The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 10, 2007 #2,982 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Summer Poses Additional Risks to Diabetic Feet: IL Podiatrist

"Diabetics are not entitled to the luxury of walking barefoot in wet grass or walking barefoot anywhere, I'm sorry to say," said Donald J. Arenson, a podiatrist with offices in Elk Grove Village and Elmhurst, IL. "An insect bite that would puncture the foot or stepping on a sharp object can lead to infection that can quickly become out of control."

Dr. Donald J. Arenson

A sunburn, irritation from shells in the surf, a too-hot hot tub and even a pedicure can cause foot injuries that can lead to big problems. "We remind our diabetic patients that they are cerebrally disconnected from their feet," Arenson said. "You have to substitute your other senses, namely your eyes and the eyes of your family. You have to inspect your feet every day."

Arenson tells of one patient, an attorney, who lost his law school class ring. The attorney was unaware the ring had fallen into his shoe until that night when he took his shoes off and found the ring had worn a hole in his foot.

Source: Daily Herald [7/9/07]

LA Podiatrist Finds Rare Civil War Note

West Monroe, LA podiatrist Dr. Jared Reeves knew he had found something special when he looked at the 25-cent currency note issued in 1862. Reeves, an avid collector of Louisiana Civil War-era memorabilia, had amassed a collection of nearly 300 pieces of currency from the period. But the latest acquisition was special. It was issued by the Town of Monroe and signed by Mayor Robert Ray. After conferring with experts, Reeves learned that no recorded reference to the note existed.

Dr. Jared Reeves and Rare Civil War Note Michael Dunlap/The News-Star

"Nobody knew it existed," Reeve said. "It was not known in any reference books of any kind. It's like finding one of Elvis' guitars that no one knew existed." An avid collector of Civil War memorabilia, Reeves had developed a network of contacts throughout the country in his quest to collect artifacts from the era, with a particular interest in currency. His contact in Memphis, TN, recently notified him that he'd found the Monroe currency at a coin show in Oklahoma. It was purchased from a dealer from Champagne, IL, for less than $200. "It's considered to be in almost uncirculated condition," Reeves said. "The quality and condition of the note is remarkable."

The 25-cent note found by Reeves is dated Dec. 1, 1862. For the time being, Reeves plans on simply admiring his rare find. If he ever decides to sell it, the Monroe 25-cent note would bring in many times more than what Reeves paid for it. "I've already gotten an offer of $2,000 for it," Reeves said. "Should I ever decide to liquidate it, there are two or three auction houses that I believe I could sell it on that would bring anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000...but it's interesting to be able to hold a document and say the mayor of Monroe signed this document."

Source: Robbie Evans, Monroe News-Star (LA) [7/3/07]

Bill Would Mean Tax Credits For Wellness Programs

Returning after a week’s recess, congressional leaders today introduced a bill that would provide tax credits to businesses that implement wellness programs for their employees.

Co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR.), the Healthy Workforce Act of 2007 would offer a tax break of up to $200 per employee for the first 200 employees and up to $100 per employee thereafter for businesses that offer comprehensive wellness programs.

To be eligible for the credit, company programs must include at least three of the following four components: health awareness and education; behavioral change; a supportive workplace environment; and an employee engagement committee to design programs. Also, employers can receive the tax credit for 10 years after establishing new qualified wellness programs.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [7/9/07]

Query: Calcified Heel Bursa

I have a 48 yo active runner with a calcified bursa under one heel. He has had similar lesions removed twice in the last 15 yrs but they reoccur. Are there any other options other than surgical excision? I am thinking about attempting to break it up with shockwave, but it is large (approx 1x2 cm.) and I am afraid of making it worse.

Tim Kemple, DPM, Derry, NH

RE: Obituary - John L. Bennett

The American Board of Podiatric Surgery sadly reports the death on June 26, 2007 of John L. Bennett. Mr. Bennett was the executive director of the ABPS and served in that capacity from the Board’s creation in 1975 until he retired in 1996.

Jim Lamb, Executive Director, ABPS

RE: OIG and NPWT
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed a study entitled: “Medicare Payments for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Pumps in 2004”

The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which claims for negative pressure wound therapy pumps met Medicare coverage criteria and supplier documentation requirements in 2004.

Despite the fact that the overwhelming number of these pumps are either dispensed by large DME dealers or the mfg's themselves, the DPM as the prescriber, is responsible for providing truthful documentation for the device. If the information you provide to the dispenser does not "jive" with your patient's chart, you as the prescriber could face some serious allegations. I would therefore urge anyone prescribing NPWT to read this study:

http://www.oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-02-05-00370.pdf

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

RE: Using the Term Medical Doctor (Daniel Chaskin, DPM, 7/9/07)
From: Edward R. Nieuwenhuis DPM, Marc Katz, DPM

What is wrong with the terms podiatry, podiatric medicine and surgery, etc.? Come on folks. You went to podiatry school and you received a D.P.M. degree. Be proud of it. There is no reason to be ashamed of your degree or your profession.

I am aware that there is a movement within the profession to change the degree. If it happens, so be it. Changing your degree, however, will not change what you do, or make you a better doctor. You have had the best training in the world as it relates to the human foot. This does not mean that the world will automatically beat a path to your office. It does mean however, that if you practice your profession to the best of your ability, the world and other professionals will recognize your expertise and reward you appropriately.

Edward R. Nieuwenhuis DPM, Wyckoff, NJ, Edfeet@aol.com

We are podiatrists and we practice podiatry. We are doctors of podiatric medicine and we practice podiatric medicine. That's huge if you believe it. That's huge if you are what you are and not what you want to be!

We are a great profession. Until WE believe it, no one else will. Take pride in what you do.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO AND NW 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-773-292-4800. Fax 773-486-3548 www.homephysicians.com sschneider@homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BOSTON, MA

20 year old, well established, modern practice with 2 locations just out of Boston, looking for associate, P/T or F/T, motivated 24/36 trained or ABPS-Certified or eligible to start immediately. Strong surgically-based practice. Looking for motivated individual, able to practice all facets of podiatry practiced. Electronic scanning for orthotics and voice activated EMR already in office. Fax CV to (617) 567-0822

ASSOCIATE POSITION FLORIDA - NORTHEAST REGION

Busy, well established, full scope podiatry practice seeking highly motivated, hard-working, reliable, responsible and especially likeable to the average human, Associate. Surgical training a plus. Prefer PPMR or RPR. This is an Associate position with lots of potential. Team players only. Email CV to: healthparkmgr@bellsouth.net or fax CV to: 904-826-1586

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE-CENTRAL NJ

Boyd chairs(3), x-ray processor, view boxes, densitometer and much more all in working order. smaller items can be shipped chairs to be picked up please call me at 908-730-8881 or contact me at larrydpm2002@yahoo.com

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PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; Biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Seeking a position in a warm, friendly, and productive environment? Well, look no further! A well established podiatry facility in North Hollywood , California has an immediate position available for a podiatrist. He/She must be motivated, reliable, and dedicated. Depending on performance, partnership is possible. If interested, email your resume to drnickoghosyan@yahoo.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

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Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

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Seeking well trained PMS 36 / PSR 24+ for Full-Time associate position. Leading to partnership for the person. practice is 50% hospital based. Must have strong Sx skills, including Limb Salvage & Trauma. Competitive Salary & benefits Package. Fax 305-652-6672 or Call 305-785-2559 Email: doctorsole@aol.com

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