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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily
August 17, 2009 #3,624  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.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NY Podiatrist Offers Advice on Buying Shoes and Socks
As work horses for your body, your feet together have 56 bones, making up one quarter of your skeletal framework. You need to treat them with care, and that includes choosing the correct walking shoe. It is critical that each foot hits the ground in the right position.
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| Dr. Roy DeFrancis |
“The fit of the shoe is important,” said podiatrist Dr. Roy DeFrancis. “Look for a light-weight walking shoe with breathable upper materials like leather or nylon mesh. The heel should be firm and have reduced cushioning to position it close to the ground for walk stability.” Shop for shoes later in the afternoon because your feet tend to swell as the day goes on, cautioned DeFrancis. “If you fit them early in the morning, they might be tight later in the afternoon,” he said.
Buy padded socks made of acrylic fiber, DeFrancis recommended, because acrylic wicks away excessive perspiration. Active feet, with 250,000 sweat glands between them, can produce four to six ounces of fluid every day.
Jane Kwiatkowski, The Buffalo News [8/15/09]
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DIA-FOOT
Dia-Foot offers your patients the most comprehensive selection of Diabetic shoes. Dia-Foot features shoes from New Balance, Aravon, Hush Puppies, Dunham, Rockport, Orthofeet, PG Lites, and Aetrex.
Loyal customers of Dia-Foot will be receiving a Dia-Foot Gold Card. This preferred card gives additional discounts on many of the products Dia-Foot carries including Powersteps and Ossur products.
Dia-Foot continues to fabricate by hand all their custom diabetic inserts in their lab. All Dia-foot’s custom inserts include all accommodations at no additional charge.
Dia-Foot now offers a 24 shoe display rack for $199 + S/H. For more information on Dia-Foot please call 877-405-3668 or visit us at www.dia-foot.com
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| APMA IN THE NEWS | |
APMA Advocates "1,2,3 Test" For Children's Shoes
As parents across the country check off school items from their shopping lists, remember one of the most important purchases that can be made for children this season—foot-friendly shoes.
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| Dr. Ronald D. Jensen |
"Ensuring a child wears a shoe that fits properly is paramount to keeping feet healthy during the school year,” said APMA President Ronald D. Jensen, DPM. “By taking just a few extra minutes to examine a shoe before purchase, parents can rest assured that their child will be keeping their feet safe to and from school, as well as during the busy school day.”
One easy way to determine if a child’s shoe is foot-friendly is to perform the “1,2,3 Test.” First, press on both sides of the back of the shoe’s heel. Make sure that it does not collapse when pushed on. Second, check toe flexibility. The shoe should bend with your child’s toes, but should not be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area. Third, grab the shoe by the front and back and twist gently. A foot-friendly shoe should never twist easily in the middle.
Source: Health News Digest [8/14/09]
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"A Lot of Options For Patients With Difficulty Tying"
"Orthofeet shoes have been a reliable and consistent part of our diabetic shoe program for over 5 years. As our diabetic shoe program has grown, so has the variety and quality of the Orthofeet brand shoes. Our older patients like the dress style shoes and our more active patients like the new mesh athletic style shoes. I have always preferred the Lycra Velcro Orthofeet shoe for my patients with AFO's and the variety of different closures offered provides me a lot of options for patients with difficulty tying. Overall, I plan on continuing to use Orthofeet shoe for my diabetic patients for a long time to come." Jonathan Moore DPM, MS
Improve your patients’ care, and at the same time, your profit center too:
Shoes - $42 to $52; Prefab Inserts - $8.95; Toe-Filler - $75.00;
Try & compare. Get the first 10 pairs at Half Price!!!
www.orthofeet.com 800-524-2845
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| STATE PODIATRY NEWS | |
TN Podiatrist Appointed to State Podiatry Board
Dr. Paul Somers has been recently appointed by Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Dr. Somers will begin his three-year term in June, 2009.
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| Dr. Paul Somers |
This will be his second consecutive three-year appointment to the Board. Dr. Somers has practiced podiatry in the Nashville/Dickson, Tennessee area for over thirty years.
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New at Allied OSI Labs
PERFORMANCE RX
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• Available in Semi-Flexible, Semi-Rigid, Rigid
Call today for a free shell sample!
800-444-3632
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| IN THE COURTS | |
IME Doctor Liable Despite No Patient Relationship
Physicians performing independent medical examinations (IME's) on behalf of employers or insurance carriers typically are not expected to establish a traditional patient-doctor relationship with the examinee. In fact, consent forms or other agreements often make clear that bond does not exist, and the doctor is not providing actual medical care.
Nevertheless, an Arizona appeals court recently found that a doctor doing one such exam on behalf of a workers' compensation carrier could be held partially liable for the death of a man he evaluated. Judges agreed that an independent medical examiner does not have a responsibility to perform an evaluation so thorough as to discover every condition that could be harmful to the patient's health, when the condition that posed a risk was not uncovered during the exam. Nevertheless, the court said, an independent medical examiner still has a duty to follow a reasonable standard of care.
The doctor is appealing, asking the State Supreme Court to hear the case.
Source: Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews (8/10/09]
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The SOS Podiatric Staff Training Workshop Tour
It is coming down the track, bound for a city near YOU!!
*Boston, MA – August 14, 2009 * Bellevue, WA – August 28 SOLD OUT * Charlotte, NC – Sept. 18, 2009 * Pittsburgh, PA – October 2, 2009 * NY/NJ Metro area – October 23, 2009 * Dallas, TX – November 13, 2009 * Los Angeles, CA – December 4, 2009
LET THE SOS EXPRESS TRAIN TAKE YOU TO THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL…DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND. Meet your Conductor, Lynn Homisak, PRT “ALL ABOARD!” Doctors, Receptionists, Clinical Staff, Managers welcome
Click HERE for more information…including Dates, Locations, Ticket Prices, Agenda, Topics SEATS ARE LIMITED…REGISTER NOW!
SOS Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC – 1-866-832-6767 – www.soshms.com
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Snuff Doubt with Verbal Agreement
In an atmosphere of doubt, fear, or uncertainty, patients have a natural tendency to disbelieve what you say. To overcome that doubt, you must draw your patients into verbal agreement with your statement; once they say it, they will begin to believe it.
Use the following phrases to encourage verbal agreement:
• “Doesn’t it?” • “Isn’t that right?” • “Wasn’t it?” • “Couldn’t you?” • “Wouldn’t we?” • “Aren’t you?” • “Haven’t they?” • “Shouldn’t it?” • “Don’t you agree?” • “Didn’t it?”
Caution: Listen to the person’s voice tone and pay attention to body language as well. Words are the first part of persuasion, but you may hear and see that the person still has some doubt to overcome. If you can lead the person to verbally agree—without bullying or forcing—you will find it easier to persuade him or her.
Source: Adapted from Closing Strong: The Super Sales Handbook, Myers Barnes, MBA Publishing via Communication Brieifngs
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PODIATRY BILLING SERVICES
Medical Practice Consulting Group provides billing services to solo and group podiatry practices. In today’s economic climate it is important for every practice to save time and money, while still achieving maximum reimbursement.
MPCG provides full-service medical billing handling the process from start to finish. We enter all demographics and charges, transmit claims electronically, post payments, send statements to patients, place follow-up calls on unpaid claims, and provide detailed monthly reports to client.
Our practice management system is included in our service allowing our clients to remain in control and save money on software. Our clients receive the above services for a flat percentage of net collections that is below industry average. Call (866) 505-6724 for more information or to setup a no-obligation meeting. References available upon request. Visit our website at www.mpcg.org
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| QUERIES CLINICAL | |
Query: Patient With Foot/Ankle Swelling
I have a 21 y.o. female patient with initial ankle injury in Aug. 07 after jumping off the back of a combine. She was treated by another physician for ankle sprain and within a week, she was better. In December, the patient states that she started having foot and ankle swelling. She recalls no injury. She states that since then it has been swollen and slightly uncomfortable around the ankle joint. Patient has non-pitting edema from her toes to just above the ankle. There is no erythema, ecchymosis, temperature changes, or mottling.
Ankle joint ROM is normal with no laxity noted. The ankle is minimally tender with palpation to the medial and lateral ankle areas. STJ ROM is normal and non-tender. She has had x-rays and MRI all showing diffuse soft tissue edema and no other findings. She's had compression, ice, rest, PT, NSAIDs, all without reducing the edema. She is otherwise healthy, no medications. I've ordered stress ankle views and an arthrogram of the ankle. Any suggestions would be appreciated?
Theresa Hughes, DPM, Galesburg, IL
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Acor® is your Source for AFO Gauntlets
Acor has a variety of style choices for more
aesthetically appealing and functional devices.
• Expect quality craftsmanship from a footwear manufacturer
• Denim, Leather, Suede, or Camo finishes
• Featuring X-Static® Silver linings: Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Odor
• QuikForm® or Polypropylene reinforcements.
• We now offer C.R.O.W. boots and The Richie Brace®, too!
• View our selection on pages 12-13: Acor Custom Footwear Catalog
Mention this ad for 10% off of your orders in August
800-237-2267, option 1 www.acor.com fjz@acor.com
ACOR: “For Every Walk of Life™”
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: User-Friendly EMR
I am finally realizing that I have an urgent need to transition my office to EMR. I would like to get a feel for those of you who have them, and which you particularly feel are user-friendly and the best bang for the buck. I appreciate any and all comments.
Judith E. Rubin, DPM, Cypress TX
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Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship
This fellowship is a one-year experience during which the Fellow will develop a rational approach to revisional and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. The Fellow will function as a clinical instructor and participate in the teaching of Podiatric medical students and residents, and have ample opportunity to be involved in clinical and basic research projects. The fellowship will provide the candidate, further expertise in Charcot reconstruction, soft tissue coverage, trauma and deformity correction. The fellow is expected to complete two clinical or basic research projects during the year.
Duration: 1 year (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011) Deadline: November 20, 2009 Interviews: 12/1/2009 – 12/31/2009 Stipend: $44,100
Requirements: Completion of 3-year residency; a commitment to a part-time/full-time academic career in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Texas License eligible (Test date April 19, 2010),
Application Deadline: February 19, 2010). ABPS Qualification eligible in Foot & Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery (Test dates TBD).
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All faculty appointments are designated as security sensitive positions.
Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Thomas Zgonis, DPM, FACFAS, Associate Professor & Chief, Division of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery, Director of Fellowship Programs, University of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive (MSC 7776) San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, Email: Zgonis@uthscsa.edu Fax: (210)567-5153
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| RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
RE: Referral Fees Under the Stark Law (Vince Marino, DPM)
From: Richard W. Boone, Sr.,
In Virginia, where I practice, referral fees are prohibited by state statute and have been since long before Mr. Stark passed his regulations. See, e.g.: Code Of Virginia, 1950, §54.1-2962, which provides that no surgeon or physician shall directly or indirectly share any fee charged for a surgical operation or medical services with a physician who brings, sends or recommends a patient to such surgeon for operation.
I’m told that the statute was originally passed at the behest of the Medical Society of Virginia which considers referral fees to be unethical. I'm told that most states have enacted similar laws for similar reasons. Section BE2.11 of the APMA Code of Ethics seems to take the same position.
The rule governing Virginia attorneys, Virginia Supreme Court Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 does allow “division” of fees among attorneys who are not in the same law firm under the following circumstances:
(1) the client is advised of and consents to the participation of all the lawyers involved;
(2) the terms of the division of the fee are disclosed to the client and the client consents thereto;
(3) the total fee is reasonable; and
(4) the division of fees and the client's consent is obtained in advance of the rendering of legal services, preferably in writing.
I’m told that most states follow this Rule, which is based on the ABA recommendation.
Richard W. Boone, Sr., Health Care Attorney, Fairfax, VA
RWBoone@aol.com
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MEETING NOTICES
“A Day of Sports Medicine” Seminar
September 26, 2009
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) is proud to partner with the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine to present A Day of Sports Medicine which will be held September 26, 2009. The program will provide 7.5 CME credit hours for attendees, while presenting a line up of renowned speakers, including Stanley Beekman, DPM; Howard Dananberg, DPM, Patrick Nunan, DPM; Bruce Williams, DPM; and Jamie Yakel, DPM.
The seminar will be held at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio , which is 10 minutes south from downtown Cleveland and provides easy access to the airport and a variety of great entertainment and restaurants.
For more information and to register for this program, visit www.ocpm.edu/dsm09 or contact Samantha Burnside at 216.916.7547 or via email at sburnside@ocpm.edu
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| RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
RE: Obama's Amputation Remarks
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Russell J. Ellicott, DPM
Aren't we all preaching to the choir? PLEASE contact your state Congress and Legislative representatives with the same enthusiasm and irritation as you respond in here.
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com
The President is not blasting podiatry. He is attacking the costs of the complications of amputations, whereby the patient ends up in the hospital.
Prevention is the key to cutting healthcare costs from the cradle to the grave. We podiatrists come across as unnecessary RFC/nail cutters in nursing homes for which the OIG/DHHS has excluded us from Medicare at a rate of 5 to 1 compared to the MD/DOs. The fact of the matter is that podiatrists shouldn't be picked on by the OIG/DHHS for providing RFC to nursing home residents who very overwhelmingly have PVD. Podiatrists cost Medicare millions. Costly complications, such as hospital-based amputations cost billions. Podiatrists can take a great preventative role that should help to reduce the costly complications provided in hospitals.
Russell J. Ellicott, DPM, Augusta, GA, rjepod1@knology.net
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PFOLA 2009 – 12th Annual International Conference on Foot Biomechanics & Orthotic Therapy - October 2 – 4, 2009 in Atlanta, GA
18.5 Continuing Education contact hours Approved by the CPME
Pre-eminent podiatrists and researchers in the field present the most current, clinically relevant evidence based information in 6 themed Plenary sessions + 10 workshops
- Best practices and latest evidence from leading clinicians and researchers
- Sharpen existing clinical skills and develop new ones
- Internationally renowned presenters include Richard Bouche, DPM; Reed Ferber, PhD; Larry Huppin, DPM; Christopher Smith, DPM; Dennis Janisse, C.Ped; Douglas Richie Jr., DPM; Jeff Root; Russell Volpe, DPM and others
For more information and online registration visit www.pfola.org or call PFOLA International Admin office at 1-800 -347-6585 (toll free in North America).
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
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ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Multiple offices, in Jupiter, Ft Pierce. Looking for associate who is surgically trained PSR24, willing to travel between offices. Competitive Salary base plus percentage. Position available immediately. Send CV and questions to alfootdoctor@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND
Full time, hard-working, happy and personable Foot Surgeon needed for busy and growing practice in Frederick and Hagerstown Maryland. PM&S-36 or more required. We have a well-rounded, high tech practice with all types of pathology encountered in our two offices and in two local hospitals as well as our on-site accredited and certified ASC. Very competitive compensation. Please send your CV to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com
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 (MONTGOMERY COUNTY)
Multi-office, well-established practice with surgical centers, digital x-rays, in-office vascular testing, ultrasound, EMR with voice recognition charting, and many other perks looking for personable, well-trained, motivated individual. Patient base available for immediate in-office productivity. If you are new or ready to change locations, contact us ASAP to discuss opportunities. Send resume and cover letter to mddpmassociate@comcast.net
WANTED: PRACTICE TO PURCHASE IN BERGEN COUNTY NJ
DPM interested in purchasing a practice in NNJ. If you are considering selling/retiring/slowing down etc let's talk and come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Open to all situations/options. Contact: AdvancedFtCare@aol.com for quick deal.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD
Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.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, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net
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.
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.
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
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
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
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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.
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RE: (Topic)
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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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