May 20, 2006 #2585                                     Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Annual NYCPM Faculty Retreat Features  Holt,  Lazar

Recently, the faculty of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine gathered off-campus for the annual NYCPM Faculty Retreat, where Stephen Holt, M.D. and Eliot J. Lazar, M.D. gave presentations on complimentary medicine in medical education and on how to handle difficult students and residents.

Stephen Holt, M.D., is Professor of medicine at Capital University of Integrative Medicine, Washington, D.C. and an adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and also serves as the President and CEO of three corporations: Natures Benefit, Inc.; Holt M.D. Consulting, Inc.; and Wellness Publishing, Inc.  As an author of several hundred articles in peer review scientific literature, Dr. Holt has developed an evidence-based approach to natural scientific medicine that has found acceptance in conventional medical practice.  At the Faculty Retreat, he spoke about medical pluralism, his approach to complimentary medicine in medical education, and the revolution in medicine that has gathered momentum in recent years.

A second guest speaker at the Faculty Retreat was Eliot J. Lazar, M.D., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the New York- Presbyterian Healthcare System, and a practicing cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medical Center.  Dr. Lazar offered a number of case presentations from his own experience illustrating successful – and unsuccessful – ways for faculty members to handle problems with difficult students and residents.

RE: CMS to Host Open Door Forum

From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

This program would essentially restrict reimbursement for certain non custom made DME, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies to the winner of a competitive bid. Only the vendor with the winning bid would be able to provide those items in a given geographic area. The larger DME dealers would have a significant economic advantage over the solo provider, in placing these bids. This would effectively eliminate the ability of others to provide acute care DME items i.e. dressings, CAM walkers, ankle braces, etc. and other stock items to their own patients. At this time therapeutic shoes for diabetics and custom items are not part of this program.

Organizations such as APMA, AOPA, PFA and other individuals have either met and/or made written responses to CMS regarding this program. It is however essential that CMS hears from individual practitioners and patients during this open door forum. A clear message needs to be sent to CMS that this program will:

1) Interfere with the doctor patient relationship. 2) Reduce the ability for physicians to provide quality care to patients particularly during an acute crisis. 3) Significantly reduce the patient's ability to obtain needed equipment especially in rural areas. 4) Provide a significant hardship for acutely injured patients.

More information on the "Competitive Acquisition for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, and Supplies" and the public comment period may be found in the May 1 2006 Federal Register available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-3982.pdf

Comments can be sent electronically in word format at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net 

RE: PM's New Format

Congratulations on upgrading the image of PM News to match its professionalism and content. As usual, you are setting an example for all DPM's to invest time, money, and energy proactively in order to improve services, standards, and business.

Dennis Shavelson, DPM, New York, NY, drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com 

RE: Leaving Office Because of Unethical Practices (Name Withheld) From: Steven N. Solomon, DPM, JD

It should be noted that if you are aware of illegal or unethical practices in a podiatry office you may be under an obligation to report this to the proper state agency. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary charges against you down the road.

For those of you in New York, you may remember a few years ago about a doctor who "cut" his initials into a patient he was performing surgery on. This was witnessed by the nurses and anesthesiologist that were in the OR, yet none of them reported the doctor. It was the patient who eventually reported the doctor.

In response to this incident, New York enacted what is commonly called the "Zorro provision."  This provision makes failure to report an ethical or illegal act of another a violation of the disciplinary rules.

To protect yourself, make sure that if you become aware of unethical practices that you consult an attorney who is well versed in healthcare and disciplinary matters.

Steven N. Solomon, DPM, JD, Brooklyn, NY, legalfoot@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - COLUMBUS, OHIO AREA

Fully furnished practice, open ONLY 14 hours a week with an average yearly gross of 235K. 75% primary care, 20% surgical, 5% Nails. Plenty of opportunity for growth and surgery. Changing locations. Financials available upon request.    Kyle_DPM@Yahoo.com  

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ESWT

If you are using or thinking of using ESWT, I have a new machine that has only been used twice. There is no Orbasone in the country priced like this one. Will provide training and installation. Take a look at  http://www.orbasone.com    Call 1-856-229-2939.

ASSOCIATE POSITION RICHMOND, VIRGINIA AREA   Partnership possible after two years. Two office practice. Palliation; biomechanics/orthotics; woundcare; office/hospital surgery. Must have Virginia license. Associate will do most of the practice’s surgery. PSR24/36/Board qualified/certified in surgery preferred. Available ASAP. Send CV to: Dr. Marc Jay Pinsky; 9550 Midlothian Turnpike; Suite 104; Richmond, VA 23235; mjpinsky@juno.com   FAX: 804-320-6627.

ASSOCIATE WANTED – HOUSTON, TX Associate wanted for thriving Houston practice. Forefoot and rearfoot surgery competency a must. Two locations, close to hospitals, ambulatory centers, etc. Good salary with all kinds of benefit package and incentive bonus. State-of-the-art equipment. Wonderful staff to work with. good person, with ethics a must. Please call 281-955-5500 or e-mail  resume. jrubinfoot@aol.com   Opportunity of a lifetime.

ASSOCIATE WANTED – MISSOURI

Well established 5 location podiatry group has position available for an associate leading to possible partnership after 3-4 years of demonstrated ethical service. Our associates have acquired all of their cases for forefoot and rearfoot boards in less than 3 years. Full range of podiatric care.  We own our own surgical suite.  Low cost of living, nearly crime free area with excellent schools. Close to St. Louis and major state recreation areas.  PSR-12/24/36. CV and letter of intent to  FAX 573-341-8174 sradpm1@fidnet.com    .

ASSOCIATE POSITON – TAMPA BAY, FL AREA

Two associate positions presently open with a large podiatry group in the Tampa Bay area. Salary and benefits are commensurate with applicant's qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity for a new practitioner to join a strong, existing group with extensive hospital affiliations and referral patterns. Two-year residency and Fl license preferred.  Fax 813-286-0200   Ph 813-334-2077  

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS Mature 3 DPM general podiatry and surgery practice in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas is seeking a DPM to fill an Associate position, partnership will be considered after a period of 2-3 years. Applicants should have at least 2 years of residency training and enjoy diabetic foot and wound care. Diverse patient populations. (VA, Community Health Clinics, Hospitals and 3 offices)  Good practice environment in hospitals and community.  Salary, bonus and benefit package offered.  Interested DPMs should send a letter of intent along with a current C.V. to Complete Family Foot Care, 812 Lindberg Ave. McAllen, TX 78501.  Fax 956 971-9109

ASSOCIATE POSITION -  NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base.  Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites.  Opportunity for shared ownership.  Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation.  E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com

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Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most- effective way of reaching over 7,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com

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