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The Voice of Podiatrists
September 01, 2006 #2,678 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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EDITOR'S NOTE |
AOL Users Urged to Submit Alternate E-Mail Address
PM News is having significant problems sending PM News to AOL subscribers. Unfortunately, the issue dated August 31, 2006 did not reach many AOL users. Those wishing to can access this newsletter can go to http://www.podiatrym.com/pmnewsissues.cfm?pubdate=08/31/2006
At this point in time we are asking AOL subscribers to obtain a free e-mail address at www.gmail.com, www.hotmail.com, or other similar sites.
AOL will be charging us for the privilege of e-mailing you. This means that if you wish to continue receiving PM News at your AOL address, we will need to charge you a $25 yearly fee $40 for two (2) years. This policy does not affect non-AOL sunscribers.
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DIA-FOOT IS YOUR NEW BALANCE CONNECTION!!
Dia-Foot now inventories all 4 SADMERC approved New Balance styles. The 811, 816, 901 and 843 styles are all meet the A5500 code for Diabetic footwear. They are available in Men’s and Women’s in several colors and 4 widths.
Dia-Foot offers Diabetic Shoes from leading manufacturers such as Rockport, Hush Puppies, Dunham, Apex, OrthoFeet and Soft Spots. All Dia-Foot shoe packages include 3 pairs of pre-fab or custom inserts and free shipping. We have labs in Wellington, Fl. and Las Vegas, NV. For more information call 877-405-FOOT or visit our web site at http://www.dia-foot.com
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OBITUARIES |
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.
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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]
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www.CheckMedicare.com 1-877-MCHECK0 (1-877-624-3250)
Problem: Not sure if a patient has met his/her Medicare deductible? Solution: Go to www.CheckMedicare.com and in just seconds you will have your answer!
WHAT COSTS ONLY 25 CENTS AND IS PRICELESS? ONE CLICK ON www.CheckMedicare.com!
Checking the eligibility of your Medicare patients will save your practice thousands of dollars per year. Ever wonder if your patient has Medicare or an IMPOSTOR? (MCO) With one click on the “Check Eligibility Now” button on www.CheckMedicare.com, you will know the patient’s Medicare status IMMEDIATELY! Register today and check 10 patients for FREE!
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
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."
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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]
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PM SURVEY WEEKLY CONTEST
Congratulations to Alan K. Mauser, DPM of Louisville, KY, winner of last week’s survey contest, who will receive an autographed copy of rare out-of-print copy of the textbook "Podiatric Marketing and Practice Management" Edited by Barry Block, DPM, JD.
This week's prize is PictZar Software (Value $795.00). Pictzar is easy to use, state-of-the-art software that is being utilized by wound care specialists nationally to accurately measure wounds on digital photographs and monitor progress. Measurements (area, width, length, and/or circumference) are performed using any computer and include area (4 color), depth field, and est. volume. PictZar provides ideal documentation for Medicare and insurance reimbursement. Pictzar also exports data to generate quick reports (including pictures and %area change) for referring physicians. Visit www.PictZar.com for further information.
To enter, simple complete our practice survey at www.podiatrym.com and send your name, address, and question #45 from the survey to bblock@podiatrym.com. All entries are eligible for our grand prize of a one-week Windjammer Caribbean Cruise. Don’t forget to vote for next year’s inductee into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. This year, we’ve opened a new category for non-podiatrists.
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PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT |
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]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
SAVE THE DATE!! SCHOLL COLLEGE PRE-CERTIFICATION PEDORTHIC COURSE FOR PODIATRISTS September 14-18, 2006
The William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science This program will allow podiatrists, upon completion and passing of course exams, to sit for the Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) exam on November 4, 2006, plus be awarded 50 CE contact hours. The program will primarily cover BCP rules and regulations, pedorthic practice management, orthotic manufacturing, and hands-on shoe modifications. Seminar Information: Ellie Wydeven (847-578-8410), www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
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
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE: -
o Hallux Amputation Revision o Heel Debridement - Calcanectomy Coding o DME Competitive Bidding o Brachymetatarsia o 2007 Medicare Proposed Rules -
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
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
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
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
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,500 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 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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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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