The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

August 18, 2007 #3,017 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IN Podiatrist Finds Computerized Casting Produces Higher Quality Orthotics

Foot supports or orthotics help correct the shape of the feet for a more comfortable step. Having them made to fit an individual foot used to be a lengthy process. A new technology called, Sharp Shape is changing that. Making an orthotic used to be like making a cast for a broken bone. You had to pour plaster, stick your foot in it and wait for it to dry.

Dr. Robert Kaylor

Dr. Robert Kaylor is a podiatrist who just got the system. It uses a laser beam to make an impression of the foot for an orthotic. Patients used to have to hold their foot still for 15 minutes waiting for the plaster to dry. This old method wasn't only time consuming, there was also more room for error. Dr. Kaylor, says Sharp Shape is a huge step forward, "This is much higher quality level. It's more accurate and it's more patient-friendly."

Once the laser captures an image of the foot, the computer makes it 3-D. The computer instructs the saw how to shape the custom model. In about a half hour, the wooden model is finished and ready to turn into a plastic foot support. Previously, if a mold was misplaced, patients had to go through the whole process over again to make a new mold. Now, the computer stores their information so they can just order a new one over the phone. These orthotics take about one week to make as opposed to the previous method which took about three.

Source: Shannon Samson, WFIE News [8/15/07]

Annual Meeting Off to a Great Start

A new year, a new attendance record. APMA continues to top previous meetings by attracting more attendances and exhibitors. After a day of pre-meeting workshops, APMA continued last year’s tradition of opening the meeting with a memorable celebrity presentation. This year’s performer was nationally syndicated columnist Dave Barry, who afterwards autographed copies of his best selling book in a crowded exhibition hall.

Dave Barry

This year’s meeting is packed with a wide variety of breakfast and dinner lectures, as well as many special events, including a sold-out PM Podiatry Hall of Fame Luncheon on Saturday at Noon, and an APMA American Bandstand Reception on Saturday night, which includes an APMSA Silent Auction. Proceeds from both events benefit the APMA Educational Foundation.

Query: Keratotic Cracking Skin

My patient is a 51 y/o otherwise healthy lady with very dry, keratotic cracking skin on the plantar aspects of both feet and a patch in her left palm. Her problem is painful cracking. It does not itch except for the palm area. The keratotic areas are diffuse without callus-like lesion or heel rim calluses. She has had no blisters and there is no family history of such a skin condition. KOH was positive and she was treated with Gris-PEG with no change thus far.

Keratotic Cracking skin

She has used Keralac and other topicals, including Amlactin with no significant improvement. She takes vitamins, but not in excess and is only taking Progesterone and Estradiol. She has had it only the past several months. She has no history of eczema or psoriasis. Any input regarding diagnosis and successful treatment would be most appreciated.

Mark Aldrich, DPM, Antigo, WI

Query: Subtalar Joint Exploration Code

How would one code this for a subtalar joint exploration with or without biopsy, and/or removal of foreign body?

Charleen Handzel, DPM, Southlake, TX

Response: The most reasonable code for the procedures you have described is CPT 28050 - arthrotomy with biopsy, intertarsal joint.

Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA

Codingline subscription information can be found at
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Replacement Drug for Mintezol (Barry Mullen, DPM)

From: A. Andrew D'Errico, DPM

The new drug of choice for cutaneous larva mitrans is Stromectol 12 mg., I tab p.o. once for adults. This is the new drug of choice because of its single dose. I have used this drug a few times and it works well.

A. Andrew D'Errico, DPM, Port St Lucie, FL, derrico@pol.net

CRYOPROBE SALE: PRICE REDUCTION!

A cryoprobe system (less than one year old and rarely used) from CryoTech is available for only $11,000. This lists for $14,900.00 new. The CryoPac system comes complete with two fully sterilizable Probes. This system has been used less than 15 times and can be used to treat plantar fascitis, neuromas, and other foot pathology. Please email serious inquires to: drsammendicino@gtef.org

IN-NETWORK POSITION – MIDTOWN NEW YORK CITY

Seeking In-network podiatric physician for midtown locations, to provide: Routine Foot Care Therapeutic Treatment , Minor & Surgical Procedures. Please do not reply if not an in-network doctor. Please submit resume to gelus07@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA

Immediate full time associate position available. Unlimited income potential. Busy, diverse, 40+yr Hampton Roads practice. Must be compassionate; energetic; and motivated; PSR24/36. Looking for long-term arrangement. Please send letter and CV to fixafoot@cox.net or fax to 757-397-5889; www.podiatryltd.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

PRACTICE FOR SALE- SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Selling fully equipped practice with excellent patient database in Huntington, Long Island. All phases of podiatry. Great opportunity for growth. Will stay for transition period. 516-729-4298- drsherm4@aol.com

PER DIEM/ASSOCIATE WANTED - IMMEDIATE OPENING- NY

Associate Position with immediate opening in the Hudson Valley (NY) for multi-office well-rounded podiatric practice including general podiatry, high volume orthotics, and reconstructive surgery. Looking for well trained (PSR- 24/36. Outstanding opportunity to work into partnership. Competitive starting salary, bonus incentives, benefits, and pension. PER DIEM also available for immediate placement. Please submit: CV, letter of intent and references to: footassociate@yahoo.com

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Doctor retiring and staff willing to stay. Great location with drive by traffic and foot traffic. Doctor willing to stay for smooth transition. Hospital access and on major insurance plans. Call 614-264-3798

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 - 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

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

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