Letters »
Clarifying The Scope Of Practice In Texas
As the President of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA), I want to respond to your December 2011 cover story, “Scope of Practice Update: Where Things Stand,” as it relates to Texas. I hope to clarify some misinformation and inaccurate facts that could have a negative effect on Texas if left unchallenged.
Letters »
Raising Questions About Article On Navicular Stress Fractures
I am writing in regard to the feature article “Diagnosing and Treating Navicular Stress Fractures” (see page 52 in the November 2010 issue or see http://www.podiatrytoday.com/what-you-should-know-about-navicular-stress... ).
Letters »
Emphasizing The Importance Of EBM When It Comes To Laser Care For Onychomycosis
I read with concern your Point-Counterpoint article, “Laser Care For Onychomycosis: Can It Be Effective?“ in the May 2010 issue.
In the modern practice of medicine, there are two separate but mutually supporting doctrines in what is known as evidence-based medicine. The first doctrine is “to treat individual patients with acute or chronic pathologies by treatments supported in the most scientifically valid medical literature.” The second doctrine is “the systematic review of medical literature to evaluate the best studies on specific topics.”1
Letters »
Making Room For Nerve Decompression In The Diabetic Limb Salvage Armamentarium
I read with interest the recent article on diabetic limb salvage (“How To Form A Diabetic Limb Salvage Team” in the June 2010 issue). Over the last 14 years, I have been significantly involved with wound care and limb salvage in the diabetic patient population. In 1998, I was asked to join the staff of a multidisciplinary wound center associated with two local hospitals as a podiatric surgeon and wound specialist.
Letters »
Addressing Skin Tension With Biopsies
I would like to applaud Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, for her article entitled “A Guide to Biopsy Techniques for Skin Neoplasms” (see page 50–56 in the May issue of Podiatry Today). Any information that turns attention to the skin biopsy in podiatric literature is sorely needed.
Letters »
Debating The Merits Of The EPF Procedure
It was with great incredulity that I read the article by Dr. Barrett entitled “A Closer Look At Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy” (see the May issue, pg. 38). He writes: “Prior to the development of endoscopic foot surgery, there was a strong desire not only to find a better, less invasive method to treat … plantar fasciitis surgically … Indeed, the standard of care … has changed radically since the … EPF.”
The inference here, of course, is that after EPF, that desire has been fulfilled and it is now the standard of care. The truth is that in the facilities where I perform surger
Letters »
Weighing In On The Evidenced-Based Medicine Debate
I have just finished reading the article, “EBM: Can It Be A Reality In Practice?” (see page 38 in the May issue).
I acknowledge and understand the viewpoints presented in the article.
However, if we all waited for articles to be peer reviewed before trying a new treatment, how would this help patients currently? When a new technology or modality appears, and it is presented in a journal that is not peer reviewed, should we be skeptical of using the modality on our patients?
Someone has to take the initiative to try the new product and report back to
Letters »
Sharing Insights On The PSSD
In regard to the article “Restoring Sensation In Diabetic Patients” (see pg. 38, September issue) and the editorial (see “PSSD: Assessing Its Value And Potential,” pg. 12, September issue), we have been using the Pressure Specified Sensory Device (PSSD) at the University of Texas since March of 2001. We have been pleasantly surprised with the results of the testing. It has been beneficial in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with nerve symptoms.
The strength of the device is it allows you to look critically at the severity of nerve damage and allows earlier, more sensitive de
Letters »
Defining The APMA's Position On HIPAA
I read with great interest your recent editorial regarding HIPAA (see “Ready Or Not, Here Comes HIPAA,” page 14, April issue). As Vice-President of the APMA and Chair of the Health Policy Committee, I have direct oversight of these activities. We fully agree with the need for education regarding HIPAA and implementation of the final guidelines.
The APMA is producing a HIPAA Compliance Manual that will be free to APMA members. However, after the March release of revisions to the proposed rule and final standards, we decided to delay production of the manual until 60 days after the final r
