The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

August 10, 2009 #3,618 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Congratulations to Paul Scollo, DPM of Fairfield, NJ, winner of a copy of The Podiatric Practice Manual by Joseph Borreggine, DPM (Value $99)..

We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this anonymous survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2010 issue of PM. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes. Enter by sending Question #43 (no answer necessary) to bblock@podiatrym.com along with your name and address.

TempTouch®

This week's prize is aTempTouch® donated by Diabetica Solutions, Inc. (Value $99.95) .

This is also your opportunity to vote for the next DPM and Non-DPM inductees into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. 

DC, CA Podiatrists Discuss OA of Hallux

Dr. Erika Schwartz

Though experts don't know how many people have osteoarthritis (OA) of the big toe, they agree it is more common as we pass the half-century mark. "Because you push off the big toe with every step, it gets lots of wear and tear," explains Erika Schwartz, DPM, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. As the joint's cartilage wears down, it may feel stiff or hurt when you walk, a condition dubbed hallux limitus. Eventually, the joint may stop moving altogether--a painful condition called hallux rigidus. Some people also develop an overgrowth of bone, or a bone spur, on top of the joint, which many patients mistake for a bunion.

Dr. Bob Baravarian

Treat it right: See a doctor as soon as you suspect a problem, says Bob Baravarian, DPM, co-director of the University Foot and Ankle Institute in Los Angeles and chief of foot and ankle surgery at Santa Monica/UCLA and Orthopedic Hospital. At this point, he says, you may be able to control the OA with shoes that are long enough and have a deep enough toe box to keep your big toe from rubbing against the side of the shoe. A rigid sole should also help, as it prevents your big toe from bending and twisting.

Source: Prevention [July 09]

Patient Complaint Leads to Arrest of MI Podiatrist for Insurance Fraud

The problem is fraud. Tens of billions of dollars is lost to health care fraud every year. It's a major reason our health insurance premiums keep rising and Medicare and Medicaid are draining the treasury. Yet for all the talk in Washington of controlling healthcare costs, the issue of fraud is getting little attention.

Theresa Langlois knew her podiatrist was cheating Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan when she read her insurance statement. Dr. Jeffery Cooke had billed thousands of dollars to surgically remove dozens of warts when Theresa only had a discolored toenail.  “It was like robbery. They were overcharging for a procedure that wasn't done,” said Langlois. Theresa called Blue Cross which investigated, ultimately leading to the arrest and imprisonment of podiatrist Jeffery Cooke.

Source: Allan Chernoff, CNN [8/8/09]

Pharmaderm Donates Mobile Clinic to Americares

PharmaDerm, a division of Nycomed US Inc., has donated a mobile clinic to the non-profit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, AmeriCares. The contribution was made through Fougera Cares, the corporate giving program of PharmaDerm’s sister division, Fougera. AmeriCares officials have arranged to transport the mobile clinic to the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA, where it will serve as part of an immunization program that vaccinates children against dangerous childhood diseases.

Mobile Clinic Donated by PharmaDerm

The RV, specially designed with two exam rooms and a waiting room, was part of a free, nationwide skin cancer screening program. For two years, dermatologists from across the country volunteered their time to conduct skin cancer screenings and provide patient education inside the mobile clinic. At the conclusion of the project, a search began to find a new use for the vehicle.

Two Times to Say ‘No’ to E-mails

E-mail may be easy and convenient, but it is not always the best choice. Do not send an e-mail message under these conditions:

1. You are angry. Think about the situation and the message you would like to type out, and then ask yourself “Would I say that to the person’s face?” If the answer is “No,” then do not send it. Any e-mail can become a permanent record of your words, so you should not make permanent anything that you would rather forget.

2. You need to give corrective feedback. It might be a reprimand or perhaps just well-intentioned constructive criticism. Such comments can be misunderstood because recipients cannot interpret your tone and intentions. Offer corrective comments in person or on the phone.

Source: Adapted from Write to the Top: Writing for Corporate Success, Deborah Dumaine, Random House via Communications Briefings

Query: Oral Lamisil Use in Children

I have a 12 yo male patient with severe onychomycosis nails 1-10.  Topicals have had no effect for the past year. He weighs 105 lbs. I have a positive PAS and am awaiting liver function tests from his pediatrician. Has anyone had any experience with oral Lamisil in this age group?

Bruce N. Block, DPM, Kew Gardens, NY

Query: Yellow Pages Parity

For the past few years, I have been bothered by an orthopedic surgeon in my community. He has been advertising in the podiatry section of the Yellow Pages as a foot surgeon. I have battled with the Yellow Pages regarding this practice and insist that if he can advertise in the podiatry section, then I should be able to advertise in the orthopedic section. I haven't been able to make any progress.

The real problem is that I have been fixing his surgical errors for all this time. I feel the need to inform the medical community regarding the training and skills which we podiatrists possess, versus  the expertise which an orthopod with a one-year fellowship in foot surgery has developed. I feel that one of our  fellow podiatrists may have encountered this problem in the past and that there may be a concise, and polite solution.

Frank DiPalma, DPM, Athens, GA

RE: American People Don’t Want Rationed Healthcare
From: Dan Waldman, DPM, Jon Purdy, DPM

Something does need to be done about healthcare costs in the USA.  Socialized medicine is not the answer though. Imagine having the government dictating how and who you will treat (check out PJTV.com for a look at the Canadian system). Medicare is already bankrupt (as is Social Security). Sure the current administration is just offering an 'option' for now, but the slippery slope of government intervention will soon be rationing services for the 'good' of the people.  Promises of an easy one payer system will eventually consolidate the power of the purse. If doctors decide to go on strike we'll join the fired air traffic controllers from the 80's (they protested long hours, poor pay, and antiquated equipment). 

Healthcare is not a 'right' as defined in our Constitution. The Federal government is not our nanny to fix everything. Once Americans give up personal responsibilty and accept government dictates, we are finshed as a free people. Wealth redistribution and a diminished sense of personal responsibilty are what this administration wants.  We are on "the Road to Serfdom" (read Hayek's book).

I agree that a 'safety net' for life-threateining health issues is needed but should be fully funded and managed with minimal government involvement.

Dan Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, dpmcareer@aol.com

I can assure you that I am for some government regulation within the free market.  In many cases it is needed and necessary, as in the case of predatory lending.   

Here are some statistics regarding our potential exclusive payer, Medicare.  In a recent report conducted by the AMA on the performance of Medicare and seven top private insurers, as published in the Los Angeles Times, Medicare was most likely to... 
 

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, podiatrist@mindspring.com

Editor's Note: Dr. Purdy's extended-length letter can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=27985&start=1
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Busy practice in East Central Florida in search of full-time podiatrist to perform routine foot care in office and nursing home. Competitive salary and full benefits available. Reply to jrdpm@bellsouth.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ALABAMA, GULF COAST

 Established 26 year old practice. Owner desires to sell and relocate. Operated 25 hours per week. Mixture of surgery and general podiatry. MD referrals. Surgery center and hospitals in close proximity. Highly profitable. Priced to sell. Will lease office to buyer. Call Mike Crosby at 888-776-2430 or email mcrosby@providerresources.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Harford County, Bel Air, est. 1991, seeking PSR24/36, strong ethics, friendly demeanor. Associate or partnership opportunity for the right applicant. We provide onsite ambulatory surgical center, patient base, strong referral resources, billing, scheduling, and many technologies. Visit our website. e-mail your CV to drhoward@hlsfootcare.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

FOR SALE: MICROVASC UNIT

Excellent Condition, Never Used, New 14K, BEST OFFER. All-Pro 2010 X-Ray processor, used, great condition, Includes cassettes BEST OFFER
NYCPodiatry@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN DETROIT AREA

Home care doctor needed immediately for growing home care practice in the suburban areas of Detroit. Must have own vehicle and good driving record. Excellent opportunity for the right individual! email cv to: metrohomefootcare@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE-VIRGINIA (SOUTHEAST)

Very busy office near Williamsburg. Currently, a satellite office 2 days a week. Great opportunity to make office full-time. Grosses approx. 130,000/year. The office has everything needed to start practicing. All included. Must sell. If interested, e-mail totalfootcareva@hotmail.com

PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - CINCINNATI, OH

Well-established practice located in medical/professional building minutes from hospital. Many referrals, three satellite clinics and two assisted living facilities to keep you busy. Associate leaving due to family emergency-need to either find an associate or sell ASAP. Contact bjadpm@hotmail.com for more details.

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. 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 - NEW JERSEY

Established successful practice in Central New Jersey seeking PT/FT Associate. PSR 24/36. Please forward CV to rpg145@gmail.com or fax 908 753-0199.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Excellent opportunity for qualified candidates in Northern Illinois/Western suburbs of Chicago. Growing two office practice searching for an associate to grow into a partnership. Full-time position, PM&S-36 board certified or qualified physician in forefoot and rear foot surgery. Multiple hospital and surgery center affiliations. e-mail DrTina@DrTinaOnline.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO

South Side Chicago practice seeks podiatrist. Practice focuses on general podiatry, surgery, biomechanics, and diabetic foot care. Candidate should be surgically trained, certified/ working toward certification by ABPS. Surgery in office and hospital with residents. Base salary w/bonus incentives, paid malpractice insurance, benefits. Contact. ChicagoDoctor2009@yahoo..com or 773-632-7042

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Russian-speaking podiatrist needed. Looking for well-rounded, recently out of residency, podiatrist. Would you like to raise your family in our beautiful Pacific Northwest? We are well-established and fast growing multi-office practice with all aspects of podiatry. Attractive compensation, malpractice and medical insurance provided. Call 206-661-9644.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write to  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 Ext 110

• 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 Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.