June 09, 2006 #2,601 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Barefoot is Dangerous: Pribut

Barefoot training remains controversial. Many podiatrists cringe at the notion of unshod feet pounding the pavement, where the risks include cuts, bruises, and unsanitary conditions. "If we want to mimic barefoot running, shoes should come with broken glass and twigs," says Stephen M. Pribut, a Washington, D.C., podiatrist and president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. "The emphasis should be on getting the right shoe for your foot."

Dr. Pribut says he would like patients to seek out more appropriate athletic shoes, and gives advice on how to do this at: www.drpribut.com/sports/spshoe.html . He notes that some athletes who go barefoot or give up structured shoes risk injuring themselves further.

Source: Tara Parker-Pope, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA), [6/6/06]

IA DPM Wins Primary For Secretary of State

Podiatrist Chuck Allison of Des Moines will face Michael Mauro in this year's race for secretary of state. Allison, 51, easily beat his Republican primary opponent, former federal prosecutor Robert Dopf of Des Moines, in Tuesday's voting. With 97 percent of the precincts having reported, Allison claimed 63 percent of the votes cast, for a winning margin of roughly 16,000 votes.

Charles Allison, D.P.M.

The secretary of state oversees elections in Iowa and is responsible for registering corporations that do business in the state. The winner of the fall election will replace Chet Culver, who won the Democratic primary race for governor.

During the campaign, Allison pledged to implement voting-fraud safeguards such as requiring voters to show identification at polling sites. He blamed the expanded use of absentee ballots and satellite polling for reduced accountability and increased difficulty in validating the legitimacy of votes.

Source: Clark Kauffman, Des Moines Register, [6/7/06]

New Groundbreaking Treatment for Diabetes Neuropathy a Success

Injecting patients with a DNA-binding protein may prevent diabetes-related nerve damage - known as diabetic neuropathy - particularly to the hands and feet. A potentially groundbreaking treatment for diabetes-related nerve damage has shown promising results in early trials.

A research team at the University of Manchester has discovered that injecting patients with a DNA-binding protein may prevent diabetes-related nerve damage - known as diabetic neuropathy - particularly to the hands and feet. These results were based on pre-clinical trials, however, the results of early clinical trials on patients in the US have also been encouraging.

According to lead researcher, Prof. David Tomlinson, the study has 'massive potential' for managing the condition and preventing thousands of foot amputations every year "Our approach to gene therapy is quite different to previous attempts at treatment. We use a DNA-binding protein called ZFP TFTM to poke life into the patient's own genes and produce a growth factor that has a role in nerve protection and regeneration. As the data demonstrates, we have had some striking success", Prof. Tomlinson added.

The US clinical trials meanwhile have also been encouraging -the only adverse event reported so far has been a mild reaction at the site of injection. Details of the Manchester team's findings are published in the journal, Diabetes May 2006.

Source: Diabetes in Control [6/6/06]

RE: Cardiac Arrest (Elliot Udell, DPM}
From: Donna M Alfieri, DPM, Sloan Gordon, DPM,

I would like to thank Dr. Udell for posting this experience. I have been a CPR instructor for over ten years and have trained many students and faculty at NYCPM. The question is often asked, “What are the chances I will have to use this?” Elliot, now I have a great example to tell them. CPR is easy, it works and it saves lives. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of learning this technique.

Donna M Alfieri, DPM, NYCPM, Director of Clinical Research, DAlfier@nycpm.edu

Certainly it's a harrowing experience. It happened to a patient of mine about 10 years ago in the office during an examination (43 y/o male). I called 911, performed CPR, and accompanied the patient to the ER. When he was stable, I took my own pulses.

The moral of the story is keep your CPR and your ACLS certifications up-to-date. At our hospital, they are mandatory for every medical staff member and must be renewed every two years with your recredentialing. I think it makes a huge difference. I usually re-certify with the new incoming crop of residents, as a lot of docs do.

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

RE: Competitive Acquisition Program for DME
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

All podiatrists who currently bill for DME should read the APMA News blast of Tuesday June 6 2006.

http://apma.org/s_apma/docmember.asp?CID=42&DID=19778

Replying to CMS on this issue should be made a top priority. APMA's website can provide you with significant assistance with composing a response. It is important that podiatrists NOT simply cut and paste these examples, as CMS will simply count identical replies as one letter. Individually composed responses to CMS are needed and should be written with the best interests of the patient in mind.

For those not billing DME, think about what could happen if competitive bidding was put into place for all medical/surgical services. What could potentially happen to your practice if you don't win a bid? Please take a few minutes prior to the deadline (June 30) to write an individually created letter to CMS.

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

RE: Valuing a Practice (Barry Mullen, DPM )
From: Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA

Editor's Note: To read this informative letter, which includes common mistakes in valuation of a practice, as well as an explanation of IRS Revenue Ruling 59-60, go to: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=9731&start=1

Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA, Norcross, GA,
marcinkoadvisors@msn.com

RESIDENCY POSITION – NORTHERN VIRGINIA

One Year Foot and Ankle/Rearfoot Surgical Fellowship with excellent salary/benefits available July 1, 2006. If you are finishing a PSR24 and don't have a job yet, this is an excellent way to learn additional surgical and business skills. Please fax resume to 703-491-9994.

RESIDENCY POSITION - HOUSTON, TX

RPR, PSR-24, Houston Podiatric Foundation, Starting ASAP. Must have successfully completed PARTS 1 & 2 of National Boards. Contact: Dr. Randal M. Lepow, Director (281-348-3338) (713-725-8988)

ASSOCIATE WANTED - NEW YORK

Associate Wanted - Rockland County, Rockland County. Associate with minimum 5 years experience, high volume established general practice. Reply with CV to nypodiatry111@aim.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - MINNESOTA – MINNEAPOLIS SUBURB

Busy, well-established, full-scope podiatry practice, seeking highly motivated podiatrist for a full-time position with buy-in opportunity. Looking for PSR 24/36 trained individual, to help increase surgical volume. Excellent opportunity for long-term growth with unlimited income potential. E-mail CV to employment@associatedpodiatrists.com or fax to (612) 866-5875 Attn. Jennifer.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW YORK

FOR SALE - Rockland County. Well established, high-volume practice, general and surgical. Gross $500K, hospital privileges; excellent lease. All interested parties reply to: metroNYCpodiatry@aim.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Associate needed for high volume practice with eventual buy-in. Requires highly motivated individual with immediate high volume patient load. Competitive salary with bonus, malpractice, and health insurance. Send resume to rubwalk@hotmail.com or fax to 419-473-1230

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Excellent for upcoming residency grad. Well rounded practice- 2 podiatrists. Fax resume: 561-637-9596.

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.

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75

PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,000 DPM's and Students

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 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.