The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 25, 2008 #3,307 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Recommends FitFlops (With Reservations)

Billed as "the flip-flop with the gym built in," FitFlop sandals promise a workout with every step. But don't expect a miracle, a Park Avenue podiatric surgeon, Suzanne Levine, said. "You're going against a little more resistance, so you're going to get a little something extra, but these are not shoes that are going to make your thighs look like they did when you were 21," she said.

Dr. Suzanne Levine

Dr. Levine, who owns a pair of FitFlops, said there's a psychological component to the success of the FitFlop: The idea that these flip-flops improve fitness might inspire the person wearing them to increase the distance and pace of a walking workout — making it difficult to discern how much the shoes, themselves, are doing. She advises wearing FitFlops for no more than two or three hours at a time. "They're not for long-distance walking — they don't have the necessary arch support — and they're not a substitute for sneakers,"

Dr. Levine said, noting that extended wear could lead to foot problems, such as heel spurs. "The idea that these are shoes that you want to live in is not something I endorse. That said, FitFlops are comfortable and they have a fabulous place in a woman's wardrobe."

Source: Gabrielle Birkner, The New York Sun, [7/22/08]

RI Podiatrist is Part of Popular Music Duo

Billing themselves as “New England's premier 70s tribute” act, Macey & Hart started performing live as teenagers some 30 years ago. They still make live acoustic music the old-fashioned way and share a common love of performing. Joe Macey (acoustic guitar and lead vocals) is celebrating his thirty-third year entertaining New England audiences. Tim Hart (keyboards, bass pedals, lead vocals) got his professional start at the early age of 16, performing with numerous rock groups throughout high school and college. His influences include James Taylor, Poco and the Eagles. Tim always brings a vibrant stage personality, and also works by day as Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

Joe Macey (acoustic guitar, vocals) Dr. Tim Hart on right (keyboard, vocals)

The duo have opened up for national country stars Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence at Indian Ranch in Webster. They've also shared the stage at Indian Ranch with American Idol finalist Ayla Brown who made a special guest appearance in their set.

Source: Sturbridge Villager [7/18/08]

House Bill Seeks to Speed Up Adoption of Health IT Systems

A new bill moving through the U.S. House of Representatives aims to speed development of a nationwide electronic health record infrastructure, but some critics say the measure lacks the necessary funding and patient-privacy protections. The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to vote on the $575 million legislation this summer. A subcommittee approved the measure by voice vote in late June.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by the committee's leaders, calls for $115 million in federal grants and loans each fiscal year from 2009 to 2013. Physicians and hospitals could compete for funds to purchase certified health information technology. Applicants would be required to demonstrate financial need and contribute $1 for each $3 given by the government. Small practices and hospitals, and those in underserved areas, would get preference

Source: Beth Wilson, AMNews [7/28/08]

Don’t Cut Wrong Expenses in a Weak Economy

With the economy getting weak, don’t make the mistake of cutting the wrong expenses. Keep investing in quality patient service and effective marketing. When competitors cut back in these areas, you’ll keep your patients and attract some new ones.

Source: Adapted from The Small, Small Business

Query: Bone Stimulators

I am looking for recommedations for bone growth stimulators. Any help would be appreciated.

David Wolf, DPM, Houston, TX

RE: EMR Programs (Andrew L. Vincent, DPM)
From: Brian Doerr, DPM, Marv Boren, DPM

I have been using DOX podiatry for almost 2 years and love it! It is very easy to use and is constantly being updated, which is included in the price. I researched both Medinotes and Dox and found Dox much easier use. It is more user-friendly, especially if you aren't computer savvy. The biggest drawback that I have found is that if there is an interruption in your online service, then you are kind of "blind" as all the patient information is online. I have an "aircard" attached to my tablet PC in case there is and interruption, then I can use a cell tower to complete the upload.

The guys at Dox are very easy to talk to and can answer any questions.

Brian Doerr, DPM, Ft Myers, FL, DocDoerr@aol.com

I've been using DOX Podiatry for over a year and feel that it is far superior to anything else out there. Some differences: 1. DOX is not template-based. It uses a very extensive data base that is regularly updated. 2. DOX is Internet-based so you can access it from any computer anywhere 24/7 which is especially nice if you have multiple offices. You don't have to deal with program issues or computer crashes. Your data is securely and redundantly backed up with DOX. 3. You pay one monthly fee to DOX and that's it. No extra charges for staff access, charges per computer or per office. No charges for upgrades, updates, or maintenance (which is ongoing). 4. DOX has been very responsive to changes, additions, etc. that I have requested. 5. For E&M codes, DOX automatically documents in the SOAP note the appropriate information to support to the level of the code you select.

Marv Boren, DPM Canton, OH, marvinboren@yahoo.com

RE: Dictation Software [Joshua Prero, DPM]
From: Stuart W. Kushel, DPM

I have used TexTalkMD for the past four years and recently upgraded to the Enterprise version which gives you the opportunity to scan in all your paperwork. It works with the Dragon Naturally Speaking speech engine. You can easily adapt to free-flowing dictation for your notes or use templates. In less than a month I have gone completely paperless-No More Charts. I use a Lenovo Tablet PC and a Sennheiser microphone and find fewer and fewer errors with Dragon professional ver. 9.1. If you’re thinking of going paperless and want to dictate your notes with a system that is very reasonable, give TextalkMD a try. I do not have any monetary interest in this company.

Stuart W. Kushel, DPM, Plainsboro, NJ, docstuk@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA

Coast to Coast Mobile Podiatry Group Seeks Podiatrist with Nursing Home contracts! Join our group and let us handle the back-breaking task of billing and managing your patients. This will equal great compensation for you. Please email us back at coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

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