The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 25, 2010 #3,762 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2010- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Barefoot Runners Must Increase Mileage Gradually: AZ Podiatrist

Runners intrigued by going barefoot must build up very gradually, says David Jenkins, a podiatrist and professor at Midwestern University in Glendale. "Even experienced runners who have gone out and started barefoot running can get hurt," he says.

Dr. David Jenkins

In theory, running barefoot can improve muscle strength in the foot and make the gait more efficient, reducing injuries. But Jenkins says people must be aware of the dangers: blunt trauma (like stubbing your toe), glass, insects, infectious agents and thermal injuries from surfaces that are too hot or too cold. 
 
Source: Arizona Republic [1/24/10]

FPMA Installs New Officers

The Florida Podiatric Medical Association has installed its new officers at the 70th Annual Meeting, held at the Scientific and Management Meeting (SAM) in Orlando, FL. Elected were:

Dr. Terence McDonald

President: Terence D. McDonald, DPM
1st Vice President: Robert A, Iannacone, DPM
2nd Vice President: Samir S. Vakil, DPM
Treasurer: John Baker, DPM
Secretary: Maria Noll, DPM

NY Podiatrist Part of Trauma Team in Haiti

A team of physicians arrived Tuesday morning at a place, thousands of miles from the cool operating rooms and sophisticated machinery of home, where they cut bone with saw blades from a hardware store, observed the rhythm of patients' breathing to judge whether they had been given enough anesthesia, and operated without the benefit of x-rays or monitoring equipment.
 

Dr. Gary Sherman in Haiti

"We got there seven days after the earthquake, everything was infected, people were dying," said Dr. Mark Sherman, director of orthopedic surgery at RUMC, who after watching the wrenching images of devastation on television, quickly put together a team, including his brother, Dr. Gary Sherman, director of podiatry at the hospital; his son, Dr. Seth Sherman, an orthopedic resident at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, and others.

Source: Deborah E. Young, Staten Island Real-Time News [1/22/10]

NJ Podiatrist Arrested for Violating Terms of Probation

Jersey City police charged a suspended Parsippany doctor with practicing without a license yesterday after he performed a foot exam on an undercover state agent. The Police Department arrested Dr. Farid Hakimi, a podiatrist, inside an apartment on John F. Kennedy Boulevard as part of a joint investigation with the state Attorney General's Office's Division of Consumer Affairs' Enforcement Bureau.

Hakimi was practicing on a probationary license that required him to have a female chaperone present. Police said he conducted the foot exam on the agent without anyone else present. The bureau routinely checks on doctors whose licenses are suspended or restricted. The state Board of Medical Examiners suspended Hakimi's license for five years on May 3, 2006 after a state Administrative Law judge found he "unnecessarily and inappropriately exposed and touched the naked body of a female patient" in August 2001.

Source: Melissa Hayes, Jersey City Journal (NJ) [1/23/10]

FPMA SAM 10’ Meeting is Another Unqualified Success

Although the U.S. is mired in a deep recession, you’d never know it from attendance at this year’s FPMA Scientific and Management (SAM) meeting. Attendence topped 800 podiatrists and 180 exhibitors. Attendees enjoyed a spectacular mix of world-class scientific and practice management presentations, as well as fun-filled functions.

(L-R) Drs. Barney Greenberg, Joseph Strickand, Robert  Frimmel, Donald Popper, Timothy Tillo, and Dennis Frisch

Kudos for this well-organized and run meeting go to FPMA’s Convention Committee: Dennis R. Frisch, DPM, Barney A. Greenberg, DPM, Timothy H. Tillo, DPM, Joseph H. Strickland, DPM, Robert Frimmel, DPM (Scientific Chairman), Donald J. Popper, DPM, Dinah P. Cox, and staff.

Query: Physician Executive MBA Programs

Is anyone aware of programs that admit DPMs for a physician executive MBA? The few I found wanted MD/DO degrees.

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX

RE: Insurance Audits
From: Larry Kobak, DPM, JD

As a healthcare attorney, frequently called upon to negotiate settlements with health insurance companies, I can tell you that I agree that you should not cave in and write a check at the insurance company’s first demand. Your demand might come from a location in another state. They might be unaware of your state’s rules that govern an insurance audit.

For example, in NY, unless the issue is fraud or abuse, the insurance company (not a union) may only go back 2 years, not 6 years, in claims they feel were improperly paid. How the amounts are determined vary as your fee schedules change, sometimes several times a year. Are you participating or non-par? What are the terms of your contract as to your rights in an audit? What rules govern?

Larry Kobak, DPM, JD, Brooklyn, NY, lkobak@optonline.net

RE: Practice Websites (Mark K. Johnson DPM)
From: Larry Kosova, DPM

The website is a snapshot of your practice. In today’s medical and marketing world, not having a website makes your practice seem non-updated and not technically advanced. Patients will equate your website with your practice being both current medically and technically. All websites should have:
 
1. A clean professional look and feel. Look at dental and plastic surgery websites for ideas.
2. Your practice name and practice demographics.
3. Directions to your office; most will want to look you up right there and then with your location on a map via Google maps or the like.
4. Practical information about the top 10 conditions that you treat.
5. Practice information about your and your staff.
6. Pictures and videos are great for keeping your website attractive and informative, but things like videos can always be added later on.
7. The proper keywords and location words. Your copy is key to having good content and getting your website rated higher. Use  google.com/analytics/ and have your web person help you make the best decision.
8. Ease of navigating. Use your patients to help you make decisions and suggestions. Let them take the site for a “test run” before your launch.
9. Little or no flash or animations in order to keep initial costs down.
10. Room for growth. Ask what it costs to add an extra page later on.
 
Larry Kosova DPM, Chicago, IL, lkosova@yahoo.com

RE: Ingenix Chart Review (Al Kline, DPM)
From: Ron Werter, DPM

My understanding of the Ingenix risk management reviews are that they are not reviewing you at all. What I've been told by a medical director and one of the review supervisors on separate occasions is that they are trying to pick up additional diagnoses so the insurance company can get paid more by Medicare. The managed care insurance companies get reimbursed from Medicare more depending on the number of high risk Dx's they have.

The chart reviewer is looking for a Dx they may not know about (as if we know something the PCP doesn't).  I have had a number of these chart reviews involving the managed care companies, and I have never gotten a request for money afterwards. They seem to be especially interested in the Dx, and that your signature is dated.
 
Ron Werter, DPM, New York, NY, Hawkeyedpm@aol.com

RE: Mark M. Levine, DPM
FROM: Multiple Respondents

I am devastated to hear about Mark's passing. Mark was a classmate of mine. He was always good for a chuckle and a smile. He was a man of character and championed causes for this profession that he was passionate about. Mark Levine was a true mensch. He will be missed.
 
Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY

I am very grateful for knowing Dr. Mark Levine. He always was friendly and I will miss him

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY

I am truly saddened by the loss of my friend. teacher, and mentor Dr. Levine. I had the pleasure to be one of his residents at Jamaica Hospital. He was a great attending who truly cared about podiatry. He was a father/uncle figure to me; someone who gave all of us hope and zeal to hang in there. I remember sitting through journal clubs, which he volunteered to spearhead, just to teach us more. All he asked for was some coffee from the stand outside of the hospital.

Even after I finished my residency, he was there for me. Countless times, I called him regarding insurance companies, Medicare, and just plain old practice advice. Countless times, his advice got me through. He loved being a teacher, an attending and a friend. I will miss you Mark. My condolences to his lovely family.

Mak Yousefpour, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Full-time/Part-time podiatrist needed for a busy nursing home practice. Please send inquiries to debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSOURI

Expanding multi-location practice seeks motivated individual to contribute to growth. Practice enjoys strong reputation and name recognition. Prefer candidates with interest in partnership opportunity. Established locations available for PSR 24+ and includes incentive comp with benefits/coverage. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com or call John Murray at 314.842.3875

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND (Kensington/Rockville/Silver Spring) 

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 – 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

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

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.