Spacer
KerecisASREVISED725
Spacer
PresentCU625
Spacer
PMbannerE7-913.jpg
RemyFX125
Podiatry Management Online


Facebook

Podiatry Management Online
Podiatry Management Online



NeurogenxGY425

PMNews

 

Browse PMNews Issues

Previous Issue | Next Issue


PM News

The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily


December 05, 2008 #3,417 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Aetrex Presents Customized Comfort For Women for 2009

Aetrex is pleased to present the 2009 Essence Collection. This extraordinary collection of women’s casual footwear offers patients an uncompromised merger of fashion, function and customization.

Created by renowned footwear designer Susan Ryder, this expanded collection comes in three categories that together capture all aspects of life in our more casual yet challenging world: Essential Spirit, Essential Elegance and Essential Living. The overall goal is to allow women to live life to the fullest, with customizable footwear helping every step of the way.All footwear in the Essence Collection features Aetrex’s patented Mozaic™ Customization Technology. With Mozaic, all styles can be immediately customized for each patient to ensure the ultimate in comfort and function.

To order the Aetrex product catalog go to aetrex.com/rx or call 800-526-2739.


PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

NY Podiatrist Stresses Importance of Good Shoes/Socks for Diabetics

Shoes and socks for diabetics are key components to good foot care. Podiatrist Marc A. Brenner, D.P.M., past president of the American Society of Podiatric Dermatology stresses the importance of good, clean socks for diabetics. He suggests Thor-Lo socks and a good pair of walking or running shoes to help with your diabetes foot care. Make sure your shoes fit well.

Dr. Marc Brenner

Says Brenner, “Seventy five percent of the time when someone loses a leg, they lose the other leg within five years. Developing foot consciousness is essential to better health. As a diabetic, you must watch those feet. Look for bruises or infections and take care of them now.”

Source: WSOS (FL) [12/3/08]

DOX PODIATRY - Electronic Medical Records
DECEMBER SPECIAL: NO PAYMENTS FOR 6 MONTHS!
INCLUDES: SERVICE / NEW TABLET PC / TRAINING

PRACTICE LIKE THE BEST
MAKE MORE MONEY - SAVE TIME - DOX PODIATRY

DOX Podiatry is the leading web-based EMR solution designed by Podiatrists for Podiatrists that enables you to make more money in less time. Let us show you how in a quick, 40 minute, web-based demonstration.
• COMPLETE PODIATRY SPECIFIC MEDICAL DATABASE
• NO CUSTOMIZATION REQUIRED • EVERYWHERE ACCESS
• READY TO USE DAY ONE • CERTIFIED SAFE & SECURE
HURRY - Offer valid through December 31, 2008
CALL 1-877-270-3518 OR EMAIL
INFO@DOXEMR.COM


MEETING NEWS

Podiatrists Chair AL Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Conference

The 5th Annual Multidisciplinary Treatment of the High Risk Diabetic Foot Conference was held at the Marriott Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, Alabama from Nov 19 -21st.

(L-R) Drs. Jeffrey Robbins, Eugene P. Goldman, and Robert Frykberg

There were over 100 attendees, including podiatrists, wound care nurses, prosthetists, vascular surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, endocrinologists, and physical therapists. The meeting co-chairs were Drs. Jeffrey Robbins, Robert Frykberg, and Eugene P. Goldman.

SADMERC Approved Slip-On Shoes

Orthofeet is introducing innovative shoes that offer the “slip-on” look with the comfort of adjustable strap shoes. The shoes feature hook and loop straps that pro¬vide a wide opening, and facilitate getting in and out of the shoe. Additional comfort features include: Soft, seamless fabric lining, padded with extra foam. Cushioning sole with functional To-Spring. For more information click here.

Orthofeet offers an unparalleled diabetic shoe program: ? The ultimate comfort & protection ? The most stylish design ? The best prices. To learn more about the Orthofeet Difference click here. Prices: Shoes - $42 to $52; Prefab Inserts - $8.95; Custom Inserts - $23.00; Special Display Offer: $99 (Attractive narrow design, with 25 samples used for both display & measuring). www.orthofeet.com 800-524-2845


HEALTHCARE NEWS

Anti-Fraud Efforts Snagged $1.1 Billion in ’07

Fraud-busting efforts of the Justice Department and HHS brought in $1.1 billion in fiscal 2007 for the federal government and private whistle-blowers, according to the annual report of the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program. The program, established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, calls for the agencies to appropriate money from the Medicare trust fund to fight fraud perpetrated against federal health programs. Two-thirds of the $249 million allotted in 2007 went to the HHS’ inspector general’s office and accounts for the majority of its resources.

The dollars returned to the federal treasury as a result included $201 million in criminal fines, $211 million in penalties and damages, and $186 million from disallowed payments identified and recovered through audits. In fiscal 2006, the agencies appropriated $241 million from the Medicare trust fund and recovered $1.8 billion. Money collected on behalf of state Medicaid programs and private payers is not represented in the figures.

Source: Gregg Blesch, Modern Healthcare [12/3/08]

PRESENT for BOARD REVIEW
PASS THE BOARDS !

Study at your own pace from your home or office, using state of the art online technology, for certification or recertification exams. Comprehensive curriculum of 125 lectures by the most well respected teachers in the country. Get your best chance of passing the Boards. Includes Boards by the Numbers 2008 at no additional cost, and mentoring lectures that teach effective strategies for answering difficult oral and text questions.

Maximize the efficiency of your Board Review efforts utilizing state of the art rich e-learning technology
CME credit for all 125 hours of lectures
• Most comprehensive board review available
Call 888 802-6888 or go to our website and join the many of your colleagues who are already using this revolutionary teaching tool.


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1

RE: Flu Shots and Podiatrists (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Rich Hofacker, DPM, Jay Wenig, DPM

I completely agree with Dr. Udell. The pharmacies in Akron have been giving flu shots for years. It is a huge source of income for these individuals and they are NOT trained to give injections. That is why Title XIX is so crucial to our profession. We are "real doctors" who specialize in the foot and ankle. We must get this legislation through and that is why all Pods should be supporting APMA PAC. These are tough economic times, but every dollar to APMA PAC helps!!

Rich Hofacker, DPM, Akron, OH, Cavsdoc26@att.net

The issue of pharmacists not being trained to give flu shots is not exactly accurate. As both a pharmacist and a podiatrist I can tell you that for a pharmacist to give flu shots, there is additional required training. I have not worked in a retail pharmacy in about two years and from what I saw of the payment allowed back then it is not really a profitable venture considering the time involved.

Jay Wenig, DPM, Dayton, OH, JayWenig@aol.com

MEETING NOTICES

Come LEARN in PARADISE...!
SUPERBONES 2009 Conference January 29-February 1, 2009

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. 20 hours CME Over 25 Featured Speakers Including: Kalish, Steinberg, Neumyer, Allie, Downey, Block, Attinger, Zelen ... Practical Skills Workshops... Medical and Surgical Advances in the Lower Extremity...AM Learning...PM Fun in the Sun... Bring the Family! Join us for this dynamic and growing annual conference.

View FREE SAMPLE LECTURE from last year’s Superbones 2008 program: Multidisciplanary Approoach to DiabeticLimb Salvage: The Yale Experience, by Bauer Sumpio, MD, PhD, Yale University School of Medicine, by clicking here. To register online, click here or phone 800.966.9056


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) PART 2 CLOSED

RE: Efficacy of Alternate Treatment for Heel Pain (Michael Turlik, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Steven S Melek, DPM

Dr. Turlik points out that there are major differences between randomized double-blind studies and other studies that may be descriptive in nature. Now, most of us might agree that double-blinded, randomized studies are the gold standard in medical research. If I were testing a new medication, I would want to give one group the real medication and the second, the control group, a placebo without anyone having foreknowledge of which individuals got which pill, in order to see if the drug being tested is indeed better or equal to that of a placebo. If approached properly, this type of testing removes the threat of bias. There is one problem with this gold standard of clinical testing. It has ethical and technical limitations if it is used to test a surgical procedure.

Sham surgeries are problematic, to say the least. Can you imagine testing for example a neuroma surgery where one person gets the real operation, but the next person gets an incision under anesthesia but the neuroma is left intact? Cutting a person without any hope of clinical gain for that person is highly unethical, even if the person agrees to it. The next problem would involve the inherent bias, because the surgeon would know by virtue of his performing the procedure which person got which procedure. Cryosurgery is surgery, and hence would not be testable by double-blinded, randomized trials. Hence, we have to rely upon other methods to determine if it is a successful method of treating heel pain.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

It should be noted that when a patient exhibits pain under the heel, there is usually a biomechanical condition that may exacerbate the symptoms of the local pain and continue to stress the tension of the plantar fascia or affected area. Cryosurgery works well for heel pain, if done properly, and at the anatomic region of the local pain (descriptive, although not randomized, through studies). Therapeutically, the procedure can benefit the insurer from continuation of costs involving repeated cortisone injections, eliminating the use of expensive oral medications, eliminate the need for frequency of visits and hospitalization.

I have also used cryotherapy to eliminate the pain in EPF procedures that have caused post surgical discomfort. It would be interesting to have more (random) studies published on the effectiveness of the procedure. I have had a 95 percent success rate for treating local nerve pain in the heel, neuromas, peroneal tendonitis, and posterior tibial nerve entrapment. In combination with the cryosurgery, we use a specialty orthotic company to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms biomechanically once the cryoablation is done properly to reduce re-occurrence.

Sole Supports Orthotics Group has a different concept in making biomechanical orthotics, placing heavy emphasis on plantar-flexing the first ray to produce the Maximal Supination Stabilization effect (MASS) to "realign" the foot during heel strike. These orthtoics were developed by a mechanical engineer/podiatrist after many years of research. The combination of cryoablation of the local painful nerve tissue and utilizing the correct biomechanical control device can reduce the need for more aggressive surgery and return patients back to work more rapidly without pain.

Steven S Melek, DPM, Charleston, WV, drstevenscott@yahoo.com

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS
Pre-Conference Workshops – March 4, 2009
Annual Scientific Conference – March 5-8, 2009

Join us at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC and stay One Step Ahead. This is the place to be to expand your knowledge and to refresh and re-energize your outlook. An impressive depth and variety of topics makes this conference educational programming at its very best!

Register Early! Workshop space is limited. ASC fee includes Opening Reception, refreshment breaks and lunches Thursday through Saturday, and breakfast Sunday – a value of more than $200.

Register online today. Or, contact ACFAS at 800.421.2237. Exhibitor information click here.


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1

RE: Online Backup (Arthur Lukoff, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Carbonite is a good, reasonable, efficient, and unlimited on-line backup. It backs up automatically. It is HIPAA-compliant.

Gene Feinberg, DPM, Annandale, VA, feinberg@cox.net

I have been using Mozypro (mozy.com) for the last year or 2 and it works seamlessly in the background. It's easy to configure and you can back up only the things you want. The occasional glitches at the beginning were handled quickly by their tech support staff. Since the latest version was released about 9 months ago, it's been rock-solid stable. It's reasonably priced and HIPAA-compliant. I have no financial link to the company. I'm just a happy user.

Martin G. Miller, DPM, Freeport, NY, mgmiller@optonline.net

I have been using Backup.com, now bought by Symantec, for almost 9 years. Your data is encrypted at the point of origin, during the backup process, using 256-bit AES, and the encryption key is private which only you (not even Symantec) have access to. Your data remains (encrypted) on their secure off-site server for 90 days as incremental backups, in case you need to restore beyond your most recent backup. Backups are fast and automatic, and the restore process is simple and fast. Even if your office burns to the ground or your computer is stolen, your data is safe. Price is predicated on how much storage space you need.

Howard R. Fox, DPM, Staten Island, NY, foxhr@yahoo.com

CODINGLINE CORNER

CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:

o Open Reduction of Toe Fracture?
o Tendon Debridement Only
o How Would This Be Coded?
o E/M Coding Plus Fracture Care Coding
o Coding the Drainage of Blister

Codingline subscription information can be found here


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) ACTIVE PART 2

RE: Practice in England (Jay Wenig, DPM)
From: Robert Chelin, DPM

To practice as a podiatrist in the UK, an individual is required to be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Details of what registration means can be found on the HPC website (hpc-k.org) Currently, there is no distinction made between a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon by HPC. Details of how to register and the protocol involved for an international applicant can be found on the HPC website (hpc-uk.org/apply/) then click on "international."

Regarding podiatric surgery, contact the Post-Graduate Education Officer at SOCAP and the administrator for the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery of the College of Podiatrists - the educational arm of the Society. Her name is Kim Andrews (ka@scpod.org)

There are currently no reciprocity agreements with North America concerning podiatric surgery. Podiatric surgery is a post-graduate qualification in the UK, lasting up to seven years. As in North America, the threshold qualification provides the basis for podiatric surgery, including competence in local anesthesia, prescription-only medicines, etc. Recognition for the Society insurance to practice podiatric surgery is done on an individual basis, and an individual who trained outside the UK can expect to be asked to complete a number of examinations. Kim can provide details of what is required, etc.

Regarding diabetes as a specialization, podiatrists in the UK are key players in diabetic teams in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Kim will be able to put one in touch with the diabetic special interest group, which has a membership throughout the UK, and is probably best-placed to provide practical advice as to the opportunities in specific parts of the country.

Please note that all APMA members are automatically FIP members. We encourage all APMA members to log onto (fipnet.org) to learn more about their colleagues and happenings in the podiatry world.

Robert Chelin DPM, President, Federation International des Podologues (FIP), ft-biz@rogers.com

PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME

You can Earn 30 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $139
(Less than $10 per credit)
http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
Choose any or ALL (30 CME Contact Hours) from the 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online

CLASSIFIED ADS

PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT

Well-established. Grossing 200K; Norwalk/Westport CT. Dr. recently deceased. High Volume Medicare ; NO BROKERS; Please email: berist92@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Excellent opportunity for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Looking for hard-working, personable, highly-motivated individuals to join our group and build their own practice. Position leading to partnership. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to cavallinig@foothealers.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Busy practice in the Pikesville/Owings Mills area located in 1st class medical building seeks motivated individual to work PART-TIME. Must be surgically trained. Must have a great personality and a good sense of humor. State-of-the-art office with hospital-grade ASC. Good mix of general podiatry, sports medicine and surgery. Competitive salary. Benefits for malpractice and health insurance allowances are available and negotiable. Please forward your CV by fax to 410-602-9781 or by email at mwaiken@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE - METRO NEW YORK--LONG ISLAND & NEW YORK CITY

Excellent Opportunity for immediate partnership with established practice. Excellent Salary arrangement, serious inquiries only. Send CV along with response. E-mail: rrranch7@yahoo.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - 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 Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

EQUIPMENT FOR RENT - EXTREMITY MRI

Now you can rent an extremity MRI, have the scan performed, read by a board-certified radiologist and derive all the income. two convenient locations, Manhattan East 60th street between Park and Lexington, and Plainview, Long Island. Conforms to the Stark amendment; call for information (516) 476-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MASSACHUSETTS

Excellent opportunity for a highly-motivated, entrepreneurial individual to join a very successful, rapidly growing multi-office practice, North of Boston. Seeking a PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist to join our group. We offer a competitive salary/benefit package with the opportunity of partnership after one year, for the right individual. Send CV and letter of interest to drfleishman@nefootankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION –GEORGIA

A well-established practice in South Georgia seeks a full time PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist. Excellent benefit package. Please send CV to agriffin@southernpodiatry.com. For more information, visit our website

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 part-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



PM Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write 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 Ext 110.

Disclaimers
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be either timely or free of viruses.
Guidelines
  • To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
  • Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
  • Notes must be in the following form:
    RE: (Topic)
    From: (your name, DPM)
    Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
    Your name, DPM City/State
  • Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.

Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
 
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
Midmark?725


Our privacy policy has changed.
Click HERE to read it!