The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 29, 2008 #3,310 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Look for Flip-Flops With Adequate Support: APMA President

Rubber slippers are as Hawaiian as surfing and the hula. However doctors warn that wearing flat, flexible slippers like the kind you buy at your local grocery store can lead to foot problems. "The foot doesn't get any structure to it when it's walking," said Dr. Ross Taubman, the president of the American Podiatric Medical Association, which is holding its annual Scientific Meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Dr. Ross Taubman

Taubman says the lack of support from a pair of flat, rubber slippers can cause heel pain, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. "Heel pain is never normal," says Taubman. "If you have heel pain, that's a reason to go see a podiatrist. Taubman suggests wearing slippers, or flip-flops as they are more commonly referred to outside Hawaii, that have adequate arch support and a cupping shape where the heel of the foot rests."

He also says a proper slipper should flex only at the ball of the foot. "If the flip-flop is one that you can twist completely all by itself that's not the type of support that you want." Another reason to avoid flat, rubber slippers is that they can actually change the way a person walks. "Because of the fact that you have to grip with your toes to keep the shoe on your foot," says Taubman, "you do tend to shorten your stride and not walk in a natural manner."

Source: Andrew Pereira, KHON-TV Honolulu [7/26/08]

Attendee Consensus: Hawaii Best Ever APMA Meeting

As the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting came to a close, the consensus view of most attendees was that this was the best meeting ever. Typical of this viewpoint was Gordon Rheaume, DPM of Pueblo, CO. Rheaume and his wife started their adventure on the island of Maui before continuing to Honolulu. Afterwards they flew to Kona on the Big Island to attend the PM News/Codingline Coding and Practice Management Workshop, as well as to visit the active volcanoes.

Dr. Gordon Rheaume on Kona, The Big Island

Excited attendees can now look forward to next year’s international event in Toronto, Canada. Rheaume and others expressed the hope that someday APMA will return to this island paradise.

FL Podiatrist Challenges Incumbent for School Board Seat

Candidates for Flagler County's District 4 School Board race say they have the experience needed to pull the district through times of financial struggle that lie ahead. Dr. Brian Abrams of Palm Coast is challenging Sue Dickinson -- also of Palm Coast -- for the seat she's held for eight years.

Abrams, a podiatrist, said he'll lean on his background in both engineering and medicine to tackle the tough issues the district faces, including the state's deep cuts to its budget. During a stint as an engineer with the U.S. Department of Defense, Abrams said he managed multi-million dollar projects and gained experience reviewing blueprints and bids. That experience, combined with 12 years of running a private practice in Palm Coast, would serve the district well, Abrams said.

Abrams said he wants to see more accountability and fiscal scrutiny applied to district construction projects. "We don't seem to do a lot of competitive bidding," he said.

Source: Kenya Woodard, Daytona Beach News-Journal, [7/27/08]

Tests Can Spot Good Employees

Pre-employment tests are more valid indicators of future job success than interviews, experience, academic achievement or education.

In a test of 520 people, tracked for 20 years, entry-level tests correctly predicted later job success in 92 percent of the cases. On the other hand, interviews and other employment efforts were reliable only 20 percent of the time.

Source: Jo Murray, writing in Association Trends

Query: Ulcer Classification Method

Can someone recommend a simple and effective method for differentiating skin ulcerations?

Frank J. DiPalma, DPM, Athens, GA

RE: Bone Stimulators (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Simon Young, DPM

I don't understand why you need a bone stimulator for an avulsion fracture of the 5th met. base. In my experience, all have healed. Per conversations with detail people they inform me many podiatrists use it for post-operative healing of osteotomies. If you need to use it post-operatively, than you shouldn't have done the surgery in the first place, unless it was an absolute necessity.

Bone stimulators are an expensive modality that, in my opinion, shouldn’t necessarily increase healing time in a relatively healthy individual. There are instances where literature shows difficulties with healing, e.g., Non-union or significantly delayed unions, Jones fx., navicular fractures, T-N joint fusions, to name a few. We need to use these devices judiciously and selectively for indicated cases to benefit the patient and try to be a partner in curbing medical costs.

Simon Young DPM, NYC, simonyoung@juno.com

RE: Unauthorized Yellow Pages Ad (Steven Block, DPM)
From: Seth J. Steber, DPM, Bruce Krell, DPM

We had a similar experience with an Internet Yellow Pages directory claiming that our receptionist authorized the ad. They called several times to collect. After inquiring about their corporate address and tax ID number so we could make a formal complaint to their state's attorney general's office, the calls for collection ceased.

Seth J. Steber, DPM, Lehighton, PA, acpwc@ptd.net

I've been receiving the same phony bills for years but with no authorization given. I too believe that this is a scam to get you to just pay an overlooked bill. Have you looked in the Yellow Book to see if an ad actually was run? I simply toss the bill in the trash and don't think another thing about it. But you may want your attorney to write a letter if they don't stop sending the bill at your request. Unfortunately, that WILL cost you about $300!

Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ, footdoc352@cox.net

RE: Surgical Nail Clipper (Eric Edelman, DPM)
From: Carl Ganio, DPM

You are not alone Eric. Being a podiatrist just means we can expect such humbling moments. With all due respect to your Liston bone cutting forceps, I cannot count the number of times I have done a procedure, or an ultrasound, or nerve conduction study...and had the patient ask, " Aren't you going to cut my nails? " as if they were getting the short end of the stick... like I wasn't doing my job. Early in my career, fresh out of my residency,I had a demented patient in a nursing home taunt me... " you're nothing but a *#&^% ing toenail cutter. " Respect your elders.

Carl Ganio, DPM, Vero Beach, FL, drcarlganio@bellsouth.

RE: A Call From The Next World

I answered the phone before the office staff arrived the other morning, and it was a call from someone...sounded like in India, or something. She said she was a relay operator for a third-party and asked if I would accept the call. So I figured "what the heck", and told her to go ahead. Then she delivered the following message to me from 1/2 way around the world: "Hello, this is Jesus!"

I didn't know how to respond...was it a prank...a religious zealot... someone trying to convert me?...an announcement that the end of the world was on its way...some sort of "come-on"?

Then she said something about a toe that was hurting last night and asked what should be done about it. Then it hit me like a lightning bolt - - The preceding day I treated a hearing-impaired guy whose first name was Jesus (should have been pronounced "Hay-zoose") and he apparently uses a keyboard to type to an out-sourced operator who speaks for him over the telephone.

Carl Solomon, DPM, Dallas TX

SEEKING ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK OR CONNECTICUT

PSR-24 trained podiatrist seeking an associate position in New York (Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess County) or Connecticut. Excellent surgical and patient skills. Ethical and hardworking with 3 years of private practice experience. Please contact samalsal@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering full or part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care to the elderly in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your c.v. to drhprosen@comcast.net , fax to 410-486-2049, call Dr. Herbert Rosen 410-580-0255

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA

Atlanta area need a full-time or part-time associate for a 25 years old well-established practice, well-rounded surgery and routine, please email your CV to superrang@bellsouth.net

SATELLITE CLINIC FOR SALE -- CHICAGO, IL

70-75K over last 3+ years working 2 days/week. Devon/California area. Waiting room, x-ray equipment, and offices/treatment rooms updated over last 2 years. Will stay on for transition. (773)761-5381 DrD@globalpodiatry.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

Established practice in beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon. Provider practices fulltime and has a well established patient base with a strong patient flow. Practice is well-positioned for new growth and development. Doctor will transition after sale providing introductions to local referrals and health care facilities. Surgery privileges at local hospital and surgery center. Contact: Oregonpractice@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PITTSBURGH, PA

Excellent opportunity to join busy and established practice for 27 years. Must be graduate of PSR 24+/36 Residency. Terms negotiable. 30-40 hours per week. $100,000+ guaranteed. Please fax resume to (412) 563-0740.

PRACTICES FOR SALE - BROOKLYN & QUEENS

Well-established practices grossing high $200's for sale with approximately 90% C & C and 10% SX. Great locations and visibility. Well-respected doctors and staff willing to stay. Ask about 90-125% financing options with little to nothing down. American Doctor Sales; 614-918-3000 or email us at sell_my_practice@yahoo.com. Please visit us our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON

Seeking podiatrist for immediate opening in well established podiatry clinic in Longview, WA. Typical podiatric practice, offering biomechanics, surgery, diabetic care, sports medicine. Excellent pay, with incentives for high performers. Malpractice, medical insurance, licensing, CME covered by employer. Please send resume and background references to Michele@nwfootankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON, MA

Associate wanted, Full-time or part-time, for busy long time, well established, and well rounded practice. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Office will generate approximately 100+ surgical cases per year. Must have surgical background for this practice, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net

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 Visit our website

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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