The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 01, 2011 #4,078 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

TN Podiatrist to Release Three New Books This Year

Dr. Robert Spalding is a local podiatrist, and has been writing for nearly 20 years. He is a retired Memphis Fire Department paramedic, former full time Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy, and current Hamilton County reserve deputy. He is an avid inventor with over 40 products patented, trademarked, or sold commercially. His 30-year background in EMS, law enforcement, and medicine provides topics for his 10 books.

Dr. Robert Spalding

He has published seven books to date, with three more to be released in the next eight months. Adult titles include Death By Pedicure, Drug Subs and his newest book, How to Live Homeless in Style: 50 Ways to Survive on Plastic Bottles in These Economic Times. Dr. Spalding has a series of children's picture and chapter books.

Source: Chattanoogan.com [1/29/11] 

NY Clinical Conference Runs at a Fast Pace

By all accounts, the 2011 New York Podiatric Clinical Conference and Exhibition was one of the best ever. Despite the 7th snow  storm to hit New York City since Christmas, attendance was at near record levels,  with close to 1,400 DPM's plus 400 students and residents, as well as hundreds of podiatric assistants.

Foundation Board  Members (Top row) Drs. Edward Buro, Paul Sheremeta, Joseph Sciandra, Eric Walter, Anthony Esposito (Seated) Drs. Robert Russo, Robert Rampino, Lawrence Santi, and William Spielfogel.

Lecture halls and workshops were generally packed, as was the bustling exhibit hall. Credit this to the guidance of Executive Director Len Thaler and his hard-working staff, along with the Foundation's Board  and Scientific Committee. 

Three More States Prepare to Cut Podiatric Service from Medicaid

Hamstrung by federal prohibitions against lowering Medicaid eligibility, governors from both parties are exercising their remaining options in proposing bone-deep cuts to the program during the fourth consecutive year of brutal economic conditions. Gov. Nathan Deal, the new Republican leader of Georgia, proposed this month to end Medicaid coverage of dental, vision, and podiatry treatments for adults. 

Tennessee is preparing to cut $300 million in TennCare spending by limiting doctor and hospital visits, according to a public notice to be published in newspapers this weekend. The move would also eliminate coverage of physical, occupational and speech therapy, and adult enrollees would no longer have coverage for podiatrists or physicians' assistant services. Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana is also proposing a new state budget that would eliminate optional Medicaid services for adults, such as hearing aids, dental and chiropractic coverage, and podiatry services.  

Source: Kevin Sack, NY Times, Associated Press [1/28/11]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: What are some steps that you have taken in practice that have worked well to help get patients in the door?

Dr. Gary Lepow

Gary Lepow: Initially, it was all physician referrals. Being on insurance panels is important because patients come almost automatically. But we also do practice management. We maintain contact with the physicians situated near each office. We have five offices in Houston and we send out quarterly newsletters to the physicians around us.

Dr. Michael Downey

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment  will feature . podiatric surgeon, author, and educator Dr. Michael Downey. You can register for this event by clicking here

RE: Xiaflex (Kory Williams, DPM)
From: Les Niehaus, DPM

This product uses a small dilution of collagenase injected into the fibrous Duputren`s adhesions of the hand and now is also being trialed in the similar contractures of Perirre`s disease. The company was not interested in a study of its use in plantar fibromatous when I contacted them last year.
 
Our residency program is currently working on a study of the product on excised, confirmed plantar fibromas. It totally dissolves the tumor into a pile of loose collagen fibers. We need many more fresh samples before we can approach the hospital review board for any in-vivo study.
 
The Xiaflex website has a test you can take to be certified, but you would then need a pharmacist to supply it to you. 

Les Niehaus, DPM, Salem, OH, lniehausdpm@aol.com

RE: Radiographs and Plantar Fasciitis (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Jack A. Reingold, DPM

I have read that between 15 to 20% of new patient visits to podiatrists are due to heel pain.   For this reason, virtually every podiatrist is an "expert" in diagnosing "heel pain syndrome." The purpose of any diagnostic test is to aid in making a diagnosis and in formulating a treatment plan. If the test does not do this, then it may not be necessary. There are many causes of heel pain: arthritic, stress fracture, plantar fasciosis, nerve entrapment, calcaneal stress fracture, to mention a few. 

A good clinician, utilizing only hands and ears should be able to make a good diagnosis and initiate a reasonable treatment plan most of the time. Obviously, if boney pathology (and I don't mean a heel spur) is suspected, then an x-ray would be warranted.  If a patient fails to improve as expected, then additional tests such as x-rays or possibly a nerve conduction test might be warranted. Remember, we don't treat x-rays and we don’t' treat feet; we treat people.

Jack A. Reingold, DPM, Solana Beach, CA, footdoc@san.rr.com

RE: Universal Training of Podiatrists and Parity (Simon Young, DPM)
From: Geoffrey Bricker, DPM

Many young people these days are disrespectful and not hard-working, and this includes residents. I don't have an answer for this and just deal with the situation as well as possible. A lecture at the local hospital emphasized this, and that young attendings refuse to work the long hours of yesteryear. I don't think this is all bad as far as the hours, but this is the new reality.

Geoffrey Bricker, DPM, Springfield, MO, GeoffreyBricker1@msn.com

RE: Providing Post-op Care (Justin Sussner, DPM)
From: Robert Boudreau, DPM

Many years ago, I had a long-standing patient make a similar request. He needed a dorsiflexory osteotomy of the first metatarsal to relieve plantar pressure from a chronic ulcer (his foot had been injured in a hunting accident). I promptly left the exam room, made a copy of his medical records, returned to the exam room and handed them to him. I told him that if he did not feel that I was qualified to perform the surgery, then I would not only not perform the post-operative follow-up but was discharging him from my practice since he seemed to think my care was sub-par. He went home, called me 30 minutes later (after discussing with his wife), and asked my nurse to go ahead and schedule the surgery. He apologized profusely, and stated that his intent was not to insult me at all (again, I actually think his wife was the driving force behind his decision to seek surgery elsewhere, wanting to make sure her husband got the "premium doctor" in the "big city").
 
Why would anyone want to even consider this?  If the surgery isn't performed satisfactorily, or if the patient has a complication, you are setting yourself up for malpractice action, and the surgeon can say "well, it was fine when he/she left MY care!" This is a bad idea, on many levels.
 
Robert Boudreau, DPM, Tyler, TX, rbftdoc@aol.com

RE: Employee Embezzlement (Name Withheld)
From: Gina, M. Saffo, DPM

This also happened to me about five years ago, and after talking to my business lawyer, he immediately told my partner and me to call the police and report the crime, which is check and bank fraud, and stealing. This is a criminal matter and our ex-employee and her husband, who was also involved in the theft, were prosecuted by the justice system. If you were to let this go, without addressing the problem, this person would go on to do this to another person.

During the course of the investigation of our employee, the police uncovered that she had done this before but no charges were brought by that party. The judge, in our case, ordered restitution to us as a part of her plea agreement, so the money was returned to us and we did not have any major legal fees of our own. This person was held accountable for her crime.

I would also contact the bank where the unauthorized bank account was open, and they will also address the crime from their end. I would also change the locks to the office and all passwords in the computer, and remove her name from all areas in your business. You may even find that she has committed other acts of fraud. Check your credit and suppliers also.

Gina, M. Saffo, DPM, Lanham, MD, drsaffo@verizon.net

RE: APMA Takes Swift Action on Defamatory Video
From: Seth Brazier, H. David Gottlieb, DPM

I think the best thing we can do as a profession is to take the high road and let it go. The only thing we should do is allow APMA to legally fight for the video to be taken off the Internet and for them to take legal action against the orthopedist for defamation. But as healthcare professionals, we need to take the high road.

Seth Brazier,  sbrazier@westernu.edu

Has anyone wondered if our rightful indignation and asking of our colleagues 'did you see THIS?' has only dramatically increased the 'hits' that this website gets? Might not this abhorrent video clip just have withered and died of its own accord if left alone instead of being nurtured and fed by our referrals?

H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Baltimore, MD, hdavidgottliebdpm@gmail.com

Editor's note: Neither APMA or PM News has posted a link to the video. Excessive viewing of this video is counter-productive. We ask our readers not to distribute this link.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO/INDIANA

PrimeSource Healthcare, a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created a need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Ohio/Indiana. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to Kris Wright, kwright@pshcs.com. 847-580-5960. Visit us at pshcs.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Douglas Richie, DPM is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatric physician to join his two office practice located in North Orange County, California. Applicants must have completed a 3-year residency program and must have exceptional skills in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and podiatric biomechanics. This is a salaried position with a goal of long-term buy-in for equity ownership. Send letter of interest and CV to drichiejr@aol.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info, www.GreatFootCare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com. Applications due by Jan 31st.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

Board certified podiatrist (ABPS, ABPOPPM) wanted to join Orthopedic & Arthritis Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. The position is per diem, 2 days/ week. Interested candidates should send their CV to: Brenda Surowiec, Orthopedic & Arthritis Center, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. Or email to bsurowiec@partners.org

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO 

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking motivated, independent foot & ankle surgeon to join large practice. Our multi-office practice covers all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, including heavy hospital volume. Offering competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV and two references to bleich5252@yahoo.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

GREAT OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE- PHOENIX, AZ
 
A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest in a well-established, diversified practice in Phoenix. Seeking motivated, ethical, well trained, personable AZ licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of podiatry. Practice is state-of-the-art and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. New and established practitioners are welcome, or someone open to merging a smaller practice with ours. Board Qualified/Certified required. Please send CV  phxpod@gmail.com

SHOCKWAVE MACHINE FOR SALE

D-Actor 200 by Storz Medical. High Frequency Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) System. A little over a year old, excellent results for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Must sell; practice merger. Selling for $18,000 (new machine >30K) Will include onsite training if necessary. Email footdoc21@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER

Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for fungus toe nail infections Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

Two lightly-used microvas units, 16-lead machines (included) , $7,000 each or best offer for both. Great therapy modality: edema, neuropathy pain, increases peripheral flow, increase soft tissue healing. Great practice from vascular surgeons sending patients for treatment, pays for itself. Unit will come with the charger. jhalvorsen@familyfootandlegcenter.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS 
 
Be an owner not a worker. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

SPACE AVAILABLE - BRANSON, MO

Great opportunity to develop a podiatry practice in a four condominium Branson office building with a growing ophthalmology practice along with a well established optometry practice and a multi-disciplinary ambulatory surgery center in Branson, a top ten retirement destination.The available condominium is a grey box so it can be build out to specifications. Rental and/or ownership options are available for this condominium. Practice development financing and ASC ownership available for the right doctor. Great schools and affordable lakeside or golf course living available. Contact Dr. James Bureman @ jbureman@missourieye.com or 417-861-5839

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share with DPM and chiropractor, East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview long island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to 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.

• 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.