The Voice of Podiatrists

August 30, 2006 #2,676 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Flip-Flops also a Driving/Cycling Hazard: AZ Podiatrist

Flip-flops are one of the summer's hottest shoe styles, but doctors worry about the possible health problems they cause. "Flip-flops are not good for everyday wear because they don't fasten securely to the foot," said Dr. Raymond Botte, a Fountain Hills, AZ podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause pain in the back of the legs. They also slide off easily and do not protect against stubbed toes or twisted ankles. "Running in flip-flops is a bad idea because it is easy to twist over the foot, resulting in a sprained ankle," Botte added. Even ailments such as bruised heels, shin splints, stress fractures and tendonitis can result from wearing flip-flops.

Not only do doctors warn about the health problems flip-flops can cause, but also about other dangers. "Flip-flops can get caught underneath the pedals of a car and in the spokes and chain of a bike," Botte said. For general use, Botte suggested a good quality athletic shoe. "Sandals are better for the beach or pool," he said. "Brands like Reebok and Nike make athletic shoes that are better for everyday wear," he said.

Source: Jennifer O'Connor, State Press and State Press Magazine (Arizona State University) (AZ) [8/28/06]

Crocs Better Option Than Flip-Flops: VA Podiatrist

Not only are Crocs all the rage with kids, but doctors said they could be good for adults too, especially those with foot problems. "It's a thick bottom, so it's basically like walking on a sponge all day long," said Dr. Jay Tischler, a Virginia Beach podiatrist.

Dr. Jay Tischler

Tischler said Crocs have arch support which helps when pounding the pavement. And they come in three different types, including one for diabetics. "For the diabetic, it seems to be helping tremendously, due to the fact that there is no irritation," Tischler said. "A lot of diabetics have no feeling, so they don't know if it’s comfortable or not."

If diabetics have no feeling in their toes, that can lead to irritation and then ulceration. "[That] can lead to infection in the bone which can lead to amputation," Tischler said. He said the wide toe box and more supportive structure make Crocs a better option than flip flops or dress shoes with little support.

Source: News Channel 3 Hampton Roads (VA) [8/28/06]

Correction

Dr. Scott Aronson’s name was inadvertently omitted from the recently published list of newly elected trustees of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society.

PM News Editor Barry Block, DPM will be lecturing at the following venues

Oct 22, 2006 – 2006 Symposium on the Geriatric Foot and Ankle, NYC, NY (The Future of Podiatry)

Nov 11, 2006 - AAPPM – Fall Practice Management Workshop Ft. Lauderdale, FL (10 Ways to Supercharge Your Practice)

Nov 19, 2006- American Academy of Continuing Podiatric Education, Teaneck, NJ (The Future of Continuing Medical Education)

Jan 13, 2007 – Super Bones/ Super Skin Bahamas (Learn More/ Earn More)

Jan 18, 2007- Codingline Seminar NY (Pre Clinical Conference), NYC, NY (Multiple topics)

Feb 10, 2006 -New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association, Albuquerque, NM (Multiple topics)

Query: Competitive Bidding

A fellow DPM and I are quite confused and concerned about the competitive bidding issue as it affects podiatrists. Our practices significantly incorporate Colorado/Arizona, Richie Brace, as well as Polymem and other advanced wound care products. We are concerned how this will affect our ability to provide these services.

We recently contacted several organizations regarding this issue and no one was able to give us information regarding this potential change. Can you advise?

Name Withheld

Response: It is not unexpected that you would be concerned about how these sweeping changes will affect your practices. I can, however, at this point tell you that competitive bidding in its current formulation will not affect your ability to provide custom orthotics/prosthetics, therapeutic inserts or surgical dressings.

Possibly also interfering with your ability to provide DME are the enhanced quality standards that the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) 2003 has mandated. At the present time, these new enhanced “Quality Standards” will affect all suppliers of DME. The most frequent outstanding questions are:

1) Who will provide the credentialing and how often will this be necessary?
2) What costs will be involved in maintaining your credentialing?
3) Will DPM’s, MD’s and DO’s in solo office practice who only provide DME to their patients be exempt?

The answers to these questions are currently in a state of flux. The best answers I can provide now are that:

1) CMS has a deadline of October 1 for 10 companies to submit their bids for credentialing all DME companies.
2) An overly conservative estimate is that it may cost a few thousand dollars to become credentialed.
3) At the present time I would suggest that all DPM’s, MD’s and DO’s who provide DME as an ancillary service be prepared to submit a credentialing application. As this policy implementation is still in a state of flux it is best to stay in touch with this and other similar publications.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – UPSTATE NY

Podiatrist wanted for busy practice in growing community in mid-eastern New York State, near Saratoga Springs and Albany. Grow into and eventually own practice. New office building with 4 tx rooms, state-of-the-art surgery center available, privileges at three area hospitals and nursing homes. No limit to what you will earn percentage base. Call 518-692-9134 for more info.

ASSOCIATE POSITION -ARIZONA

Seeking an experienced podiatrist versed in all aspects of podiatry with current AZ License. The right person will join as a salary associate leading to partial ownership in a group practice. Podiatry practice is well established over 25 years, successful and a large volume in the Phoenix metro area. Position available immediately. Email CV and inquiries to: pprac4sl@cox.net

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

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

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