In the last couple of months we have seen many new subscribers for FootZine.  For those who are not familiar with the FootZine web site, I'd like to suggest that you visit  www.footzine.com and have a look around.  In addition to the current issue of the FootZine publication and the "Feeture Article", all of the 77 previous issues are archived there, as are all the previous "Gems of Practice Management".  There is a search feature for the entire site that can be accessed from either the FootZine Archives or the Gem Archives pages.   Another FootZine web page is a Calendar of upcoming meetings for podiatric assistants, where your meeting information would be welcome.  We have been fortunate to have many great contributors who have contributed Practice Management "Gems" and "Pearls", "Crystal-Clear Coding" information, and HIPAA and technical/security information.  There are photos from podiatry events or meetings, and a "Networking" page for notices of podiatric work available or positions wanted.  There is also a section where subscribers can list equipment they need (or need to part with), or to try to connect with others for some podiatric networking.

Last month, in FootZine Volume 74, there was a note from Howard Dinowitz, DPM, seeking other New Jersey-area DPMs to meet with informally to compare notes and share ideas.  Dr. Dinowitz asked me this week to repeat his invitation, so we have posted his original note on the "Networking" page of the FootZine web site (see the "Other" listings).  You can read that post as well as others at this link:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm
Drop on by and check it out.

 ~ Gayle


*_*

"Ideas abound if I can get out of my everyday environment and travel to a new one."
      - Frances H. McIlvain

*_*

From:  Joan Cox
re:      Free Movie Passes (Volume 76)

Hi Gayle,

I enjoyed the message of the movie tickets from the doctor.  When I worked for a couple of docs I went to McDonald's and spoke to their manager.  They [McDonald's] have business card-size coupons for the kids that have had to get a shot, were casted for orthotics, or were really good in the office.  It was for an ice cream cone and the kids really were pleased with them.  Maybe other places do it, if you ask; it is good advertisement for them.

Joan Cox
Anacortes, WA

*_*    *_*    *_*

From:  Meghan Hickey Pace
re:      DMERC Surety Bond

Hi there!

Has anyone (especially in NY) had any luck getting a surety bond for DMERC?
I have US Dept of Treasury list of approved companies, but... just because they're listed and so is NY, they don't have to write a surety bond.

I cannot find a company willing to do it (I've even gone straight to brokers that work with a bunch of companies). I did get one company to agree, if I would agree to putting up $50,000 in escrow.

ACK!

1. Has anyone had any luck?
2. Does anyone know if it really is needed in NY? (I haven't been able to find anything in writing).
Thank you!!!

Sincerely,

Meghan Hickey Pace
Dr. John Hickey's Office
mhickey24@hotmail.com
or
jhickeydpm@earthlink.net


*_* 

"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."   -  Oliver Wendell Holmes

*_* 

Back Office Assistant needed. Edmonds, WA.
Will train. Part time to work into full time.
Fax resume 425-775-9078.

Notices of positions wanted or positions available, as well as other "classified" information, are welcome. They are posted at the FootZine web site's Networking page. Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm

This is another in the series of “Mini-Gems”, taken from the extensive DME and IOD writings by the late Rich Levin, DPM. Thanks to Dr. Ornstein for making them available for us to share with you.

Second Pair Discount:  I am often confronted by the patient who states that they have to wear a certain style of shoe at work due to a dress code. Unfortunately this is usually the female patient who must wear a dress (heel) shoe at work and wants to wear athletic shoes at home. I do explain to them that one style of orthotics cannot function, or fit, in all styles of shoes. I relay that orthotics for athletic shoes cannot function in a shoe with a high heel and a high heel orthotic cannot function properly in a flat shoe. I offer the patient a 50% discount for a second pair of orthotics made at the same time the original pair is made. Most people, when given this option, do elect to have the second pair made for them. Many of the orthotic labs will discount the second pair made when ordering it at the same time as the first pair.


Previous "Gems" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_90.htm

I have noticed that in the back issues of FootZine there have been many questions or requests that have gone unanswered.  If you see something in the FootZine Archives that you can respond to, please feel free to write with that information.  And of course, we'll share any question that you would like to have your peers' input on.  That's why we're here, right? 

  ~ Gayle

Copyright 2004 Gayle S. Johnson.  All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Acceptance and publication of any letter, article, news item or advertisement does not necessarily constitute or imply approval or endorsement by myself of the product, idea, or content therein. I reserve the right to edit or to not publish any material received. Any letters published are the property of FootZine. Any health- or legal- and financial- related information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal or financial advice, or a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional, attorney, financial advisor or any other consultant or professional. Information pertaining to legal matters should not perceived as legal advice, nor should discussion about such issues as Medicare, coding, and billing be considered as definitive. All content is presented as being only the opinions of the contributors and is for educational purposes only.

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