The Voice of Podiatrists

October 11, 2006 #2,711 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Men’s Dress Shoes Problematic: AL Podiatrist

Men should avoid wearing dress shoes as often as possible, said Dr. Milton Sterling, because they lack padding, ankle and arch support. Long-term wear can cause foot pain and distress. He recommends Merrell brand. These shoes originated as athletic footwear and the designers have since crafted more professional, office-appropriate styles that are as comfortable as they are attractive.

Dr. Milton Sterling

If you can't part with your dress shoes, use gel inserts to increase padding and find a pair with a square-shaped toe. A narrower style might cause bunions or hammer toes — little toes that curl under — sometimes making it painful to walk, run or dance.

The good news is that changing the types of shoes you wear often combats neuroma, bunions, hammer toes, planter fasciitis, and other problems in your feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. The bad news is that you must alter your footwear collection and your favorite pair of Manolos might not make the cut.

Source: Kate Klepper, The Daily Decatur, [10/11/06]

NC Podiatrist Paints The Town

Five years ago, Matt Thompson started painting the town. “I could always draw and always wanted to paint, but never had the time or opportunity to be able to develop it,” said Thompson, a podiatrist by profession. “It's totally stressless. I like the challenge, and if I paint something and I don't like it, it doesn't leave the house.”

Dr. Matt Thompson

But much of his work does. Thompson's watercolor originals and prints decorate homes and offices throughout Robeson County. Thompson's landscapes are popular because many feature local landmarks.

“I have to fight hard to keep any of the ones I've really liked,” said his wife, Debbie. “But I guess that's a compliment to his work.” Originals sell for between $150 and $500, although one fetched $1,600 at a charity auction.

Source: Michael Jaenicke, Robesonian (NC) [10/10/06]

IPMA Honors Moore and Neuhoff

Dr. Patricia A. Moore, South Bend, was presented one of the highest peer awards from Indiana Podiatric Medical Association. She was given the Dr. T.H. Clarke Achievement Award in recognition of her continuing support of the profession and the association through her efforts in the public arena.

The association named Dr. Kathleen T. Neuhoff, South Bend, as Boss of the Year for her service to the community and the profession of podiatric medicine.

Source: Sound Bend Tribune [10/9/06]

Codingline-NYSPMA "Strictly Coding*" Seminar
January 18, 2006 ("The day before the NY Clinical Conference") - Marriott Marquis

Topics: Medicare & CPT 2007 - DME Update - Audits - Routine Foot Care - Surgical Coding - Forms in Practice - Modifiers - Audits - Q&As
Speakers (tentative): Barry Block, DPM, JD; Harry Goldsmith, DPM; Mark Schilansky, DPM; Ken Malkin, DPM, and Paul Kesselman, DPM.

Go to or click on www.codingline.com/events-ny.htm for details and registration information.

For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf

Query: Bilateral Charcot Arthropathy

What is the incidence of bilateral diabetic Charcot arthropathy?

Neil Hecht, DPM, Sherman Oaks, CA, drhecht@sbcglobal.net

RE: Theft by Partner (Name Withheld)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Name withheld announced the possibility that theft or "mistransfering of money" was occurring against him/her. Before he does anything else, he needs to contact an attorney to represent him. This is because the partner may also be billing insurances and Medicare inappropriately, and any bills turned in on his behalf that are illegal or inappropriate will be regarded as though he himself turned them in.

This is the "age old" matter of "honor among thieves." If your partner will cheat you, he may also be cheating Medicare. You could be held responsible for his billings. Without seeing your books, I could not necessarily see if you are at risk. But you or your attorney could hire an accountant to check it out.

If there is an "argument" between partners concerning Medicare billings, Medicare will usually not take sides and hold both parties accountable. So the issue is not simply "stealing funds." It could go a lot farther. This is a dreadful position to be in. Usually, when there is a confrontation, it breaks up the partnership.

But if there is inappropriate insurance billing going on, than you are far better off being out of the partnership, and as soon as possible. That is why you need an attorney to represent you.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: 2M Verdict From Corn Removal
From: Colleen Schwartz, DPM

In California, legislation is set to place stricter control on nail salons to better protect our patients. The cutting of corns and calluses is strictly prohibited. Please share this CA information with your patients who get pedicures.
• The Board’s laws and regulations prohibit licensees and students from working on a person with an infection or communicable disease.
• It also prohibits them from massaging any person’s skin if it is inflamed or infected, or where an eruption is present. Thus, if a client has athlete’s foot, eczema, or other similar conditions, the manicurist must, by law, refuse the service in order to protect other customers.
• Your operator should never use illegal tools like razor callus shavers (Credo Blades) and metal scrapers or graters Used improperly, these devices can cause injuries that require medical attention.

In my opinion, the third statement is not stated strongly enough. The blades can cause more than injuries requiring medical attention. The blades and techs can cause loss of limb and loss of life.

Colleen Schwartz, DPM, Pleasanton, CA, info@solesavior.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – TEXAS

Practice for sale in fast growing suburb of Dallas, TX. Fully furnished office in medical building on busy street. General Podiatry, including routine care, orthotics, surgery, etc. Currently part-time office, can be full-time. Hospital privileges available. Excellent Opportunity. Must sell fast. Please respond to: cdinbigd@aol.com P.O. Box 796757, Dallas, TX 75379 or fax contact info to: (972)267-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITON - FLORIDA

Well established, growing, multi-physician practice in central Florida seeks hard working, ethical individual with good interpersonal skills to replace retiring physician. Experienced support staff, generous salary, malpractice coverage and health insurance. Excellent start on a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the near future. Send CV to: jrdpm@bellsouth.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – UPSTATE NY

Podiatrist wanted for busy practice in growing community in mid-eastern New York State, near Saratoga Springs and Albany. Grow into and eventually own practice. New office building with 4 tx rooms, state-of-the-art surgery center available, privileges at three area hospitals and nursing homes. No limit to what you will earn percentage base. Call 518-692-9134 for more info.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – FLORIDA

Miami-Dade and SW Ft. Lauderdale, well established surgical practice for sale. This one has everything. Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Trauma, ER, General Podiatry. Participates in all local and national managed care plans. $850,000 but will discount depending on amount up front. Mature, serious inquires with business experience preferred. email response to podfootdocs@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – FLORIDA

High Income position for ethical hard working podiatrist, great for semi-retired or to supplement office practice, part time. Must have Florida license and active Medicare/Medicaid numbers. FAX CV or Resume to 727-785-4697

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well established podiatry practice in Mt. Airy, North Carolina that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to come on board to take over patient care. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away in January 2006, leaving approximately 3,500 patients without a podiatrist to care for them. This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin work in an extremely busy podiatric practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com

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