May 29, 2020 #6,690 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2020- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 1
Heel Pain on the Rise Among Americans in Quarantine
Members of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) have noted an increase in reports of heel pain from patients stuck at home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. APMA member podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who treat the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg, and they say footwear—or lack thereof—may be to blame for the upsurge in cases. "Adults are shifting routines and adapting to new working environments, and it's easy to neglect proper care and support for your feet," said APMA member podiatrist and spokesperson Priya Parthasarathy, DPM. "Many podiatrists now have telehealth and in-person appointments. Foot and heel pain is never normal, so see your podiatrist right away!"
Drs. Priya Parthasarathy and Seth Rubenstein
"The top priority when treating plantar fasciitis is to reduce the mechanical strain on the plantar fascia with arch supports and supportive footwear," said APMA President Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM. "Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to conservative (non-surgical) treatment, including anti-inflammatory measures and stretching. However, podiatrists are also well-trained to provide advanced, cutting-edge treatments, including EPAT therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and surgical intervention, for more complex cases."
Source: Herald-Mail Media [5/27/20]
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PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 2
PA Podiatrist Struggling with Loan Forgiveness Wonders if PPP was Worth the Effort
In what she called the saddest day of her professional life, Margie Plon, DPM was forced to lay off her four long-term employees in April after learning that her Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application had not been accepted before the program's $349 billion first round ran out of money. The Elkins Park-based podiatrist secured a PPP loan for a little more than $30,000 through another bank a month later but said unless forgiveness rules change, she’s not sure the program will wind up benefiting her practice.
Dr. Plon hopes the changes proposed in the HEROES Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 15 will be adopted by the Senate. Specifically, it proposes extending the time period for when businesses need to spend loan proceeds from eight to 24 weeks and eliminates the 25% cap on eligible non-payroll expenses — an SBA rule that many restaurants and other businesses said made the program unusable for them. Plon will have the portion of the PPP funds that cover her own salary as well as rent and utilities forgiven, but her accountant said she will either have to return the remaining portion or have it converted into a loan.
Source: Jeff Blumenthal, Philadelphia Business Journal [5/26/20]
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
WA Podiatrist Remembered for Saving Woman’s Wedding
On her 18th anniversary, Anne McGowan posted the first picture from her wedding album on Facebook, hoping someone might recognize the stranger who saved the day. A last-minute location change because of wildfires meant Anne and her husband Mark had to hike Doe Mountain in Sedona. Anne was only wearing heels. A woman coming off the trail pulled off her hiking boots and socks and lent them to Anne. She never got the woman’s name. So they recently posted a photo online.
Dr. Rhonda Nelson
The picture was shared almost 6,500 times. And then Anne got a message. Rhonda Nelson, DPM wasn’t sure she was the woman, though her sister-in-law, best friend, and daughter were convinced. At the time, Rhonda and her husband worked in a medical program on the Navajo Nation in Fort Defiance. They often hiked in Sedona. Rhonda recognized the sunglasses and outfit, even the dirt on the back of her shorts, which she hid when they went to dinner by tying a shirt around her waist. She's the right shoe size, an 8. Rhonda Nelson sent Anne McGowan a picture of herself from 2002, the year Anne was married. Anne recognized her as the woman who loaned her hiking boots. Rhonda sent pictures of herself at the time. Anne recognized her.
Source: Karina Bland, Arizona Republic [5/27/20]
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
FL Podiatrist Celebrates 101st Birthday
Pioneering podiatric surgeon Albert R. Brown, DPM celebrated his 101st birthday this week, just two years after his retirement at age 99. Al is credited with developing minimal incision surgery and authored most of the original articles on the technique. He also developed an effective treatment for sciatica.
Dr. Albert Brown
Al is not bored in his retirement; he regularly takes continuing medical education classes to maintain his license, which he intends to renew when he's 103.
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Craig E. Riley, DPM
Craig "Doc" Riley, 69, of Columbus, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Riley graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine where he received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1976.
Dr. Craig Riley
Craig practiced podiatry in Columbus, York, and Grand Island. He spent 39+ years helping his patients until retiring in 2018. He held various offices in the Nebraska Podiatry Association, including president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.
In addition to the questions Dr. Kesselman poses regarding this query, I would point out that often times an inappropriate diagnosis will trigger a denial for a custom AFO device such as a Richie Brace. In this regard, there is no ICD-10 code for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (although there should be!). Instead, you should choose a code which describes the patient's deformity, i.e. Flatfoot, Acquired: M21.41 (RT), M21.42 (LT) and the actual pathology: Rupture, Tendon; Ankle and Foot M66.371 (RT), M66.372 (LT). Of course, the diagnosis codes should match the actual condition of the patient and the findings should be documented in the patient's medical record.
Our sincere congratulations to Jimelle Rumberg on her decision to retire after serving OHFAMA so well as executive director all these years. In her role, we have watched Jimelle blazing the trail on many fronts. Her efforts with the state board have advanced podiatry scope of practice in Ohio. The OHFAMA meetings have served members well, largely due to Jimelle’s diligence and creativity. The guidance she has provided to corporate sponsors over the years is unparalleled, always encouraging collaborations and diplomatically working through issues. It has been a privilege to partner with OHFAMA under Jimelle’s leadership and we will miss her as a great resource and friend. We welcome Mike Mathy and look forward to our continued support of OHFAMA. From: the entire team at Bako Diagnostics
Shawna Shapero, Vice President, Corporate and Professional Relations, Bako Diagnostics
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY)
I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Udell. Treating patients, especially podiatry patients, over the phone is unsatisfying and devoid of reliable diagnosis. In my office, telehealth will cease once we return to "normal" and patients will be able to come to the office. The only thing I will continue telehealth for is presenting a patient with a differential diagnosis with the caveat that I could be missing the actual problem without an examination.
Last week a patient asked me for a prescription for an MRI. This patient never came into the office for an exam. We spoke on the phone for about 30 seconds and I encouraged her to come in for an exam but she simply said that she just wants an MRI. When I told her I had no good cause to prescribe an MRI, she said, "That's okay. I'll find a podiatrist who will give it to me without an exam."
Quality medicine will cease to exist if we grow into a telephone screening service.
Robert Kornfeld, DPM, NY, NY
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIPS) - Part 1B
Dr. Udell has selected cases that cannot be handled well via telemedicine unless we are in a pandemic and under stay-at-home orders. I wonder what he did with those of his patients with infections while his office was closed?
I am adaptogenic. I practice three blocks from The Freedom Tower and I estimate 30-40% of my patients will be working full- or part-time from home forever! Their acculturation has forced me to permanently adapt or close my practice. I am casting and dispensing custom foot orthotics wearing headphones, using my biomechanics. I am assisting injured athletes, essential workers, and stay-at-home exercisers who have nowhere else to go but their laptops. I am dispensing kinesiotape, CBD patches, and wearable resistance bands from my den. I am teaching home pedicures as a professional mentor and monitor to the delight of old and new patients. I am Zooming, Skyping, and Facetiming.
Elliot, what is going to happen to the DPM practices that were seeing 40-75 patients, and let’s not forget the nail salons, gyms, and yoga studios? I know, telepedicures, telehome workouts, and teleyoga. Not kidding.
I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to work with Dr. Mercado. He took a chance on me when he invited me to become his resident in the early 1980s. He was an excellent teacher, His love of his podiatry family and his own family was always in the forefront. I trembled making the call on the night before my very first day of residency to tell him that my wife was in labor. His advice: "There is always time to learn, but never a way to make up time you miss with family. See you on Tuesday." His life work was a benefit to all of us. He was a true educator and a skilled surgeon. Farewell my friend.
Dennis Frisch, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP
RE: Outrageous Boots of the Day
What to wear while listening to Purple Rain by Prince?
Source: Nere Ku via Virtual Shoe Museum
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CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTHERN VA
Two physician practice is seeking an associate interested in owning a thriving senior living facilities based practice in 5 to 8 years. Many patients also treated in a single location office in Annandale. There is opportunity to develop a surgical aspect to the practice; surgery is currently referred out. Compensation is personal productivity commission based. Call for information. Please respond to: DrBreiner@AOL.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - VICTORIA, BC, CANADA
Associate Wanted in Beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada with residency completed for busy multi-office practice. Please email or call ; orthotic4d@shaw.ca 250 886 0500 Dr. Martin Cole.
HOME FOOT CARE, INC.- MOBILE PODIATRISTS-GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
PRACTICE AFFECTED BY COVID-19? Need extra income? Mobile podiatrists needed immediately! Full or part time available to see homebound patients in the following areas: San Bernardino/Riverside, Lancaster/Palmdale, Ventura/Oxnard, Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley. Choose your own days/hours, excellent monthly compensation, cloud based EHR, dedicated support staff. (we do not service nursing homes, or large assisted living facilities) . If interested, email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.comCheck us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST- NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing Podiatry practice in North Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and CME time off. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your Podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ
Wanted Part-time associate for busy Northern NJ practice. Flexible days. Full scope of podiatric practice performed. E-mail CV to MHDPM1@gmail.com.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
PRACTICE FOR SALE – QUEENS, NY
Lucrative 40 year old Queens practice with 2 locations for immediate sale on busy streets in great neighborhoods. Easily accessible by car, bus or train. Great potential for office based and/or surgically trained Podiatrist. Turn-key operation in modern building with strong patient base. Digital X- ray. Please inquire at drlschwartz@hotmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – NASSAU COUNTY NY
Well established part time 16 year old solo practice located in a great suburban neighborhood 1 mile from Mt Sinai South Nassau Hospital. Low overhead non-surgical turn-key practice with potential for expansion. Email: mfrisciadpm@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SANTA BARBARA, CA
Well known 50 year old general, orthopedic and limited surgical podiatric practice. Revenues would increase with surgical expansion. Most desirable for one interested in the quality of life offered in Santa Barbara. $149,000. Contact santabarbarafootclinic@yahoo.com or call (805) 689-2084
PRACTICE FOR SALE– CHICAGO SUBURBS
Highly respected successful, solo podiatry practice for sale in upper middle class northern suburbs of Chicago. Affiliated with 2 major hospital physician programs with a surgical center available in office complex. Must be board eligible or board-certified. If you are a people person without a doctor’s complex, this turnkey practice is for you. With added social media, practice revenues could go up 10-20%. $ 900,000 Gross last several years working 4 half days a week. Traknet EMR, digital x-ray, computerized orthotics, with in-house PT. No Medicaid and no nursing homes. Will sacrifice for $500,000. Only serious inquiries contact k.peeler@comcast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE – REDDING, CA
33 year-old practice in Redding, CA. Beautiful area, mild winters. Snow ski and water ski in the same day. Smaller town feel than large urban area. Has a unique charm. If you love the outdoors, this is a great place to be. Thorough valuation report available. Price $176,000 just.bob@hotmail.com.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 18,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details
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Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
