The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 10, 2012 #4,354 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

OCPM and Kent State Sign Non-Binding Letters of Agreement to Merge

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, independent for 96 years, plans to merge with Kent State University. Officials at both institutions have signed non-binding letters of intent to make the podiatry school part of Kent State and expect an agreement to be completed by summer. A merger would give Kent State -- which has a college of nursing, a college of public health and a school of health sciences -- an affiliation with another medical college and a more visible presence in Cuyahoga County. The podiatric school's students would have opportunities for dual degrees and research and training, especially in sports medicine.

Dr. David Nicolanti

The planned merger grew out of discussions with Kent State about potential research and clinical opportunities that began about eight months ago, said Dr. David Nicolanti, executive vice president of the podiatric college. As a good working relationship and mutual respect developed, it became apparent that an affiliation could be beneficial to both parties, he said. "It opens opportunities," Nicolanti said. "There are different professional programs at the university level that we can draw on."

Source: Karen Farkas, The Cleveland Plain Dealer [1/7/12]

OH Podiatrist Taking Aim at Congressional Seat

Ever since she won the 2nd Congressional District special election in 2005 and took the seat of now-U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, Jean Schmidt (R- Miami Township) has had primary opponents nipping at her heels. Now comes Dr. Brad Wenstrup. Wenstrup is the “name” candidate in the 2nd Congressional District’s GOP primary this year.

Dr. Brad Wenstrup

A podiatrist and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves who ran a hospital at Abu Ghraib during his tour of duty in Iraq, Wenstrup has only one election under his belt. Last week, Wenstrup’s campaign put out a press release saying he had raised $160,000 so far through “a flurry of end-of-year supporter contributions.”

Source: Howard Wilkinson, Cincinati Enquirer [1/7/12]

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

Bret Ribotsky: What's the best way to grow your practice?

Dr. Lowell Weil, Sr.

Lowell Weil, Sr.: Once you have a developed practice to some degree and you really want to increase it, it seems that rather than advertising outside, the best market for your advertising may very well be your own patients. They are the ones that already know who you are. Most of them trust you, but those are the ones who just need to be recognized and need to be reminded of some of the problems that they may have that they haven’t been paying attention to. Sending out newsletters via e-mail is very, very inexpensive now. We’ve captured 10,000 e-mail addresses in our practice now. 

Dr. Michael Graham

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is Dr. Michael Graham, inventor of the Hypocure implant. You can register for future events by clicking here

RE: Multiple Verrucae in  4 Year Old Child   

My patient is a 4 year old child with 12 plantar warts (not mosaic) on his right foot, mostly localized to the first MPJ area, with a couple scattered on the left foot. They are not painful to him unless excess pressure is placed on them. I don't think he would tolerate freezing, and I can't debride them (he's very squirly). I am currently using topical and duct tape to treat the lesions. What about liquid Tagamet? If so, what is the recommended dosing? 

David Kahan, DPM, Sacramento, CA

Query: Financial Confidentiality Agreement

Does anyone use a financial confidentiality agreement for their employees to sign similar to a HIPAA Financial Confidentiality form? Since my employees have access to patient financial information (amount owed, past due balances, etc.) and one employee (bookkeeper) has access to my bank statements, collection records, and payments, shouldn't they be required to sign a financial confidentiality document also? If you do use a form, did you have a lawyer draw that up?

Richard Rees, DPM, Bellaire, TX

Query: Find-A-Doc

Has anyone used or dealt with either Health Grades or ZocDoc? What was your experience?

Paul Stepanczuk, DPM, Munster, IN

RE: Alcohol Sclerosing Injection Complication (Charles Baik, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

This complication results from iatrogenic, intravascular injection of alcohol into the venous and lymphatic vessels in the foot. Dr. Dockery previously discussed this. Kindly review the PM News archives by using the search engine at www.podiatrym.com
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

RE: Doppler Study for Diabetics (Ron Werter, DPM)
From: Gerald Mauriello Jr., DPM

Simply, micro-vascular disease in a diabetic with palpable pulses is a very common occurrence.  I am sure that many of us have had similar experiences, performing a TMA on a diabetic with a gangrenous forefoot in the presence of bounding pedal pulses. Dopplers are unable to assess microvasculature. Perhaps, consider transcutaneous oxygen pressures.

Gerald Mauriello Jr., DPM, Freehold, NJ, drmauriello@gmail.com

RE: Starting a Solo Private Practice (Name Withheld)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

It is definitely possible for a new podiatrist to start out with a new practice. But you need a business plan. The art of business plans is lost on most new doctors, since they have never had any experience with this. A well-written and executed business plan has considerable research behind it, on everything from location, leasing, amount of equipment to purchase, etc. No podiatrist should even consider starting out a new practice without learning basic coding skills, which includes the use of modifiers. This means getting the latest information from APMA, which offers such programs.

There is an expectation of considerable time before patients come regularly. During that time, you must...

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

RE: Bone Mineral Density Testing (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Sloan Gordon, DPM

My point was that, as specialists, we have the education, ability, and obligation to treat those disorders for which we were trained. It is also my opinion that DPMs should be reimbursed for the procedures we perform. I was not suggesting that one test vs. another was more accurate. It's unfortunate that Dr. Udell refers everything out. So what is left for him to treat?

I simply stated there are other tests which previous writers did not acknowledge, and which DPMs can perform. Is there a problem doing non-invasive vascular testing in the office when others read the results? If there is, many internists in my town must not be following Dr. Udell's dogma. There are always those narrow-minded professionals who are in self-denial vis-a-vis their own abilities. That's unfortunate, and again highlights my suggestion that we are often our own worst enemies. It's the "if I can't do it, neither should you" mentality. Don't we have enough people making us look bad? Do our own colleagues feel the need to encourage them?  

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

RE: Insurance Company Controls (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Dr. Shavelson's points hit the bull's eye. The ripple effect of insurance companies controlling the standard of care is just gaining momentum. Dr. Lavery fools himself when he thinks that "proving" our protocols to insurance companies will make a difference in coverage. To be quite blunt, they look at what costs them the most money and then look for ways to wrangle out of being responsible to pay. I will admit that I may have a more cautious and far less trusting view than most, but I also know what we are up against and am not living in a world of denial.

The movement in EBM plays right into the folly. The truth is, there is almost nothing that stands up to...

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Well established, well rounded, hospital based podiatry practice, looking for well trained podiatrist. Large number of new patients monthly, digital x-rays, EMR, and vascular and nerve testing. One partner is Chair of Pod Dept, other is involved in wound center. Two offices 75 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley. More affordable cost of living than Westchester County; it’s a great place to live. Looking to hire a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking an associate leading to potential partnership. Must have PM & S- 36 training. Please call (845) 471-2243 or email eriksims@hotmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to: myfeetfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY

Full time associate position available with well rounded multi-office group on Long Island. Ideal position for July 2012 graduating third year resident who wants to practice and live on Long Island. Candidates must be board qualified or board certified, and well trained in all phases of podiatry including surgery, biomechanics, wound care and palliative care. Compensation includes salary,malpractice insurance, paid vacations and surgical incentives, with a future partnership opportunity available for the right candidate. Interested doctors are encouraged to submit their CV's in response to: mets724@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to partnership for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be PSR-24 or PM&S-36 trained. Excellent salary w bonus. Must be ethical, self-starter, hard worker. Willingness to learn/work as part of a team. Surgery Block time. Must be proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Email CV, photo, LOI to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS/HENDERSON, NV

Well-established 22 year practice in   Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada seeking full-time associate. General podiatric care with moderate amount of surgery to be done in local hospital or surgery center. Competitive salary and benefits. Modern office in new area. Please respond by email to: lvfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY
 
Well-established, dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays. Sports medicine, surgery and potential partnership. No NH/ HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle second to none. C.V. to  flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - NORTHERN CINCINNATI, OHIO (FAIRFIELD)

Lead to partnership &/or buy practice. Well-established, reputable & successful (700K collection annual) 25+ year practice. Newer 2k sq.ft office condo & w/5 tx rooms, Aver.80 new patients monthly, full hospital privileges, DME, Padnet, digital x-rays. Inquires to email: gsherwood1@cinci.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBANY/CAPITAL DISTRICT AREA

Immediate position available with generous salary, fringe benefits and percentage. All phases of Podiatry. For more information please contact Dawn at (518) 828-6516 or fax your resume to(518) 828-9510.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. $160,000 base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com
 

Full-time position available. Join this fantastic practice in paradise. Diagnostic ultrasound, Digital X-Ray, EHR, Surgical Privileges, Competitive Salary plus benefits package. Send CV to:  yoleven316@yahoo.com.

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

WANTED TO BUY - EQUIPMENT (MICROCASSETTE TRANSCRIBERS)

Want to buy Panasonic microcassette transcribers model RR-930 or other brands of microcassette transcribers. Please reply to paulajn@cox.net

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.

• 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.