The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 30, 2012 #4,371 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Wearing High Heels Can Cause Permanent Damage - CA Podiatrist

The pain you feel while walking in your 6-inch Louboutins and sky-high Prada pumps is a symptom of the real damage high heels may be doing to your body, new research finds. “The structure of the foot is just not meant to be crammed in the shoe that way,” Dr. Braxton Little, a podiatrist at the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA told ABC News. “It just puts the body in a very unnatural position.” 

Dr. Braxton Little

A first-of-its-kind study published last week in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that wearing high heels could lead to permanent damage of the calf muscles by increasing the mechanical strain on the muscles and shortening the muscles’ fibers, all thanks to the flexed, toes-pointed position of the feet that remains even after you kick off those stilettos.

Source: KVOR Radio (ABC) [1/27/12}

Many Patients Ignore Foot Pain: APMA Report

While nearly 70 percent of Americans say they want to be healthier five years from now, just 51 percent recognize that foot health can be a key to achieving that goal, according to a survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). 

Dr. Michael King

"Nearly eight in 10 adults have experienced some type of foot ailment in their lives. Yet despite the pain, close to three in 10 do nothing about it, simply choosing to live with their pain," says Dr. Michael King, a podiatrist and the president of APMA. "Meanwhile, more than half of those surveyed said they had endured foot pain at some point in their lives but have not sought treatment from a podiatrist," said King.

Source: WBAL [1/27/12]

Western Division Raises $2,500 for NYPAC

As this weekend's New York Clinical Conference began, The Western Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association started things off on the right foot by presenting a check for $2,500 to the New York Political Action Committee (NYPAC). NYPAC is currently lobbying the state legislature to increase the scope of practice. NY's practice law is currently antiquated and does not reflect the current education of training of today's podiatrists.

(L-R) Drs. Vito Rizzo (NYSPMA President), Lawrence Santi, Exec Dir. Len Thaler, Drs. Joseph Sciandra, and James Hanna.

Drs. James Hanna and Joseph Sciandra, representing the Western Division, have issued a challenge to all the other component divisions to match or exceed this donation so that New York State podiatrists will be able to perform the foot and ankle procedures that they were trained to do.  

FL Podiatrist Promotes Laser Surgery with Groupons

Deal seekers are turning to the Internet for more than just restaurant coupons. They're getting medical services at a fraction of the price. And people in Southwest Florida are cashing in. According to Dealradar.com, 1 in every 11 deals offered online is for a healthcare service.

Dr. Elliot Sherr

The deals are also helping those in need of procedures not covered by insurance. Dr. Eliot Sherr at Naples Foot Doctor sold about 70 Groupons for 3 laser toenail-fungus-removal treatments. "Toenail fungus is very, very difficult to treat," Maryellen Gardiepy of Naples Foot Doctor said. "The price of the Groupon was $199 to treat up to 5 toes. The regular price for 5 toes is $750."

Source: WINK TV [1/27/12)

Report Cites Lack of Data on Docs Quitting Medicare

Results released from a report commissioned last year by HHS' inspector general's office found that limited data prevented researchers from drawing any conclusions about why physicians opt out of Medicare. The results from Lack of Data Regarding Physicians Opting Out of Medicare (PDF), show the OIG failed to reach its original goal of finding why doctors chose to not participate in the program. Instead, it calls for more stringent CMS data requirements for physicians and non-physician practitioners who opted out of Medicare after Jan. 1, 2009.

“Specifically, we cannot determine the characteristics of physicians who opt out of Medicare, the trend in the number of opted-out physicians, and why physicians choose to opt out of Medicare,” the report stated. The researchers said they will move forward and conduct a full evaluation as initially proposed when the CMS acquires the proper data.

Source: Ashok Selvam, Modern Healthcare [1/27/12]

Query: Plantar Fascial Tears After Cipro?

I had a 60 y/o male patient today present with bilateral plantar fascial tears which he states started after taking Cipro for a UTI @ 8 days. He has some Achilles pain, but no evidence of rupture. He is convinced that the "Cipro caused the problem" and is angry at his PCP. I have a good referral relationship with the PCP and certainly do not want to "give fuel to the fire." The patient has a pes cavus foot with tight plantar fascias. He is not obese, and is fairly healthy. I know that there is PDR information on tendon/Achilles problems, but has anyone seen plantar fascial ruptures?

David Weiss, DPM, Richmond, VA

Query: Sammy EMR System

Last week, I attended the SAM convention in Orlando. Needing only a few credits, my main goal was to try to finalize my decision on an EMR system. As most of you who have researched EMR systems know, there are strong points to different systems. One of the systems that seems to do most tasks well, including the integration of charting and billing, is the Sammy EMR system. Can someone provide me with some input about the Sammy system, including customer support and ease of use by the doctor and staff?

Jack Ressler DPM, Lauderhill/Delray Beach, FL

RE: The Use of Uloric vs. Allopurinol in the Management of Gout (David J Kaplan, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

While I applaud the numerous postings on this issue, it may not be left to the podiatrist to determine whether Uloric or allopurinol is the drug of choice. I suggest there are two additional issues and a question to consider:

1) Uloric is a relatively new medication without the long track record of allopurinol. Perhaps, more time is required to determine whether Uloric or allopurinol is best in specific clinical situations;

2) The answer as to which drug is more effective may vary depending on...

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

RE: New MD Shoe Company Tells People to "Ditch Your Orthotics" (Kevin Kirby, DPM)
From: David E. Gurvis, DPM

Dr. Kerrigan had an idea, and she has capitalized on it, and will become rich and famous (okay, maybe just rich), and bad mouth everything else that she didn't invent, all for the almighty dollar. And in pursuit of the dollar, she is willing to exacerate the effectiveness of her shoe. Her shoe will work for pronators, for supinators, rigid feet, flexible feet, and probably also relieve the heartbreak of psoriasis.

She probably does believe in her concept fervently, almost religiously, as did Kelso with the Earth Shoe, and whoever invented the Z-Coil shoe. Religious zealots never compromise. Their approach cures and/prevents...

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

RE: The Passing of Harold Marquit, DPM
From: Arthur Gudeon, DPM

Dr. Marquit was a true podiatry icon. I remember him fondly through many NYSPMA Houses of Delegates, NY Clinical Conferences, and other meetings. I was always impressed with his knowledge, and more so his warmth towards anyone he dealt with. He loved his involvement in the politics of podiatry, and was an excellent NYSPMA President. I think he even more loved his rapport with his students and the podiatry residency he directed for many years. Harold will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and my personal condolences go out to his terrific family.

Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY

RE: Mrs. Malaprops Returns

I had a patient yesterday stating she has "corporal" tunnel syndrome.

Jeff Mennuti, DPM, Orange City, FL, dr.mennuti@gmail.com

PRACTICES WANTED TO BUY / POSITION LEADING TO BUYOUT- NEW JERSEY

Young personable podiatrist looking for a well-rounded practice. I have experience in all aspects of podiatry including wound care, surgery, biomechanics. Transition period of retiring doctor would be a plus. Please send all interests to: buniondoc7@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS - SUBURBAN NORTH DALLAS 

Great opportunity for the right individual. Seeking well-trained (PSR 24+), ethical, hard-working, motivated individual. Full scope of podiatry including office, hospital and surgery center work.  Partnership opportunity available. Well-rounded practice with competitive salary/benefits package. Please send letter of intent, CV and current photo to dpmposition@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBAN AREA

Medical-surgical podiatry practice seeking well-trained individual to work full-time with future partnership opportunity. PSR-36 a minimum. Send CV to feetdpm@yahoo.com

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, homes, office, etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com or call Terri at 323-353-8103.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

I'm not just looking for an associate. I am looking for a doctor who wants to build a highly successful career with a doctor who is as committed to their success as he is to his own. Go to www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com to find out about this opportunity.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY

Full time associate position available with well rounded multi-office group on Long Island. Ideal position for July 2012 graduating third year resident who wants to practice and live on Long Island. Candidates must be board qualified or board certified, and well trained in all phases of podiatry including surgery, biomechanics, wound care and palliative care. Compensation includes salary,malpractice insurance, paid vacations and surgical incentives, with a future partnership opportunity available for the right candidate. Interested doctors are encouraged to submit their CV's in response to: mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking motivated, independent foot & ankle surgeon to join large practice. Our multi office practice covers all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, including heavy limb salvage/ hospital volume. Offering competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV and two references to: bleich5252@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to partnership for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be PSR-24 or PM&S-36 trained. Excellent salary w bonus. Must be ethical, self-starter, hard worker. Willingness to learn/work as part of a team. Surgery Block time. Must be proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Email CV, photo, LOI to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK
 
WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ORANGE COUNTY)

Strong & diverse local economy, in a beautiful beach community. Well rounded, established since 1983, fully equipped. Consistently grossing over $600K. Many types of insurance, reimbursement and revenue sources. Local hospitals allow full scope of podiatric care. Terms available. Contact:josephdpm@gmail.com

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

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