The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 16, 2013 #4,666 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Infections from Pedicures Can Be Very Costly: FL Podiatrist

Women’s tennis player Victoria Azarenka missed out on between $22,000 and $138,000 last week when she couldn’t take the court for her semi-final match against Serena Williams in the Brisbane International tennis tournament. The reason for the withdrawal: Azarenka’s right big toe had become infected after what she termed a “bad pedicure experience.”

Dr. Bret Ribotsky

Toenail-borne infections are nothing to laugh at. “I’ve had to put patients on medication, give them tetanus shots — and sometimes even hospitalize them, so they could receive intravenous drips — after contracting infections from professional pedicures,” says Boca Raton podiatrist Dr. Bret Ribotsky.

Source: Steve Dorfman, The Palm Beach Post [1/14/13]

TPMA's Marathon Medical Team Aids Houston Marathon Winner

January 13, 2013 was a special day for Ethiopia’s Bazu Worku. The 22 year old runner won the Houston Marathon with a time of 2 hours 10 minutes and 16 seconds. He was elated, but was also in pain. He complained of pain to his right foot and saw the tip of the shoe was a dark red color. As always, podiatry is a big part of the marathon's medical team and TPMA members were on hand to treat the competitors.

(L-R) Drs. Brian Selbst, Jeff Bowman, winner Bazu Worku, Drs. Jeff Ross, and Ava Washko

Mr. Worku suffered from multiple blister formations on several digits on his right foot. Mr. Worku thanked the podiatry team for its quick response, alleviating his pain.

Query: Regranex Alternative?
 
I prescribed Regranex Gel for one of my patients this morning and the pharmacy called and said that the manufacturer is no longer making it. The patient had done exceptionally well with this product in the past.  What alternatives to Regranex are available?
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY

Query: How Long to Maintain Sign-In Sheets?

I believe that the time period to keep medical records is 7 years. Would that also apply to sign-in sheets?

Laurie Bodo, Biller, Office of John Arsen, DPM, Lake Orion, MI

Response: Sign-in sheets aren't technically part of the medical record, but it's a good idea to keep them for at least three (3) years.

The rationale for keeping them is that if you are ever audited, an insurance company might claim that you did not treat a patient on a particular date. Having the patient's name on a dated sign-in sheet clearly refutes that allegation. If storage is a problem, daily sign-in sheets can be easily scanned into your computer.

Barry Block, DPM, JD, Forest Hills, NY

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RE: HIPAA Security Rule and Windows XP (Daniel Chaskin, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

Windows XP will not be supported by Microsoft after April 8, 2014. This means no more security fixes, which means it won't be HIPAA-compliant after that date - so you shouldn't use it. However, it is probably best to upgrade to Windows 8 now as Windows XP had a lot of other security problems.

There is a more pressing problem for HIPAA compliance. The Dept. of Homeland Security recently issued an advisory for all USA computer users to remove Java software from their computers. This is not the typical virus warning that you might get away ignoring. There are kits
available all over the Internet that allow bad people to...

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

RE: Podiatrists and Flu Shots
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
The governor of the State of New York just declared a "flu emergency" and will ease vaccine restrictions. What this means is that pharmacies which are giving most flu vaccinations these days will be able to give them to children and there will be more promoting of the need to get vaccinated. Wouldn't it make sense for our state podiatric medical societies to petition to allow podiatric physicians, who give far more complicated injections, all day long, to administer flu vaccinations? So many of our patients are elderly people who are at risk of developing serious complications from influenza. By offering this service to our patients, we could really be making another needed contribution to the health and well-being of our community.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: The Self-Esteem of Podiatry 2013 (Gino Scartozzi, DPM)
From: Jack Sasiene, DPM

Dr. Scartozzi states: "The solution is quite simple, the decision to provide treatment procedures for a patient should not be contingent on where the source of payment will be coming from. It is not the practitioner who is responsible to routinely write-off services that are not covered by insurance carriers." This is my point exactly. Medical care in this country has been dictated by the insurance carriers. Medicare sets our fee payments, private insurance uses it, and have brainwashed patients into the concept that everything is covered and we are the guilty parties when we aren't. Why be put in the middle of that?

I wonder what "smart business doctors" like Jon Hultman, David Helfman, and Hal Ornstein would say about...

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

RE: Display Your Colors (Robert Steinberg, DPM)
From: Neil A Burrell, DPM

I agree with Dr. Ornstein 100%. Why does Dr. Steinberg keep referring to our flag's colors as "your colors"? As a proud American, I try to display our country's colors whenever possible, including a flagpole at home with the U.S. flag and Texas flag. Soon I will install a flagpole at our office. Yes, it "smacks" of nationalism and I'm proud of it. 

Neil A Burrell, DPM, Beaumont, TX, nburrell@gt.rr.com

Displaying an American flag pin on your lapel and/or your staff's scrubs is a great idea. Nationalism is good. Pride in your country and state is good. Having our children say the Pledge of Allegiance in school is good and will continue. Perhaps, another country would be a better fit for Dr. Steinberg.

Daniel D. Michaels, DPM, MS, Hagerstown, MD, drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

RE: The Residency Shortage (Tahir Khan, DPM)
From: Richard Rettig, DPM

Dr. Khan advises current students to follow some suggestions to improve their chances of getting a residency program, and I am sure the tips in his article are useful. However, logic dictates that if there are 60 too few residency slots, then even if every student followed every suggestion to a 'T', there will still be 60 disappointed students who do not match. 

Richard Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, rettigdpm@gmail.com

RE: NY Podiatrist Advises Against Cosmetic Foot Surgery (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I was confused with Dr. Rosenblatt's posting about docs missing a point in the argument about cosmetic surgery and then discussing "preventable surgery". The subjects to me are completely different. Amputating a toe to fit into a Manolo Blahnik shoe is completely different than performing a prophylatic hammertoe surgery to prevent an ulcer later down the road. Whether one agrees with me or not is really not the argument. While I personally would not do the former, I don't begrudge anyone who would. I fail to see why one would incur any more scrutiny in a lawsuit than the other. If there is no contraindication to the procedure and a proper informed consent is provided if, by chance, something should go wrong - I fail to see why the surgeon is presumed guilty.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY- BUFFALO, NY

Looking for Podiatrists to see residents in several Nursing Homes in Buffalo, NY. Great opportunity for supplemental income or more. Positions available in other areas as well for the right candidate. Email inqueries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, six figure salary, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CHICAGO SUBURBS

Busy two office, three-doctor practice seeking potential 4th doctor to join group. Hospital and surgery center affiliated. All aspects of podiatry. No nursing homes. Competitive salary and benefits Send resume to: carol.performance@sbcglobal.net

PART-TIME PODIATRISTS NEEDED FOR WI

HealthDrive is seeking 3 part-time podiatrists to service the elderly population in LTC facilities for Eau Claire, Wausau/Stevens Point & Appleton. We are a mobile, non-surgical, innovative healthcare organization that offers 100% paid malpractice insurance, flexible schedules, mileage reimbursement and established patient base. Retired and/or new grad podiatrist welcomed! Please call Corinne Lord at 857-636-1878 or email your CV to clord@healthdrive.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Part time position available immediately, leading to full-time employment, for a motivated, outgoing associate. We are a multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County and are looking for a hard working individual to treat a wide range of patients in all aspects of podiatry. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish fluency a definite advantage. Email your CV to ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE WANTED-WESTERN SUFFOLK COUNTY LI, NY

Full time, well rounded, well established Podiatry Practice. A Business Oriented, Mature Board Eligible/Board Certified podiatrist who is not just looking for a job, but a secure future. Equity position possible. 2 Hospitals available. No Nursing Homes. Competitive package. Please fax CV to 631-581-0857

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Busy, well-respected practice in Western Massachusetts looking for associate and offering future partnership. New, large office offering all levels of podiatric care with state-of-the-art technology and EMR. Excellent opportunity for podiatrist who is ready to settle down or getting started. Search is confidential. Send CV/ references to tapoflife@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI – EAST CENTRAL

Podiatric medical group seeks recent graduate or 2013 graduate who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Established podiatric practice seeking a full-time podiatrist to take over current practice. Position is an employed hospital based position with excellent family medicine referral/support. Current practice profile does approximately 50% routine foot/ankle care, 50% surgical care, wound care and orthopedic care. Practice located in vibrant small college town in western Illinois. For further information, contact Patty Luker, CEO at 309-734-1400 or email patty.luker@osfhealthcare.org.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Seeking a well-trained, confident, ethical and personable candidate for a multi-office practice. All aspects of podiatry performed (surgery, biomechanics, palliative care, vascular studies, diagnostic ultrasound, flouroscan, DME). Competitive compensation package. Please send your CV to: docdpm2@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, well established practice in central Florida looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to attractions, short drive to beaches. Florida license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Please send CV to footpainbegone@Gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHWEST INDIANA

Looking for a well-trained, entrepreneurial-minded podiatrist to compliment a busy modern (EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic US, etc.) practice. Highly competitive compensation package. Great area to work, live and raise a family. Send resume/CV to: Pjames@cffaac.com

RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR - MICHIGAN

Genesys Health System in Grand Blanc, MI is seeking an exemplary leader to serve as the Program Director for the Hospital's Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with the added Credential in Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR). Apply online www.genesys.org.

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE - IOWA

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2013. The Fellowship includes advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org

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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815

SPACE AVAILABLE - MANHATTAN

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY to sublet or take assignment of long-term sublet BELOW MARKET RENT!. Gorgeous, incredible location, architecturally-designed new office in prestigious 24/7 doorman building on Central Park S. 3 Tx rooms, recept, bathrm Move-in ready. See Video on Youtube search chirojil1. Dr. Goldberg at chirojil@aol.com or 646-584-7252.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

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