The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 11, 2010 #3,750 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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ACFAS Launches FootHealthFacts.org

Today, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) launched FootHealthFacts.org, a HON-certified website dedicated to providing the most reliable foot and ankle health information on the Internet.  

FootHealthFacts.org offers visitors: 

• A complete A-Z library of physician-reviewed articles, videos and podcasts on foot and ankle health-related topics
• A “Find a Physician in your area" search function
• Dependable health information in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Michael Vaardahl

“The launch of FootHealthFacts.org only further enhances ACFAS’ mission to provide the community, members of the media and physicians with the most reliable foot and ankle health information on the Internet,” said Colorado-based foot and ankle surgeon Michael Vaardahl, DPM, FACFAS, Chairman of the Consumer Education Committee.

GA Podiatrist Discusses Dangers of Frostbite for Feet

Frigid temperatures have caused at least two cases of frostbite in southwest Georgia. Podiatrist Dr. Glenn Dowling told us a woman walking for hours in flip-flops and a boy in wet tennis shoes both developed a mild form of frostbite. Dowling says when temperatures drop into the teens, it only takes up to 30 minutes to develop frostbite on exposed skin, especially if it's moist. Because diabetics often lose feeling in their feet, they're more susceptible to frostbite because they can't feel themselves getting cold. Smokers can also get colder faster because of the constriction in their veins.

Dr. Glenn Dowling

In some severe cases, it can blacken the skin. He said like a trauma, blood rushes away from the extremities to protect vital organs. "When it gets cold, the same thing happens; we shut the blood from the extremities out, and of course people like diabetics and the elderly who have poor circulation in their feet already, get damaged real real quick because of the cold damage," said Dr. Dowling.

Source: Jennifer Emert, WALB-TV [1/8/10]

"Bunny" Brown Reappointed to AR Board of Podiatric Medicine

Gov. Mike Beebe today announced that H.F. “Bunny” Brown of Little Rock has been reappointed to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. The appointment expires Sept. 1, 2012.

Dr. H. F. "Bunny" Brown

Brown is past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: Arkansas News Bureau

NY Podiatrist Charged With Tax Evasion

David Shaffer, 55, a podiatrist with an office in Flushing, Queens has been charged with four class E felony counts of Repeated Failure to File A Personal Income Tax Return for 2002-07. During this time, Shaffer earned $253,324 and he failed to pay $13,419 in state income taxes. He is also charged with four misdemeanors for failing to file his state personal income tax returns for tax year 2006 and 2007. If convicted, Shaffer faces up to four years in state prison.

The arrest is part of an ongoing statewide tax enforcement initiative targeting those who evade their tax obligations by not filing their state returns.

Source: North Country Gazette [1/7/10]

Query: Restless Leg Syndrome

How do you treat restless leg syndrome? My patient is an 80 year old female. Her feet have shaken constantly for six months. 

Thomas Tran, DPM, Harrisonburg, VA

Query: AAPS

I've recently been asked to join the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons. Does anyone have any experience with this organization?

Stanton C. Southward, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO

RE: NJPMS Sues Insurer to Block New X-Ray Policy
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM, David Clendenning, DPM

I applaud the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society for their action against BCBS of New Jersey. What's next? No x-rays, No ultrasounds. Some carriers, as mentioned on this site, don't pay for orthotics....what do insurance companies want us to do exactly? Was that policy specific for podiatry, or for orthopedists as well? Have they joined in the lawsuit?
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

Non-weight-bearing x-rays are a waste of healthcare dollars! Only podiatrists should take foot x-rays!

David Clendenning, DPM, Coral Springs, FL, daveclendenning@aol.com

RE: Nine NYC Podiatrists Sentenced for Medicare Fraud
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I am sickened and outraged by my "colleagues" mentioned in this latest case of blatant and arrogant behavior. Many of these were classmates of mine, one a teacher of mine; and many more have passed by me in the halls of NYCPM during my four years of academics, and then in 2 years of residency training at FCNY and affiliated hospitals. While many of us work crazy hours and shuffle from office, to hospital, to office trying to make ends meet, these cowards got off easy for so long. Now they pay for their greed and indiscretions.

While I never enjoy reading the "Podiatrists and the Law" section of this great forum, I never felt compelled to reply until now. While the vast majority of us do an unbelievable service to the community at large, we also stay awake sometimes worrying how we are going to cope when our fees are constantly threatened to be cut. These criminals got what they deserve, and while I feel so sorry for their children, I feel no sorrow for them.

While ours may not be the most lucrative of professions within our great healthcare system, things like this make me admire those of us who do work so very hard trying to keep our offices afloat, while continuing to serve the community, create jobs, and provide healthcare coverage for our staffs and families.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, doclatt@aol.com

RE: Bleomycin Injections (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM

I've used the Bleomycin treatment for verrucae for about 12 years now and think of it as my primary treatment course for adults with normal immune systems. With this treatment, I've seen an approximately 98% success rate with the added benefit that if the person has multiple verrucae, treating just the one lesion will allow resolution of all of them in the course of 3-4 weeks (including on the hands, fingers or wherever).

First off, I don’t do this on a lesion that is larger than... 
 
Editor's Note: Dr. Secord's extended-length letter appears here.

RE: Covered, Then Non-Covered Orthotics (Richard Simmons, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I applaud Dr. Simmons for recognizing a problem that exists and for trying to offer a solution. Too many of our colleagues don't do anything to offer a solution. However, as creative as his subtalar joint positioning device label sounds, I personally...

Editor's Note: Dr Kass' extended-length letter appears here:

RE: My New Career as an Orthotist (Name Withheld)
From: Larry Cohen, DPM

The greatest area of impact that podiatrists can make in medicine is dealing with the diabetic foot. I am not talking about cutting toenails. I am talking about complete neurologic exams. We should then be treating the neuropathy. Dr. Allen Jacobs has spoken often on this point. Wound care, if this is your cup of tea, is also important. While other branches of medicine can do surgery, dermatology, etc, NO ONE but podiatrists has the knowledge and training to deal with the unique problems of the diabetic foot. The general medical community has no concept of biomechanics, especially off-loading. Our education and training should focus on this area. If so, we should all be able to make a living and have a positive impact.

Larry Cohen, DPM, Clinton, NJ, larrydpm2002@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 
 
Well diversified growing podiatry practice with good mix of office, surgery center and hospital procedures seeking a full-time associate.  Must have NC license or taking state exam this year. Candidates should have excellent bedside manner equal to their medical skills. E-mail a cover letter and CV to DPMCAREER@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ALABAMA, GULF COAST

Established 26 year old practice for sale. Owner desires to sell and relocate. Practice operated 25 hours per week. Mixture of surgery and general podiatry. MD referrals. Surgery center and hospitals in close proximity. Highly profitable. Priced to sell. Seller will lease office to buyer. Call Mike Crosby at 1-888-776-2430 or email at mcrosby@providerresources.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. We do not have a seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR 24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. Email resume to khart@cincinnatifootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Well established practice for sale. Full scope medical and surgical practice including DME. Exceptional practice with a high volume of new patients. Excellent hospital and surgical center privileges with investment opportunity. Great area for a family and the outdoorsman. 731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK

Full-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MAINE

20+ year, full scope, turn-key practice. Retiring seller will assist in transition. Excellent expansion potential, superb place to raise a family. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

DREAM PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - OKLAHOMA

Use forefoot, rearfoot, wound skills in ideal small city with nearby lake. No buy-in costs. No limit on income. EMR. Act fast. OK State License deadline is 1-30-10 and test is comprehensive. Personality preferred over ego. Email julietburk@gmail.com or call 918-931-1425 for details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSETTS

PSR-24 trained podiatrist for busy multi location practice, high volume and high-tech. Seeking energetic individual for high volume of patients with multiple needs. Orthopedic, sports medicine, wound care, pediatric orthopedics and surgery skills required. Looking for immediate hire for the right candidate with possibilities for partnership. Contact Debbie Roberts debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Quality Podiatry Group of Florida provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists.  Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

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