August 01, 2006 #2,644 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist (Dr. Roadmap) Publishes Book on Beating Traffic

Ever wonder why traffic always slows to a crawl through the Santa Ana Canyon, no matter the day or time? Blame the surrounding terrain that thwarts alternate routes. Just put Dr. Roadmap, aka Dave Rizzo, in the driver's seat. You've got the Santa Ana River, Puente Hills and the Cleveland National Forest, he says.

There probably isn't a road in Southern California that Rizzo hasn't scouted to steer clear of congested freeways. That's why the former commuter columnist and traffic reporter wrote and recently self-published 3,000 copies of "Survive the Drive! How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern California."

Rizzo, a semi-retired podiatrist in Fullerton, figures he's driven more than 1 million miles in the region since his birth 55 years ago in LA. He practiced medicine for 14 years in the Inland Empire, but lasted only six months in an office. "I was bored," he says. "I made house calls from Santa Monica to San Jacinto. You can be sure I got really good at dodging traffic."

Especially when it comes to customizing alternate routes on surface streets. "There's a science to beating traffic," he says. In his book, Dr. Roadmap prescribes the best detours, tips to save time and money, ease driving stress and improve safety.

Source: Laurie Lucas, The Riverside Press-Enterprise [7/29/01]

License Pulled For IL Podiatrist Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Patient

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Friday it has suspended the license of a podiatrist accused of sexually assaulting a 75-year-old woman who came to his office for a foot treatment. The department learned of Anthony Overton’s arrest on July 10 for sexual assault and practice beyond the scope of his podiatrist’s license through news reports and performed a complete investigation into the facts of the case, according to a release from the group.

Dr. Anthony Overton, Jr.

The summary suspension order -- signed July 27 by Daniel E. Bluthardt, director of the division of Professional Regulation -- outlines three additional complaints filed subsequent to his arrest alleging similar inappropriate behavior by Overton during office hours, the release said. After investigating and reviewing the facts, the department ordered Overton’s license to be “summarily suspended due to concerns about imminent danger to the health and public safety,” the release said. Since the order was signed, Overton’s license was suspended immediately and he is not allowed to practice podiatry in Illinois, the release said.

Overton, 61, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, according to Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton. Overton, whose bond was set earlier this month at $250,000, was scheduled to return to court July 31 for a preliminary hearing, Simonton said

Source: The Chicago Sun-Times [7/28/06

Query: Lasers for Hair Removal / Spider Veins

I would like to hear from podiatrists are currently performing laser hair removal or are performing spider vein treatment procedures in their offices and which type of lasers they have purchased? Has this been profitable?

Olga Luepschen, DPM, Sebring, FL, feetdoctor@hotmail.com

RE: DPM Supervising PA’s in FL (Craig Breslauer, DPM)
From: Andrew I. Levy, DPM, Scott Hughes, DPM

Florida's laws are divided into different sections governing MD's and DPM's. There are numerous differences in the different sections. The law is clear, though far more restrictive, we are not allowed to use PA's in our practices.

Andrew I. Levy, DPM, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

AndrewLevyDPM@aol.com

I believe the only solution is to amend the law that defines who can supervise PA’s. In Michigan, we recently were successful in having a bill passed that allows DPM’s to supervise PA’s within the scope of our license. Contact Mark Dickens who is the executive director of the MPMA. He was instrumental in piloting this bill through our legislature and I’m sure he’d be happy to provide a copy of the language to you.

Scott Hughes, DPM, Monroe, MI, dr.hughes@comcast.net

RE: Laptops and Macros for Chart Notes
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Almost any method used to keep chart notes other than writing by hand is better. A "macro" is a "shell" of a chart note that you can write, worded to allow you to enter specific elements in specific areas. Of course, there's room to easily add material. When I was in practice, I used MS "Works", which is probably the most perfect software ever written.

I would question patients with the laptop on my lap and type in their "specifics" in front of them. Patients seemed enormously pleased that I was so interested in what they said that I wanted to "type in every word" (or so they thought).

At the end of the day I'd have a list to print out, and my staff would use glue sticks to attach them into the charts. Since I prepared them myself, very little proof reading was necessary. It was amazing how little actual "typing" was necessary, and how little I missed because I never had to trust my "memory" for dictation. Yet, each chart note was highly "personalized." It is impossible to list all the advantages in a short letter.

Aside from the purchase of the laptop it was extremely cost saving. Excellent laptops are now even less expensive.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1@prodigy.net

RE: Voice Recognition and EMR
From: Marc Katz, DPM

I agree that the key is the complete EMR. Electronic records could potentially eliminate a full to part-time employee; a huge time and money saver. I disagree that using a click system and calculating points is better. This is much more time-consuming than using the product that I use, TexTalk MD. If you need reminders about how to get to a level for E&M, you can build it into a template.

I find that physicians click away to push their E&M level higher, by doing ROSwhen there is no medical sense in the ROS. It is just being dropped in to raise the E&M. This is not a good thing if you are audited.

I believe that as physicians we are smart enough to dictate an appropriate E&M with the correct elements. Clicking is far too time-consuming and the note is not as unique and individualized as voice. I have used both and find Textalk to be far superior.

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