The Voice of Podiatrists

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November 22, 2007 #3,099 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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GA Podiatrist Receives Title of Professor at Ilizarov Center

George R. Vito, DPM of Macon, GA has been awarded the title of Professor of Orthopedics from the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopedics, in Kurgan, Russia, which is the world’s largest orthopedic hospital. This marks the first ever award to a surgeon from outside of Russia.

Professor Vladimir Shevtsov, The General Director of the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center presents Dr. George R. Vito, of Macon, Georgia with the title of Professor.

Having traveled to the Institute more than 14 times in the past 12 years for advanced training, Dr Vito states, “As the birthplace of the most recognized methods for limb deformity and salvage treatment, I am both honored and humbled to have been recognized by my globally -esteemed colleagues in Russia.”

The Ilizarov Center, established in 1950s, under the direction of Dr Gavril Ilizarov, is a Global referral center for some of the most difficult to treat orthopedic congenital deformities and trauma reconstructive procedures.

Steinberg Receives Barry’s Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. John Steinberg was recently honored with Barry University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for his achievements in the field of medicine. Steinberg was among 10 Barry alumni representing Barry’s 10 academic schools who were recognized for significant achievement in their field and their continued dedication and commitment to the university’s mission.

Pictured with Dr. Steinberg (center) are Dr. Chet Evans, BU's Vice President of Medical Affairs and dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine (left) and John Nelson, DPM, dean of clinics at BU's School of Podiatric Medicine (right).

“I am very proud and honored to be selected for this distinguished award,” Steinberg said. “It means so much to me as Barry University and the School of Podiatric Medicine are like home to me.” An assistant professor at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Steinberg became the first doctor of podiatric medicine to be invited onto the faculty at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

At Barry, Steinberg served as president of his class from 1993 to 1995. He went on to complete a three-year podiatric surgical residency at the Northern Virginia Podiatric Residency Program in Fairfax, VA., and was later appointed as assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedics in the Health Science Center at the University of Texas, San Antonio.

Steinberg hails from a family of podiatric physicians. His grandfather, Dr. Marvin Steinberg, was a highly respected and devoted educator; known as the father of modern podiatric medicine. His father, Dr. Lloyd Steinberg, and brother, Dr. Paul Steinberg, are both actively practicing podiatric physicians in Ocala, FL. As a family, the Steinbergs have provided an endowment to Barry University to establish the Dr. Marvin and Ruth Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Fund and have contributed more than $70,000 to Barry University.

WSJ Examines Physician Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday examined physicians' disclosure of business ties that might be considered conflicts of interest. According to the Journal, many "physicians don't volunteer information about financial relationships that might bear on treatment decisions." In addition, "patients often find the discussion of a doctor's financial connections to be awkward and one they are reluctant to initiate," the Journal reports. However, the situation is "slowly changing as more information becomes publicly available about payments doctors receive," according to the Journal.

Congress is considering legislation that would require companies to disclose all payments of more than $25 made to physicians. Minnesota and Vermont already have laws requiring drug companies to report payments to doctors. In addition, some doctor groups require their members to tell patients about financial connections. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons beginning in January 2008 will require surgeon members to disclose to patients any financial arrangements with the industry that relate to patients' treatment.

Source: American Health Line [11/20/07]

Query: Failure to Return Insurance Overpayment

I joined a practice 2 years ago, and have recently noticed that the practice does not refund any patient when his or her insurance overpays, or pays for a service that was already paid for by the patient. The amount of money that has been accumulated from overpayment which was not reimbursed to the patient is extremely large. Are we obligated to return that money to the patients?

Name Withheld

Editor’s comment: PM News does not supply legal advice. Intentional failure to return monies which rightfully belong to patients constitutes fraud and subjects one to both criminal and professional misconduct charges. Additionally, it would be an ethical violation of the APMA Code of Ethics:

BE2.0 Business Transactions
The podiatrist has the responsibility to maintain high moral, ethical, and legal standards in business transactions. All claims, bills, statements, and records must accurately reflect the services provided.

RE: MRI Compatibility
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I would like to share with everyone the misnomer of MRI compatibility to ensure no one ends up making a possible grave disaster. Podiatrists implant many things in the feet, e.g., various implants, screws, pins etc.

When told your particular implant is MRI compatible this does NOT necessarily mean the patient can have an MRI. It means they could have an MRI on a different body part. The magnet itself should not be placed over the implant. Check with the manufacturer for the particular device you implant, and get it in writing.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Billing Insurance Companies For Free Exam (Name Withheld)
From: Jim Ricketti, DPM

In New Jersey, the law states you cannot bill for the visit nor ANY service redered on the day of the free screening. ALSO you must treat the patient for FREE the next 72 hours by law. So if they fall leaving your office and fracture their ankle, you MUST also treat it for free.

Jim Ricketti, DPM, Hamilton Sq NJ, drj4foot2002@netscape.net

RE: Medical Mission to Nicaragua
From: Charles Morelli DPM

I am looking for a surgeon, experienced in both pediatric and adult clubfoot surgery as well as Ponseti casting, to join me on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua (Feb 15th -22nd 2008). For 4 years now, I have been traveling to Leon Nicaragua with our church, and going to the El Ayudante Mission (www.nicamissions.com), and working at HEODRA hospital in Leon . If this interests you, please contact me either by telephone or e-mail to discuss details of the trip. The following link will give you some preliminary insight. http://www.nicamissions.com/Highlights/Mamaroneck%20UM%20Church.pdf

Charles Morelli DPM, Mamaroneck , NY, Podiodoc@SoundShorePodiatry.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. 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 -- www.homephysicians.com

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

P/T ASSOCIATE POSITION - QUEENS, NY

10 yr old practice seeks motivated, surgically-trained individual . Fax CV with hours available to (718) 458-0053.

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