The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 16, 2007 #3,094 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PA Podiatrist Receives Pioneer of Podiatry Award

Richard G. Stuempfle, DPM, Lock Haven, PA, recently received the Pioneer of Podiatry Award during the House of Delegates meeting and banquet of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA). Dr. Stuempfle graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1955 and has been in private practice since 1956, recently celebrating his 50-year milestone as a successful podiatric physician and member of both the American Podiatric Medical Association and the PPMA.

Dr. Richard G. Stuempfle

His long list of contributions to podiatry speaks for itself: Past President, Past Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer of PPMA’s North Central Division; serving on PPMA’s Legislative Task Force since 1980; a North Central Division Delegate; and co-organizer of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Assistants Association in 1984, while remaining director-at-large today. He has served on the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine’s Alumni Association Board since its inception in 2001, holding the vice president office since 2004.

Most recently, Dr. Stuempfle received the Temple University Gallery of Success Alumni Award from the General Alumni Association and Career Development Services, 2006 – 2007. He is a staff member of Lock Haven Hospital and current member of the hospital’s By-Laws Committee.

IPMA Hosts Foot Care Call-in Event

The Illinois Podiatric Medical Association provided free over-the-phone foot care consultations to Illinois residents Wednesday. A panel of more than 20 podiatrists took calls from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions about general and specific foot care issues and make local referrals for callers.

Dr. Theodore Polizos answering calls during IPMA phone-in

"I think it's important to put the name out there - to let people know that podiatrists are out there and actively involved in public health," association president Dr. Theodore Polizos, said. The event, done in conjunction with American Diabetes Month, will emphasize the importance of foot health, especially in those with diabetes.

Polizos said the association held a similar call-in event five or six years ago and decided to schedule another one based on the general public need for information. He said he hoped people who might be embarrassed discussing foot problems in person would appreciate the anonymity of a helpful phone call. Some people even called in to ask about the symptoms of a loved one.

Source: Annie Getsinger, Herald & Review [11/12/07]

Some Medicaid Providers Dodging Tax Man: GAO

The federal government could be leaving billions of dollars on the table by not going after Medicaid providers who funnel money into luxury cars, mansions and other perks instead of paying taxes, according to a new report from Congress’ investigative arm. The Government Accountability Office looked at seven states and found that more than 30,000 providers who are reimbursed through Medicaid, or about 5%, accounted for more than $1 billion in unpaid federal taxes. What’s more, the GAO said that figure is likely far short of the actual dollar amount because some providers have understated their income or not filed tax returns.

A sampling of 25 providers, whom the GAO picked for further investigation, showed that many of them deliver poor care and also are involved in criminal activities. Despite their track record, the selected providers received Medicaid payments that ranged from $100,000 to about $39 million in fiscal 2006, the GAO said.

The CMS does not prevent healthcare providers with tax debts from enrolling in or receiving payments from Medicaid. In fiscal 2006, outlays for the Medicaid program totaled about $324 billion, with about $185 billion being paid by the federal government. The seven states reviewed were California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare [11/14/07]

Query: MRSA Prevention Guidelines

With the recent national and local news on MRSA, I would like to know the guidelines and recommendations for hand washing, hand sanitizers, and when to wear gloves in podiatric offices. Specifically 1) do we glove every time we touch a patient to examine them, cut their nails, trim a callus, or remove a suture or do we use a hand sanitizer? 2) Do we use a hand sanitizer every time we come into a room (leave to dictate and come back)? 3) Do the same rules apply to podiatric assistants?

Ronald W. Hines, DPM, Oklahoma City, OK

Query: Billing Services

Can anyone recommend a billing service that does not have a minimum monthly fee? Any other comments (good or bad) about billing services in general would be appreciated.

Ray Brown, DPM, Mooresville, NC

RE: Accutane and Post-Op Complications (Greg Caringi, DPM)
From: Robert Wunderlich, DPM

I would be more concerned about the potential for hepatotoxicity postoperatively. After surgery, most likely you will prescribe analgesic medication, and most likely that medication will contain a relatively high dose of acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab, Darvocet, etc.). Combine that with Accutane (which is known for elevating liver enzymes), and you could dramatically increase the risk of hepatotoxicity in this patient.

The fact that the patient's mother is concerned shouldn't be taken lightly either, in my opinion, whether it's a legitimate concern or not. You want her to be comfortable with the treatment plan. All things considered, I would postpone the case until after the course of Accutane is complete. I would also want to ensure that the patient's LFTs are normal before prescribing analgesics post-operatively.

Robert Wunderlich, DPM, San Antonio, TX, rwunder@gmail.com

RE: Title XIX (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

Dr. Kass said "I would have to think if everyone in their own district makes a single phone call to their rep this can be accomplished." That isn't how our government works. They do not care about our problems at all. The key is to get our patients who are affected by this to contact their representatives. The best way to approach it would be for the APMA to make up a form letter that we can have all of our patients sign.

There are over 10,000 podiatrists getting PM News. If each podiatrist could each just get 10 patients to sign a letter (and then send it in for them), that would be 100,000 letters. THAT will get noticed.

Al Musella, DPM Hewlett, NY musella@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEWPORT BEACH BEVERLY HILLS CA

Do you have a dream of treating movie Stars and the rich and famous? Outstanding opportunity for PSR36 graduate to join Solo practitioner Summer 2008. Must have passion to practice at the highest level of Podiatry all aspects. Partnership in the future a must. Please send resume to Ifabs@earthlink.net

LOOKING FOR ABPS BOARD CERTIFIED/QUALIFIED PODIATRIST - VIRGINIA

Hospital-Based Practice with Tremendous Growth Potential and a Fantastic Opportunity for the Right Doctor. I am looking for someone who will be an associate for a couple of years, then discuss Partnership Buy-In. This practice is currently solo-DPM – but I am turning away patients each day “because doctor is too busy.” Currently, I am in the OR 2 full days a week. Qualified candidate DOES NOT need significant rearfoot experience, but arthroscopy skills appreciated. Need strong surgery and people skills, with emphasis on wound care, forefoot surgery, diabetic problems, etc. No nursing homes. My office is a brand new state-of the-art facility with digital x-rays, computerized EMR, etc. Immediate start available, SALARY commensurate with experience. Please send resume to: podmed@mac.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Excellent opportunity for ethical & personable hard-working individuals to join a busy multi-office two physician practice. Looking for one podiatrist with interest in conservative care, including sports medicine and one podiatrist trained in rearfoot surgery. Rearfoot surgeon must be board eligible and working toward board certification. Competitive salaries, 401-K, health insurance, paid vacation and more. Please forward CV with references to nrussell@neondsl.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST, FL

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join highly successful group podiatry practice in Summer 2008. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in rearfoot and ankle reconstructive cases but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to jwicks@ips-med.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Full scope of podiatry. Requires usual skills in surgery, medicine and biomechanics. Must be self-starter and highly motivated. Two full days per week. May soon increase to three days per week. All billing and administrative aspects handled by staff. Can practice autonomously. footguy1@pacbell.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

Near Casino's and beaches. Busy Practice with no HMO's and good insurance coverage. Hospital and Surgical Center privileges available. Call (228) 762-9531 or email me at jwbenus@yahoo.com

PART-TIME LONG-TERM CARE OPPORTUNITIES- Chicago, Peoria, & East St Louis areas

We specialize in providing conservative care to residents in long-term care settings. Immediate part-time positions available. Very flexible scheduling. Competitive compensation and expenses. Contact Dr. Brian Aronson. Phone-773-775-0300, or Fax resume to 773-775-0883

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