The Voice of Podiatrists

October 08, 2006 #2,708 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Many Conservative or Surgical Options Available: FL Podiatrist

"Surgery isn't the answer for everyone," insists Dr. Kevin Lam. "A lot of problems can be fixed in one visit. It's a good feeling to see someone walk out pain free rather than tell them, 'Take a pill and see you in two months.'" But if surgery is indicated, Lam says advancements in the field offer a whole new set of options.

Dr. Kevin Lam

"We have the ability to save limbs and put feet or ankles back together," he says. "It's rewarding to get rid of the pain that keeps people from doing the exercises their primary physicians have recommended."

Lam points to reconstructive procedures for repairing ruptured tendons or ligaments and arthroscopic surgery that enables physicians to rid chronic sprainers of inflammatory arthritis caused by faulty joint mechanics or alignment as examples.

Source: Brenda Hawkins, Naples Daily News [10/6/06] Photo by Donn Brown / Collier Citizen

Bakotic Special Editor for Principles and Practice of Podiatric Medicine

The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine has announced that Bradley W. Bakotic, DPM, DO, adjunct assistant professor, has served as special editor for Principles and Practice of Podiatric Medicine, 2nd Edition published by Data Trace Publications. The landmark text is co-edited by Lenard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, associate dean of education at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale and Vincent J. Hetherington, DPM, MS, vice president and dean of academic affairs at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland.

Dr. Bradley W. Bakotic

Dr. Bakotic authored chapters on tumors of the small bones of the distal lower extremity, tumors of the skin of the lower extremity, tumors of the soft tissue of the lower extremity, and hematopoietic tumors of the lower extremity. According to Dr. Leonard Levy, "this second edition of Principles and Practice of Podiatric Medicine fills a void in podiatric medical literature by focusing on the comprehensive nature of the profession including the significance of podiatric pathology."

Dr. Bakotic graduated as valedictorian from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1992 after earning his BS and MS degrees at Barry. He later acquired his Doctorate of Osteopathy degree from the University of New England. Dr. Bakotic is now one of the nation's leading pathologists serving as the director for the Institute for Podiatric Pathology at Dermipath Diagnostics with Ameripath in Pompano Beach, FL..

DOJ, HHS OIG Pursue Offenders, Will Collect $1.47B

The Department of Justice and the HHS Office of Inspector General in a report issued this week announced that their joint Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program -- which attempts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in federal health care programs -- will collect $1.47 billion from criminal or civil cases brought
during fiscal year 2005, The Hill reports.

Congress created the program through a 1996 statute that increases the two agencies' budgets with money from the Medicare trust fund under the condition that the money is returned through settlements, fines, recoveries and other penalties. The program coordinates the antifraud efforts of federal, state and local law-enforcement authorities to apprehend offenders. It also guides companies and individuals working with government health care programs on how to avoid fraud.

Since the antifraud program began in 1997, a total of $8.85 billion has been deposited in the trust fund. Fraudulent activities by individuals and companies include illegally distributing strictly controlled narcotics, selling counterfeit drugs online, overcharging Medicare and providing physician kickbacks.

Source: (Jeffrey Young, The Hill, 10/5/06 via American Health Line)

Query: Fractured Fixation Screw

I have a patient with a portion of a 4.0 screw deep in her medial cuneiform. This occurred after a CBWO fixated with an oblique screw. The distal portion has been removed but the proximal portion remains and appears to be protruding in the joint as seen on CT sagittal reconstructed views. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Donald Carlson, DPM, Hermiston, OR, drc@eotnet.net

Query: 4 YO with Limb-Length Discrepancy

I recently evaluated a healthy 4 year old female with a 2.0 cm. anatomic limb length discrepancy. Prior to my evaluation, at age 1 and at age 3 she was evaluated by 2 different pediatric orthopedists who both recommended observation. Although the deformity is not altering her activity level, her parents are very concerned. Any advice or literature recommendations will be appreciated.

Brian Homer, DPM, Clawson, MI

RE: Stuart Leeds DPM

It was with a great deal of sadness that I read of Dr. Leeds’ passing. He was an innovator and a respected authority in the field of podiatric sports medicine and a well respected medical figure in the South Florida community. He had a unique style and was very proud of his profession, and was one of the main reasons I decided to enter the podiatric profession. He was one of the first podiatrists in South Florida to gain enough credibility in the sports medicine community to become part of a professional sports medicine staff and one of the reasons I was able to become a professional team doctor myself. I have implemented many of the practice management and biomechanics pearls that he passed on to me and am grateful to have been associated with him. I will miss him.

Marco A Vargas, DPM, Sugar Land, TX

RE: Podiatry Eats its Own Young
From: Richard W. Boone, Sr

Yesterday I took the deposition of the Plaintiff's expert witness in a podiatry malpractice case I'm currently handling. The expert is a residency program director. The podiatrist against whom the director is testifying is a recent graduate of that director's very own residency program.

I doubt that there is anything unlawful or unethical about the director's testimony against his former student. But, in my own humble opinion, it's a pretty sleazy thing to do.

For years I have refused to believe my podiatrist friends who tell me that podiatry is a profession which "eats its own young." I may have to re-think that position based upon this experience.

Richard W. Boone, Sr., Health Care Attorney, Fairfax, VA
RWBoone@aol.com

RE: New Horizons
From: Paul Hilbert, DPM

An announcement appeared in PM News for the NCVH conference in New Orleans the 1st weekend of November. I wish all podiatrists would seriously consider attending this conference. I have been to NOLA 3 times since Katrina. The French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown are thriving. The people working in the hotel and service industries couldn't be more filled with Southern hospitality. Go to the Aquarium of the Americas, The Audubon Zoo and walk along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi or eat in the fine restaurants.

Consider spending a few hours with one of the organizations working in the areas of destruction such as Lakeview or the Lower 9th Ward doing demolition or construction. If enough people express and interest, I'll organize a volunteer group with transportation to and from the worksite. Airfare and hotel specials are available. I stayed at Le Pavillon (4-star hotel) for $65 per night.

Paul Hilbert, DPM, Gulf Breeze, FL, coastalp@bellsouth.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE – 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-INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – FLORIDA

High Income position for ethical hard working podiatrist, great for semi-retired or to supplement office practice, part time. Must have Florida license and active Medicare/Medicaid numbers. FAX CV or Resume to 727-785-4697

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well established podiatry practice in Mt. Airy, North Carolina that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to come on board to take over patient care. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away in January 2006, leaving approximately 3,500 patients without a podiatrist to care for them. This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin work in an extremely busy podiatric practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Merging practice and I have an office full of equipment for sale. No reasonable offer refused. Great for new practitioner or second office.Two older PDM treatment chairs. One surgical table, also great for orthotic casting. Variety of hand surgical tools, waiting room chairs, cast cutter, etc. Call and ask! Need to clear out office by Nov 1, so I'm motivated...Paul Busman DPM Troy, NY 518-272-6881, 518-229-6668 Cell.

NURSING HOME ASSOCIATE NEEDED- PHILA AREA

Extremely high volume nursing home and home care practice. Well-established and respected Suburban Philadelphia practice seeking an associate who is hardworking. Full-time or part-time available. Very busy practice which can be worked every day and be very lucrative for a hard-working individual. No nursing home further than ½ hour away from office. Email CV and contact info to: mrgpod@hotmail.com or fax CV to 610-668-5175

PRACTICE FOR SALE/ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP - WASHINGTON, DC

Established busy practice for sale in hospital's medical building. Fully equipped. All aspects of podiatric medicine/surgery. Large diabetic practice with wound care clinic. Large referral base. Hospital to be renovated and expanded. Charcot, forefoot, rearfoot, orthopedics. Residency required for privileges. Moving - will stay for transition. Associateship until purchase. Unbelievable potential to expand. Will finance sale with adequate down-payment. Serious inquires only. Contact scottr0666@yahoo.com

IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE NEEDED - PHILLY SUBURBS

High volume office-based practice suburban Philadelphia. Very diverse, all ages seen. Sports medicine, trauma, forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Full-time office, near hospitals for surgery, consults, and in-house pt. care. Candidate must be hard-working dedicated to pt. care and well-trained. Needs to be personable. PSR12/24/36 Board Certified/Eligible required for a fast-paced, fun atmosphere to work. Email CV and contact info to: mrgpod@hotmail.com or fax CV to 610-668-5175

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