The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 23, 2007 #2,791 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Levitz Honored at Alumni Dinner Dance

The Alumni Association of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) this weekend honored Dr. Steven Levitz, professor of orthopedic sciences and a podiatrist at the Foot Clinics of New York. Additionally, he has had his own private practice in Queens, NY since 1982.

Dr. Steven J. Levitz

Dr. Levitz has published numerous articles on footwear and orthotics. Other research interests include the proper management and treatment of plantar fasciitis, the assessment and management of hallux valgus, and pressure reduction and off-loading the diabetic foot.

New Zealand Podiatrist Competes in Final Triathlon

Kiwi Karyn Ballance came to Wanaka in an effort to erase a disappointing day at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Her 3:17 marathon was the day’s fastest among the professional women.

Karyn Ballance

At the finish, Ballance announced to the crowd that it would be her last triathlon. “I wanted to retire in Hawaii but this race came about and I was still quite fit and so I just thought this was ideal for me,” she said. “I’m really proud that I finished on a better note than Hawaii.” Ballance, a podiatrist, won Ironman New Zealand in 2002 and Ironman Western Australia in 2004 and has always held down a job or been a student during her 14 years in triathlon. But she’s not giving up sport entirely, saying she’ll now turn her attention to running races.

Source: Runner’s Web [1/20/07]

Bush Proposes Tax Breaks for Health Insurance

President Bush in his weekly radio address on Saturday said that he will propose a plan that would offer tax deductions to most individuals who purchase health insurance and levy an income tax on the highest-priced employer-sponsored health insurance plans to offset the tax breaks, the Wall Street Journal reports. Under the proposal, employer-sponsored health insurance for the first time would be considered taxable income in some cases (McKinnon/Harwood, Wall Street Journal, 1/22).

Currently, employees are not taxed on the value of their employer-sponsored health insurance policies (Fletcher, Washington Post, 1/21). The Department of the Treasury estimates that the plan would increase the number of U.S. residents with health insurance by five million, and administration officials said the number could be higher (Wall Street Journal, 1/21).

Source: American Health Line [1/22/07]

Query: Discharging an Employee

I have a front desk employee of 8 years. She has become complacent in her job. She does the "minimum" required of her and no more, She routinely comes to work 15-20 minutes later than expected. I have told her I want her in 15-20 minutes before patients arrive. She has multiple excuses (overslept, traffic, forgot to pick up a chart from satellite office). She will not raise a finger to help empty or take out trash or ever vacuum her work area-- She expects the "back room" employees to do it. She has some physical impairments which makes her walk slow and she does not move from chair to file cabinet to copy machine often.

How do I go about letting her go? Do I need to have any of the above documented prior to terminating her employment? Do I need to give her severance pay? Am I liable in any disabilities law issues?
Name Withheld

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Discharging any employee requires comprehensive documentation. Employee performance reviews need to performed on a periodic basis, such as every six months. These reviews serve as the basis for pay increases, as well as a rationale for discharge. If employees are performing below standard, you should inform them of this both verbally, and in writing.

In this instance, because of the American With Disabilities Act, you are advised to hire an attorney to assist in this process. An attorney will also advise you on whether your state law requires severance pay in this instance.

RE: Unethical Practices and a New Associate (Shay Fish, DPM)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Dr. Fish suggests options for new associates or employees confronting "unethical policies" by their employer: "After employment you have two options: leave; or take the initiative to bring the practice "up to date," especially if it has potential. This demonstrates that you have a vested interest in the long term health of the practice. Everyone wins."

While it might make sense to try to "clean-up" billing problems, the employee will probably also confront poor charting typical of such practices. In addition, the employee needs to make the issue perfectly clear to his/her employer: "I found situations that a practice board or Government might find objectionable at the least and illegal at the worst." That might be enough to end your job.

Once you are involved in a practice, authorities usually regard "everyone" as equally culpable, even new practitioners. Your employer will NOT pay for your legal defense; and if there are penalty re-reimbursements, you may be responsible for some that you did not even participate in directly as a doctor!

As a general rule, as soon as you find an illegality, you need to find out if there are other examples. A single incident does not make a criminal. Cleaning up the practice may be possible, but you are assigning yourself real risks that may not be worth the personal and professional costs to you, even if you have to sell your (new) house and move your family away to avoid legal exposure.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1@prodigy.net

RE: State of Hospitals in the US
From: Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM

Although I have an excellent relationship with the hospital that sponsors our residency, I too often wonder what is going on in the minds of administrators at other facilities. The constantly approach me and other DPMs asking what they can do to get more "podiatry cases." Yet as they ask, historically they have never recruited a DPM or market their existing DPMs. Add to that the constant issues over scope of practice, unequal access to the emergency room, discrimination relating to pay for the uninsured, and DPMs performing H&Ps it's no wonder why DPMs run to surgery centers. They constantly quote financial difficulties while they build CV centers, recruit several cardiologists, expand their existing facilities, and build new hospitals in growth areas. They often imply that your cases lose money, yet when you see the reimbursement received at the surgery center you see truth.

For years I turned down lucrative investments in physician owned centers for political and loyalty issues. However, as reimbursement drops and costs increase, these investments have become a necessity to stay afloat. If the hospitals would market and support DPMs to the point of increasing patient load and level the playing field for us, I think we would see more ethical DPMs staying with their local hospital.

For me, at least my hospital sponsors and supports podiatric medical education and because of that earns my loyalty and many of my cases. To the others I say it's simple, ask yourselves the following question: What do you do when you want more cardiovascular or oncology patients? We all know the answer to that one.

Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM, Houston, TX, DrSMendo@aol.com

Editors note: This topic is now closed

ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR SOUTH MIAMI AREA

Large group, busy, multi-office, partner potential. Motivated applicants only. Mail resumes and letters of intent to 999 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead , FL 33030. July start time OK, sooner preferable. E-mail lianadpm2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - NORTH CAROLINA, CHARLOTTE AREA

Incredible opportunity to join a busy, well-established group practice. Looking for a self-motivated, hard-working individual seeking to become a partner. Hospital and surgery center privileges. Salary plus percentage, 401k and real estate opportunities. Send CV to universityoffice@ bellsouth.net

EXCELLENT ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Established 25 year well-rounded biomechanical and surgical practice seeking energetic, enthusiastic, personable and proficiently-trained PSR-24 or PSR-36 foot and ankle surgeon for associate with ultimate partnership opportunity in LA area. Excellent position for an individual interested in all aspects of podiatric medicine with emphasis on reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Only 8% Medicare with No HMO. Email CV to dr4feet@sbcglobal.net

OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE – MANHATTAN / PLAINVIEW, NY

East 60th and or East 22nd in Manhattan and on South Oyster Bay Road Plainview. Turnkey operation, all equipment needed is available as well as an extremity MRI, fluoroscopy, x-ray and surgical equipment. Each office has an operating room with anesthesiologist available for iv sedation. Call 516 476-1815 or email to
podo2345@aol.com include a phone #

ASSOCIATE POSITION—NORTH COASTAL CALIFORNIA

Two fully staffed rural offices with continually growing patient load. We take care of all aspects of podiatry: assisted-living centers, palliative care, wound care, biomechanics, surgery, diabetic care. Hospital privileges are available to those properly qualified. If you are interested in challenging and hard work leading to partnership, send your CV to jimf@humboldt1.com

POSITION AVAILABLE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles and/or San Fernando Valley. House Call Practice, Doctor on maternity leave needs Podiatrist to assist with housecalls in San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles (310, 323 and 818 area codes). Must have own car and malpractice insurance. E-mail responses to Docrandi@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION--PHOENIX SUBURB

Attractive opportunity for enthusiastic, proficient, and personable associate. Well-established modern practice with multiple newer spacious offices, technology and equipment. Solid referral base, close to hospitals, knowledgeable certified staff. 22% MCR. Practice and surgical center partnership potential opportunity. Prefer 24-36+ PSR. Send CV: AZpodassociate@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Immediate Opening. Busy practice in prime suburban St. Louis location looking for a surgically trained associate, possible partner. Must be honest, ethical and hardworking. ABPS preferred, but not required. Please reply with CV and requirements to mdwrtw@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

1 Whitehall whirlpool JO 140, 1 Whitehall whirlpool P 15 M, 3 Bailey physiotherapy stools. Would prefer to sell as package, but will sell separately. Please respond to Bob Kornfeld, DPM at Holfoot153@aol.com or call 516-869-3338.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MID-EASTERN, NORTH CAROLINA

Potential partnership - Well-established and extremely respected single location practice. Small city east of Raleigh near coast with excellent fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities. Must be personable & motivated with strong surgical and medical skills. Prefer PSR-24/36 training with active (or in process of obtaining NC license). Send CV to ncfootankle@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSISSIPPI

Well established, busy, 3-doctor practice seeks PSR 12 or 24 trained podiatrist for associate position to fill vacancy of retiring member. East central location is a great area to raise a family and is a prime location for accessibility to several major cities. Competitive salary, benefits, and incentives. Partnership possible in 2 years to right individual. June - July start date. Applicant must be ethical, personable, and motivated. Please E-mail CV and letter of intent to shanegan@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES/SOUTH BAY AREA

Multi-office, multi-doctor, well-established practice near the beach cities. Seeking a board eligible/certified PSR-24 or PSR-36 trained foot and ankle surgeon. Well-rounded practice requiring knowledge in biomechanics, pediatrics, sports medicine, diabetic wound care, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Full-time position available immediately with generous compensation and benefits, including malpractice, and health insurance. Two-year commitment required with partnership opportunity. Send CV to akemfoot@sbcglobal.net or fax to (310) 838-0227

POSITION AVAILABLE-SOUTH FLORIDA/BROWARD COUNTY

Needs 2 or 3-year post surgical training in forefoot and rearfoot
Salary plus incentives Email responses to office email: advfoot@bellsouth.net

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Central California multi-location practice looking for PSR-36 associate leading to partnership. PSR-36 trained podiatrist with great opportunity for reconstructive surgical practice. Practice has Medicare-approved surgery center. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent salary and incentive. Respond to: westsidefoot@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR SOUTH MIAMI AREA

Large group, busy, multi-office, partner potential. Motivated applicants only. Mail resumes and letters of intent to 999 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. July start time OK, sooner preferable. E-mail lianadpm2@aol.com. I can also be reached at 305-331-4501.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

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