Volume 15 - Issue 2 - February 2002
Forum »
Why It Pays To Do Good Deeds
I stepped out the back door of my home on a cold December morning and noticed a new pile of firewood sitting at the edge of my driveway. I knew it must have been delivered by a guy named Eddy. Eddy is an unemployed carpenter who visited my office a month ago with a fractured third metatarsal. He ran out of unemployment benefits and was getting along by gathering and selling firewood. He injured his foot with a splitting mallet.
Eddy told me he would pay cash but said he had less than $100 left and asked if I could do just the bare minimum to heal his foot. I assured him I wouldn’t go over t
Letters »
Doing Bunion Surgery: Is It Worth The Hassle?
This communication is in response to the Forum column by John McCord, DPM (see “Dispensing Orthotics: Is It Worth The Hassle?,” November 2001, pg. 75). I had a very similar frustrating experience with my bunion surgery and solved the problem almost the same way Dr. McCord did.
Here’s what used to happen. I would see a patient with severe bunions. I would do a thorough work-up and X-rays. I would present my patient with, granted, the more expensive option of surgery. Classically, I like to do Silver Bunionectomies on all my patients regardless of their type or severity of their deformity
News and Trends »
Fifteen Percent Of Diabetics Will Develop Foot Ulcers
How prevalent are foot ulcers among patients with diabetes? About 2.4 million diabetes patients, representing 15 percent of the estimated 16 million Americans afflicted with the disease, will develop serious foot ulcers during their lifetimes. In fact, ulcers and other foot complications cause 20 percent of the nearly 3 million hospitalizations related to diabetes every year.
John Giurini, DPM, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard University Medical School, reported on these alarming statistics at the recent ACFAS Diabetic Foot Symposium.
“Unfortunately, many of these patients eve
Orthotics Q&A »
Treating FHL: Why It's Essential For Orthotic Success
When it comes to understanding the effect of functional hallux limitus (Fhl) on foot function, Howard Dananberg, DPM, has published over 30 articles on the subject. “Early on, it was quite challenging to convince other DPMs of the relationship of the metatarsophalangeal joint’s mobility during walking to late midstance pronation,” notes Dr. Dananberg. “Since that time, many have gravitated to the significance Fhl has on the foot and postural alignment.”
With this in mind, our expert panelists offer their opinions on the significance of Fhl and how it has impacted their biomechanical
Sports Medicine »
How To Treat Sesamoid Injuries
Foot injuries are one of the most common injuries for athletes. Specifically, among all the joints and bones of the foot, the first metatarsophalangeal joint with its sesamoid complex is the most commonly affected. It is usually clear when an athletic injury involves the first metatarsophalangeal joint complex. However, identifying the specific injured structures and arriving at a precise diagnosis can be difficult.
Acute or chronic injures to the sesamoid bones or their associated tendon and joint capsule apparatus may cause pain, limping and difficulty wearing shoes, all aggravated by even
Feature »
A Clear View Of The Intricacies Of Coding
On the surface, it seems fairly simple. Incorrect codes will result in delayed payment or outright rejection of claims by carriers. Using codes appropriately helps ensure proper payment from third-party carriers and patients.
Appropriate coding also enhances your practice’s relationship with patients. When your office codes claims accurately, patients who file their own claims will have fewer problems obtaining payment from their insurance companies. Yet many major carriers identify the first five areas listed below as the most common coding errors causing delays or inaccurate payments for
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