The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 24, 2013 #4,673 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Half of Bunion Patients Opt for Surgery: Maryland Podiatrist

Doctors typically recommend non-surgical remedies as a first recourse for bunions. This can include a different kind of padding in shoes, orthotic insoles, and ensuring that you're wearing a shoe that is wide enough and not too high, says Dr. Gary Pichney, a surgical podiatrist at the Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Dr. Gary Pichney

While such approaches can reduce discomfort and may prevent a bunion from getting worse, they don't correct the condition. Pichney says about half of his patients end up opting to do surgery.

Source: foxnews.com via Wall Street Journal [1/23/13]

2 NYCPM Faculty Keynote At International Podology Congress in Mexico

NYCPM Faculty members Anthony Iorio, DPM, MPH, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Community Health and Medicine, and Assistant Dean for Continuing Medical Education, and Peter Barbosa, PhD, Professor of Pre-Clinical Sciences, had the honor and privilege of serving as keynote speakers at the XXIV International Congress of Podology held in Mexico City recently. 

(L-R) Dr. Anthony Iorio, podologist Arturo Sosa de la Pena, Dr. Peter Barbosa, and podologist Manuel Moreno de Castro (from Madrid)

This annual event is organized by the Mexican Federation of Podologists and Podiatrists. Dr. Barbosa spoke on plantar warts in the HIV-positive population, and Dr. Iorio lectured on wound healing and onychomycosis. The event was attended by approximately 100 practicing Mexican podologists from many states within Mexico. The three-day conference was a great success, and future events are currently being planned.

NCFAS Announces 2013 Basil Tucker Scholarship Award Recipients

The North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society (NCFAS) has announced the Basil M. Tucker Scholarship Fund award recipients: Meredith Leigh Ward, Des Moines University (Daughter of Phillip Ward, DPM and Robin Dunlap), and Eldon C. Peters, Temple University (Son of David Peters and Carol Reid). Each will receive a one-time award. The scholarship is available to third- and fourth-year podiatry students of any college of podiatric medicine whose permanent residence is within North Carolina.

Meredith Leigh Ward and Eldon C. Peters

Eligibility is based upon need, grade point average, and class rank. Applications are available by contacting the executive director. The scholarship honors the memory of Basil M. Tucker, DPM, who passed away in 1998. Dr. Tucker served as president of the North Carolina Podiatric Medical Association in 1956. His son, David B. Tucker, DPM, chairs the scholarship committee.

IL Podiatrist Appointed to State Licensing Board

Dr. Joseph S. Borreggine, Past-President of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) was appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to the Illinois Podiatry Licensing Board effective Jan 23, 2013. He has been appointed for a three-year term.

Dr. Joseph Borreggine

Dr. Borreggine has practiced in Charleston and Effingham, IL area since 1992 and graduated with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1988 from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL. Borreggine has been avidly involved with the IPMA for many years, serving not only as president but also on many board level postitions. He currently serves as the chair for the IPMA Health Care Advisory Committee.

NJ Podiatrist Receives Person of the Year Award

The Montvale Chamber of Commerce awarded its annual "Person of the Year" award to Dr. Bill Greco for his many years of service to the Montvale community.

Dr. William Greco (4th from right) receives award (Photo: Scott Forman)

Dr. Greco graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1985. He is on staff at Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester, Westchester Medical Center, and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center.

Source: Pascack Valley Community Life [1/17/13]

CMS Reduces Value of Nail Trimming by 50 Percent

CMS has announced that they have reduced the value for CPT 11719, trimming of non-dystrophic nails, any number, by 50 percent.

Source: APMA Weekly Focus [1/23/13]

Query: PTTD Surgery

A 75 year-old healthy female with PTTD had a tendon repair with transfer a couple of years ago performed by a local orthopedist. This did not result in an acceptable situation. The patient still requires a BK double upright brace—many have been tried. A triple was originally planned for her as a rescue procedure.

PTTD

I am thinking that a TN arthrodesis may give this elderly lady enough symptom relief while avoiding the trauma of a triple. Unlike a standard triple, I start with the TN joint and see how that brings the calcaneus into a better position with hopes of not needing to fuse the posterior facet or c/c joint. There is moderate posterior facet arthritis, but clinically, that is not where this patient's pain originates. Comments are welcome.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

Query: Patient Safety and HIPAA Privacy Laws

My secretary knows a patient both professionally and from outside work. Yesterday, she called the patient who was obviously and grossly confused. My secretary wants to call the children and tell them that their mother is in a dangerous situation by herself due to her confused state. When asked, the patient refused permission to speak with her family.

As a medical office, if the family was called, would that violate HIPAA privacy laws?

David Gurvis DPM Avon, IN

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Here's what The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says: "... if a physician reasonably believes that disclosing information about an incompetent elderly individual to the individual’s personal representative would endanger that individual, the Privacy Rule permits the physician to decline to make such disclosure."

RE: Sharon Diaz, CaFFE Student Scholarship Fund
From: David Mullens, DPM

Sharon Diaz, the President and CEO of Samuel Merritt University, saved podiatric medical education in California at a time when our future was not certain. And as though rescuing us from the edge of the abyss wasn't enough, she has since suffered through literally thousands of hours of meetings with various podiatrists/podiatric groups in order to steer the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) ship in the right direction. Well, now we have the perfect opportunity and the perfect way to say "thank you."

As of 2013, Sharon is celebrating 40 years of service at SMU. If you ask her how she would like to be honored for this milestone moment, she will reply by asking you to...

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

RE: Be Prepared for Healthcare Changes - Part 3
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM

To move forward on this topic, I would like to disclaim that I am not "expert" on this subject, but rather one who is a "forward thinker." I have not begun to change how I practice podiatry, or even implemented the suggestions that I have made in the last two posts. But, we are and will be progressing in the next few years to a modified “cash-based practice” and become very selective on whom we see and treat. Our participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and other managed care entities will continue, but over time, these types of patients will be few and far between.

We are looking for a more "select" patient population that has a more healthy and progressive outlook on foot care. The "entitled" patient mentality and expectation for healthcare delivery make us enslaved to an insurance company. We cannot continue to...

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

RE: Tetanus Injection and toxoid Codes (David J. Freedman, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
Dr. Freedman writes that if a person presents with an acute wound with possible exposure to tetanus, if he or she has been immunized within the last five years,  a tetanus booster is indicated. He further states that if the patient has never been immunized for tetanus, then the protocol is an initial injection, then another a month later, and then a third injection 6-8 months later.
 
From a scope of practice perspective, I can fully understand why we should give the first injection after a puncture wound to the foot since there is a very limited window of opportunity to effectively vaccinate such individuals, and time is of the essence. Would the second and third injections be out of scope for podiatry, and should we turn the patient over to his or her family physician for the rest of the injections? Secondly, the recommended booster today is the one that not only vaccinates against tetanus but whooping cough (pertussis). Would there be a legal problem with giving the combined vaccine? The obvious question would be whether there would be any scope of practice violations if we were to administer the combined vaccine?
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Wearing Extra Socks can be Problematic: KY Podiatrist
From: Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM

I think the problem of wearing extra socks lies in the activity and the types of socks combined. Those of us who participate in winter sports can benefit from a layered approach in socks. For years, I have worn a thin polypropylene or silk liner sock under a heavier wool blend or polar fleece sock in my pac boots (I am an avid dog musher). 

I have never had issues with blisters, and my feet stay warm and dry even when wearing the same boots and socks for several days. I also recommend this combination to my patients whether they are skiing, snowshoeing, or just want warm, dry feet in winter. So far, for almost 30 years, I've not had anyone complain about blisters. I think this approach works best in heavier hiking and snow boots, and less in running and tennis shoes.
 
Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM, Coeur d'Alene, ID, jarnolddpm3@frontier.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PINPOINTE LASER

Used PinPointe Laser for sale!  $16,500.00 Firm. Please send email to dman1hansen@gmail.com or call 801-870-4161

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

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WESTERN SUBURBS OF PHILADELPHIA

General practice with minimal managed care. Older routine care population mixed well with younger group of new patients. I am moving to an orthopedic practice and will no longer be doing routine care or surgery. Looking for someone to take over practice that is 3 days/week seeing 55-70 patients per week. Need sale ASAP. Please respond with interest to podpractice.2013@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARIETTA, GA

An associate is needed for a dynamic practice located in Marietta, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. We are looking for a well trained, motivated and personable candidate. This is a great practice opportunity. 2 years or more of a surgical residency is required and practice experience is a bonus. Our office has a licensed and certified surgical center.This is a modern practice with ultrasound, digital x-ray and EMR. We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with potential for partnership. Please e-mail your cover letter, curriculum vitae, letter of references and picture to light@eastcobbfoot.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Office and Hospital-based Podiatry group is seeking a highly trained, "high powered" surgical associate to compliment our 4 doctor group. Minimum PSR 36 trained with Rearfoot Reconstructive experience is required. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package along with amazing working environment. Please forward cover letter and CV to drsteinberg@mynewfeet.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 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 - PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS

Seeking top-notch, motivated candidate with excellent clinical & surgical training to join established, well regarded practice with full spectrum of podiatric care. Great opportunity for the right person. Please respond to poddoc2@aol.com with Resume & CV and any references.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – FENTON, MICHIGAN

Looking for a well-trained, entrepreneurial-minded podiatrist to add to a busy modern practice.(EHR, Digital x-ray, Diagnostic U.S., etc.) Looking for long term associate for growing practice. Please send CV with cover letter to Stephanie@FentonFootCare.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley. Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.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.

PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN/SURGEON - CHICAGO AND SUBURBS

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons is searching for a full-time podiatric physician/surgeon. Prefer ABPS qualified/certified with experience in private practice. Great benefit package and partnership opportunities. Please send letter of interest, CV to dr.tcarr@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.

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 – 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking ,fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL, NJ

Busy podiatric practice in Central NJ with all aspects of foot care, diabetes, wound care, surgery, EMR, X-ray & PADNET. Seeking FT/PT practitioner, who i honest and motivated. Computer skills and board qualified helpful. Competitive salary and benefits. Fax CV to 732-244-3890.

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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlatnicpodiatry.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 - VA (SOUTH CENTRAL)

Thirty year established practice seeking associate. PSR 24/36 training, must be highly motivated, personable, ethical and willing to provide all aspects of podiatric care. Early partnership opportunity with potential ownership. Competitive salary and benefits. Excellent opportunity for a successful career. Please send CV to footcare2020@aol.com or fax to 804 733-5946.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package with partnership opportunity. Reply with letter, CV and photo to Jagerone@aol.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

RESDENCY 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.

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 

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. 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.

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