The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 04, 2011 #4,081 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL, TX Podiatrists Elected into NAP

Robert Smith, DPM, MSc, RPh, of Ormond Beach, FL, and Javier la Fontaine, MS, DPM, of Temple, TX have been elected as Distinguished Practioners in the National Academies of Practice within the Podiatric Medicine Academy. Becoming a Distinguished Practioner within National Academies of Practice is an honor that acknowledges outstanding achievements.

(L-R) Drs. Robert G. Smith and Javier la Fontaine

Membership in each of the 10 different medical academies represented within National Academies of Practice is limited to only 150 active distinguished practitioners or scholars at any one time. Only the most distinguished professionals in each profession are considered for nomination and election.

Temple and CSPM Partner for Children's Shoe Study

The Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG), a leading provider of premier children's footwear, officially unveiled today the findings of the Stride Rite-commissioned multi-phase study, "The Effects of Shoe Design on Children Learning to Walk," to date the most in-depth research on children's feet ever conducted.

(L-R) Drs. Jinsup Song and Paul Scherer

The study was conducted over a two-year period in partnership with the Leon Root, MD Motion Analysis Laboratory at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City (in partnership with Jinsup Song, DPM, of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and Paul Scherer, DPM of the California School of Podiatric Medicine) and reveals that placing children in proper fitting, ultra-flexible shoes results in less stumbles and falls when learning to walk. These results can be attributed to a shoe's minimal, ultra-flexible outsole with rounded edges, hence mimicking the foot's natural shape and a sole that provides high sensory feedback or possibly better proprioception.

ME Podiatrist Facing Cocaine Charge Closes Office

Dr. John Perry, who was charged with violating bail conditions and cocaine possession in November, has closed his Portland podiatrist practice. Patients of Perry, who practiced at the Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center on Congress Street, are being referred to other doctors since Perry closed his office on Dec. 31.

Perry, 49, of Cumberland, faces a hearing Feb. 9 at Cumberland County Superior Court. At the time of his November arrest Perry was free on bail on a charge of drunken driving April 4 on Interstate 295 in South Portland. Perry has been the target of an investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Source: Beth Quimby, Portland Press Herald [2/2/11]

Senate Rejects Reform Repeal; Measure to Kill 1099 Provision Okayed

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a Republican-sponsored amendment to repeal last year's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had introduced the amendment, a measure that was identical to the healthcare reform repeal bill that the U.S. House of Representatives passed late last month. Had the Senate amendment passed, it would have been attached to an air traffic safety bill. The Republican-sponsored measure required 60 votes in the Senate, but fell short with a final tally of 51 senators voting against it and 47 senators supporting it.

One of the law’s mandates that many have found burdensome—the contentious 1099 reporting provision—was the topic of another Senate vote on Wednesday. The Senate voted 81 to 17 to approve Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) amendment to repeal that provision in the law, which requires American businesses to file a form with the Internal Revenue Service for every vendor with which they conduct transactions worth $600 or more.

Source: Jessica Zigmonf, Modern Healthcare [2/2/11]

Query: Replacement for Stat-Wrap

I have been notified that the self-adherent gauze known as Stat-Wrap will no longer be available for purchase. It has been my bandange of choice for 20 years. I am not sure whether production has stopped or if it is just not available in the U.S. Does anyone know of an equivalent self-adherent gauze?
 
R. D. Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL

RE: Radiographs and Plantar Fasciitis (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Randall Brower, DPM

X-rays should always be obtained on patients presenting with symptoms likely consistent with plantar fasciitis for a number of reasons.  Assessment of bone and joint architecture on physical and radiographic exam is essential in determining etiology so I can tailor treatment more precisely and effectively. But more importantly...if it is a calcaneal tumor or stress fracture, which are uncommon but nonetheless important to rule out, an injection  into that area could most definitely precipitate a frank fracture or cortical weakening around a tumor. 

Explaining to a plaintiff's attorney why you didn't obtain a simple test at your disposal before injecting a potential accelerant would be extremely difficult. I agree, defensive medicine isn't fun when we see p.f. all the time. I know, however, that I've treated for a month or so what I thought was plantar fasciitis, only to find out that it was a stress fracture. A simple explanation to patients why an x-ray is an important part of the work-up gives them and me confidence in determining treatment protocol, and keeps the plaintiff's attorney from building a fourth garage onto his summer home.

Randall Brower, DPM, Peoria, AZ, footdoctor33@yahoo.com

RE: Repair Companies for PDM and MTI Chairs (Jane Ferris)
From: Ryan Crothers

The best option is to contact the distributor you purchased the equipment from. They will forward information, possible part numbers, estimated cost for repair vs. buying new, etc. Your other option is to contact the manufacturer directly (in this case MTI, Inc.) and they will connect you to their nationwide network of repair technicians. Specifically, the MTI authorized repair company in the Baltimore area is Eastern Medical Technologies in Fallston, MD; Phone: (410)877-0404.

Ryan Crothers, Henry Schein, ryan.crothers@henryschein.com

RE: Universal Training of Podiatrists and Parity (Luke Hunter, PS4)
From: Simon Young, DPM, Dennis Shavelson, DPM

Luke Hunter makes some valid comments. Although the current generation might have a feeling of entitlement, it is not the reason for our social ills, and this topic can be discussed for an eternity. The concept that my generation causing this economic debacle has some validity, but we can never look 20 years ahead and make decisions. Granted greed did accelerate the process but in fact, two wrongs don't make a right. Greed engrosses all generations.

We are in a different era, and the students must take  these comments seriously. You are still young and relatively professionally naive. Try to be aware and incorporate these criticisms whenever possible; believe me you will benefit. The intent is not to demean but elicit positive change. There are many people interested in your and our future success. Your future is more at stake than mine is. You have enormous contributions to make to society and your profession, as well as enormous debts. You need to create an environment to allow you to earn a reasonable living.

Simon Young, DPM, NY, NY, simonyoung@juno.com.

We were warned about HMOitis, the insurance company and Pharm industry agendas painting us as greedy, uncaring, egotistical, and selfish - while wooing us with dinners and pens that provided their current unprecedented success. Add to that the real need for the government to reduce rising healthcare costs, and there is truth in Dr. Hunter’s assertion that we let it happen.

That shouldn’t offset the need for the younger generation’s need to take the baton and run with a new, pro-active podiatry agenda instead of sitting idly by as we did. In fact, we are once again dividing between operative and non-operative, in-plan vs. out-of-network, three yr. residency vs. less. Just as in politics, soft polarization of a people produces growth and positive change, but division causes decay down to our moral fibers that is very difficult to repair.

In any crisis, “the leaders that brought us into the crisis will not be the ones to carry us out." It remains up to those in my generation both vocal or silent about HMOitis along with those willing to be vocal who hail from the younger generation of foot specialists to unite, write and apply a new agenda for our future without the input of the insurance or pharm industries' pens. Otherwise, the next generation of DPM’s may be a middle-class profession. Years ago, I called our profession “ostriches with their heads buried in the sand.” I wonder if we, united, can rise up to a new “Golden Age of Podiatry”.

Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, drsha@lifestyelpodatry.com

RE: Providing Post-op Care (Justin Sussner, DPM, Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I am sure there will be a difference in opinion, but I think Dr. Sussner, you are better off not getting involved. There is more risk than there is benefit here. If anything goes bad here, the blame can potentially be placed on you. You did not mention what type of surgery is being done. Still, I would stay away. I had a friend's father who lives in Florida and was visiting in NY and wanted me to do a bunion surgery on him before he went home. Meaning, I would not see him in follow-up. I told him if he could not stay for follow-up, I would not do the surgery.

Similarly, if I am going on vacation or to a conference out of town, I do not schedule surgeries right before those events. I am sure there are those who will disagree, however, since you raised the question, listen to your instincts, which appear to be telling you to punt. You can't always be the nice guy; sometimes you have to be the smart guy, and that is protecting yourself. Let us know what you decided.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

While I agree, in principle, with Drs. Markinson and Ribotsky, I can envision scenarios where one surgeon may not have a comfort level providing the post-op care of another. Doing so represents a good-will gesture, for both patient and primary surgeon, who, on occasion, through no fault of their own, may find a post-op surgery patient wandering outside their service area. If the situation were reversed, you'd appreciate and expect a colleague to provide that post-op care to avoid your result being compromised.

However, if a patient knowingly chooses another surgeon, and...

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

RE: Employee Embezzlement (Name Withheld)
From: Ken Meisler, DPM, Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

I suggest that doctors switch as many of their insurance payments to direct deposit rather than receiving checks. The fewer checks that you receive in the mail decrease the number of checks that can be stolen. Also, it cuts down on office staff time, bank fees, and possibly lost checks. I have many of my insurance companies deposit directly into my checking account.

Ken Meisler, DPM, NY, NY, kenmeisler@aol.com

Podiatrists who endure the extremely unfortunate situation of a trusted employee financial embezzlement should also look for drug and controlled substance diversion. Employees can be exceedingly clever about such diversion, either for personal use, for outside sale, or for use by a relative. This can have very serious consequences for the podiatrist, because they too can come under "suspicion" by authorities. It is also possible for the errant employee to lie and claim that he/she was taking part in a conspiracy authored by YOU to divert drugs. Federal investigators will always investigate such claims seriously, and it is possible for your name to get into the paper...or worse.

If such a diversion is found, you should contact your attorney immediately on how to proceed. You will eventually report that to authorities, but you should do it under the advice and methodology advised by your attorney. Above all, look out for stolen prescription pads. Those should be kept under lock and key, anyway. You can contact local pharmacies to see if there has been a recent up-take of prescriptions for controlled substances from your practice. Believe me, they will know.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: APMA Takes Swift Action on Defamatory Video
From: Paul J. Liswood, DPM, Rovert Bijak, DPM

I read with great interest the transcript of the defamatory remarks against our profession by this orthopedic surgeon. My first thoughts were that of pride that we have come so far that these remarks sound ridiculous. But we should not forget where we came from. In the past, many podiatrists found it difficult practicing because patients were advised by their primary care doctors not to see podiatrists for surgery or other problems. Many patients would prefer to see orthopedists or dermatologists for their foot pathology because they were “medical doctors.” Still, to this day, there are patients and MD’s who will not see or refer to podiatrists. But it is changing.

Thankfully, our profession had leaders...

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

I am indebted to Dr. Purdy for providing us with the transcript of the video, otherwise I wouldn't have known the content. I had decided not to watch another reminder of medicine's view of podiatry. I had expected a wildly prejudiced statement, but found I couldn't honestly disagree with the majority of what the MD said, except for two points: that we are not well regulated (unless he means the disparity in scope throughout the U.S.), and that we are in the line of chiropractors and acupuncturists. He is correct in saying we are considered paramedical.

He's correct that we didn't go to medical school (traditional) and we are not MD's. He's also correct that...

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

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Busy office in Long Beach, CA is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatrist to join their busy office. Applicants must have completed a surgical residency program and must have exceptional skills in all aspects of podiatry especially rear-foot surgery, sports medicine and biomechanics. Send letter of interest and CV to footman991@gmail.com

TEXAS- WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY!

Successful multi-office, multi-professional practice seeks well-trained new and established Podiatric Physicians with expertise in one of these areas: 1. Sports Medicine/Biomechanics/Gait Analysis, 2. Podopediatrics, 3. Diabetic Specialist, 4. Ankle & Rearfoot Surgery/Ankle Arthroscopy. A must to be really good in this niche, be outgoing, motivated, and personable with a dedicated hard working ethical desire to become successful. Send resume and letter of intent to sierrajip@gmail.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO/INDIANA

PrimeSource Healthcare, a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created a need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Ohio/Indiana. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to Kris Wright, kwright@pshcs.com. 847-580-5960. Visit us at pshcs.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Douglas Richie, DPM is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatric physician to join his two office practice located in North Orange County, California. Applicants must have completed a 3-year residency program and must have exceptional skills in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and podiatric biomechanics. This is a salaried position with a goal of long-term buy-in for equity ownership. Send letter of interest and CV to drichiejr@aol.com

SHOCKWAVE MACHINE FOR SALE

D-Actor 200 by Storz Medical. High Frequency Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) System. A little over a year old, excellent results for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Must sell; practice merger. Selling for $18,000 (new machine >30K) Will include onsite training if necessary. Email footdoc21@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER

Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for fungus toe nail infections Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

Two lightly-used microvas units, 16-lead machines (included) , $7,000 each or best offer for both. Great therapy modality: edema, neuropathy pain, increases peripheral flow, increase soft tissue healing. Great practice from vascular surgeons sending patients for treatment, pays for itself. Unit will come with the charger. jhalvorsen@familyfootandlegcenter.com

BOSTON UNIVERSITY LIMB PRESERVATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Boston University Medical Center has a accredited fellowship position. Become an expert in Limb Preservation, Tissue Repair and Regeneration. Be part of this unique Fellowship at a major teaching facility. During this time, you would be expected to become a knowledgeable expert who will contribute significantly to research, surgical procedures, teaching, and innovation. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Erin Springhetti erin.springhetti@bmc.org and  Dr. Vickie Driver Vickie.driver@bmc.org or if questions call 617-414 6821.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SW LOUISIANA 
 
Only full-time podiatrist in city of 30,000. Great economic base of oil refineries and numerous petrochemical companies as well as riverboat casinos. Located in sportsman’s paradise. Practice comes with 2600 sq. ft. office building and all supplies. 7 area hospitals. Reasonably priced. Contact FINANCING AVAILABLE peshdpm@pol.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS 
 
Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share with DPM and chiropractor, 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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

SPACE AVAILABLE - BRANSON, MO

Great opportunity to develop a podiatry practice in a four condominium Branson office building with a growing ophthalmology practice along with a well established optometry practice and a multi-disciplinary ambulatory surgery center in Branson, a top ten retirement destination.The available condominium is a grey box so it can be build out to specifications. Rental and/or ownership options are available for this condominium. Practice development financing and ASC ownership available for the right doctor. Great schools and affordable lakeside or golf course living available. Contact Dr. James Bureman @ jbureman@missourieye.com or 417-861-5839

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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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