The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 31, 2012 #4,372 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NYCPM Gets 21st Century Library

In 2008, renovations to the NYCPM library began, and they finished in 2011. Due in part to the generosity of the Alumni Association, the NYCPM library got a fantastic makeover. The library was divided into a library and computer lab. Old carpeting was taken out and replaced with new carpet. New light fixtures were installed and new study desks were put in place of old desks. A nice addition to the library was the creation of a lounge furnished with sofas and a coffee table. 

NYCPM's new library boasts tables and spacious cubicles

Many individuals were important to the renovation process, including Thomas Walker, Director of Library Services. “I think the renovations have made the library brighter, cleaner, and really a more positive study environment,” Walker states. “It looks more modern and I think it has improved students’ attitudes to studying in the library.”

“The library is spacious and more welcoming, Lee Greenberg (2013) adds. “It is more 21st century.”

Source: Prema Hampapur, Student Alumni Report [Winter 2012]

TN Podiatrist Pens Book on Diabetic Amputation Prevention

Keep The Legs You Stand On is the first book written with a focus on diabetic patient education on foot health. It is a comprehensive guide to diabetic foot health and amputation prevention and has been endorsed by the thought leaders in the field, including David Armstrong, Vickie Driver, Howard Green, Cynthia Fleck, Laura Jacobs, Warren Joseph, Jay Lifshen, Jeffrey Robbins, Lee Rogers, and James Wrobel.  

Topics the book covers include: How diabetes affects the foot, who is at risk for amputation, who takes care of your feet, common foot problems, vascular and neurological diseases, foot ucers, wound care, footgear and socks, pychological aspects of the diabetic foot, costs associated with the diabetic foot, complementary  medicine, and foot care guidelines and resources.

National Venous Leg Ulcer Working Group Convenes in Texas

Renowned experts in the field of wound healing and venous disease convened in Dallas this weekend for a summit on reducing barriers to care and time to healing of venous ulcers. Venous ulcers affect about two million people per year in the United States alone, with many wounds remaining open for months or even years. "The fact is that most venous leg ulcers, through an interdisciplinary approach, can be treated successfully," said Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the University of Arizona's Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA). "The key is rapid diagnosis and care."

Drs. David Armstrong and William Marston

"Newer biologics, coupled with surgical intervention, as needed, can often speed healing or reduce the risk for recurrence", commented Dr. William Marston, Professor and Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of North Carolina. "What we need is to connect the dots between patients in need and the care they deserve."

IL Podiatrist and her Working Dogs

If you plan on visiting the Fischer/Lescak home, you have to get past Rudy first. “We don’t get a lot of solicitors,” Dr. Denise Fischer said with a smile. “He’s a deterrent based on his looks and bark. He would defend us if someone were hurting the family,” Fischer said. “That’s the shepherd instinct: ‘It’s my job to protect the flock.’” Rudy also comes indoors, where little Rascal, a terrier mix, presides.

Dr. Denise Fischer and her dog Rudy.

Rascal, who’s about 10, sometimes goes to work with Fischer, who is a podiatrist. “The seniors enjoy seeing her and fussing over her,” she said. In fact, Rascal has a trophy and ribbon from placing best in show at North Logan Health Care Center dog show several years ago, Fischer said. As a foot doctor, Fischer knows the value of walking, too. She added, “The dog park provides a simple, painless way to sneak in some exercise. Walking four laps around the big dog area is one mile."

Source: Mary Wicoff, Commercial-News [1/29/12]

DPMs Jumpstart 2012 at Record-Breaking NY Clinical Conference

The Foundation for Podiatric Medicine's annual clinical conference Jumpstart 2012 was, by leaps and bounds, an outstanding success.  On the streets of Times Square, temperatures were chilly, but inside the Marriott Marquis the exhibit halls were sizzling with over 160 podiatric vendors and 2,683 conference attendees – topping last year’s attendance of 2,626. 

A flurry of activity at the GoldenTicket event

Educational seminars, hands-on workshops, lectures and special events are the hallmark of this important educational experience. Saturday evening’s Golden Ticket event provided members of the podiatric profession from across the state and beyond, as well as conference sponsors, the opportunity to network in a social setting with live entertainment. Plans are already afoot for Step It Up, January 25-27, 2013 at the Marriott Marquis.

Query: Surgical Diabetic Fellowship?

A general surgeon in Saudi Arabia, with interest in the diabetic foot, wants to do a surgical diabetic fellowship or intensive 3-month course in the U.S with certification. Does anyone know a program which might fit his needs? 
 
Joseph Quattrone, DPM, Aseer Central Hospital, KSA

RE: Sammy EMR System (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: William A Sachs, DPM

I am a Sammy user and am very satisfied with their product and support. The billing system is terrific and their training is first class. They are available and very helpful. They also facilitated attesting for my incentive payment. My EMR training sessions were very informative and the trainer was instrumental in helping me build my templates. I highly recommend them.

William A Sachs, DPM, Shrewsbury, NJ, wmasachs@gmail.com

RE: FL Podiatrist Promotes Laser Surgery with Groupons
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

Groupon is a form of FEE SPLITTING. All doctors should be very cautious. Never undervalue your services. If you believe your services should be paid at a lower fee, why then lower your fees. Do not put yourself and our profession on the level of the local yogurt shop. Read this article  and then check with your attorney before you ever consider these deals. On the other hand, invest if you think that Groupon is a great service, then purchase the stock, as today it is 30% lower than its IPO price .
 
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@yahoo.com

RE: The Changing Face of Primary Care Medicine
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
This past week, I treated a patient for acute gout. He did well, but his primary care physician has him on allopurinol. Based on blood tests I ordered, his uric acid levels are still way too high. Rather than make any changes myself, I called the patient's primary care group first. I called three times, no response. The next day, I called again, and finally that afternoon, the doctor got back to me and told me to have the patient call for an appointment. Today, the patient came to me for follow-up and told me that he too has been calling the primary care group for an appointment and has had no luck in having them return his calls.
 
This is not the first time this has happened to me. More and more, primary care and primary care sub-specialty offices are being taken over by hospitals. As a result, the doctors are being forced to see many more patients per hour, and the total volume of patients is quite high. The physicians are salaried rather than on commission. There is no incentive for them to please either referring doctors or the patients. The front office staff at many of these offices has a lot to be desired. Has anyone experienced this in your own localities, and if so, how have you handled this evolving healthcare problem?
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: New MD Shoe Company Tells People to “Ditch Your Orthotic” (Kevin Kirby, DPM)
From: Mathew M. John, DPM
 
I guess as an orthotic wearer for the past 25 years, my body has been “harmed”, even though I have had relief from chronic tendonitis ever since wearing these “detrimental” devices. But I’m sure Dr. Kerrigan, MD would just have me wear one of her ‘attractive’ $195 shoes, and my life would be complete. Her shoe may be great for some patients but to turn a blind eye to past research on orthotic therapy and attack those who prescribe them stating that we are harming our patients is just plain negligent.
 
Mathew M. John, DPM, Marietta, GA, footdoc@afcenters.com

RE: Exparel Extended-Release Anesthetic (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM

Although I also have no experience with this product, I have used what used to be referred to many years ago as "supercaine" for long-lasting blocks in my rearfoot and ankle procedures. "Supercaine" is a mixture of Marcaine 0.5% with epinephrine and Pontocaine 1.0% plain.

I've gotten as much as 72 hours of anaesthesia with this combo and have never gotten less than 48 hours with its usage.

The downside of this is that: Pontocaine's toxic dose is...

Editor's Note: Dr. Secord's extended-length letter can be read here.

Codingline & PM News
In conjunction with AAPPM Present
The Greenbrier Coding & Practice Management Workshop - August 20-22
(Following the 2012 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC)  

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Speakers: Harry Goldsmith, John Guiliana, Barry Block, Michael Brody, Paul Kesselman, Jonathan Moore, Rem Jackson, Chad Schwarz, and other nationally-known authorities. 

Earlybird Bonus Until March 1 - Save $50 

Click Here for information or to Register

POSITION WANTED

ACFAS Fellow Board Certified in both Foot and Reconstructive Hindfoot/Ankle Surgery with 10 years of experience in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery seeking a good fit for part-time venture leading to long-term association or partnership. Excellent communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills and exceptional bedside manner. Skilled in seeing high patient volume. Contact njfootdoc123@gmail.com

 ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA

Emerald Coast on the North Shore of the Gulf of Mexico, a well-established group practice with multi-offices, seeking an associate with opportunity for partnership for a PSR-24/36 Doctor well-trained in foot/ankle/diabetic problems/wound care/surgical and medical podiatric care, covering 3 area hospitals, NO nursing homes. e-mail letter of interest, CV, and references to basewedge@yahoo.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 - 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.

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. 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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