The Voice of Podiatrists

November 03, 2006 #2,731 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Natural Materials Best For Winter Boots: IL Podiatrist

"During the winter months, the feet tend to sweat more because shoes are enclosed with thick socks or hosiery," said American Podiatric Medical Association podiatrist Marlene Reid.

Dr. Marlene Reid

"Selecting a boot made of leather or natural fibers, which absorb moisture, over a synthetic material is a wise choice."

Source: Christine Laue , Omaha World-Herald (NE) [11/2/06]

Medicare Payments to Physicians Will Decrease 5% in 2007

Medicare payments to physicians will decrease an average of 5% in 2007, according to a final version of CMS rules made public on Wednesday, the AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports (Freking, AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 11/2). CMS in the draft version of the rules had projected a 5.1% reduction (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 11/1). Under the final version, payments to physicians will be cut by more than 5% for some services and by less than 5% for others (AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 11/2).

Acting CMS Deputy Administrator Herb Kuhn said payments will increase for most "evaluation and management" services, such as preventive care (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 11/1). For example, payments will increase by one-third for office visits, the most frequently billed physician service. Acting CMS Administrator Leslie Norwalk said the new rules "will encourage physicians to spend more time with their patients, assessing their health status and educating them about how to live longer, healthier lives." However, the American Medical Association -- which has lobbied Congress to intervene to stop the cuts -- said almost half of physicians will face payments cuts from 6% to 20%.

Source: American Health Line [11/2/06]

AAPPM Fall Workshop a Sellout

The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management’s (AAPPM) Fall Workshop to be held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on November 9-12 is now sold out. There are no more hotel rooms, no more exhibitor space, and no walk-ins can be accomodated.

AAPPM’s next meeting will be the Midwinter, March 1-4, 2007, in Pittsburgh. Details of this meeting, which sells out each year, can be found at www.aappm.org.

Query: Surfer’s Nodule

Have any West Coast practitioners encountered this condition? If so, any tips on treatment.

Paul Betschart, DPM, New York, NY, DRBETSCHART@aol.com

Query: Fiberglass Cast Stain on Chair

Does anyone have any tricks to getting a stain from a fiberglass cast off a leather exam chair? When I applied the cast, the patient rested the back of the calf on the edge of the chair, now I can't get this stain off. Has anyone had any luck removing a stain like this?

Joe Gonzalez, DPM, East Lansing, MI, gonzalez.joe@gmail.com

RESPONSES / COMMENTS

RE: Medicare Payments to Physicians Will Decrease 5% in 2007
From: Philip E. Larkins, DPM

The following statement could prove useful in our struggles with reimbursements. It can be modified to suit your own tastes, but I would recommend putting up a similar statment in your offices if you see Medicare patients.

In my brief practice experience, I have found that most, if not all, of the Medicare recipients that are seen at my office believe two things very strongly: 1) doctors are paid far too much already and 2) they expect their health insurance to be able to buy them just about everything, including airline tickets to China. Entitlement anyone?

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

RE: In-Office Use of Halcion (Marc A. Katz, DPM)
From: Les Niehaus, DPM

I have used Halcion for over twenty years for pre-op analgesia. dose is .25mg one or two tablets one or two hours before the procedure. be sure to get your consents signed in advance. This helps patients forget the whole day and the procedure. They will usually be alert enough to feel your local block .They will need assistance going and coming to the office. Like all meds, it works differently on each patient. I use it on those who are highly anxious.

Les Niehaus, DPM, Alliance, OH, LNIEHAUSDPM@aol.com

RE: Staff Dating Policy (Richard Boone, Esq.)
From: Sam Bell, DPM

Perhaps because I never really ran into this situation please tell me what is the problem? I am also surprised to see such a harsh written policy that would govern an employee’s social life. For example, If my assistant was at a club and ran into a patient, they had a drink and then decided to have some dinner. Now "immediately"(is that when she arrived home or is the next morning OK?) she would have to tell me about this and I would say according to office policy if you see him again you are dismissed "immediately." If this subject was brought up there must obviously be pitfalls that may occur if a staff member and patient (or patient's family) date but are we really allowed to control our staffs social life that much if he or she are not doing something illegal. Please fill me in because I am apparently naive about this subject.

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

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