and E.G. Olmanson, MD of St. Peter; and great-granddaughter of Louis Albert Fritsche, MD – the first medical doctor to be licensed in Minnesota (license number 1 in 1887). 

Dr. Schelli McCabe

McCabe is a podiatrist with the Foot and Ankle Clinic of St. Peter, Inc., a private practice in St. Peter; and chair of surgical services as well as president of the medical staff at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in St. Peter. McCabe graduated magna cum laude from the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL.  She completed her surgical residency at Metropolitan-Mount Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis.  McCabe, who has been a member of the Board of Podiatric Medicine since 2006, is reappointed as a podiatrist member.

Source: Review Messenger [3/23/10]
 

Query: Safe Guard, LLC Audit

I have been undergoing a major audit for about eight months. Two-thirds of my patients are being audited. The audit is through Safe Guard, LLC, and every time I have spoken to their Reps, there is no mention of a reason of why I am being audited. I have contacted multiple members of our profession, APMA, California PMA, CaBPM, CaMA. No one really has any advice.

Is there a time-line as to how long these audits last and what it is they are exactly looking for? Is Safe Guard LLC a RAC? If so, aren't there certain guidelines in regard to the magnitude of the audit? And lastly, since Palmetto informs me that this is not a Medicare or CMS issue, are there any legal avenues that I can go through to get this over with? Any help, advice, ideas are welcomed. 

Name Withheld (California)

Editor’s comments: PM News does not provide legal advice. The mission of Safe Guard LLC is to “help address fraud, waste and abuse by performing regional Medicare data analysis as well as comprehensive problem identification and research to identify potentially fraudulent Medicare providers.” Anytime an audit is conducted which involves a large number of patients, it’s time to immediately hire a healthcare attorney to guide and protect you. 

RE: Plantar Plate Tear (John Chisholm, DPM)
From: Mark E Weaver, DPM

I have found that a shoe stiffener sometimes will work for plantar plate tears. They are not as cumbersome as a fracture walker since this is a long-term proposition to heal. I buy mine from Euro International 800-378-2480.

Mark E Weaver, DPM, Fort Meyers, FL, TCOPM@yahoo.com

RE: Scanning vs. Casting for Orthoses (Paul R. Scherer, DPM)
From: Howard J. Palamarchuk, DPM

I would like to respond to Dr. Scherer's critique of our work at TUSPM.

1. This study was approved by the Temple University IRB November 2008 after almost a six-month review. It was reviewed one year later and re-approved through November 2010.

2. This study was classified as "unfunded" as several studies are at TUSPM to encourage student investigators to collaborate with faculty on investigations important to podiatric medicine.

3. My co-investigators on this project were a ...

Editor’s note: Dr. Palamarchuk’s extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: The Passing of Mel Carver, DPM

Dr. Mel Carver of Rancho Mirage, CA passed away on March 22. Dr. Carver practiced for 40 years in Silver Spring, MD and Palm Springs, CA. He was past president of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association, and a member of the APMA for 40 years. He was one of the original East Coast Fellows of ACFS. He was also an accomplished artist, sculptor, and chef.

Andrew Carver, DPM, Potomac, MD

RE: Aravon Shoes (Anthony Hoffman, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Go to - aravonshoes.com. Click "where to buy".

Joann Sacca, Associate Product Manager, New Balance, joann.sacca@newbalance.com

I believe Aravon shoes is the New Balance brand woman shoes, and therefore, they should be able to be purchased in a New Balance footwear store.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

Dia-Foot has a direct account with Aravon. Call 877-405-3668 ext. 103 to place an order. 
 
Robert M. Gaynor DPM, President Dia-Foot, nailcutter@aol.com

RE: Real or Fake, Uggs Lack Adequate Support: NY Podiatrist
From: Cam White

I agree that Ugg boots and several imitators are nothing more than a sheepskin covering for a foot, without support or structure. There is one brand, however, that is different. EMU Australia has a few models of sheepskin boots with a fiberglass-reinforced heel counter, dual-density midsole, and a removable sheepskin insole which allows plenty of room for functional or accommodative orthoses. For people who really want to pull off the Ugg look, this boot is a far better product.

Cam White, Total Relief Footwear, camwhite.shoes@gmail.com

RE: GA Podiatrist Lectures and Conducts Workshop at NYCPM
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I applaud NYCPM for advancing their students' education. As an alumnus, I do not recall ever having surgical workshops of this nature. On the other hand, it is a little bit of a tease showing ankle fusions using tibial nails in New York. I realize, the college is not training everyone to stay in New York, and hence, it is important for those leaving and practicing in states with a better scope of practice law.

I just feel it’s about time that NY, one of the worst scope of practice states, is able to expand its scope so that  graduating students can perform the valuable procedures they learned while at school and in their residencies. As we move forward, and expand residencies to a mandatory three years, it is a crying shame to not be allowed to perform that which one is capable of doing.

Furthermore, I would go so far as to say that if the scope of law does not change, there is no need to require people to go through 3 years of training in limited scope states. All that is being accomplished for them is wasting their valuable time. 
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: GA Podiatrist Worried and Upset by New Healthcare Bill
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM

Dr. Schreck is concerned about the heathcare overhaul and says that physicians' rates have already been cut by 20%. He is correct. Providers from all areas of medical care are being hit with cuts. A close relative of mine is in the hospital, and my family is amazed at how much less help there is compared to past times he has been to that same institution. We all know what goes on in our own offices with insurance cutbacks.

The biggest blow to our profession is that insurance companies are raising co-payments which will induce many to stay home rather than seek non-life-threatening medical care. Large group primary care centers in my area are going the route of adding on more patients and giving less time. At some of these centers, the level and amount of care is dangerously sparse. On the other hand, insurance companies are recording record profits and their executives are getting multimillion dollar bonuses.
 
The healthcare overhaul that has just passed is akin to buying a new suit. The tailor will have to  do a lot of work to make it fit, and in the upcoming months and years, Congress will have to adjust many parts of it. Hopefully, when all is done, we will once again have a healthcare system that works for patients and doctors.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

The PM News posting about Dr. Schreck being “worried and upset” by the passing of the healthcare bill was no doubt read by many podiatrists who are also anxious about their economic futures. If reform measures are implemented as proposed, podiatric practice will never be the same. But, “Forewarned Is Forearmed.”  And with change comes opportunity. In 2012, Medicare is scheduled to encourage...

Editor's Note: Dr Rubin's extended-length note can be read here.

RE: The Subpoena from Cell

While on an errand over lunch yesterday, I got a call from my secretary asking me how quickly I could get back to the office as there was a county sheriff's deputy there to serve me with a subpoena! This surely got my attention. As I rushed & trembled back to the office, I was trying to imagine what I could have done wrong. 

I was served with a subpoena to appear in Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court) in a county about one hour from my office next Monday.  Upon investigating further (and after changing my underwear), it turns out that it was from a former patient who is currently serving a 151 month sentence in the state maximum security prison for 1st degree aggravated criminal sexual assault. He has brought a suit against two women in small claims court, and subpoenaed me to appear on his behalf with the records from when I saw him in 1992...18 years ago! He is someone who really does have a lot of time on his hands!

Tom Silver, DPM, Minneapolis, MN

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON REGIONAL AREA

Multi-faceted practice (routine care to trauma) seeks associate with Maryland and/or Pennsylvania license. Great opportunity for partnership. Looking for pleasant personality. We have multiple offices. Contact butler@qis.net. or call at 410-848-6800 and ask for Dr. Butler.

PRACTICE FOR SALE: TENNESSEE

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

We are seeking an energetic individual to join our multi-office practice in Northern California. PSR 24+ with a California license is required. Partnership position is possible with an excellent long term business opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual. Please send resume to Mwolpafootdoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA, BEACHES

Well-established podiatry practice with excellent mix office/surgery seeking full-time associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits for the right hardworking, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Associate needed full or part-time for Nursing homes in Connecticut. Need hard-working, ethical individual. Must have CT license. Excellent salary. Please call Zina (347)307-4333 for additional information.

TWO YEAR FELLOWSHIP IN RECONSTRUCTIVE FOOT SURGERY AND RESEARCH

2-year fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a primary teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. Fellows have clinic, perform complex reconstructive procedures (external fixation, flaps, Charcot reconstruction), and conduct clinical research (20%). Fellows train residents and receive appointment to Harvard Medical School faculty. Excellent salary/benefits. Program begins SEPTEMBER 1st, 2010. Must have completed PSR-36 or similar. Submit applications to: Dafny Suazo at dsuazo@bidmc.harvard.edu Include CV, letter describing goals and any research interests. Deadline: April 30, 2010. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School are Equal Opportunity Employers.

FULL-TIME PODIATRY OPPORTUNITY - BOSTON, MA

HealthDrive is seeking a caring podiatrist to join our group practice. We currently have a FT non-surgical opportunity available in the Boston, MA area. We offer a competitive salary, Paid malpractice Insurance, health and dental Insurance, long & short term disability, flexible schedule (No weekends), established patient base, equipment, supplies and complete office support provided. If interested in this opportunity, please call Maria Kelleher (toll free) at 877-724-4410 or email caring@healthdrive.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INLAND EMPIRE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Associate needed full or part-time for multi office practice. Must be ABPS BC/BQ. Hard working, ethical individual who is looking to a possible partnership opportunity. Looking for current licensed or resident completing program this spring. Email CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net or call Martha 909 984-5614.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND 
 
Busy Bellmore, NY office. Motivated, board certified, hard-working, experienced in all phases of podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242-7540 or Fax Resume 516 826-9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA

Looking for a motivated Podiatrist to join a rapidly growing practice in Los Angeles. Excellent compensation. Please reply to coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

We’re seeking an energetic and enthusiastic Associate to help our thriving non-surgical practice grow. We provide state-of-the-art sports medicine, trauma and lower extremity care. Excellent compensation package. Visit our website to apply.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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