The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,800 Podiatrists Daily

April 14, 2008 #3,219 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We've just mailed the April 2008 Podiatry Management. This 252 page issue is filled with interesting, informative, and useful articles. This is our Annual Who's Who Buyers' Guide, plus you'll find our usual assortment of features, including our columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

April 2008 Podiatry Management

Parents Need More Education on Pediatric Foot Health: APMA Survey

A survey of 620 U.S. parents indicates 35 percent would not be motivated to seek a medical professional if their child complained of foot or leg pain. However, 49 percent of parents surveyed would take their child to a podiatrist's office for ingrown toenails -- which, if left untreated, can lead to significant pain and a loss in normal activity, the survey released by the American Podiatric Medical Association said.

Dr. Ross Taubman

"This information proves that many parents still aren't aware of two important things -- prompt examination of a child's foot ailments, and having the examination performed by a podiatrist," Dr. Ross Taubman, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association, said in a statement. "Remember -- foot pain is not normal. It is very important that parents understand the vital role a podiatrist has in diagnosing and treating all kinds of pediatric foot conditions."

Source: UPI [4/11/08]

NJ Podiatrist Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Identity Protection Firm

A class action lawsuit was filed on March 28 against LifeLock Inc. and its CEO Richard Todd Davis by Dr. Warren Pasternack and his wife, Susan Pasternack, on behalf of themselves as well as all other New Jersey LifeLock subscribers. The Pasternacks allege that LifeLock misled them about the limited level of identity protection the company provides, and failed to warn them about the potential adverse impact those services could have on their credit profiles.

Dr. Warren Pasternack

The plaintiffs, who reside in Middlesex County, filed suit in the New Jersey Superior Court in New Brunswick, claiming that they were the victims of Consumer Fraud by virtue of LifeLock's deceptive advertisements. The suit seeks to recover the money subscribers have paid to LifeLock and prohibit the company from continuing to promote its services through its marketing campaign.

Source: Business Week [3/31/08]

Insurers Reach Accord on P4P Principles; Standards Still Pending

Many of the country's largest health plans have agreed on a set of standards to be used nationwide as the basis for physician pay-for-performance initiatives and tiered networks. Underlying the effort is insurers' fears that states could develop 50 different sets of regulations to govern these programs -- a concern sparked by last year's crackdown by New York's attorney general.

Though implementation is at least nine months away, supporters said the agreement, announced April 1 by an organization called the Consumer-Purchaser Disclosure Project, could mean consistent rating systems and quality measurement that more closely lives up to its name.

Plans such as WellPoint, UnitedHealth Group, Cigna and Aetna signed the agreement, which is called the Patient Charter for Physician Performance Measurement, Reporting and Tiering Programs. The project behind the charter is made up of large employer coalitions that study and act as advocates on healthcare issues.

Source: Emily Berry, AMNews [4/21/08]

RE: Duty to Provide Interpreter Under ADA (Randy Bernstein, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

You are required by law to pay at the time of service for the interpreter. We have only done this once in our office about eight years ago. The fee was actually 40 dollars/hour. This time began the moment they entered our office. Yes, you do lose money on these visits. We haven't had a call in years for this type of service because we usually schedule them three to four months out as our earliest appointment and they go elsewhere.

John Roseman, DPM, Massillon, OH, roseman@sssnet.com

I have a few deaf patients and I have dealt with this in several different ways. (1) ask the person if s/he can provide an interpreter, such as a friend or relative. (2) call the local society or school for the deaf and see if they can provide an interpreter ... often this is free as some people do this as volunteer work. (3) ask the couple via AT&Ts phone service for the deaf if they can work with you with a pad and pen, chalkboard, etc (4) if you are near a hospital, ask if they have an interpreter service (they should have someone who signs and might cover over on their lunch hour at a reduced rate).

Some of my most rewarding experiences have been with deaf patients, although initially it can be trying if you are not used to it.

You cannot refuse to see the patient (nor should you). My biggest challenge was taking a deaf patient to the OR and we had to have an interpreter there with her as we put her to sleep and woke her up. The patient found an interpreter who was not "squeamish."

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

Long before the ADA I had a deaf mute patient. We communicated with a pencil and paper and never had a lick of trouble-- she asked me questions, I answered, we shared jokes and all sorts of other information. I don't think she ever felt belittled or shortchanged in her care. This is another example of where boneheaded politicians take an idea which is basically a good one and then mutate it into something odious and unmanageable. We all could name others, I'm sure.

Paul Busman, DPM,RN, Cohoes, NY, BREWERPAUL@aol.com

RE: AMA’s Scope of Practice Report (Harold W. Vogler, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Dr. Vogler, in his message, states that our superior training over foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons will enable us to prevail over attempts by their surrogates to legally limit our scope of practice. By and large, most podiatrists are superior to most orthopedic surgeons in the treatment of foot problems and this is especially true in the case of Dr Vogler. Those of us who personally know him can fondly attest to this. The problem, however, is that pure knowledge and training will not necessarily triumph in state law making arenas. The trump cards in those legislatures is money and political power. We cannot be naive to think that just because we offer a superior and in some cases the only available type of professional services to our patients, that lawmakers from either political party will favor us over some other group that has stronger lobbyists and gives larger political contributions.

What Dr. Vogler says at the end of his message rings true. He states:" ------forget about their juvenile petty assaults--our organizations will deal with these people and their hateful attitudes." This is why we need a strong undivided APMA so that we can deal with these attempts to limit our ability to best serve the public in the way we do. APMA affiliates need to take heed and not do anything that can divide and jeopardize the strength of the only organization strong and capable enough to defend our rights to serve the public.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

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

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 - BALTIMORE, MD (MERCY MC)

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 2008. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Beautiful area; Thriving economy. Seeking Nice, Well Trained Associate who can Work Independently (experience a plus). Unique "Associate Security" Clause so that you control your destiny. Send resume and cover letter to greatpodjob@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Two Doctor group seeks individual with 3 years of surgical training. This well-quipped office deals with all types of reconstructive foot surgery. Diabetic foot fellowship desirable. Practice includes two physical therapists that work on-site. Rural setting with excellent outdoor activities. Competitive salary and benefit packages with opportunity for partnership. Respond to: jclough@sofast.net or Fax to: 406-761-7219

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SEATTLE, WA

Seattle area podiatric medical practice established and growing - needs associate. Great partnership potential for well-trained podiatric physician. Costco - Corporate Headquarters + Microsoft & Boeing. 386 597-5766

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City . Currently four (4)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - EASTERN WASHINGTON

Established practice located in the fastest-growing city in the state of Washington. Enjoy the lifestyle available in the area. Practice is directly across the street from the hospital - surgery center located within the hospital, and podiatric surgical privileges are not restricted. Gross $200K+ at 4 days per week. Can easily grow. 260 402-7490

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VICTORIA, BC

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Licenser exam to be given in June 2008. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NW INDIANA (1 HR FROM CHICAGO)

Caring, hardworking podiatrist needed to join our busy practice. We offer great pay and benefits. Must be highly motivated, have a great bedside manner and superb surgical skills (forefoot and rearfoot surgical training a must). E-mail resume to friendlyfootcare@comcast.net or fax resume to (219)662-7290. Learn about here

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