The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 23, 2008 #3,355 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Texas Podiatrist Provides Advice on Treatment of Athlete’s Feet

As school-age athletes head back into the locker rooms, taking some precautions can help avoid one of the more common scourges: athlete's foot, UT Southwestern Medical Center podiatrists say. "Common areas such as locker rooms, weight rooms, showers and near pools offer the type of warm, damp environment that can encourage fungal growth that leads to athlete's foot," says Dr. Michael Van Pelt, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Michael Van Pelt

Wash feet with soap and water and be sure they are fully dried, especially between the toes. Change socks or hose frequently and alternate pairs of shoes to decrease moisture buildup. Also consider using a daily foot powder and avoid walking around barefoot or wearing others' shoes. Shoes made of cloth or mesh should be washed.

Treat athlete's foot with fungicides, but if it persists beyond two weeks, see a doctor who can prescribe topical and/or oral anti-fungal drugs or other more effective treatments.

Source: iparenting.com [9/20/08]

Armstrong, Hultman to Receive Award of Excellence

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has announced that David Armstrong, DPM, PhD and Jon Hultman, DPM have been selected to receive the APMA Award of Excellence. This honor is presented in recognition of outstanding national accomplishments in scientific, professional, or civic endeavors. These awards will be presented at the 2009 APMA House of Delegates.

Dr. David G. Armstrong

Dr. David Armstrong has served as a worldwide ambassador for podiatric research. He is the latest inductee into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

Dr. Jon Hultman

Dr. Jon Hultman is the Executive Director of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) and former CPMA President. He was inducted in the PM Hall of Fame in 2007.

FL Law Takes on Overpayment Claims, Assignment Of Benefits

A Florida law that takes effect this fall addresses some of the contracting and payment issues that its supporters said have been upsetting doctors there for years.

The law requires that plans honor a member's assignment of benefits when that member sees an in-network physician, bars insurers from selling network discounts to third parties without a physician's consent, and tells insurers that payments older than 12 months cannot be subject to overpayment claims.

The 12-month deadline replaces the current 30-month deadline for plans to identify and collect for what it deemed was overpayment of a claim. Meanwhile, Florida will be one of 20 states that address whether health plans must honor a member's assignment of benefits. The new Florida law requires that plans reimburse in-network doctors directly.

Source: Emily Berry, AMNews [9/22/08]

Hold Your Employees Accountable

• Interview employees who have been observed as unfriendly to understand their source of unhappiness and present them with alternatives.
• Observe employees in action with patients.
• Evaluate whether the right employees are dealing with patients.
• Videotape patients on what is important to them and use it in training.
• Conduct a class of "Acting101: Fake it 'til you make it" so that employees can practice until it becomes natural.

Source: Adapted from Turn Your Customer On by Kevin Billingsley and Brooke Billingsley

Query: Collecting E-mails From Patients

I was wondering what systems/programs offices are using to collect e-mails from patients. Is there a financial incentive for your staff? Are e-mails captured outside of the office? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Chad Schwarz, Howell, NJ

RE: Hurricane Ike
From: Sloan Gordon, DPM

I have an office in Houston that has full power and full staff. If there are any podiatrists on the coast (Galveston, etc.) who are without power and cannot work, they are welcome to come to my office, as are their patients, and they will be accommodated.

The storm "Ike" has devastated much of Houston, Galveston and surrounding areas, and I would like to help my fellow DPMs.

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

RE: Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers
From: Jay W. Slepner, DPM

All professional football teams own and operate HBO chambers for the players who are banged up and must be ready for the following week’s play. It may not be good medicine, but it keeps the players active long enough to carry out their contracts. Perhaps, a team near you would be gracious enough to allow you access to their equipment. A question unasked is a question unanswered.

Jay W. Slepner, DPM, Margate City, NJ, jaymarcia@comcast.net

RE: Quicken Enhanced Payroll Plus (Peter Smith, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Quickbooks Enhanced Payroll Plus is well worth it. I think there is a cheaper "less comprehensive" option as well, which is a bargain in Quickbooks, but I can't be sure. Some of the states supposedly have the option of being able to e-mail in the quarterlies, although the last time I checked, California didn't support the e-mail send-in option. But the forms come out right, and it will even remind you to send the forms in.

Philip E. Larkins, DPM, Escondido, CA, larko33139@yahoo.com

I have been using Quicken Payroll for a few years and I find it very useful. I calculates the payroll and prints the checks. It calculates and prints the 941 quarterly report and W-2's at the end of the year. Mine doesn't print the state quarterly reports, but will give the information needed - perhaps the enhanced version does the state reports too. Every so often, the program takes me on-line to download any changes in withholding or other tax info it needs. I find this program to be terrific. Also, I use Turbotax to do the annual federal and state corporate income tax report.

Sam Bell, DPM, Schenectady, NY, dpmbell@aol.com

I am currently using PayCycle for payroll. It is a web-based payroll service. All federal and state taxes are paid electronically. I am emailed due dates for taxes, also when I log into the account, I can easily view when the next tax payments need to be paid. I can offer direct deposit for my employees. Tax forms can be filed electronically. The data is downloadable into my Quicken software.

I compared the cost of PayCycle and the cost of doing payroll myself with Quicken. Payroll only takes a few minutes to complete. PayCycle costs me half of what my accountant charges for doing payroll. I like the peace-of-mind knowing my tax forms are filed and filled out correctly. I read all the reviews of the company I could find before joining. I have no financial interest in the company. PayCycle can be found at paycycle.com.

Brian D. Battles, DPM, Waco, TX, battlesbrian@hotmail.com

RE: Volunteers Wanted For Darfur Shoe Project
From: Alex Kor, DPM

Manny Ohonme, Founder of Samaritan's Feet (samaritansfeet.org ) and a partner to Dr. Alex Kor's project "Holocaust Shoe Project for Darfur" will be walking barefoot from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA in an effort to raise $1,000,000 and 300,000 pairs of shoes during his 300-mile journey. I am requesting podiatrists from Charlotte, NC, Spartanburg, SC, Greenville, SC, Athens, GA, and the greater Atlanta metropolitan area who have an interest (in making sure that Manny is able to complete this journey), contact me.

Ideally, I would like to have one or two podiatrists/per town available to provide Manny foot care on a PRN basis during his walk. For more information , see samaritansfeet.org/worldwalk/.

Alex Kor, DPM, Washington, DC, akisok15@hotmail.com

RE: False Testimony By Expert Witnesses
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I do not know either of the doctors involved. Dr. Doolan's original request was what he can do now that something like this has happened. I don't think any specific solution has been recommended. There was one posting that made an analogy to the brotherhood of the fire dept. The point was that if that particular doc was in trouble, no one would come to his rescue. The problem is in terms of podiatry, that scenario may not hold.

I would propose that the organizations which represent the profession i.e., APMA or even the Board Certifications like ABPS, ABPPMO, etc. do something (Assuming the individual is involved in them.). This way, Dr. Doolan can file a complaint to one central place i.e., APMA . The organization can then examine the case, review the transcripts, etc. and interview the doctors involved. If they find the doctor's testimony to be false, that doctor should sanctioned. This would severely harm that expert from acting as an expert again.

This forum is excellent and a credit to our profession. Let's take it to the next level and put words into action. I feel terrible for Dr. Doolan and I can only imagine what he went through. I hope no one ever goes through that. We can't prevent what already occurred, but we can prevent it from happening if we do something about it. It is bad enough we have to deal with insurance companies always trying to screw us, but to have fellow practitioners screw us - this is unacceptable.

I can understand someone testifying if something truly wrong was done where someone suffered, and where the doctor is truly negligent. But some of these cases that are discussed here do not come close to that.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, JeffCKass@aol.com

Editor's Note: This topic is now closed.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Immediate need for podiatrist to work a few Saturday mornings a month and possible weekday schedule. No call, No after-hour responsibilities, just a good experienced doctor. Work to full-time status, if desired. A great opportunity for the right person Orange County area. Easy commute from surrounding counties. Contact with resume to Phinster18@hotmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – ULTRASOUND & PROCESSOR

2004 Shimadzu diagnostic ultrasound system model #sdu-350xl. Includes stand-off pad, carry & carry case. Asking $7500.00. Cordell mxr-14 x-ray film (cold water) processor. $750.00 obo. For more info, call 269 651 1038 or e-mail mcclainjmrs@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to d-kitchens@footexperts.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORAL GABLES FLORIDA

Well-known practice for over 20 years. Excellent location on Coral Way with heavy traffic, great visibility and plenty of parking. Busy, fully-equipped, full- time office with established patients. Grossing over 300K with tremendous growth potential. Office is currently open and ready to take over immediately. For additional info contact QVAN@aol.com or 305-975-5516.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes.Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE TN/GA

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