The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 22, 2010 #3,760 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Dr. Comfort Donates $1 Million in Shoes to Relief Mission in Haiti

Devastation in Haiti has left many individuals and corporations searching for ways to help. Dr. Comfort receives and supports many philanthropic requests for shoe donations, and donates an excess of $2,000,000 in shoes and orthotic inserts each year. Through the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (nwhcm.org), Dr. Comfort has found a way to donate over $1,000,000 worth of shoes and inserts to survivors of the quakes in Haiti. Getting the shoes in is not an easy task. But Dr. Comfort is working diligently with NWHCM and will be able to get the shoes in to those who need them after this first wave of rescue.

Rick Kanter

“Looking at the devastation caused by the earthquakes in Haiti, it’s hard to imagine being able to do anything that will help,” says Rick Kanter, CEO of Dr. Comfort Shoes. “But every donation and every act of charity—however big or small—helps at least one person deal with the horrific effects of this tragedy.  Our prayers go out to those affected and we’re grateful to be fortunate enough to do our small part to help.”

Barefoot Running Poses Risks For Many: IL Podiatrists

Dr. Megan Leahy, of the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, says that if runners are not used to going barefoot, the consequences could be detrimental. “I’ve seen injuries where people decide to start barefoot running more so than I have seen someone in an appropriate running shoe,” she said. “The whole barefoot running concept is based more on a softer environment that most of us don’t have access to.”

Dr. Megan Leahy

Leahy emphasized the need to make sure the runner’s shoe fits properly. She said shoes do help people with certain foot types, such as runners with flat feet or high arches. “For someone who has a higher arch foot structure, their foot is incapable of absorbing shock more than a normal foot,” she said. “Someone with a flatter foot structure, the foot could roll inward, which could lead to knee torque and ankle problems.”

Source: Whitney Harding, Medill Reports [1/19/10]

APMWA Announces 24th Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 24th Annual Student Writing Competition.

All papers MUST be original and non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics, or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
 

• There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
   
• First prize will be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
   
• This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
   
• Entries must be received by 4/1/10 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
   
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

RE: Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Implants (Craig Aaronson, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I suggest removing the hemi and insertion of the Primus Flexible Great Toe implant. Primus Flexible Great Toe implant is a double-stemmed prosthesis, and is constructed from UltraSil medical grade silicone elastomer and is provided with titanium grommets. Offered in four sizes, the primus is supported by a custom instrumentation set. Use the grommets for better long-term results. You will need to remove additional bone at the metatarsal head area to avoid too tight of an insertion.

Usually, a 58 year old woman who underwent a hemi implant  for the first surgery, will choose a total implant vs. a fusion option for the second surgery because she wants to be able to wear shoes with some amount of heel elevation. A fusion is certainly an option as well and should also be offered, discussing the expectations, possible complications, and limitations of both procedures. Then let the patient decide.

Keith Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, e-mail keithgrnk@aol.com

My analysis shows a pathomechanical configuration of the metatarsal heads which includes a microtraumatic reaction within the metatarsal length pattern. One can change this configuration into a smooth, healthy configuration by shortening the second metatarsal by two millimeters.

Philip H. Demp, DPM, Cinnaminson, NJ,  pdemp@dca.net

The Cluffy Wedge provides enough clearance to "unlock' a jammed 1st MPJ. This OTC device restores normal ROM immediately for most individuals diagnosed with functional hallux limitus and many other compensations and deformities that are the byproduct of a 1st MPJ that "locks" prior to toe-off.

Cam White, Austin, TX, camwhite.shoes@gmail.com

RE: OTC vs. Custom Orthotics
From: Marlene Reid, DPM

The APMA  offers its members talking points to address differences between over-the-counter (OTC) or pre-fab inserts and custom orthotics. A public relations campaign was put together in 2006 for the Podiatrists Keep America Walking spring campaign specifically to inform the public on this issue. In addition to other materials that may be used by members, a news release, offering consumers advice when seeking treatment for common foot ailments, which features the differences of custom orthotics vs. OTC, is also available. 

APMA members have access to these materials (as well as materials from other public education campaigns) and will find them here: The APMA is currently conducting a three-year study on this very issue with James S. Wrobel, DPM, serving as principal investigator.

Marlene Reid, DPM, Chair, APMA Public Education and Information Committee, mreiddpm@yahoo.com

RE: Ingenix Chart Review (Al Kline, DPM)
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM

Dr. Kline feels like big brother is watching not so much because they are actually "watching", but because they want some money back from him. That is how they make their living. They catch you in a game of semantics, charting issues, medical necessity issues, etc. We all know that it is nonsense, but because they want money back, they are going to find ways to entrap your charting to their own end. There is nothing you can do about this situation since insurance companies are basically running the show.  For that, we have ourselves to thank for giving it all up to insurance companies who decide whether or not we get paid, how much we get paid, when we get paid, and after how many hurdles we get paid. Are we having fun yet?
 
Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: Practice Websites (Mark K. Johnson DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM,

Don't expect a large influx of patients from your web site. None the less, I encourage all practices to have one for two reasons.
 
1. Many patients will be referred to you by our colleagues and patients. These people look you up on the Internet and decide if they want to proceed with making an appointment with you. Your web site should paint a good picture of you and your practice, as well as discuss some of the common conditions we treat.
 
2. Your website is an excellent means of internal marketing. Our office has a sign in each treatment room and reception room which states: "Check out our website" with the name of the site.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com

I have a great website that was designed and is hosted through my husband, Roland Olson. My website is familyfootcare.biz. I have had many younger patients come in who only searched the web for a doctor. I love the ability to offer tips to patients online and have patient forms for them to download and fill out before coming in. This is a real time-saver. Also prospective patients will email you and ask questions about fees, etc. You can't afford not to have one.
 
Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Mt. Pleasant, MI, staff@familyfootcare.biz

RE: CaerVision and Patient Education DVDs (Gary Friedlander, DPM)
From: Ben Weaver, DPM

I highly recommend the products and services of Visual Media Concepts (VMC). VMC has created a line of patient education videos that are very easy to use. They play on TV’s and computers that I already have in my office in the reception and treatment rooms. They also offer these products to play on your website. I have found that this product encourages patients to ask questions.

They also make a mini hand-out disc that I give to my patients or perspective patients. They have all of my contact info on them; it is like an interactive business card. They have a new product as well called TopPodiatrist.com which I just started using. It is a microsite designed to help you reach more perspective patients in your local area as they search the web for the services you offer. I’ll let you know the outcome!

Ben Weaver, DPM, Wichita, KS Dr.Weaver@ksfootdoc.com

RE: Limitation of Privileges (James Breedlove, DPM)
From: Harold W. Vogler, DPM

The situation noted above is an evolving area of further attempts at restriction of privileging, mostly for minority specialists. This is now a consistent finding across the nation. Although not aimed entirely at podiatric foot and ankle surgeons, it is heavily weighted against us as a specialty group. Interestingly, it is rarely applied to the general orthopedist, or even a 6-12 month trained foot orthopedist. 

The steps are simple — 1) request that your medical staff office provide a copy of your orthopedic section “delineation privileging sheet.” 2) inquire from the medical staff office, how many of the general orthopedists have any of the privileges in question you seek to either maintain or obtain as a new privilege. 3) then inquire as to how they (the credentials comm.) have determined the “on-going clinical competency” in these same procedures for the orthopedists and if they also must submit the same process of documentation.  If not, then simply inquire as to how such determinations as to their satisfaction of these criteria are measurable or even possible? 

Normally, such questions shortly terminate the problem after a few behind-the-scenes phone calls by the med. staff office to the adversarial specialty. There is no question this is one of the next battlegrounds for all surgical specialists with anatomic and procedural overlap.  Standardization for credentialing is mandated and JT Comm. does mandate uniformity of this process along with many state statutes and CMS. The conventional disguise of “patient safety” and quality of care concerns evaporate when the playing field is compelled to be level. This will not occur unless you compel it to be so by appropriate internal due process and properly scripted letters to the involved parties. The message becomes clear quickly thereafter.

Harold W. Vogler, DPM, Sarasota, FL, hvogler@soa.md

RE: Surgery and Podiatry (Barry Drossner, DPM)
From: Steven H. Goldstein, DPM

I am currently retired from practice, however, during the last three years that I was practicing, I started dropping out of more and more insurance plans. I was in no HMO's and in a very few PPO's plus Medicare. By dropping out, I was able to charge my usual and customary fees. Many podiatrists are skeptical about dropping out of plans, figuring that  their patients will go elsewhere. I am sure I lost 10% or so, but the fees I was getting more than made up for the loss. I was able to spend more time with the patients I had. My income increased substantially. If you are willing to accept plans that pay thirty cents on the dollar, then you have no one to blame but yourself.
 
Steven H. Goldstein, DPM, Royal Palm Beach, stevefootdr1@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

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

Part-time practice for sale. Located in Bloomfield, NJ. Great location in professional building. All modern equipment including digital x-ray. Please contact doccapo@yahoo.com

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 - MARYLAND (Kensington/Rockville/Silver Spring) 

If you are a graduating resident in July, or an esablished practitioner, and you are enthusiastic, personable, motivated and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position, in our group, with you. Established practitioner relocating. 5-doctor, 3-office practice with significant patient flow already in place to keep you busy from the start! All the bells and whistles-EMR, digital x-rays, ultrasound, computerized scheduling, certified ambulatory surgical centers, hospital and physician referral base. Please send cover letter and resume to mddpmassociate@comcast.net We look forward to hearing from you.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

20+ years, full scope, turn-key practice in the same medical building location. Podiatrist-friendly hospitals just down the street, wonderful, appreciative and cooperative patients await. Excellent expansion potential. Maine offers an enjoyable life style, recreation abounds, reasonable housing costs, excellent school systems, low crime rates. Colleges and universities nearby as are cultural opportunities. Retiring seller will stay for transition. Please contact: mainefootdoc@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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH FLORIDA

Ft. Lauderdale/Miami office locations seeking associate leading to partnership for the right person. Active modern busy practice needs help. Competitive salary + benefits + incentives. Send resume to podiatrydoctor@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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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