The Voice of Podiatrists

November 02, 2006 #2,730 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Toe Box Problems Can Lead Nail Deformities: MO Podiatrist

There's nothing worse than getting all psyched to exercise and within the first block, your feet start aching. The key is in the fit, says Thomas Bembynista, a podiatrist in Kansas City, MO. A mistake many people make is not having their feet measured before they buy shoes. As we age, our feet get longer and wider. "You should always double-check your shoe size," he says.

Next, pay attention to the toe box, the space where your toes go. "Make sure there is enough depth," Bembynista says. "When we walk, our toes tend to pull up, and if the toe box isn't deep enough, your toes will hit the inside of your shoe, which can lead to nail deformity."

Source: Lisa Gutierrez, McClatchy News Service [11/4/06]

Appeals Court to Hear Wills Case of Indicted NJ Podiatrist

A three-judge appeals panel will take up the question of who is the rightful heir to Madeleine Stockdale's multimillion-dollar estate, more than two years after a judge determined the Spring Lake First Aid Squad held the valid will for the estate. The appeal was filed by attorneys for Ronald J. Sollitto, a podiatrist and former neighbor of the wealthy widow who was named the primary beneficiary of a will she signed in January 2000, only months before she died at the age of 91.

State Superior Court Judge Ronald Lee Reisner declared that will invalid after a months-long civil trial ended in July 2004. Reisner found that an earlier will Stockdale signed in 1998, which gave the bulk of her estate to the squad, was valid. Sollitto immediately filed the appeal and Stockdale's estate, which includes a beach-block home estimated to be worth approximately $4 million, remains in the custody of a court-appointed administrator pending the appeal.

Sollitto, along with the attorney who prepared the discredited Stockdale will, was indicted on criminal charges of theft and theft by deception following the civil trial. Those criminal charges have yet to be heard in court.

Source: Bob Cullinane, Asbury Park Press [10/31/06]

CMS Vows to Push IT, Law or No Law

The CMS will use its regulatory authority to foster development of a national health information technology infrastructure if Congress fails to pass legislation this year, acting CMS Administrator Leslie Norwalk said. In the event of a political impasse on IT legislation, Norwalk said the CMS would expand current IT demonstration projects and ask its quality improvement organizations to increase their focus on IT efforts. Norwalk was speaking at the World Healthcare Innovation and Technology Congress in Washington. Federal lawmakers failed to reach a compromise on a bill to promote health IT before they recessed for the midterm elections, and observers say legislation now seems less likely to pass.

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare [11/1/06]

Query: In-Office Use of Halcion

I was wondering if anyone is using low dose Halcion for patients in the office prior to minor procedures. If so what is your protocol?

Marc A. Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL

RE: Tinea Versicolor Treatment ((Frank DiPalma,DPM)
From: Nancy Alexis-Calixte, DPM

Tinea versicolor can be treated with selenium sulfide. It is available by prescription only. It can be applied to affected area with cotton swabs and rinsed out after 15 minutes. It is very effective.

Nancy Alexis-Calixte, DPM, Hollywood, FL, podsurg@bellsouth.net

There is only one treatment for tinea versicolor. Selenium sulfide 2.5% applied daily for 10-15 minutes to affected areas and rinsed for at least 7 days. Recurrences are high. Do not believe anything else that a prescription trade drug rep may tell you... This is the only efficacious treatment.

Philip E. Larkins, DPM, San Marcos, CA , larko33139@yahoo.com

RE: Staff Dating Patients (Larry Aronberg, DPM)
FromL Richard W. Boone, Sr.

Any physician who has the sort of situation to which Dr. Aronberg alludes would be well advised to adopt the Model Office Policy below or something very close to it.

Office Policy Governing After-Hours Fraternization Between Staff Members And Patients

1. Members of the staff of this practice are NEVER permitted to engage in after-hours fraternization ("dating") of individuals who are current or recent patients of this practice or with anyone who is a parent or custodian of a current or recent patient. Such after-hours fraternization is hereby expressly prohibited.

2. For the purposes of this policy, "after-hours fraternization" and "dating" are defined as (a) any social interaction off of the practice premises which (b) is not arranged or organized by the practice, (c) is attended by four or fewer persons and (d) involves either consumption of food or beverages or intimate personal contact.

3. For the purposes of this policy "current or recent patients" are patients under active treatment or who have been under such treatment within the preceding twelve month period.

4. Staff members shall NEVER solicit or invite after-hours fraternization with a current or recent patient of the practice or with anyone who is a parent or custodian of a current or recent patient.

5. Staff members who receive invitations or solicitations for after-hours fraternization from patients of the practice, or from anyone who is a parent or custodian of a current or recent patient, shall report those invitations or solicitations to their supervisor IMMEDIATELY. In the event of such a solicitation the offending patient or parent or custodian will be warned ONCE. A second such invitation to the same or any other staff member will result in the patient's dismissal from care.

6. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.

7. This policy does not apply to staff members whose spouses or significant others are patients of the practice provided that

A. The patient and the staff member are lawfully married or in a long-term committed relationship; and
B. The marriage or long-term relationship existed prior to the patient's acceptance for treatment in the practice.

8. Violation of this policy will result in the IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL of the offending staff member. No warnings will be given.

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

PSR-24 RESIDENCY POSITION SOUTHEASTERN MI

Available for recent graduates or former PPMR/RPR or PSR-12 residents. this is a major teaching affiliate of Michigan State University college of Osteopathic Medicine and serves 17 residency and fellowship programs. Active podiatric clinics in wound care, limb salvage, foot and ankle surgery, medicine and orthopedics. competitive salary and benefit package. SALTMIC@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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