The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 23, 2012 #4,496 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Jury Still Out on Minimalist Footwear: CA Podiatrist

Sports podiatrist Dr. Howard Liebeskind says the jury is really out on minimalist footwear, but he says he believes that the consumer has some measure of responsibility when choosing the shoes they wear. “Experienced runners are ultimately the individuals that are responsible for making the shoe selection of their choice,” Liebeskind said. “When you buy athletic footwear, it’s assumed that you have a knowledge base of how you run, what surfaces you are running on and that your biomechanics are sound.”

Dr. Howard Liebeskind

Liebeskind says he hasn’t seen a disproportionate number of patients who have come to his office complaining of pain or injury after using these types of shoes. He says he has no problem recommending the shoes for enjoyment, but does not advocate using the shoes as primary shoes.

Source: Darren Rovell, CNBC [6/19/12]

8th Annual Glass Slipper Fete Raises Over $32,000 for Students 

The 8th Annual Glass Slipper Fete was held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Embassy Suites Cleveland-Rockside Hotel in Independence, OH. The evening featured fine food and drinks, silent auction, raffles, and the fantastic music from The Bottom Line. The event raised more than $32,000 which benefits the OCPM Student Scholarship Fund. 

Dr. Michael King (L) at the Glass Slipper Fete

Guests were able to place bids on exciting silent auction items, purchase exquisite jewelry, courtesy of Lucky Jewelers, and browse fine furs, courtesy of FurAllure.  The highlight of the evening was the Hall of Fame induction ceremony which honored Drs. Allan M. Boke, Jerauld D. Ferritto, and Michael J. King.

Source: Footsteps [June 2012]

CA Podiatrist Helps with Mexican Medical Clinics

Somewhere in a tiny town within the Sinaloa, Mexico region a little girl is walking and running around without pain and embarrassment thanks to a volunteer she knows little about -- Dr. Nancy Kaplan of Napa. Accompanied by her mother, the little girl entered a LIGA International clinic earlier this month with a sixth toe on one foot. Kaplan surgically removed it, giving the 7-year-old the ability to stride forward in life without an unsightly disfigurement.

Dr. Nancy Kaplan (right) of Napa with Jackie Hanson who runs LIGA International (The Flying Doctors of Mercy)

Several times a year Kaplan provides volunteer medical care as part of LIGA (The Flying Doctors of Mercy), a non-profit founded in the 1930s. On her most recent trip this month, Kaplan performed surgery on the little girl and treated foot ailments common to people living and working outdoors in poor, rural villages -- hammertoes, bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions.

Source: Sarah Rohrs, Times-Herald [6/19/12]

EHR Payment Goal Surpassed: HHS

More than 112,400 hospitals, physicians, and other eligible providers have received more than $5.7 billion for adopting electronic health-record systems, according to an announcement from HHS. The Medicare EHR incentive payment program, which requires providers to attest that they have met federal criteria for meaningfully using certified EHR systems, has paid out more than $3.7 billion through May of this year, according to the government.

The various state Medicaid EHR programs, under which providers are required to adopt, implement, or upgrade to a certified system in their first year of eligibility, have paid out more than $2.6 billion. So far, Medicaid programs in 44 states are enrolling and paying providers for EHR use. Both the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payment programs were created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [6/19/12]

Query: Implant Exchange

I have a 52 year old female patient with an Arthrosurface Hemi-Cap implant - 6 months post-op. She is having generalized and significant pain around the entire 1st MTPJ. She has less than 10 degrees motion, which is painful. She wants the implant removed (in metatarsal head only) but does not want an arthrodesis. I was considering using a classic double-hinged silastic implant. Can anyone provide some pearls on removing one type of implant and using another one in its place? Does anyone else have other suggestions?  

Alan Spector, DPM, Point Pleasant, NJ

Query: Donating an X-Ray Machine

Does anyone out there know of an agency, preferably charitable, that needs/ accepts x-ray units for donation? I have an old, but very well functioning X-cel machine that I would love to see in a new home where it would be needed. Overseas is fine as well, shipping being the only issue.

David Alper, DPM, Belmont, MA

RE: Non-Surgical Approach to Plantar Fibromas (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From: Richard M. Maleski, DPM

Try using Mederma cream. A number of years ago, I had a patient with bilateral plantar fibromas and did a fasciectomy on one foot. I had her use Mederma for the surgical scar.  On her own, she also used it on her other foot and the fibromas reduced dramatically. I subsequently "lost" the surgery on the other foot because of this, but learned of a possible treatment option. I have tried this on other fibroma patients since then with varying degrees of success.  Off hand, I can think of at least one other patient who had similar results and avoided surgery.
 
Richard M. Maleski, DPM, Pittsburgh, PA, maleski@zoominternet.net

RE: Non-Surgical Approach to Plantar Fibromas (Terry L. Spilken, DPM)
From: Marc Katz, DPM

Cryosurgery is an excellent treatment option for patients with plantar fibromatosis. It is an ambulatory procedure performed in the office.  It requires one day of rest and elevation after the procedure. Within one week, the patient is back to full activity. It is important that the patient is informed that the cryo unit is not FDA cleared for fibromas. Patients must understand that this is an off-label procedure.

Fibroma cryo can lead to serious medial plantar nerve damage. It is essential that you map out the neurovascular bundle with ultrasound and make sure you stay within the fibroma using ultrasound. Even that does not guarantee success. This is also a cash procedure and there can be no justification using nerve codes for reimbursement.

The success rate is at best 50-60% realistically, and it is rare for the fibroma to resolve. Success typically occurs when the procedure is performed multiple times. Single treatments rarely resolve a fibroma. 

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

RE: E-Prescribing (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: Alan Bass, DPM

1) If you phone in an Rx, and document it, you would not get credit for this. You must electronically transmit the prescription and bill the G8553 code for credit.

2) The above type of encounter would not get you any credit for your 10 electronic prescriptions prior to the June 30th deadline to avoid the Medicare e-Rx penalty.

3) Whether or not the patient picks up the prescription has no bearing on whether or not you receive credit for sending the prescription. The only requirements are sending the allowable prescription electronically and billing the G8553 code along with any other service for that day.
 
Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: Restrictive Covenant (Ron Raducanu, DPM)
From: Juliet Burk, DPM

I write as a provider who has tried to hire an associate for MULTIPLE years. There are good situations available for graduating podiatrists. They just may not be in areas where you want to live. I have tried offering a flat salary with bonus incentives or “eat what you kill and just pay me rent” scenarios—with health insurance. A hard worker could make a killing as we sometimes get 10 walk-ins a day just coming off the street. Not only can I not hire anyone in my remote, but beautiful city with two lakes, I can’t even get people to come look. 

It seems that all the graduates we have had contact with want a guaranteed high salary for commensurately little work, lots of time off right away, and big city living. So, I’ll pass on the sob story.  I’ve started businesses and closed them. Took my 6 figures of debt and the banks' “nos” and started businesses with credit card loans when I had to. It has taken me every bit of 16 years, but I’m paying off my school debt this year. And I cheerfully work 50 hours or more per week.  
 
Juliet Burk, DPM, Ponca City, OK, juliet-burk@cherokee.org

RE: Source for Local Anesthetics (Peter Smith, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Philbert Kuo, DPM

I had the same problem with Moore. I called Gill podiatry and got my lidocaine within a week.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

Try Henry Schein or Surgical Supply Service. You could also try to purchase through your local hospital's outpatient pharmacy. If they are out of lidocaine 1% then ask for lidocaine 2%. This is a nationwide problem.

Philbert Kuo, DPM, Chesapeake, VA, philbear@pol.net

RE: Solving Podiatry's Ills
From: H. David Gottlieb, DPM

Why not have residents become 'Board Certified Podiatrists' upon completion of residency, a short period of practice [3 or 6 months], and successfully passing some test at the end of residency [either the ABPS, ABPOPPM or some other certification exam]?

This creates a level playing field and still allows for individual specialization later on. All podiatrists with CPME-approved certification would also be included in this, and individuals who met these specifications at some time in the past should be eligible. Podiatrists who want to go on and be board certified by ABPOPPM or ABPS would contintue on the path they are on now. One can debate the hypotheticals of how to help those who don't have a residency so that a mechanism to allow them access to board certified status exists.

Board certified podiatrist would have meaning...

Editor's note: Dr. Gottlieb's extended-length letter can be read here.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Well-established practice seeking associate with opportunity for buy-in. Must have a minimum of 2 years surgical residency, or have 10 years practice experience with rear foot surgical skills. Great opportunity for growth with in-house surgical center, 2 hospitals within walking distance & more. Puerto Rican License required. Send CV/Resume to: admin1@podiatrycenterpr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Podiatrist licensed in FL to work in practice in central Florida with buy-in option. Practice in building built for podiatry. Excellent opportunity for new or experienced podiatrist to work, purchase practice, lease, or purchase building in great area to live and grow. CV to: footsailor@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION TUCSON - SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Accepting applications for an associate position. Applicant must have completed surgical residency and be Board Qualified/Certified. Our practice involves multiple office locations and looking to expand. We offer all aspects of foot and ankle medical and surgical care. Hospital and Surgery Centers privileges.  Competitive salary and benefits.  Partnership opportunities available. email resume to: drdafac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Podiatry office in Central NJ- Looking for a three year surgically trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit for a very busy office. You will see new patients and have the potential to become board certified in two years. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter." Please fax your CV to: 732-968-8821.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time/Part-time, motivated, outgoing associate wanted for immediate job opening. Multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County, is looking for hard-working individual to treat wide range of patients. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish speaking a definite advantage. Email your CV to: ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Seeking motivated PSR 24/36 trained Podiatrist for busy established practice; EMR established; Good surgical opportunity; Competitive salary and benefits. Send CV to:podreply@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Looking for an extremely hard working podiatry associate for part-time work, opportunity for full time. Busy and expanding podiatry practice in the Merrimack Valley. Will work in both office and nursing home setting. In office, we have laser technology, electronic medical records, diagnostic ultrasound, x-rays, etc. Please email us at: resumesent11@comcast.net if you have interest in this position. If we find the right person, this opportunity could lead to partnership. Looking forward to hearing from you.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST AUGUSTINE, FL

A well-established, solo-physician in St Augustine, FL; is seeking a full-time associate. Applicant should be well-trained with sound surgical skills, applicant must be board eligible/certified. Practice offers a state-of-the-art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary. E-mail resume to:drfootwound@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for a full time/part-time PSR 24/36 podiatrist in a 30 year old, well established practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. State-of-the-art office with EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and beautiful office. Generous base salary, malpractice insurance, health insurance, benefits and bonus structure. A well rounded and energetic podiatric surgeon needed for this group of 4 board certified podiatric physicians and surgeons. Please send CV to: michiganfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON/CAPE AREA

Boston/Cape Area Practice looking for physician experienced in surgical and medical care in office, clinical, and nursing home settings. Practice will provide opportunity to utilize training immediately. Both surgical and non-surgical applicants. Email CV to: drjaa@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION- WASHINGTON

A well-established practice with 4 locations in and around Seattle is seeking a full time/part-time associate podiatrist. Position involves clinical, nursing homes, laser therapy. Applicant should be well trained physician and a motivated, energetic self-starter, completed minimum a 24-month residency. Please send inquiries to: isbinc2006@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Full-time highly motivated, ethical, hard-working associate wanted for multiple office locations commencing 8/2012. All phases of podiatric medicine (Surgery, Biomechanics, DME, Palliative Care). Competitive base salary, malpractice insurance, bonus structure. Please email resumes to bronxpodiatrist1@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to: Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA

Podiatrist needed in the State of Georgia to start ASAP. At least one year post residency experience preferred. Contact Dr. Azuka Nwaedozie at (404) 908 9042 or email me at:anwaedozie@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

Seeking full time associate, PSR 24/36 Board Qualified/Certified that is personable, highly motivated, ethical and hard working. Established 25 years old, well rounded, and busy practice. In large primary care based medical building with lab, X-ray, CT, ASC and medical aid unit. Multilingual is beneficial. Offering competitive salary with bonus opportunities and wide range of benefits. Partnership potential. Cover letter / CV to: Del.DPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Base salary starts at $100k, with incentives to grow income to $200k+, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to: jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - BRONX, NY

Part time Position Available Bronx New York for busy, growing office. All aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Excellent salary with incentives. E-mail CV and letter of intent to Dr. Barry Finkelstein at: bf1818@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Podiatrist needed to join our fast growing practice both in house calls and office. An enterprising individual with good clinical and surgical skills. Texas license required, salary and benefit very attractive. Email your CV to: divinefootcarecenter@yahoo.com or contact Joe at 972 790 2800.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with some working experience in a podiatric office. Two sessions (1/2 day) a week for July and August for Upper West Side of Manhattan. References a must. One 8 AM to 12, one 12 to 5 PM. Reply to: fabienne.rottenberg@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to:MFAS828@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - 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. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. Write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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