The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 13, 2013 #4,690 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Smoking and Bone Healing – A Risky Surgical Combination: VA Podiatrist

Surgeons at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) this week are assessing ways to decrease the dangers posed to smokers during and after surgery and improve their bone health. “Smokers are a high-risk group under any circumstances, but particularly so during and after surgery.  There are ways to reduce the risks. At the Annual Scientific Conference, surgeons from across the country are sharing the best strategies for advising and treating these patients,” says Richmond, Virginia foot and ankle surgeon Laurence Rubin, DPM, FACFAS and a presenter at the conference.

Dr. Laurence Rubin

In addition to longer healing times, blood clots, wounds that break open and greater risk of infection are other dangers facing smokers. Perhaps the most serious threat to smokers who have foot and ankle surgery, however, is non-union or failure of the bone to mend. Smokers are four times more likely to experience non-union than non-smokers.

APMSA Names Outstanding Podiatric Medical Student

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) student Natalie Thanh Hua was chosen as “Outstanding Podiatric Medical Student of 2012” by the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA). Hua is the founder of the Podiatry Clinic at Clinica Tepati at the University of California, Davis. The student-run clinic provides podiatric care for the underserved and uninsured population of Sacramento. She single-handedly oversees the fundraising, volunteers, and supplies at the podiatry clinic. 

Natalie Thanh Hua

Hua, who will graduate from the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) this year, won the award out of a field of nine nominees representing each of the nine podiatric medical schools across the country. She also received a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the APMSA.

ACFAS Annual Scientific Meeting is Largest Ever

Even a massive snowstorm in the Northeast could not keep ACFAS members from travelling to Las Vegas in record numbers to attend the 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting. Over 1,450 podiatrists filled the massive lecture halls of the Mandalay Bay Resort.  More than 240 exhibitors set records for most square feet and most new companies exhibiting.

Over 240 exhibitors displayed a wide variety of surgical products

The opening session featured an inspiring address by Ted Kennedy, Jr.  The first day's sessions included a wide variety of well-attended presentations and workshops on bone healing, trauma, biomechanics, ethics, and sports medicine. The exhibit hall featured a record of over 300 poster presentations.

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: When you consider the spent on documentation and computer-assisted notes, how will doctors cope with a patient visit in the future?

Dr. Harry Goldsmith

Harry Goldsmith: Doctors are stuck between a rock and a hard place. In reality, doctors don’t have as much time as in the past to see patients. The economic demands are such that doctors need to use staff more efficiently to assist with the process.

Dr. Marlene Reid

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is Dr. Marlene Reid, Past President of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association. You can register for future events by clicking here

Query: Botox for Neuropathy

Recently a patient with severe neuropathy who has not responded to any conservative treatments asked me if I offered Botox injections for neuropathy. Has anyone done this, and if so, what were the results?

Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA

Query: Plaster Supplies for Casting for Orthotics

When casting for orthotics, we use the casting code, CPT 29799, for bilateral orthotic mold fabrication/ slipper cast. What code would we use for the plaster/materials? Is it advisable to use A4580 (cast supplies [e.g., plaster]) for cast suppl/plaster? Are there any other codes we can use to be reimbursed for the material?

Saera Arain-Saleem, DPM, Elmhurst, IL

Response: The unlisted code includes both the supply and the professional component of obtaining the mold. Using A4580 implies that you used a full roll of cast material which is not at all the case here. Typically, you will use 2 plaster splints per foot - rather a minimal amount of material and very little cost.

Keep in mind that not all payers allow the unlisted code. Some prefer S0395-RT, S0395-LT. Others will not reimburse the professional casting at all, saying that it is included in the allowance for the orthotic device.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Equality For Podiatry
From: Raymond J. Uscinski, DPM

Is the APMA misguided or moving too slowly to advance the podiatric profession? This is the question that I have wrestled with for over 40 years.

The American Association of Medical Colleges projects a physician shortage of 62,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2015 due to the increased medical needs of an aging population and a growing number of people who will be insured under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. I am confident that our podiatric medical schools can be adjusted to partially fill this shortage. We know that podiatric medical schools are superior in education and training to...

Editor's note: Dr. Uscinski's extended-length letter appears here.

RE: Source for Custom Dress Shoes (Charles Morelli, DPM)
From: John L. Sherman, DPM

Perhaps the best source for men’s shoes would be Allen Edmonds. They will make a customized pair in terms of styles, colors and soles with different lengths and widths. They make quality shoes and have various retailors in New York City, among other metropolitan areas.

There are many companies that can be found on an Internet search that will make custom shoes, such as Adler, where a last is made from a sock casting. There are lots of options there.

John L. Sherman, DPM, Medford, MA, John_Sherman@vmed.org

RE: The Passing of Joseph Leone, DPM

I was saddened to read the news of the death of Joe Leone, DPM. Joe was a real gentleman, and represented Kentucky well when he was in the House of Delegates for many years. May he rest In peace!

H. F. "Bunny" Brown, III, DPM, Little Rock, AR

RE: The Passing of Jack Korn, DPM

I was sorry to hear of Dr. Korn's passing. He assissted me in becoming a podiatrist. I spent time with him  in his office while learning about the profession he clearly loved. He was very encouraging to me as a potential new student.

I still remember well his 3" by 5" index cards with patient names and treatments listed. This was back in 1982 in a far simpler time. I appreciate the time he gave me and his patients.

Steve Gershman, DPM, Auburn, ME

RE: CA Podiatrist Discusses Treatment of Plantar Tears (Jeff Mennuti, DPM)
From: Vince Marino, DPM

Dr. Jeff Mennuti stated in the February 12, 2013 issue of PM News , “I have seen excellent results with PRP. The problem, as usual, is insurance coverage. I am curious if anyone else has had success in getting coverage and clinical results with PRP.”

I am wondering, however, if either he or anyone else can cite specific peer-reviewed studies or EBM to support this claim. I have been unable to find such evidence. In fact, the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG-TWC) state, “ODG-TWC notes that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not recommended, with recent higher quality evidence showing this treatment to be no better than placebo. The first high quality study (an RCT in JAMA) concluded that injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic Achilles tendon disorder, or tendinopathy (also known as tendinitis), do not appear to reduce pain or increase activity more than placebo.”

If someone is able to produce literature to the contrary, it would be greatly appreciated and would aid many of us in obtaining the pre-authorization needed for the procedure.

Vince Marino, DPM, San Francisco, CA, drmarino@marinofootandankle.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - BALTIMORE MARYLAND

Confident, surgically trained associate position available to join well-established practice locations. Leading to ownership within 3 years! Great salary and benefits. Will train on practice management, business management, and billing. Call 301-514-9781

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

 ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking ,fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC/ MD SUBURBS

Prominent, established two office practice seeking well rounded, personable, ethical individual with sharp medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, ABPS qualified or certified. Partnership opportunity with ownership potential. Competitive salary with benefits package. Please send CV to ponyrunner66@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package with partnership opportunity. Reply with letter, CV and photo to: Jagerone@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VA (SOUTH CENTRAL)

Thirty year established practice seeking associate. PSR 24/36 training, must be highly motivated, personable, ethical and willing to provide all aspects of podiatric care. Early partnership opportunity with potential ownership. Competitive salary and benefits. Excellent opportunity for a successful career. Please send CV to footcare2020@aol.com or fax to 804 733-5946.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA

Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI – EAST CENTRAL

Podiatric medical group seeks recent graduate or 2013 graduate who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL

R U a PM&S36 graduate looking for a bright future in podiatry BUT cannot be afraid to work hard to achieve. Complete from nail care to reconstructive ankle/leg trauma. Attitude + god complexes need not apply. Frames, nails, must be comfortable applying. Work hard for a bright future, our group can help you achieve. Send CV, and letter of intent to mny1029@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

Upstate practice seeking PSR-24/36 trained associate. Full-time position with partnership opportunity. Plans include new office and EHR System. Hospital privileges. Near Hartwell Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please send CV to palpodiatry@att.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a state-of-the-art well rounded Long Island practice with hospital privileges? Then our office is what you're looking for. Located 20 miles from NYC, LI offers great schools and lifestyle. Perfect for an experienced practitioner or 2013 residency graduate who is ethical, productive, and board certified/qualified looking to be part of a winning team now and in the future. Want to be a partner in a successful practice or own your own office? Serious motivated practitioners only invited to send their CV and personalized cover letter to: mets724@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Join our 19-doctor group, with 13 locations, in MD and VA. EMR, digital x-rays, ultrasound, computerized scheduling, certified ambulatory surgical centers, hospital and physician referral base. Please send cover letter and resume to: newdpm@footandankle-usa.com. We look forward to hearing from you. We are www.footandankle-usa.com

PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN/SURGEON - CHICAGO AND SUBURBS

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons is searching for a full-time podiatric physician/surgeon. Prefer ABPS qualified/certified with experience in private practice. Great benefit package and partnership opportunities. Please send letter of interest, CV to dr.tcarr@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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CUTERA GENESIS PLUS

Cutera Genesis Plus. 30 months old, low shot count, sku 022012a 1064 ND:YAG With new handpiece Dec.2011 for 1.5mm adapter go to www.thelasertrader.com Price is $35,000. Save over $29,000. Excellent Condition.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PINPOINTE LASER

Used PinPointe Laser for sale! $16,500.00 Firm. Please send email to dman1hansen@gmail.com or call 801-870-4161.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $ 475 with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E- mail wpbfootdrs@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $560,000. Approximately 1300sqft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND

Established 1974 treating routine, diabetic, wound care, trauma, workman's comp and surgery. Attached accredited and certified surgery center. High volume with new patients with opportunity for expansion. Long established multiple primary care referral basis including University of Maryland health center. All financial information available. e-mail Msugar8364@aol.com.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. 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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