The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 17, 2009 #3,729 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Damage from Wearing Improper Shoes Felt in Middle Age: CA Podiatrist

What kind of shoes you wear starts being more important around middle-age, when the fat in the bottom of the feet starts disappearing, said Dr. Loreen Flaherty, a Visalia, CA podiatrist. Some people's favorite shoes could pose problems for them after years of wearing high heels, flip-flops, too-narrow shoes or ones that have no arch support.

Dr. Loreen Flaherty

While flip-flops, with their easy on-and-off application, may seem like an item of comfort, they can cause a lot of aches. "What we see a lot during the summer is heel and arch pain because people are wearing flip-flops, which have zero support," Flaherty said. "The arch collapses all summer long, which strains the ligaments supporting the arch."

Those ligaments also are attached to the heel, which is why the pain caused by wearing flip-flops often affects that part of the foot, too. Ballerina-style slippers and canvas shoes with flat bottoms cause similar problems, she said.

Source: Hilary S. Meeks, Visalia Times-Delta [12/14/09]

Reebok Easytone Shoes Live Up to Claims: TUSPM Podiatrist

Can you walk your way to great legs? One sneaker maker claims it's true. (Commercial): "Reebok Easytone shoes not only look fantastic, they'll help make your legs and butt look great too!" The commercial claims just wearing Easytone sneakers will make you look fabulous.

Dr. Howard Palamarchuk

Dr.  Howard Palamarchuk, associate professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, says it's true: "The heels are shaped in such a way that they're somewhat wedged and mushy so if you were to give in, you actually would roll backwards, so what you're doing is you're fighting gravity." He says the shape of the shoe keeps the leg muscles working, so you do tone with each step.

Source: Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio [12/14/09]

AZ Podiatrist Has "Sock Tree" in His Office For The Needy

Dr. Stanton Cohen, a local podiatrist, is concerned about keeping people's feet warm during the winter season. So, he's collecting new socks to donate to Crossroads Mission. "Socks are an important piece of clothing at this time of year, especially for the homeless," he said. "Socks can help prevent foot problems by keeping the skin clean and dry."

Dr. Stanton Cohen

Cohen has been conducting his sock drive for more than ten years, and is asking the public to bring socks of all sizes for men, women, children and infants to his practice where he will place the donated socks on a "sock tree." Cohen said he collects between 300 and 600 pairs of socks each December, and is hoping to get at least 800 this year.

"A lot of people donate used clothes, but people rarely donate socks because they normally wear them until they have holes in them. It is good for a person's self-worth when they get new socks instead of used socks." Cohen said he enjoys providing the socks to people he may never meet.

Source: Chris McDaniel, Yuma Sun [12/9/09]

Query: Tiger Blade

Does anyone know where I can obtain a Tiger Blade? This is a small convex/concave rasp that is mounted on a power drill. It is a nice instrument for use in single joint fusions. My surgical center had one, but it was lost. I can't find where to buy another one.  
 
Michael Heaslet, DPM, Irvine, CA

RE: The Prescribing of Uric Acid Lowering Drugs (Elliot Udell, DPM, Pete Harvey, DPM) From: Robert Bijak, DPM Barry Mullen, DPM

Dr. Mullen's comments substantiate the insurance company's and MD's opinions that we are allied health practitioners! Even the most general practitioner is not afraid to treat gout because they are PHYSICIANS! Their entire philosophy starts with the assumption the body is a whole and it's their function to treat it. Because of our inferior training in general medicine and physical diagnosis, we don't. We grant absolution to podiatry saying...

Editor's note: Extended-length letters by Drs. Bijak and Mullen can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=31249&start=1
 

RE: Collecting Small Balances (Anas Khoury, DPM)
From: Richard D Wolff, DPM, Bob Levoy

We have been using a company called GreenFlag. There is no limit on the amount that can be sent to collection. They have been effective and they are national, which helps when a patient moves. 1-888-4GoGreen (1-888-446-4733) Monday - Friday, between 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time. 
  
Richard D Wolff, DPM, Oregon, OH, wolffie@sbcglobal.net

For small balances, that after several attempts have not been collected, consider sending a year-end greeting card with a copy of the bill marked "paid in full ... Happy Holidays." I've been told that a surprising number of such patients offer to pay the overdue balance.

In any event, it's less costly, less stressful, and less damaging to your reputation to write these small amounts off- - rather than chase down patients because of balances they dispute or can't pay.

Bob Levoy, Great Neck, NY, b.levoy@att.net

RE: Disgruntled Employees (Name Withheld)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

This topic has raised an issue that I have often wondered about, but have never addressed. Is a personnel file and an office policy document legally required?  I have had the same employee(s) for many years now, and the need for an "office policy" and a "personnel file" have never been an issue. What constitutes a "personnel file" and what would or should it contain (should a disgruntled employee request it)?  And, besides the obvious, what should an "office policy" document contain?  
 
Over the years, each person has learned their job and knows what it required of them. I have never had to fire anyone, and the few employees who have left my practice early on, did so on their own accord as they either moved out of the area or to a different position. I have two practices and I can run them both quite efficiently with a total of three people. Being completely paperless and 100% computerized has allowed for this. What are the potential legal dangers for not having these, and is there a template one could follow, should I need to compile an office manual?
 
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Although we are not aware of any state state law which mandates that you maintain a personnel file, we strongly suggest every podiatrist have one. This document protects you in the event of a lawsuit suit. Without it, any lawsuit can become a "he said, she said" contest. We all know who wins these cases. However, when you have a personnel file, it becomes your documentation versus the employee's word. Your odds of prevailing are far better.

Organizations such as the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management are excellent sources for templates on what you need to include in your personnel file.
 

RE: Reporting Negative News
From: Dave Mader, DPM

I know there have been comments regarding posting the negative news on what is going on in our profession. Unfortunately, it happens in all professions. I think it serves as a wake-up call. We should self-examine our practices and philosophies to make sure we don't end up on this site for some wrongdoing. Most of you are probably saying to yourselves, "yeah, at least it's not me!" Now ask yourself this and answer honestly: "How many routine care patients did I cover that really did not meet Medicare's criteria?" or " Do all those fungal nails I covered under CPT 11721 really hurt that bad that they impair ambulation?" I thought so. So, consider these postings as a wake-up call. That's all I'm saying...and I say that with all due respect.

Dave Mader, DPM, Naugatuck, CT, davidmader@earthlink.net

RE: GA Podiatrist (and Wife) Receive Humanitarian Award
From: Joe Addante, DPM

This award is just another of many deserving recognitions, known and unknown, that Dr. Wittenberg has to his credit. He has brought positive and humanitarian attention to our profession over more than fifty years, which he has humbly not publicized. I am honored to be his friend   

Joe Addante, DPM, Fitchburg, MA, alice.joe@verizon.net
 

RE: Healthcare Reform (Jonathan Purdy, DPM)
From: Thomas Nolen DPM

Dr. Purdy's ideas are not new. That's what we had before Medicare when half of the population was uninsured. Private insurance would not serve the present Medicare population who have been promised no rationing of its benefits by outspoken conservatives. Almost $100,000 is spent on average in the last year of a Medicare recipient’s life (many times with no added quality of life, only miserably extended life.) There is no limit to how much money can be spent on each patient. Is there any private insurance company that would want to try to make a profit with that kind of actuarial nightmare?

Private insurance has a monetary limit. Private insurance will end coverage if you stop paying the premiums but that's okay because then a patient could go on Medicaid. If the Medicaid recipient could survive two years at a hospital emergency room clinic, then the patient would then be eligible for Medicare with a Medicaid co-pay. The patient would then have unlimited Medical care, no matter the cost. But if Medicare  did not exist, then the private insurance company could not survive, nor even exist.

Thomas Nolen DPM, Centralia, IL, nolendpm@yahoo.com
 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

X-Cel MB-700 X-ray unit, All-Pro Processor, and Anodyne unit.
731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Well established practice for sale. Full scope medical and surgical practice including DME. Exceptional practice with a high volume of new patients. Excellent hospital and surgical center privileges with investment opportunity. Great area for a family and the outdoorsman. 731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. Fax cover letter & CV to (843) 208-3348 or E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

PODIATRISTS 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 Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone-773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW IOWA (SIOUX CITY AREA)

Well-established, diverse, growing practice. Excellent referral base. Seeking an ethical, hardworking, motivated, caring podiatrist to fill a full-time position. Multiple hospital affiliations. Generous income with room for growth, leading to partnership for the right candidate. See our community www.siouxlandchamber.com. Fax CV, resume, three references to 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

PRACTICE WANTED- NYC/LI AREA

I am an ABPS board certified podiatrist seeking to purchase a well established practice. I am looking for the current practitioner to help with the transition. All offers will be considered. Complete confidentiality will be upheld. Please contact poddr45@yahoo.com for more information. This advertisement is not affiliated with a broker.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

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