The Voice of Podiatrists

September 08, 2006 #2,684 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OH Podiatrist Charged With Practicng "Medicine and Surgery" During Fellowship

The Ohio Medical Board is leveling serious charges against three Central Ohio doctors.Two are accused of not meeting minimal care standards. Another is accused of practicing outside the bounds of what he can legally do. Doctors Brian Griffin, Kyle Hoogendoorn and William Leak have a common bond.

Grove City podiatrist Kyle Hoogendoorn is accused of practicing "medicine or surgery without a certificate." The state says his practice is limited to foot ailments. But the Medical Board citation charges Dr. Hoogendoorn administered injections related to other areas of the body besides those that control the foot. Further, it claims Hoogendoorn "prescribed" "medications" for 10 patients -- for "non-podiatric conditions."

Dr. Hoogendoorn's attorney shared certificates with 10TV, saying of the doctor: "He was in a fellowship... able to practice beyond the scope of a podiatrist... From Dr. Hoogendoorn's standpoint, he did everything above board."

Doctors Griffin and Leak, who are pain management physicians, were also said to have been involved in that fellowship. The Ohio Medical Board thinks they "aided and abetted Dr. Hoogendoorn in the unlawful practice of medicine and surgery."

Source: Eve Mueller, WBNS-10 TV (Ohio)

APMWA Announces 21st Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 21st Annual Student Writing Competition.

1. All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include ethics, practice management, or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
2. There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
3. First prize will be five hundred dollars ($500) and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
4. This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
5. To enter, paper must be received by 4/1/07 via e-mail at bblock@prodigy.net
6. Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

DEA to Allow Three-Month Prescriptions of Certain Painkillers

The Drug Enforcement Administration on Wednesday released a proposal that would explicitly permit physicians to prescribe 90-day supplies of painkillers that are Schedule II controlled substances, the AP/Detroit Free Press reports. Current law does not state whether doctors are allowed to issue prescriptions for more than a one-month supply of the drugs, but physicians "have complained that strict regulation" from DEA has "forced them to limit prescriptions to a 30-day supply and leave patients untreated."

DEA on Wednesday proposed a formal rule that would allow doctors to write multiple prescriptions of morphine-based painkillers in a single office visit. Doctors would be allowed to write three 30-day prescriptions at a time to be filled in each month (Kaufman, Washington Post, 9/7).

Source: American Healthline [9/7/06]

Query: Recurring Blisters Sub Met Heads

I have a 26 yo female patient with primary complaint of severe, recurring blisters sub met heads and toes. She has tried "2nd skin liquid", numerous orthotics, various top covers, different athletic shoes, wearing different combinations of socks, etc, all without relief. Also has some intermittent arch pain, leg, and knee pain. Her pain level does not change with use of any of the orthotics. Physically, she is moderately obese, moderate genu valgum, extremely flexible rearfoot and forefoot, with significant equinus, and numerous calluses and blisters sub met heads and toes bilaterally.

While standing, she has a mild rearfoot valgus, with a grossly hypermobile subtalar/midtarsal joint bilaterally. I believe the rearfoot instability causes more rearfoot valgus during gait, which is exacerbated by the equinus. She has all precursors of posterior tibial dysfunction with the equinus appearing to be the primary etiology of the blisters. My only suggestion now is a subtalar arthroreisis to reduce the excessive valgus motion and gastroc recession. I have reservations about performing surgery on someone when all clinical pictures and x-rays don't capture the deformity as it occurs during gait. Any thoughts are welcome.

Steven Block, DPM, Owensboro, KY, sblock@excite.com

RE: Best Mixture For Spider Veins? (Barry Kaye, DPM)
From: Thomas A. Graziano, DPM

You might want to try polidocanol. It’s used commonly and cited often in the literature for use in sclerotherapy. I've used it for years without a problem. Sotradecol is too caustic for superficial spider veins and I wouldn't recommend it. Be careful if you are using it. Infiltration can cause ulceration and dark pigmentation skin changes. It’s ironic that Sotradecol is the only FDA-approved substance.The other solution I use routinely is Sclerodex (a pre-mixed combo of sugar and saline). It, like polidocanol, is safe and commercially available.

Thomas A. Graziano, DPM, Clifton, NJ, TGrazi6236@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN INDIANA

Established, respected solo podiatry practice immediately available in scenic southern Indiana. Fully equipped attractive building conveniently located on an active corner with great staff, loyal patients and excellent referral base. Includes relationships with local assisted living and nursing homes. Practice and building available for $200,000. Serious inquiries preferred e-mail to: dhall@cmbuck.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BERKELEY CALIFORNIA

Well-established office in professional medical building; Biomechanics, Geriatrics and General Podiatry; Excellent growth potential for surgery; Payor base MC, PPO, and self-pay (NO HMOs); Reliable referrals from local physicians; Electronic billing in-house; Transition terms negotiable. Send letter of intent to: foot4sale@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - AUSTIN TX MOBILE PRACTICE

Full or part-time; Texas license. Fine working conditions with excellent support staff and pay. Mobile podiatry clinic and House calls. http://www.footmobile.com Fax CV 210.495.6484

ASSOCIATE POSITON - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW ENGLAND

Opportunity in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with large office and surgicenter, latest technology, great staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals, full scope practice. Opportunity for partnership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and contact info to: footdoc@usa.net

DOCTOR’S OFFICE LARGE ROOM FOR RENT NY (FLATIRON) $2000

Medical office space available to share in a great building in the Flatiron District of NYC. Amenities include: 24-hour doorman and elevator access. Room is large, recently renovated, has a sink with working plumbing, central air (CAC), and audio with volume control. Space is also available at the reception bay. Rent- $2000/month if full-time; less if part-time. All utilities except phone included. Dr. Christopher Anselmi 212-475-8104 anselmic@hss.edu

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 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

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 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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