The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

October 15, 2009 #3,675 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Pain From Improper Shoes Not Normal: FL Podiatrist

We pick shoes based on color and look instead of fit and function and those bad choices are sidelining our workout routines and even creating major health problems. Dr. Yenisey Yanes, a doctor of podiatric medicine, treats the results. Many of her patients come to her complaining of heel pain, ankle pain, bunions and neuroma -- all ailments that are caused or aggravated by improper shoes.

Dr. Yenisey Yanes

"A history of wearing improper shoes is going to cause big problems," she said. "Many of my patients used to think the pain was just something they had to live with. We can tell them what to avoid wearing," Yanes said.

Source: Krista Brick, Frederick News-Post [10/13/09]

NY Podiatrist Appointed to March of Dimes Board

The New York State Chapter-Northern Metro Division of the March of Dimes has appointed its newest elected member to its Board of Directors: Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon of Armonk, New York. "We welcome the experience and knowledge of Dr. Fallon, the newest member of our Board of Directors for the March of Dimes," stated Annette Trotta-Flynn, Executive Director of the March of Dimes. "I am confident that she will contribute greatly in building on the past successes of our charity, and engage in new challenges and opportunities."

Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon

Dr. Reilly Fallon is a board certified wound care specialist and foot and ankle specialist, in New York City. She served two consecutive terms on the Medical Executive Board of St. Vincent's Midtown Hospital in Manhattan, the Credentials Committee and was Clinical Supervisor of Interns & Residents in the Department of Surgery. She presently works as foot and ankle surgeon for the Midtown Manhattan Health Center. She is also the Founder and Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help children in distress.

Eagles Use Kevlar Shock-Absorbing Insoles: PA Podiatrist 

The latest game-changing tactic in the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers playbook is military-grade technology to protect the players' feet. "Current insoles were just not working, resulting in muscle injury, joint pain, foot fatigue and soreness. So, we literally needed to step up our game," says Dr. Lee Cohen, team podiatrist for both the Eagles and 76ers. Enter in Unequal® Ultra-Lite Insoles, which according to a Villanova University study, block up to 80 percent of harmful shockwave impact to reduce the injury and fatigue that players experience.

Dr. Lee Cohen

The insoles are also the first product ever in the sporting goods industry to use the bullet-stopping power of DuPont's Kevlar as a shock suppressant. Speaking specifically to his work with the Eagles, Cohen said: "With the trend of turf and the ever-increasing speed of play, football has more of an impact on the human foot than any other sport. I knew Kevlar was lightweight, pliable, and the best shock-blocking material, so we tried the Ultra-Lite insoles. The players felt the difference immediately."

Source: KRNV-TV NBC 4 (NV) [10/13/09]

Senate Finance Committee Approves Healthcare Reform Bill

The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 to approve a sweeping, $829 billion overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, with only one Republican joining all 13 Democrats to advance the measure. The bill requires almost all U.S. residents to buy some level of health insurance, offering $461 billion in federal subsidies to help them do so. It also expands Medicaid eligibility to those making 133% of the federal poverty level, or roughly $29,327 for a family of four.

Additionally, the legislation also cuts Medicare payments to almost every type of provider, while it establishes a number of pilot programs to help better coordinate care and boost its quality. The bill would also replace a scheduled 21% physician pay cut with a 0.5% increase in 2010.

It doesn't, however, include a national public health plan. Instead, it would create health insurance “cooperatives,” which could recruit members to help negotiate better rates with private health plans.

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare [10/13/09]
 

A Quick Tactic That Boosts Rapport

Looking for a simple way to build your credibility and your relationships? Pay attention to the way you shake others’ hands.

• If you shake with a nice solid grip, the other person will perceive you as friendly, open and credible.
•  If you crush bones with your strong grip, you send the message that you are egotistical, a control freak or unaware of others.
•  If you proffer a limp, timid hand for others to shake, you send the message that you are self-conscious, inadequate to the task or unfamiliar with business protocol.

Bottom line: A good handshake moves you forward in your business relationships, while a bad one distracts the receiver and damages your credibility.

Source: Adapted from “Shaking Hands,” Speaking Tips Newsletter, Barbara Rocha and Associates via Communication Briefings

Query: Curamedix Extracorporeal Pulse Activation

Does anyone have experience with Curamedix Extracorporeal Pulse Activation treatment? It sounds like an inexpensive alternative to high energy ESWT, but is it effective? I can't find any info online other than that provided by the company.

John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Hts., NJ
 

Query: Office Ally EMR

I would like feedback on anyone using Office Ally EMR.
 
Harry E. Confer, DPM, West Covina, CA
 

RE: EBM and the Cost of Orthoses
From: Mr. Jeff Root

In the ongoing debate about evidence-based medicine, the appropriate use of custom and prefabricated foot orthoses, it is frequently assumed that custom foot orthoses cost significantly more than pre-fabricated devices. Until such time as sufficient studies have been conducted to determine the real cost of custom and prefabricated orthotic therapy, we can only guess as to the difference.

On the surface, this may seem like a simple cost analysis.  However, one must consider...

Editor's Note: Mr. Root's extended-length letter can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=29608&start=1
 

RE: Qualifying Routine Foot Care (Greg Amarantos, DPM)
From: Steven Goldstein, DPM

The reality here is that many practices make a large portion of their gross revenue on routine foot care which may not always meet the guidelines of what really determines what RFC is. If podiatrists could only perform this five times per year in cases when it really would be covered, many would be out of business. I am NOT condoning doing anything illegal. This is why a patient goes to one doctor who bills Medicare without any question and another patient sees a doctor who explains to the patient why the service is not covered. This issue is one that many doctors struggle with constantly.

The answer is up to each podiatrist as to how to wrestle with this dilemma. I looked for treatments for which I charged cash. This set me apart from other practitioners. This way, I did not have to worry that I was doing something wrong and that someone would be looking over my shoulder. Finally, I am truly glad I am retired and no longer have to deal with rules and regulations dictated by insurance companies and the federal government!

Steven Goldstein, DPM, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Stevefootdr1@yahoo.com
 

RE: A Comparison of Negative Casting Techniques Used for the Fabrication of Custom Ankle-Foot Orthoses
From: Michael Turlik, DPM

While I may believe that performing a biomechanical examination, obtaining a neutral non-weight-bearing foot impression, sending the cast with the prescription off to a lab to fabricate a device which alters abnormal foot mechanics and therefore alleviates the patient's symptoms is true, believing it doesn't make it so. Unlike most students in my class...

Editor’s Note: Dr. Turlik’s Extended-length letter appears at:
http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=29574&start=1

RE: Obama’s Healthcare Plan  (Stephen Peslar, BSc,DCh)
From: Carla Di Gioia, BSc, DPM, Jon Purdy, DPM

In reading Mr. Peslar's comments, I can appreciate his patriotism. I too at one time believed that the Canadian healthcare system was very good. This belief lasted until I did my residency program in Michigan. The three years I spent as a resident and rotating in various branches of medicine showed me the flaws in the Canadian system. (if you don't believe me, you can read the article in the Windsor Star where a Canadian teen almost died if not for his treatments in Michigan). The quality of care, quick access to specialists and tests, and ongoing research in the U.S.A. amazed me.

I am grateful for the level of training I receiving in the years I spent becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. I think that if Mr. Peslar had a residency program associated with this diploma in chiropody program (DCH), then he too may have a different opinion of the current healthcare system in Canada. I am not saying that the system is terrible, but it is severely flawed and patients do suffer.

Carla Di Gioia, BSc, DPM, Windsor, ON, Canada, cdigioia@alumni.ocpm.edu

I am glad that Stephen Peslar finds his Canadian Medicare 80% acceptable and free. Here are some facts about the “free” Canadian system.  Canada has a progressive income tax, topping out at about 30% if you make over $130,000. Of course, there are the typical other taxes just like in the U.S. such as property tax, capital gains tax, and an average sales tax of 12%, but some as high as 15.5%. Employers pay a 2% payroll tax that goes toward national healthcare. Individuals pay the government anywhere from $300 - $900 annually as a direct insurance fee/premium.

But, all those taxes and insurance fees give the population “free” healthcare. Well, not really; dental and vision are not covered. Your healthcare is affected if you fail to pay your annual insurance fee. There are additional costs for prescription drugs and not all services are covered at 100%. You will need to pay extra if you want a private room for your hospital stay and many other “premium” services. This is why 65% of Canadians pay for additional supplemental insurance.

There are actually strict laws and severe penalties prohibiting the delivery of private insurance. The Canadian Supreme Court is now debating these laws as being unconstitutional. Can someone explain to me why Canadian Parliament Member Belinda Stronach ended up going to a California hospital for treatment of breast cancer? Governments and politicians are very good at slowly slipping things past the public to make them believe they are getting something for nothing. 

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN, KANSAS

Seeking full-time associate to start January 2010. Will start with full schedule. Must be dependable, honest, ethical individual. E-mail CV/resume to: mtrandpm@cox.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MINXRAY P200R24 X-RAY UNIT

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - INDIANA/OHIO

PrimeSource Healthcare is a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created an immediate need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Indiana/Ohio. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to kwright@pshcs.com. Visit us at pshcs.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 a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

DIABETIC RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM - FLORIDA AND GEORGIA

Seeking DPM to join our program due to a high demand for Podiatric Care to off-site settings in SNF, ALFs and House Calls. Applicants must be willing to travel and must have experience. Current State License, Medicare and Medicaid numbers required. Seeking highly motivated individuals who can be team players, yet work independently. Must have strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. APPLY: Fax CV to: 866-258-9993 include 3 professional references. Please provide the geographic area where you can provide services. Further information call 800-779-8551 or email: info@DROPInternational.org. Visit our website

LOCUM TENENS/ASSOCIATE—PHOENIX

Busy multi-location practice in South East Valley seeks immediate well-trained personable individual. Part time Locum position may lead to permanent part-time, full-time, and buy- in potential if desired. Please send letter of interest and C.V. to AzToesRus@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - AMFIT ORTHOTIC MANUFACTURING MACHINE

Includes digitizer, fabricating mill, new updates have been added and enough supplies to pay for the machine in the long run. At $200 per pair = about $28,000. Selling FOR $25,000, O.B.O, F.O.B. americanfoot@email.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO AREAS

Seeking well-trained ABPS board certified/qualified foot surgeons for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group.  Excellent salary/benefits. Email CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.