The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 20, 2007 #3,122 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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ACFAS Drops APMA Membership as Renewal Requirement

The Board of Directors of The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has voted to change its renewal policy so that it no longer requires its members to maintain membership in the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). ACFAS maintains that while it encourages its members to remain APMA members, it feels that its new policy allows flexibility to members with financial hardship issues and to non-APMA members who wish to join ACFAS.

Under the new policy, ACFAS will still require initial APMA membership as a requirement to joining.

Current APMA bylaws require ACFAS members to simultaneously maintain APMA membership. APMA has mailed a letter to its membership opposing ACFAS’ policy but expressing a desire to resolve this issue. Statements from both organizations appear at: http://www.podiatrym.com/pmarticle.cfm?id=111

GA Podiatrist Delivers Commencement Address at His Alma Mater

Millersville University commencement keynote speaker Dr. Craig Camasta charged winter graduates Sunday afternoon with the responsibility of taking care of the lives and minds of our society. Camasta is a 1986 graduate of Millersville University and a 1991 top-10 graduate of Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine, and has pioneered theories and surgical techniques in his specialty.

Dr. Craig Camasta (Photo Dan Marschka)

Camasta told the graduates they have reached a benchmark by which our society measures adults who are "ready for life." Besides being granted privileges for reaching that benchmark, they also must accept increased responsibility. "Privilege and responsibility are inseparable. ... Nothing is more important than respecting the privileges that you will be granted," Camasta said. "When you are placed in a position of authority and given that privilege, you must perform in a way that never violates the trust that society places in you.

Source: Lori Van Ingen, Intelligencer Journal [12/17/07]

Senate Measure Could Provide 6-Month Fix of Scheduled Fee Cut

The Senate Finance Committee has agreed to replace a scheduled Medicare physician pay cut of about 10% with a payment increase of 0.5% through June 30, 2008, and to extend funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program through the early part of 2009.

The Finance Committee patched together a host of provisions to extend Medicare and Medicaid programs that were set to expire, including a physician quality-reporting program and certain bonus payments to doctors who practice in shortage areas. The $4.6 billion bill surprised health policy analysts because it included many more provisions than previously expected. But even so, the short-term fix means even more work for federal lawmakers starting early next month.

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare News [12/18/07]

Query: Quill Self-Retaining Suture System

The quill suture technique works great for sub-Q/skin closure. Has anyone used this suture and technique for tendon repair in the foot, and if so, what has your experience been?

Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

RE: Medicare Overpayment Request (Richard Simmons, DPM, Tony Poggio, DPM)
From: Richard Rettig, DPM

Dr. Simmons relates a problem that unfortunately is all too common to all of us who see Medicare patients, regardless of the Medicare carrier. They have the right (and duty, I believe) to retroactively change/correct insurance providers, and retrieve monies thereby paid improperly. I agree that it is quite unfair.

I disagree with Dr. Poggio’s advice to contact your state association and CAC advisor or APMA, as this is not a new or unknown problem and apparently is being handled (while unfairly) I believe correctly. I also disagree with his advice to contact the Medicare carrier and complain to them that they are unfair, as that will not lead to any successful conclusion. The better advice is to pay back the money (or allow it to be automatically retracted, as it will), and to find out (either from your Medicare carrier or your online service) who is currently listed as the correct provider, and bill them. If too much time has elapsed, they are still required to pay if you send copies of the Medicare EOBs showing them why the bill was sent late. And then add this experience to the long list of indignities foisted upon us by Medicare and HMO's that we have little control over. Save your energy (and APMA's) for fighting larger things like the potential 10% rollback in all Medicare fees.

Richard Rettig DPM, Philadelphia, PA, rettigdpm-remove-@verizon.net

RE: Anti-Aging Seminar (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM

I just participated at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine's (A4M) International seminar in Las Vegas (www.worldhealth.net/event). There were ~ 7,000 physicians in attendance. My lecture on PSTTA (pedal soft tissue temporary augmentation) was well-received by the ~ 900 international doctors present. Many of the lectures are available at www.worldhealth.net and www.worldhealthnet.tv

At first I was a little skeptic about all this "Anti-Aging" stuff, I soon learned about the plethora of science that is ongoing in this area. Many presenters were from leading Ivy League research institutions. The exhibit hall had over 700 companies selling products. What was very different was that there were very few samples and almost no gifts (pens, etc.). I was happy to see a few DPM's were in attendance.

I learned a lot of information that will use for my own health, but did not find much available to add to the practice of podiatry.

Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, Ribotsky@Doctorbret.com

RE: New ED Drug for Diabetes?

A female diabetic patient presented to my office the other day relating that since her discontinuation of glucophage and switch to a new drug she's feeling a lot better, confident, less depressed and feels her body stance is more erect. The new drug: Priapism.

When I finally stopped laughing and explained there is no way the FDA would ever approve a drug for females (or males for that matter) with such a name, I finally figured out the drug the patient was now taking was Prandin.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Must have Virginia license. Requires 24 to 36 month Residency. Permanent position with potential buy in. Includes all phases of Practice excluding nursing homes. Competitive Salary and Benefit package. Please send Resume including salary requirements and availability date to needpodjob@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City . Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

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

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