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PMNews
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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily
August 09, 2007 #3,009 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2007- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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IN YOUR MAILBOX THIS WEEK |
We've just mailed the latest issue of Podiatry Manangement. At 268 pages, this is the largest August issue ever, and is filled with interesting, informative, and useful articles . You'll also find our usual assortment of features, including our columns, and a CPME-approved CME. Be sure to participate in our 25th Annual Practice Management Survey, which can also be taken online. We'll provide you with all the exciting details, along with some of the valuable prizes you can win by entering our survey contest.
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DIABETIC FOOT CARE: CONCEPTS & CONTROVERSIES
Cleveland Clinic Live CME, October 5-6, 2007 Fort Lauderdale, Florida www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/DIABETIC07 Activity Key Points: - Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management - Diagnosis and treatment of Charcot Foot - Solutions for therapeutic footwear and orthoses - Surgery in the diabetic lower extremity - Total Contact Cast Hands-On Workshop
EXPLORE FURTHER - www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/DIABETIC07
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Obesity is Linked to Foot Problems: CA Podiatrist
Feet are ravaged by a variety of awful things: bacterial infections, melanomas, corns, bunions, hammertoe, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, athlete’s foot, just to mention a few. Ernie Hook, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery with an office in Folsom, CA is president of the California Podiatric Medical Association. We asked him is obesity linked to foot problems?
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Dr. Ernie Hook |
Dr. Hook responded “Overall, the opinion of my colleagues is ‘yes.’ For every 10 pounds or so you gain, it’s like strapping a bowling ball to your belt. If you have three or four bowling balls, it’s going to put more pressure on your feet. We (CPMA) recommend walking three to five times a week. Walking is huge. Merely by walking, you’re going to reduce weight and many health problems.”
Source: Dan Viera, Redding Record Searchlight (CA) [8/6/07]
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APMA Special – Podiatry Ultrasound Imaging System for $7990
Saturday, August 18 at Booth #619 only. Bring this ad for a free gift.
System includes cart, custom carrying case, 3-year warranty, free loaner, training workshops, report templates, and more. If you are not going to the APMA, please express mail a signed copy of this ad, write “order system”, your business card and $300 deposit to Atlantic Medical LLC, 7360 Guilford Dr, STE 204, Frederick MD 21703. Orders post marked after August 18 will NOT get this price.
Atlantic Medical LLC is committed to serve podiatrists with the best ultrasound imaging equipment, training and support. Call 888-383-8858. Bring this ad for a free gift and Enter for an iPod! www.atlanticmedicalLLC.com. (apma1)
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AT THE COLLEGES |
TUSPM Student Working at NASA Center
Huntersville, NC resident Camille Ryans is spending the summer working with scientists in the Neuroscience Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center through a National Space Biomedical Research Institute internship.
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Camille Ryans |
Ryans, a second-year graduate student at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, is working on a bed-rest study with the goal of determining the effects of microgravity on lower extremity muscle reflexes. In addition, she is writing a full manuscript to be submitted for presentation at the first international symposium.
Source: Tiffany R. Leonard, Charlotte Observer [8/5/07]
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SUREFIT
INTRODUCES THE BEST DISPLAY OFFER IN THE INDUSTRY COMPLETE STARTER KIT AND SHOE DISPLAY IS NOW
ONLY $88
The leader in therapeutic footwear and lower extremity care has just made it easier to introduce your patients to the SureFit science of footwear system and a full line of great looking shoe styles. Including our full line of patient pleasing UltraLITE styles.
* Attractive floor display with beautiful shoes including our UltraLite styles * Complete system training and documentation manual * Marketing collateral including professional PCP referral kit * Fitting solutions kit with unlimited free supplies * Medicare claims billing service
This is a great offer for practices that are just getting started, or those that are looking for new lightweight style choices, or those looking to solve frustrating fitting problems like heel slippage. Call us now at 800 298-6050 to order your display kit for only $88, plus shipping. Exceptional Fit, Quality and Comfort: Priced for Enhanced Profitability www.surefitlab.com
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APMA COMPONENT NEWS |
Foot Self-Exams Can Increase Early Melanoma Detection, Survival: ACFAS
Foot and ankle surgeons say routine self examinations of the feet are an important way to find skin cancer early, when it's easiest to cure. Half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.
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Dr. Neil Campbell |
"The first question I'm going to ask a patient is, 'How long has it been there?'” says Neil Campbell, DPM, FACFAS, a spokesman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
Foot and ankle surgeons recommend focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma: the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails. Campbell notes melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sun exposure, such as the feet and ankles. If a mole, freckle or spot starts to change over the course of a month and becomes asymmetrical or changes its border, color, diameter or elevation, see a doctor immediately. Those are the ABCDEs, or signs, of melanoma.
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APMA SCIENTIFIC MEETING EVENTS
So what’s new in your life? We want to know and so do your classmates……
Save the evening of Thursday, August 16 for the Alumni Association of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. Renew friendships and reconnect with classmates at the All-Classes Reunion Reception.
For more information contact tuspm.alumni@temple.edu or call 215-625-5248
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
Report Card on CA PPO’s in the Works
The California Department of Insurance plans to issue a report card for the six largest PPOs in the state. The voluntary program which the department says is the nation’s first such effort regarding PPO’s should debut in 2009 and will provide information on patient satisfaction and quality of care, including preventive care and chronic-disease management. About 30% of insured Californians are in PPO’s.
Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, WellPoint and UnitedHealth have agreed to participate. Other insurers may sign on later, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said at a news conference.
Data from the insurers will be collected by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and the report card will be assembled by the state. For the past six years, California has issued a report card on HMOs, rating them from one to four stars.
Source: Rebecca Vesely, Modern Healthcare [8/7/07]
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Georgetown University Hospital Conference Diabetic Limb Salvage, a Team Approach
Thursday-Saturday, September 27-29, 2007 • JW Marriott Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 25 CMEs/CPMEs • “For Every Member of the Team” Register on-line now at www.DLSconference.com and SAVE! * Discover how Georgetown’s team approach saves limbs * Rediscover the nation’s capital from Washington’s best address * 50+ distinguished faculty * Outstanding agenda * Take home new skills and technology to your practice Live cases from Georgetown University Hospital ORs: From debridement to revascularization with active audience participation * Interactive small group workshops * Questions? Call 337.235.6606 or email contact@DLSconference.com
Sponsored by Georgetown University Hospital, Conference Co-Chairmen: Christopher Attinger, MD • Richard Neville, MD • John Steinberg, DPM
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QUERIES |
Query: Duty to Provide Records to Non-Paying Patient
If a patient has not paid a penny for services to date, and then requests a copy of his records, are we obligated to provide it to him?
Howard J. Dananberg, DPM, Bedford, NH
Editor’s Comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Under both federal law (HIPAA) and under most state laws, physicians are required to provide patients with a copy of their medical records regardless of whether patients have paid their bills. Failure to do so, may result in professional misconduct charges against the physician.
In some states, such as New York, physicians are entitled to charge a reasonable fee (in NY it’s $.75 per page) for copying costs. If a patient does not pay his/her bill, you can seek redress in a court of law. You can also discharge the patient from your practice as long as you send a certified letter providing them with notice.
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REGISTER FOR DFCON 08 BEFORE 21 AUGUST 2007 AND SAVE $200!
The Premier International Diabetic Foot Conference www.DFCon.com13-15 March 2008 (Thursday-Saturday) Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles• Enjoy stellar education program presented by 40+ noted faculty from all over the world • Network with 1,000+ of your colleagues from all 50 states and 30+ countries and earn 25 CMEs
• Stay in style at Marriott’s “Hotel of the Year” just steps from fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment • Register now at www.DFCon.com and save $200 – lowest rate of the year
Conference Co-Chairs: George Andros, MD David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD Presenting Sponsor: Providence Health Care DFCon 08 Diabetic Foot Global Conference www.DFCon.com337.235.6606 • 337.235.7300 (fax) e-mail conference@DFCon.com
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Plantar Fascial Pain (Steven Block, DPM) From: Multiple Respondents
In my practice I have found that there is a high correlation between plantar fasciitis and a tight Achilles tendon. Have you evaluated this patient for a functional or actual equinus deformity? I have had very good success using an endoscopic Achilles tendon lengthening for a patient with a persistent chronic plantar fasciitis. Jerry Cosentino, DPM, Tampa, FL, gcosenti@tampabay.rr.com I too have experienced similar recalcitrant cases. I would suggest the possibility of distal tarsal tunnel syndrome. An EMG/NCV may corroborate tarsal tunnel syndrome. A more proximal corticosteroid injection may be of benefit. Surgical release may also be curative. Good luck. Godfrey Viegas, DPM, Crystal Lake, IL, gviegas1234@sbcglobal.net
Although the history does not appear to include any "neuritis" like symptoms, it has been shown that nearly 10% of all heel pain suffers have a "nerve compression" component (see Dellon's studies on heel pain/tarsal tunnel)..might be worth isolating the calcaneal branch via decompression or sclerosing the nerve via alcohol or cryotherapy...(if you feel it correlates) As for the fascia enlargement..might be good time to try Topaz, which certainly seems indicated
Mitchell A. Barber, DPM, Laurel, MD, mitchbkid@hotmail.com
This sounds like tarsal tunnel symptoms. This of course will not show up on MRI unless there is a space occupying lesion. I've had great success with chronic heel pain in doing a tarsal tunnel release with an EPF. Sometimes I'll remove the medial calcaneal nerve as well and bury it in a proximal muscle. Also the release needs to include the tunnels under the abductor or it won't work. Dellon pioneered this and it works well.
Chuck Anderson, DPM, Norman, OK, andersonfoot@msn.com
Based upon the scenario presented Dr. Block may be dealing with a medial calcaneal nerve entrapement. This is where cryoablation may benefit this patient. We having being doing these procedures for the past four years with great success. We freeze the medial calcaneal nerve and eliminate the pain at the source. Many times neurogenic heel pain is the cause of pain we normally think is caused by a biomechanical problem.
Steven H. Goldstein,DPM, Livingston, NJ, stevefootdr1@cs.com
You may consider a medial calcaneal nerve branch excision if you feel the pain is neural. You may also have missed an original medial plantar nerve branch injury or have caused an injury or entrapment from ESWT or surgery. Consider specialized NCV's to rule this out. Consider iontophoresis, massage therapy but also don't forget the power of a good second opinion. Randall Brower, DPM, Roswell, NM, randoman33@yahoo.com
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For your patients with onychomycosis due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)
Make Gris-PEG® your choice for onychomycosis
.
· FDA indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis
in adults and children > 2 yrs
· Dependable Safety Profile
· Widespread Formulary Coverage
.
For full prescribing information, please visit our website www.Gris-PEG.com
.
Gris-PEG® – An Onychomycosis Option
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
PODIATRIC FELLOWSHIP POSITION AVAILABLE – CALIFORNIA
This one year fellowship will emphasize reconstructive foot/ankle surgery and research. Located in beautiful Sonoma Valley California. Must have a current California license and have completed a PSR-24,PM&S 24,or PM&S 36 residency program. Please send all letters of interest and a recent CV to Thomas Chang, DPM, Director, at podiatricri@yahoo.com or call (949) 412-8445.
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-773-292-4800. Fax 773-342-4201 -E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER BOSTON AREA
Full-time comprehensive practice with hospital teaching affiliation west of the greater Boston area looking for motivated, ethical, surgically trained podiatrist. Competitive salary and benefits. Call 508-872-9288
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Busy multi-dimensional practice. 20 minutes from Philadelphia. Board qualified/certified ABPS. Ethical, motivated, personable. Starting 65K plus health, malpractice, CME, bonus incentive. E-mail resume TotalFootCare@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Busy Long Beach California Practice: Looking for Board certified Associate. Send resume to our Fax@ 562-424-3395
ASSOCIATE WANTED - PHOENIX, AZ AREA
A well established, ethical solo podiatry practice wishes to expand its current surgical services in the near future by hiring a full-time associate with PSR 24-36 training which includes very strong surgical rear-foot and ankle reconstruction, diabetic limb salvage and ER trauma. Successful association may lead to partnership. ABPS Board qualified/certification is required. Applicants must be personable and caring to patients. Practice in an office base within a new state-of-the-art orthopedic surgical hospital environment and plenty of future expansion capabilities for a bright, eager, reliable associate. Email complete CV with current references & photo to footdoc352@cox.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE OR SHARING- CENTRAL FLORIDA
Practice all phases. Wound care, hyperbaric privileges nearby. Excellent building, location, and exposure on busy highway. Outstanding place to live and work; low penetration by managed care. Ample parking and accessibility with 2,000 sq. ft building designed and equipped for podiatry (lease or buy) 7 minutes from hospital. Great price, terms and opportunity to grow. 352-357-7499 - windnwave@earthlink.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION- MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
A.S.A.P.! Excellent opportunity for well-trained, highly motivated PSR 24/36 or experienced practitioner leading to partnership in one year and complete buy out in five years. Generous salary/benefits first year. Large well rounded practice, heavy in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Send C.V. - FAX (901) 396-5335 or Email drjoelcook@comcast.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSOURI
One of our long-term associates needs to relocate due to family reasons. Step into full schedule. Five locations in growing population area without HMO's. Partnership available. Missouridpm@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA
Multi-specialty group is looking to add another Podiatric Surgeon or General Podiatrist to our well-established group. Office locations in northwestern Pennsylvania. Unlimited opportunities exist for the right Associate, wound care experience is a plus. Please forward your CV to adminsec@ips-mso.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING
Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City. Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106
ASSOCIATE POSITION SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Immediate opening for PSR 24/36 individual in three office practice. We are looking for an ethical, hard working, well trained Podiatrist. Partnership available. Please Fax CV to sfpodiatry@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION -CONNECTICUT-NORTH HAVEN
Seeking a part-time associate for a busy, well-established, respected, growing practice. Desiring an ethical, motivated, personable, well-trained PSR12/24/ or 36 podiatrist. Our practice is well-rounded and diverse with a good mix of sports medicine, diabetic care, surgery, podopediatrics, and general podiatry. Email information and CV to Pedy7@aol.com with subject heading “Podiatry Associate.”
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85
PM Classified Ads Reach over 9,500 DPM's and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 9,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o UV Therapy o Managed Care Medicare o Coding Cryosurgery for Neuroma Treatment o Coding Equinus Correction Surgery o Practice Buy-In Considerations
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
| Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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