The Voice of Podiatrists

September 01, 2006 #2,678 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IN Podiatrist Dies in Motorcycle Crash

A deer collided with a motorcycle on an airport runway, killing the rider who was checking lights, officials said. Ranford K. Hall, 55, of Bedford, was on the 4,500-foot runway at the Virgil I. Grissom Municipal Airport Tuesday night.

Dr. Ranford K. Hall

Lawrence County Police Department Chief Deputy Mike Terry said Hall was on his way back from checking the lights when a deer ran into his path. Hall was wearing a full-face helmet. The cycle and deer hit, sending the bike off the west edge of the runway into a field, police said.

Hall, a podiatrist, died of head injuries, a coroner's report said.

Source: The Associated Press [8/30/06]

NY Podiatrist Provides Back-to-School Shoe Buying Advice

One of the great things about going back to school is new school shoes. Parents don't have to buy the most expensive shoe or sneaker to get the best fit, either. "When you're looking for a child's fit, you want to allow for enough room for your child to grow during time," said podiatrist Dr. Stacey Sarmiento. "There's a fine line between having enough room for growth and not too big that it becomes a safety issue with the child walking out of the shoe."

Dr. Stacey Sarmiento

Dr. Sarmiento also reminds us that younger kids can't tell you if the shoe fits. If they like the style, they'll tell you anything to take them home.

Source: Diana Palotas, RNEWS-TV 9 Rochester (NY) [8/ 29/ 06]

Punishment Lax For Criminal Doctors, Group Says

Doctors disciplined by state and federal agencies for criminal conduct often receive only minor sanctions and continue to practice medicine, some landing jobs with the federal government, according to a study by Public Citizen that tracked 2,247 physicians with criminal convictions between 1990 and 1999. Some of the doctors end up with government jobs, the group said, citing an Associated Press report four years ago that found more than 100 federally employed physicians had been convicted of crimes or disciplined by state medical boards.

About 59% of the doctors disciplined for criminal offenses over the period received serious sanctions, such as license revocations, suspensions or probation. About 41% received lesser sanctions, including fines, reprimands or enrollment in a drug- or alcohol-treatment program. In all, about 44% of the disciplinary actions related to criminal activity involving patients, Public Citizen said. The study appears in the current issue of Health Matrix, published by Case Western Reserve University School of Law. In a news release, Peter Lurie, deputy director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, said, "The punishments meted out to doctors who break the law are not strong enough to protect the public health."

Source: Michael Romano, Modern Healthcare [8/30/06]

Query: Portable Digital X-ray Unit

I am looking for a company that makes a reliable and portable digital x-ray unit for podiatrists. I was hoping to find a unit that is portable enough to "hand carry" to various office locations, and where the images could be immediately downloaded into a laptop computer. Does anyone have any knowledge of such a unit?

Godfrey Viegas, DPM, gviegas1234@sbcglobal.net

RE: Source For Surgical Loupes (Judy Hodgins, DPM)
From: Eric Lui, DPM

I use them for revisional tarsal tunnel surgery and for isolating pedicles for flaps. You can obtain loupes from Designs for Visions. http://www.designsforvision.com/ Phone number 1800-345-4009
They provide prompt service and will come to you at the office to fit you.

Eric Lui, DPM, New Britain, CT, esoogyllis@comcast.net

RE: Pet-Friendly Policy? (Bob Levoy)
From: Greg Mowen, DPM

I would strongly recommend against pets in the office. I allowed one pt to bring in her 6 week old lab. It was a living teddy bear. One little old lady went to pet him and he got very excited, jump on her and accidently lacerated her arm (paper thin skin). She sued us.

Greg Mowen, DPM, Ventnor, NJ, gregmowen@comcast.net

RE: Onycholysis in a 2 Year Old (Jay Kerner, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

Dr. Kerner presented a case of recurrent onycholysis in a 2 year old where he states that there are no nail bed or inflammatory skin changes. The case is presented with an accompanying photo of what appears to be a firmly adherent double nail on the hallux and a normal nail on the second toe. No actual "lysis" is evident. It is unclear what is meant by a normal history.

On close observance of the photo, the dorsal skin is clearly not normal and there is a subtle but distinct linear band of inflammation across the proximal nail folds. I would think there is a great probability of a family history somewhere of asthma, allergies, and/or eczema. Onycholysis of non-traumatic origin is usually something inflammatory. In some cases, ill fitting footwear is all it takes, but that would be traumatic. But the ruddy dorsal skin and accentuation of the skin lines definitely belies the "benign" history presented.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, New York, NY, profpod@aol.com

RE: Time to Drop Out of Insurance Plans
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM

It is disheartening, to say the least, to read how so many of our colleagues are feeling caught between a rock and a hard place practicing podiatric medicine and surgery. While I think it is noble of the many who have claimed that they will provide the absolute best of care no matter what the economic reimbursement, the reality of practicing without adequate return is not. The foot suffering public may glean the benefits of your nobility, but in the end, it is only you who will suffer.

A generation ago, doctors were paid well for their education and commitment to healthcare and that made it easy for us to reconcile the hard work and sacrifice that it would require to get our degrees. Things are different now. I believe that nobility and altruism are admirable qualities, but unfortunately they don't pay the bills.

So we have the practitioners who are mad as hell but feel stuck and we have the altruists urging us to suck it up. In my opinion, neither position is proactive. There is no way that participating with insurance companies will ever enable any of you to feel professional satisfaction and freedom, unless, like for so many of us, fraud becomes your new profession.

I find it unfathomable that the medical profession can't pull together and put a stop to all of the suffering and angst over getting paid for services. There is only one way this can happen. We all must drop out of every plan we participate with. That is the biggest statement that can be made and it will definitely be the most proactive way to institute change. Or, you can do what I have done - get into other lucrative businesses that will survive long after your practice goes belly up.

Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Lake Success, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

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.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR POSITION AVAILABLE- GREATER ST. LOUIS MISSOURI AREA

Immediate full-time position available in the long term care field. One of the largest providers of long term care servicein the midwest. Corporate support with 10+ years in the business. Competitive compensation and assistant provided. Fax resumes to (636)281-1808.

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

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