The Voice of Podiatrists

August 26, 2006 #2,673 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IA Podiatrist Appointed CMO of Hospital

Vincent J. Mandracchia, D.P.M., M.S., was recently appointed to Interim Chief Medical Officer for Broadlawns Medical Center, a large metropolitan county hospital in Des Moines, IA. This is an accomplishment not often achieved by podiatric physicians. He will be providing organizational oversight of quality issues related to patient care, as well as the functions of the medical staff office, including provider credentialing, medical staff meetings, etc.

Dr. Vincent J. Mandracchia

Dr. Mandracchia currently serves as president of the medical staff. He is the editor for Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and professor of surgery at Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. He is a residency director and author of over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Vince is married to Denise Mandi, DPM and finds time to be president of the cattleman’s association in Madison County, IA.

New FL Podiatrist Arrested for Rx Fraud

Instead of opening a Northeast Florida medical practice, a newly minted podiatrist is facing charges of passing bogus prescriptions for narcotics. Ronald Paul Belin's plans to open a practice after moving from Texas were foiled this week by a pharmacy technician with a memory for customers, an investigator said.

A day before Belin, 38, of Green Cove Springs, received his Florida physician's license, he was charged with passing phony prescriptions at two Clay County Target stores in July and August. He turned himself in to authorities Monday. His license as a podiatric physician was issued Tuesday by the state, according to a Florida Department of Health database

The prescriptions each called for 60 OxyContin tablets and were written in Belin's name and the name of a Texas woman, according to an arrest warrant. Belin recently moved to Florida from Texas. A call to the doctor who supposedly issued the prescriptions proved the clerk's suspicions were right. The doctor said he did not write the orders.

Source: Dana Treen, The Jacksonville Times-Union [8/24/06]

Merck Releases Analysis On Safety Of Cox-2 Inhibitor Arcoxia

Merck on Wednesday released a preliminary analysis of a large study on the cardiovascular risks of Arcoxia, a COX-2 inhibitor marketed in Europe and Latin America, the Wall Street Journal reports (Won Tesoriero, Wall Street Journal, 8/24).

For the study, which involved 34,000 patients, all participants took either Arcoxia or the traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac for an average of 17 months, and 10,000 participants took the medications for two years or more (Berenson, New York Times, 8/24). The study examines whether Arcoxia can increase risk for heart attack and stroke, a problem linked with the COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx, which Merck voluntarily withdrew from the market in September 2004.

According to Merck, the preliminary analysis of the study indicates that Arcoxia does not increase risk for heart attack and stroke more than diclofenac, although participants who took Arcoxia were more likely to end treatment because of hypertension or fluid retention.

Source: American Health Line [8/24/06}

Query: Shoe for Cavus Foot Type

We are inundated with shoes for planus foot types and over-pronators. I have been asked recently by a few people for good dress shoes for women with an anterior cavus foot type. Any suggestions?

Noah Blumofe, DPM, Santa Monica, CA, nblumofe@hotmail.com

RE: Non CPME- Approved Fellowship (Kyle Hoogendoorn, DPM)
From: Jonathan Haber, DPM

With regard to your question about non-CPME approved fellowships, fellowships are considered to be additional specialized training over and above CPME residency training programs. You get a certificate which has no status with our approved medical or surgical boards. Fellowships are generally done for individuals who want additional expertise in a particular area of specialization. If you have any specific questions, I would refer you to the CPME office in Washington.

Jonathan Haber, DPM, Vice-chair, CPME, Chair, CPME Fellowship Training Committee, JHaber4932@aol.com

RE: Multi-office Software With Call Reminder (Jack Buchan, DPM )
From: Linda Koepsel

Eppointments meets Dr. Buchan’s requirements. Staff can make an appointment from one office for another, and it's all real-time. The program also allows you to easily view your schedule from home, or your office manager to call and reschedule patients from her home during inclement weather.

Additionally, Patients can complete their new patient and medical history information in advance of their appointment from your website. Another option is to allow patients to schedule appointments online based on your parameters. The software tracks HMO patients: number of visits allowed, used, expiration date and automatically emails to patients: confirm appointments, remind appointments, thank you for visiting, or sorry we missed you.

Linda Koepsel, LKoepsel@EppointmentsPlus.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTH FLORIDA

Miami-Dade and SW Ft. Lauderdale, well established surgical practice for sale. This one has everything. Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Trauma, ER, General Podiatry. Participates in all local and national managed care plans. $850,000 but will discount depending on amount up front. Mature, serious inquires with business experience preferred. Email response to podfootdocs@aol.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTH FLORIDA

Miami-Dade and SW Ft. Lauderdale, well established surgical practice needs part-time podiatrists to assist in surgical cases and patient volume. Email response to podfootdocs@aol.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

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 – TUCSON, AZ

Associate needed for practice in Tucson and Southern Arizona, seeking a hardworking, ethical, and well trained individual. MUST be willing to do all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery, competitive salary is negotiable. E-mail CV to drd@premiersurgeons.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Seeking associate for practice in Ocean County area. Seeking a hardworking, ethical, energetic and well trained (PSR 24/36) individual. MUST be willing to do all aspects of podiatry! Competitive salary and benefits package. E-mail CV to NJFEET@aol.com

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