The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 25, 2008 #3,357 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CO Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice

Healthy feet make all the difference in how someone literally moves through life, Mountain View Foot & Ankle podiatrist Dr. Robert M. Smith said. That care begins with proper shoe choices this autumn as people flip off sandals and tuck their feet into more restrictive shoes.

Dr. Robert M. Smith

“The transition into closed-toe shoes sort of unmasks problems,” Smith said. Issues often stem from too much friction on spots around the foot, he said.

To avoid shoe-related problems, Smith recommended taking pressure off the feet by matching the toe box to the shape of the foot and wearing reasonable heels. “You may not be able to get away with wearing stilettos,” Smith said. “But you could wear a heel, as long as it’s no higher than 2 inches.”

Source: Pam Mellskog, Longmont Times-Call [9/23/08]

Podiatrists Play Prominent Role at Georgetown Diabetic Conference

The growing importance of podiatry in the fight against the global epidemic of diabetes and its complications was sharply highlighted at the Georgetown University Hospital Conference on a Team Approach to Diabetic Limb Salvage, which attracted 1,100 participants to Washington, DC, September 18-20, 2008, and which sponsors billed as a “hugely successful” event.

Dr. John Steinberg at Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

“Podiatrists were prominent both at the podium and in the audience,” said John S. Steinberg, DPM, co-chair of the conference. Dr. Steinberg is chief of podiatry and co-director of the limb salvage team at Georgetown University Hospital. He noted that the conference faculty included a number of nationally known podiatrists such as David G. Armstrong, Vickie R. Driver, Lawrence B. Harkless, Adam Landsman and John M. Schuberth and that more than one-half of the physicians attending the conference were DPMs.

Dr. Lawrence Harkless receives Georgetown Distinguished Achievement Award from Dr. Richard Goldberg

For the second straight year, a podiatrist received the Georgetown Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage. This year’s recipient was Lawrence B. Harkless, DPM, who received the award in ceremonies on September 19. Joy Drass, MD, MBA, president of Georgetown University Hospital/MedStar, which sponsored the conference, presented the award on behalf of the hospital and the conference. Next year’s conference is set for September 24-26, 2009.

$8.1 Million Verdict for Failure to Submit Biopsy Specimen

Eric and Renee Flora felt reassured in the spring of 2004 when a local podiatrist removed a growth from her big toe, and life for the New Carlisle, IN couple returned to normal. But when the growth resurfaced a year later, they received some frightening news. Renee Flora, a then 33-year-old nurse's aide and mother of two young girls, had malignant melanoma.

Dr. W. Douglas Kolmodin

A St. Joseph Superior Court jury has found podiatrist Dr. W. Douglas Kolmodin liable for medical malpractice, concluding that Renee Flora's odds at beating the cancer were greatly reduced because he failed to have tissue from the excised growth tested for cancer. After a five-day trial last week, the jury awarded the Floras more than $8.1 million in damages.

During the trial and in sworn affidavits contained in court records, the Floras testified they saw Kolmodin place the lesion in a container, and he told them he would send it for testing. The Plaintiff’s lawyer contends that the specimen was lost during an office move that occurred the day after the surgery. Kolmodin denied the specimen was lost, according to court records. Rather, he said, it disintegrated upon removal, and there was nothing left to have tested. However, the three podiatrists who reviewed the case for the Indiana Department of Insurance concluded there should have been enough tissue for the test, according to the plaintiff's attorney.

Source: Jeff Parrott, South Bend Tribune [9/23/08]

Holiday Parties are Networking Opportunities

Plan now to attend holiday social events. Think of them as team-building events, and remind yourself that if you fail to participate, you risk damaging your reputation as a teamplayer.

During events, don't check your BlackBerry messages, chat on your cell phone or wear a Bluetooth headset. These actions all send the wrong message.

Source: Don't Cook Your Career This Summer by Janet Cho in The Plain Dealer

Query: Onychodystrophy

A 16-year-old female presented with an unremarkable history, no history of psoriasis, hypo or hyperthyroidism, or other dermatological conditions. She's fearful that this nail condition will prevent “Mr. Right” from ever paying attention to her.

Onychodystrophy

A culture (and reculture) of the nail was performed which was negative. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Dale Smith, DPM, Chicago,IL

Query: E-Prescribing Software

I am interested in incorporating e-prescribing software into my practice. I would like opinions and recommendations from those who use a software package not linked to an EMR.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, Yonkers, NY

RE: Risks of Prescribing Opiates For Chronic Pain (Richard Gosnay, DPM)
From: Art W Hatfield, DPM, Sloan Gordon, DPM

The real question is why would anyone want to treat chronic pain patients? In my experience, these patients are very difficult to deal with. Many of them are already addicted and are using the doctor as a supplier. Enough pills is never enough (someone stole my Rx, the Rx fell in the toilet, the cat/dog ate my Rx, I had to give them to my friend because they had a kidney stone and on and on).

I tell suspected abusers who have a legitimate need following surgery; I have been doing this a long time and have a pretty good idea how much pain meds you will be needing, use these wisely. If you come back to the office and tell me they were stolen, etc, you are on your own. When they know you know what's up they almost never try their scams.

On the other hand, the patients who do have real chronic pain are still hard to deal with and from my perspective not worth the pain I get trying to help them. I would just as soon pass them on to someone who has the skills and patience to deal with them. Besides, the pain problem is frequently never resolved. As I have said many times in the past, "Some patients aren't worth the trouble, pass them on to someone else." You will sleep better!

Art W Hatfield, DPM, Long Beach, CA, afootjob@juno.com

Editor’s Note: Dr. Gordon’s extended-length letter appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=22139&start=1

RE: OH Podiatrist Has Practical Answer to the Energy Crisis
From: Bill March, DPM

I'm happy to see that Dr. Suppan is getting some exercise and riding his bike to work....his green scrubs certainly make him more visible to traffic. I hope he changes before starting into the OR. I will be riding 75 miles from Cherry Hill to Ocean City, NJ this Saturday with three other podiatrists from South Jersey to raise funding and awareness for patients with MS. It is always an enjoyable and satisfying day. My thanks to NJPMS for supporting us.

Bill March, DPM, Cherry Hill, NJ, footwise51@aol.com

RE: Aetna Changes Policy on 1st MPJ Implants
From: Howard Stone, DPM

Recently, many of the large insurance carriers discontinued paying for any 1st MPJ implant. One of my patients (an Aetna subscriber), who was recommended to have the arthrosurface procedure, wrote a blog due to her dissatisfaction with Aetna not covering the procedure that her surgeon recommended. Within six hours, it was picked up by Aetna’s management team. The following day, I received a call from the medical director at Aetna. It appeared they had no idea that a hemi-arthroplasty procedure existed. I faxed the medical director supporting evidence on the efficacy of the procedure.

Within a week, the medical director called to inform me that Aetna’s policy had changed regarding 1st MPJ implants to include hemi-arthroplasty, but not total joint metallic arthroplasty. Their new policy is listed on their website. Hopefully, all the other major carriers will follow suit and reverse this ridiculous policy. All it took was one patient blogging negative comments about Aetna, and the policy changed. Amazing!

Howard Stone, DPM, Glenview, IL, justus313@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY, FL

Live, play and practice in West Central Florida. Associate position available, leading to partnership, in a well-established, expanding, solo practice in the Tampa Bay area. Great pay and benefits in a dynamic medical/surgical practice. Join our caring, compassionate, educated team. E-mail cover letter, CV and references to rvalins18@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT

Full or part-time position available for a podiatrist licensed in CT. This practice encompasses wide variety of patients including Diabetic wound care and general podiatric care. Must be willing to cover all aspects of the practice including nursing homes and house calls. Please e-mail CV to RPMDPM@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

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

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

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

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

TIMESHARE – MOTIVATED SELLER

Golfer's paradise in Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina! Click here for details! Great for family vacations. Fixed deeded week. Beachfront resort, RCI Exchange, $15,000/or bo. Timeshare points also available. Contact footfixr@consolidated.net or 1-800-366-8397

PODIATRIST POSITION - NORTH DAKOTA

Mid Dakota Clinic is currently recruiting a BE/BC Podiatrist to join our private multi-specialty practice in Bismarck, North Dakota. Full benefit package to include a first year salary guarantee, or the clinic's RVU system whichever is greater, as well as profit sharing. Bismarck is a growing and upscale community and along with our sister city of Mandan the population is approximately 100,000. Please send your CV or contact Jeff Neuberger at 701-530-6113, or jdneuberger@primecare.org

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO -- NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

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.

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CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

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