The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 13, 2008 #3,399 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Proper Care and Footwear Can Prevent Diabetic Complications: Podiatrists

The financial impact of diabetic wounds is equally sobering, costing facilities upward of $10,000 per episode to treat—and far more if the wound leads to an amputation. The good news is 90% of amputations are preventable, and many times, the wounds themselves are, as well. “The bad news is some [providers] aren't doing what's necessary to drive positive outcomes in elderly diabetics,” explains David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD, professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson.

Dr. David G. Armstrong

Aside from practicing due diligence to promote good health of diabetic residents through glucose management, proper hydration and a proper diet (ideally, one that's flavorful, low in simple carbohydrates and rich in protein), caregivers also must conduct thorough daily skin assessments.“This is one of the most critical steps. Diabetics often develop neuropathy which means they don't have the gift of pain and can develop a serious wound without even knowing it,” Armstrong says. “People, including physicians and nurses, are conditioned to respond to pain, so the fact that a devastating wound can develop so silently is what makes this such a sinister problem.”

Dr. Steven Tillet

“I can't stress enough the importance of proper footwear. It's one of the factors that can have the biggest impact, yet it's also one that is most frequently overlooked,” says Steven Tillet, DPM, a podiatric expert for the American Podiatric Medical Association. “The right footwear may not heal a wound, but it sure can go a long way toward preventing it.”

Source: Julie Williamson, McKnight’s Long Term Care News [November 2008]

OCPM Alumnus Names Research Lab for $35,000

John M. Dailey, DPM, MBA, OCPM class of 1983, recently pledged $35,000 to name the Dr. John M. Dailey Research Lab at OCPM. Dr. Dailey states, “I recently was in Cleveland for a Forensics Seminar. It was held at the new OCPM campus. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed, and after a private tour of the building, I now feel that OCPM is hands-down the most up-to-date podiatric teaching facility in the entire country. I am proud to be an OCPM alumnus and am honored to be able to give back to my alma mater.”

Dr. John M. Dailey

Dr. Dailey has been in practice for 25 years and in Missouri for 15 years. Dr. Dailey’s large surgical practice, which sees on average 50 patients a day, conducts a great deal of research. They have the only gait analysis lab in the state. Dr. Dailey will be working with OCPM to conduct research projects over the next several years. On another note, Dr. Dailey has been named to St. Louis Magazine’s “Top Doctor” issue the last two years.

WA Podiatrist to Retire After 34 Years

Dec. 12 will be the last day John McCord, doctor of podiatric medicine at Western Washington Foot & Ankle in Centralia, will examine patients. McCord, 61, will step down from nearly 34 years of service. Dr. James Prestridge will replace him. “I’m going to walk out the door, throw the keys behind me and lock myself out,” he says. “Then I’m going to take the pager off my belt and throw it as far as I can into the weeds.”

Dr. John McCord in Front of His Office

For McCord, who flies a small plane, writes a monthly column for a medical journal, and plays the cello, retirement will give him a chance to enjoy these hobbies and more travel opportunities with his wife. But retirement will also give him a chance to work on a pet project of his: improving primary healthcare for those who can’t afford it. “Throughout my career, I’ve had my door open to everybody,” he says, never turning away a patient who might not have the money.

“There are times in people’s lives when they are having a hard time. But when their ship comes in and they find a job and have insurance, they remember you. I want to work with the hospital on improving access to primary care for people who fall through the cracks. The real problem in this state is those people who can’t find a doctor who will take them and so they wind up in the emergency room for care. I want to explore ways to create incentives for primary care providers who want to help those kind of patients.”

Source: Victoria Stewart, The Chronicle [11/11/08]

IPMA Sponsors Free Phone Consultations

Members of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association are raising awareness of the importance of regular, preventive foot care checks during National Diabetes Awareness Month this November with a panel of volunteer podiatrists who will be answering calls about common foot ailments.

Any Illinois resident can call the toll-free number, 888-869-3338, and ask a question of an Illinois podiatrist staffing the phone lines. Volunteer podiatrists from the IPMA will give out general advice and provide names of podiatrists near the caller for follow-up and treatment.

Dr. Paul Brezinski

“Getting your feet examined by a physician during an annual checkup is one of the easiest ways to prevent most foot complications related to diabetes,” said Dr. Paul Brezinski, president of the IPMA. “The rate of amputation for those with diabetes is 10 times higher than those without the disease. Being vigilant in your personal footcare, and including your podiatrist in your diabetes management team, can save both your limbs and your life.”

Advocacy Groups Ask For Health Care Reform

Four advocacy groups will launch a $1 million advertising campaign that will ask President-elect Barack Obama to make health care reform a priority during his first 100 days in office. In a letter to Obama, the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, AARP and the Service Employees International Union link health care reform with the current economic downturn.

Business Roundtable President John Castellani says that he hopes a comprehensive health care reform bill will reach the floors of the House and Senate in the first 100 days after Obama takes office. In addition, SEIU has begun a national campaign that will ask lawmakers to address health care reform. Meanwhile, Obama asks President Bush to provide the auto industry with immediate emergency assistance on health care costs and other issues

Source: American Health Line [11/12/08]

Do Your Employees Really Need Internet Access?

One of the biggest productivity wasters in your office is the Internet. While the Internet may be useful in electronically submitting claims or accessing insurance company websites, it also has the potential for employee abuse.

Instead of working for you, employees may be surfing websites such as eBay or e-mailing friends. consider the following tips:

• Disconnect Internet access to employees who do not have a legitimate need for it.
• Limit non-business Internet access to the employee's lunch hour.
• Install monitoring software such as SurveilStar.
• Block abused, non-essential websites.

Query: Termination From Insurance Plan

Two Insurance companies, Group Health Insurance (GHI) and Health Insurance Plan (HIP) recently merged. I just received a letter from the new entity informing me that I have been terminated. It did not explain why I had been chosen. I have been a GHI provider for over 10 years and rely on my patient base of New York City teachers, most of whom have GHI. What legal recourse do I have?

Name Withheld

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. At this time, the new insurance company has not released any information as to how it selected podiatrists to terminate. We recommend that you immediately consult with a healthcare attorney who is experienced in dealing with GHI and HIP.

RE: Unexplained Bruising (Neil A Burrell, DPM)
From: Mr. Jeff Root

Looking at the photo, there appears to be some diffused callus plantar to the lateral met heads. The reddened area lateral to the 5th met head looks like it is being irritated (pinched?) by contact with the upper of the shoe. Is the 5th met laterally prominent or is there a slight tailor’s bunion? With her shoes off, have the patient stand and look for evidence of abduction of the forefoot or lateral splaying of the 5th ray. I have seen a foot that looks very much like that in your picture. It developed in a female patient who was wearing orthoses for other symptoms. I modified the orthoses with a short 5th met cut-out, and the redness went away.

In the case of Dr. Burrell’s patient, it appears that there is some prominence of the base of the 1st met. Given the patient’s age and gender, don’t rule out early signs of adult acquired flatfoot. If her forefoot is abducting or if her mid and rearfoot are showing signs of increased pronation or osseous changes as compared to the contralateral side, this could suggest early adult acquired flatfoot.

It could also be caused by a high pitched midtarsal joint axis that allows for increased abduction of the forefoot. Further investigation and an in-depth biomechanical assessment seem warranted given the potential serious nature of her symptoms.

Mr. Jeff Root, President, Root Lab, jroot@root-lab.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED—SEATTLE, WA

Established podiatric practice in Seattle, WA is looking for licensed podiatrist for part-time leading to full-time position. Need help with Adult Family Homes and Nursing Homes as well as in the office. Flexible schedule and attractive compensation. For all details please call 206-661-9644.

PODIATRIST - JAMES H. QUILLEN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

East Tennessee State University, James H. Quillen College of Medicine is seeking a board eligible/board certified at time of hire podiatrist. The position is clinical and the candidate should be interested in a broad range of podiatry medicine. The position is a non-tenure track position at the Assistant/Associate Professor and contingent upon outside funding. Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae to: William Browder, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, East Tennessee State University, Box 70575, Johnson City, TN 37614, e-mail – browder@etsu.edu. ETSU is an equal employment opportunity employer.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CALIFORNIA

Podiatry practice for sale, including all equipment. Doctor has spent 46 years building this successful practice in the wonderful community of Redlands, California. This is an incredible bargain for a young podiatrist. Come continue the legacy that the doctor has spent decades building. Email: syzygydoc1@yahoo.com.

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. 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 Visitour website

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