The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 10, 2012 #4,381 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Proper-Fitting Shoes Critical for Growing Bodies: TN Podiatrist

Ill-fitting shoes cause problems such as heel pain and plantar fasciitis in young feet. Other common foot problems caused by improper footwear, like sprains and tendonitis, can require extended medical care.

Dr. Ross Taubman

"The importance of proper-fitting shoes at an early age is critical for growing bodies," says Dr. Ross Taubman, past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Simple foot injuries can inhibit children's daily functions and growth, potentially affecting them for the rest of their lives."

Source: Local 10.com [2/7/12]

WI Podiatrist Joins New London Family Medical Center’s Consulting Staff

Dr. Julie Abboud of the Greenville Foot and Ankle Center has joined the New London Family Medical Center’s consulting staff and is offering foot and ankle surgeries at the hospital. Abboud is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. She is also a board-certified wound specialist by the American Board of Wound Management.

Dr. Julie Abboud

Abboud holds a doctorate in podiatric medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago and completed a three-year residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago where she trained with podiatric and orthopedic surgeons.

Source: Post-Crescent West [2/8/12]

HHS Warns of Fraud Liability in Re-Assigned Medicare Numbers

Federal investigators are warning physicians who allow healthcare firms to use their Medicare provider numbers that the doctors can be held liable for any fraudulent bills the firms submit on their behalf. Physicians can legally re-assign their Medicare payments from the CMS to outside organizations by filling out Form CMS-855R. However, HHS' inspector general's office is warning physicians to use “heightened scrutiny” to ensure that the entities receiving their payments are legitimate providers or suppliers of healthcare items and services.

The warning to Medicare doctors was prompted by a spate of eight settlements in which physicians were accused of violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law after re-assigning their Medicare provider numbers to the firms in exchange for receiving medical directorships with the companies, the OIG Alert from HHS' inspector general's office said. “We thought it might be helpful to remind physicians to exercise caution when re-assigning Medicare payments,” an inspector general's office spokesman said.

Source: Joe Carlson, Modern Physician [2/18/12]

Some Docs Hesitant to Disclose Errors: Study

A study finds that while a majority of doctors believe they should disclose significant medical errors to patients, some won't for fear of being sued. The results appear in the February issue of the journal Health Affairs. Researchers conducted the poll in 2009, and 1,891 doctors answered anonymously.

The results revealed that 66% completely agreed that they should fully disclose all significant medical errors to patients. The survey also reports that 89% of doctors did not tell a patient something untrue over the past year. But when asked if they have not disclosed a mistake because of worries that they would be sued, 20% replied that they have withheld information over the past year.

Source: Ashok Selvam, Modern Healthcare [2/8/12]

Health Advisory - Risk of Gris-Peg Product Mix-Up

Pedinol Pharmacal Inc. notified healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and patients of a potential problem with Gris-PEG (griseofulvin ultramicrosize) 125mg and 250mg manufactured and packaged by Novartis Consumer Health at its Lincoln, Nebraska manufacturing site. Due to problems that occurred when these products were packaged and labeled at the site, tablets from one product type may have carried over into packaging of another product. This could result in a stray pill of one medicine ending up in the bottle of another product.

Healthcare professionals, pharmacists and patients are advised to examine Gris-PEG tablets in their possession and ensure that all tablets are the same.

Source: FDA MedWatch [2/3/12]

Query: Nail Dystrophy

My patient is a 64 year old active Caucasian male who works out at the gym regularly. He has no medical problems, and the only med he is on is Lunesta which he has been taking since 2005. He presented with pain in his right hallux nail with serous drainage from the proximal nail plate. Following avulsion, there was a small laceration at the proximal nail which was causing his symptoms. His physical exam was unremarkable except for the horizontal lines of altered nail growth in both nail plates and a duplicated 5th digit left foot.

Bilateral Nail Dystrophy

His vascular status is excellent with normal DP & PT and no evidence of small vessel disease. Both nail plates were not attached to the distal nail bed. All other nails were normal, including the hands. He has had no trauma, no personal or family history of dermatological problems, or anything that can temporally be related to this symmetrical nail dystrophy. He denies wearing tight shoes or in any way irritating the nails. Any advice?

Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

Source for Lidocaine and Marcaine

In light of the shortages of lidocaine and Marcaine, could someone let me know where we are able to order local injectable anesthetics?

Theodore McKee, DPM, Staunton, VA, mckeetb@yahoo.com

RE: Atypical Forefoot Pain (Gary Bjarnason, DPM)
From: Art Hatfield, DPM

How about doing a neurological exam with a monofilament to determine if there is a difference in tactile sensation between the affected foot and the normal foot. This may save the expense of an MRI.  Several years ago, a high school girl patient complained of left forefoot pain. On the 3rd visit, I was standing in the waiting room when she pulled up in her '60s VW. I asked her about the car and she stated that she used it to do her school paper route. She delivered about 150 papers every A.M. 

Since a 1965 VW was my first car, I thought I finally knew the answer to her problem. Sure enough, the small rubber cap that covered the metal clutch pedal was missing. While doing her paper route, her left foot was constantly on the clutch pedal as she slowed and stopped.  She replaced the rubber cap for about a dollar, and her problem was solved (much cheaper than an MRI). There is a lot of vibration in a large truck. This can cause neurological pain without the patient actually having a neuroma. Does the accelerator pedal of the big rig have the appropriate pad in place? Is it worn? 

My inclination is that this is simply a neuroma. Remember, if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and looks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

Art Hatfield, DPM, Long Beach, CA, Afootjob@juno.com

RE: The Use of Uloric vs. Allopurinol in the Management of Gout (Peter Vannucchi, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

The thought of treating gout with colchicine and local anesthetic and/or steroid has always been a staple of our practice, but the question becomes what do we do about colchicine which, in most markets, is now unavailable leaving us few options. Given that allopurinol is not effective in acute flares, why not simply go with local steroid intra-articularly and oral NSAIDs, then back to the PCP? Seems we are spending a great amount of effort on this seemingly basic treatment.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, doclatt@aol.com

RE: Maintaining Criteria for CMS Incentives (Name Withheld)
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM

Each check is for what you have done. If you do not continue to meet the measures of meaningful use, you will not have to give the check back, but you will NOT be able to attest for the second check which will be for $12,000.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY, mbrody@tldsystems.com

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

The latest in children's play shoes?

Source: Submitted by Dr. Daniel Pollack, NY, NY

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – F/T MARYLAND

Looking for a bright, hard-working, personality plus, extremely well trained podiatrist with both top notch surgical and non-surgical skills. Remarkable opportunity with our busy practice. Excellent salary and benefits. Email CV and salary requirements to Marylandpodiatrist@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARIZONA

Podiatrist to joint established practice in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Modern office utilizing EMR, Digital X-Ray, ultrasound, full DME, seeking entrepreneurial, ambitious individual who can provide excellent care and expand already existing patient base. Send CV to ArizonaFeet@gmail.com

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - CAPE COD MASSACHUSETTS 

Need assistance with busy office practice. Possible long-term position. Housing can be accommodated. Email interest to Lauren Boudreau, Clinical Manager at ltboudreau@gmail.com or call 1-508-648-7840

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK

Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA- SAVANNAH & SURROUNDING AREAS

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking podiatrist looking to build a career & long-term relationship. Either established practicing physician or new residency graduate. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net 

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 or call Terri at 323-353-8103.homefootcare@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

Available in beautiful southern Kentucky in progressive, multi-office practice with 6 providers. Excellent base salary, malpractice, full benefit package with 2-year track to partnership. Looking for someone that wants to grow with our practice, work hard and develop relationships with local hospitals and surrounding communities. Strong communication skills, bedside manner and willingness to learn a must. Narrow window for interviews: email CV and letter of interest before March 1: footdocky@gmail.com

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 towww.YourFutureInPodiatry.com to find out about this opportunity.

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 - CENTRAL NJ

Looking for a three-year surgically-trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter. drwfoot@verizon.net

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact:podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ARE YOU CONSIDERING A PADNET UNIT?

 If so save thousands of dollars on a lightly used unit with venous option and laptop. Why pay full price for our unit which is in perfect working order. We also have a SIUI CTS 200 ultrasound with 7 mHz probe and SONY printer. Let's Make a Deal!! Call 516-220-8258 today.   

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE   

Cosman Radiofrequency Generator for Sale! Model RFG-1B Like New Condition. Comes with Manual, 17 Dispersive Electrodes, 2 CSK-R 10 Kits, 2 CSK-R 5 Kits, 11 CC RF Cannula 10cm/10mm/22G, 4 CC RF Cannula 10cm/5mm/22G, 1 - 5cm RF Cannula/22G (4mm Sharp Curved Tip), & 2 Replacement Fuses. Asking $10,500 OBO Please Contact: nffpbosk@gmail.com

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