July 31, 2006 #2, 643 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IA Podiatrist Bows Our of State Race

Chuck Allison, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, announced this morning that he is dropping out of the race, citing personal reasons. "After much thought and prayer I have decided not to continue my campaign for secretary of state. This is not a decision that has been made lightly. However at this time personal reasons compel me to step aside," he said in a statement.

Allison, 51, a Des Moines podiatrist, became the Republican nominee in June when he easily won the primary over Urbandale lawyer Robert Dopf. The secretary of state oversees elections and offers services to businesses, among other responsibilities.

Allison, who gave no details about his reasons for dropping out, said he still believes in the importance of having a strong leader in the secretary of state's office. The current secretary of state, Democrat Chet Culver, is his party's nominee for governor. "This office is not one to be overlooked and it is important that we continue to work for fair, nonpartisan elections," Allison said.

Source: Dan Gearino, Sioux City Journal [7/28/06]

Barry University Establishes Division of Medicine

Effective immediately, Barry University has established a Division of Medicine, to include BU’s School of Graduate Medical Sciences and its School of Podiatric Medicine, President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, announced Friday.

Dr. Chet Evans will lead the division as the university’s current vice president for medical affairs, and will also serve in the position of dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine. A new dean for graduate medical sciences has yet to be appointed.

“The designation of Barry’s Division of Medicine is a natural step in our university’s growth,” Bevilacqua said. “Barry University has a fine tradition throughout South Florida of educating caring medical professionals in podiatric medicine, public health and physician assistant studies, and devotes considerable resources to providing quality medical education. This infrastructure will facilitate the future addition of other appropriate medical education programs within the University as we seek to expand this area of excellence.”

Query: DPM Supervising PA’s in FL

I was aggravated to recently learn that I am unable to supervise a physician assistant. I practice in group setting and the group employs several PAs. Some of the PAs want to assist with my surgeries. I completed some paperwork that was required to add me as a supervising physician. To my dismay, podiatrists are unable to do this. Has anyone encountered this same problem and found a solution?

Craig Breslauer, DPM, Palm City, FL, cbreslauer@sfo.med.pro

RE: Silver Nitrate for Verruca (John Stephens, DPM)
From: Paul Busman, DPM, Joe Addante, DPM

I've used silver nitrate for years as an adjunct to other topical wart treatments. Sometimes, once you've got the warts down to a minimal size, silver nitrate will finish them off. You can get it from your podiatry supply house in one ounce bottles and apply it with a cotton-tipped swab.

Paul Busman, DPM, Troy, NY, BREWERPAUL@aol.com

Silver nitrate for verruca is commonly used by many podologists in Italy & Spain. Perhaps it can be ordered here as a stick similar to Barber’s styptic pencil and is also available as crystals to be placed in small aperture pads. Caution: Under-treat with small amounts until you familiarize yourself with expected reactions. Over application can result in painful episodes.-

Joe Addante, DPM, Fitchburg, MA, vze2fhhs@verizon.net

RE: Human Skin Equivalents and Medicare
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

I recently reviewed numerous Medicare draft local carrier decisions (LCD’s) for human skin equivalents (HSE). It is apparent that some local Medicare fiscal intermediaries (both Medicare A and B) are seeking either to eliminate (certain products) and/or further limit the use of these extremely useful products. I would urge allpodiatrists who use any HSE to review the draft policies of their specific carriers. If you find that the HSE policy of your carrier is to be further restricted than at the present, I would urge you to write to the carrier, and provide them with your case studies. These case studies should provide the carrier with:

1) Your notes, w/pt info removed, etc.
2) Photos of wound with traditional treatment prior to and after use of the HSE.
3) Cost-effectiveness of the use of HSE (Total costs prior to use of
HSE) and after their use).
4) Your opinion of the efficacy of these products.

You may also contact your favorite HSE manufacturer and ask to speak with the product manager. They should be able to further assist you.

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

RE: Dragon Dictate (Mark Tuccio, DPM)
From: Brian Kashan, DPM, Stephen Zimmerman, DPM

I disagree with Dr. Tuccio regarding the cost savings of using voice recognition software. I have saved thousands of dollars in transcription costs. Prior to using Dragon, I was writing my notes. When I decided to dictate, in order to be more thorough, complete, and legible, it was costing me 10 cents per line. Transcription costs vary, but 10 cents is not high for this service.

When I went to Dragon, I eliminated the transcription costs completely. I had to buy a faster computer with more memory, etc., but the savings paid for that in just a few months. I dictate my notes, print them at the end of the day on sticky label sheets, and my staff puts them in the patient charts. I archive them onto a CD every 6 months and store them (I don't know why I do this since the notes are in the patient charts anyway. Just paranoid I guess.) I have been doing this for about 5 years, and am happy with the system. It isn't perfect, but it is pretty good.

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD, drbkas@worldnet.att.net

I understand Dr Young's reasoning how the voice recognition software does not really save his practice any money, however, there are still many practitioners who do not hand write their notes. We had always had an employee or a dictation service for our transcription because we didn't feel that hand written notes were adequate or complete. So in our situation, the cost savings is substantial. I've eliminated a full time transcriptionist. Instead of getting a stack of dictation back a week later that has to be filed (more employee hours), the dictation is put in the chart the day the patient is seen and filed with the chart at the end of the day.

Letters to referring Drs. are also done the day the patient is seen. I mostly use a standard cover letter and enclose a copy of the chart notes, which of course looks professional because it is typed and not hand written. More specific letters are also easy to generate and just as timely. You can store thousands of Word files in your computer or on a memory stick, so when the insurance company requests records you just print them off. In addition to the employee cost savings, the time savings is tremendous, and we all know "time is money"

Stephen Zimmerman, DPM, Memphis, TN, drzimmerman@poplarpodiatry.com

TICKETS FOR SALE - JERRY SEINFELD - APMA MEETING

I have 2 tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld on Saturday, 8/5/06 at 7:30 PM at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. They cost me $125.00 each. Unfortunately. I can't go. If anyone is arriving to the Podiatry Convention early and wants to purchase them please let me know. PEcks88799@aol.com

HOUSE CALL PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

House Call practice for sale which includes approx. 400 patients and continued referrals. Perfect for solo practitioner. Extremely easy and profitable practice to run. Yearly gross of over $200K. Current DPM is retiring. Financials will also be provided. Please contact ccipinc@ccipinc.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BERKELEY CALIFORNIA

Well-established office in professional medical building; Biomechanics, Geriatrics and General Podiatry; Excellent growth potential for surgery; Payor base MC, PPO, and self-pay (NO HMOs); Reliable referrals from local physicians; Electronic billing in-house; Transition terms negotiable. Send letter of intent to: foot4sale@sbcglobal.net

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well-established podiatry practice in Mt. Airy, NC that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to come on board. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away in January 2006, leaving approximately 3500 patients without a podiatrist. This is a unique opportunity to be able to work in an extremely busy practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.com

ASSOCIATE-PARTNER WANTED MICHIGAN-DETROIT AREA WESTERN SUBURBS

Great opportunity-must be hard working, reliable, responsible and good with patients & staff surgical training a plus-partnership after 1 yr. Michigan license required. Fax resume to 248-478-1370 Starting salary $200,000. plus benefits plus percentage. Serious inquiries only

FOR SALE MICHIGAN-DETROIT AREA

Michigan practice Detroit western suburbs for sale. 3 offices, great locations approx 1.5m gross, Buy outright or overtime. Call 561-213-9400 after 7:00 p.m. Serious inquiries only

ASSOCIATE POSITION- COLLEGE STATION, TX

Full time associate position for a surgically trained podiatrist to join an established growing practice in College Station, Texas. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual to join the leading podiatry group in a family oriented growing community with a wholesome, small town atmosphere. Good package with opportunity for buy-in within two years. Please send CV to billglaze@brazosvalleyfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

HOUSE CALL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- CHICAGO / NORTHWEST INDIANA

Chicago-Home Physicians specializes in house calls to the elderly homebound. Full and part-time positions available in Chicago/Northwest IN. Competitive Compensation, including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax-773-486-3548. E-mail sschneider@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

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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