The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 15, 2013 #4,692 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Pediatric Flatfoot Can Be Cause for Alarm: WA Podiatrist

Parents keep a close eye on their growing children, watching for proper development and alert for any sign of a problem because small problems can have big implications. Surgeons at the Annual Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) this week are conferring with one another on pediatric flatfoot, a childhood condition that, if left untreated, can result in permanent deformity in adulthood. Flatfoot deformity makes mobility and exercise painful, increasing the risk of reduced cardiovascular health and obesity.

Dr. Mary Crawford

“Parents never want their child to undergo a surgical procedure,” says Mary Crawford, DPM, FACFAS, an Everett, Washington foot and ankle surgeon and conference presenter. “But uncorrected symptomatic flatfoot can lead to chronic pain and instability as the child ages into adulthood. Children will be on their feet for a long time to come. It’s vital to keep those feet healthy. A foot and ankle surgeon can help parents understand the options – surgical and non-surgical – for treating pediatric flatfoot.”

BAKO Pathology Services Establishes Podiatric Medicine Scholarship at WesternU 

Dr. Lawrence Harkless, Founding Dean, Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine, recently announced a generous $20,000 gift from BAKO Pathology Services for a fully-endowed scholarship. “The profession of podiatric medicine can only be as great as the students that it attracts, and the quality of the education that they receive. As a partner of the podiatric profession, we feel that we must do our part to ensure that we have the brightest and best educated students advancing into our profession.” said Bradley W. Bakotic, DPM, DO, dermatopathologist and BAKO principal partner.

Dr. Bradley Bakotic

When asked “why WesternU?” Dr. Bakotic said, “We’ve been very impressed by the students at WesternU and the dedication of Dean Harkless and his staff. One mechanism to help institutions such as theirs attract quality students is my offering assistance where possible. Due to the young nature of this podiatric department, we felt an endowment would be one way to help them provide assistance to outstanding students both now, and in the future. Our investments in the students at WesternU are far from over with.”

TN Podiatrist Nominated for Business Journal's Impact Award

Dr. Caroline Gannon has been nominated for the Nashville Business Journal’s 2013 Williamson County Impact Awards. The annual award recognizes leaders, community supporters, business owners and developers who are leading the way for the advancement and continued economic development of Williamson County.

Dr. Caroline Gannon

Dr. Gannon’s nomination for the Nashville Business Journal’s Impact Award comes on the heels of her recent recognition as a Music City Achiever, where her appointment to the Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee has also brought awareness to her remarkable contributions to the local community. Most recently, her leadership as the auction chair for the inaugural Star for Wishes event, held at The Factory in Franklin, helped secure unprecedented donations for the charity.

MO Podiatrist Lectures at German Symposium

Dr. H. John Visser, a podiatrist, recently participated as a lecturer at the 20th International Symposium for Foot Surgery in Munich, Germany. This symposium was attended by over 500 orthopedic and trauma surgeons throughout Europe. Dr. Visser presented “Internal Fixation Techniques in Patients With Osteoporosis.”

Dr. H. John Visser

Dr. Visser has practiced in the Washington area since 1982. He has now been joined by both his son, Dr. Jared J. Visser, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Shirley C. Visser, as part of Mid-West Podiatry. All three are practicing at the Mercy Doctors Building and are on staff at Mercy Hospital Washington.

Source: Washington Missourian [2/10/13]

DOJ and HHS Announce Record-Breaking Healthcare Fraud Recoveries

Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius have released a new report showing that for every dollar spent on healthcare-related fraud and abuse investigations in the last three years, the government recovered $7.90. This is the highest three-year average return on investment in the 16-year history of the Healthcare Fraud and Abuse (HCFAC) Program.

The new authorities under the Affordable Care Act granted to HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) were instrumental in clamping down on fraudulent activity in healthcare. In FY 2012, CMS began the process of screening all 1.5 million Medicare-enrolled providers through the new Automated Provider Screening system that quickly identifies ineligible and potentially fraudulent providers and suppliers prior to enrollment or revalidation to verify the data. As a result, nearly 150,000 ineligible providers have already been eliminated from Medicare’s billing system.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tips for Writing Business email

Although email offers a casual means of communicating, remember to maintain professionalism. Follow these guidelines:
• Start with formal salutations. Use Ms. or Mr. and then last names when contacting people the first time. Switch to first names if and when they respond by signing their first names; otherwise you risk appearing too impersonal.
• Include a greeting. When emailing to a group of people, beginning with “Hi all” may sound a bit clumsy. Use “Hello everyone” or just “Hello.”
• Send thanks. Handwritten thank-you notes offer a personal touch, but go ahead and use email to express your appreciation more quickly.
• Minimize fonts and colors. Resist the temptation to use fancy fonts, sizes, and colors. In general, choose a legible font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use either 10- or 12-point type and stick to black text.

Source: Adapted from “Email Etiquette: Still Puzzling After All These Years,” Barbara Pachter, Pachter’s Pointers, via Communication Briefings

RE: Etiology of Hallux Varus (Eric Fuller, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

Hallux valgus occurs in the flexible forefoot functional foot types, with few exceptions. As Dr. Fuller mentions, this foot type characteristically is attached to an inhibited (exhausted), poorly leveraged, poorly trained peroneus longus muscle engine that cannot oppose the increased dorsiflectory stiffness of the first ray that exists in this foot type. 

Wellness biomechanics addresses this problem by vaulting the foot, utilizing foot type-specific casting and lab corrections and modifications that allow the PL to be trained stronger and become better-leveraged and motor-controlled. This innovative, evidence-based biomechanics platform replaces subtalar joint neutral biomechanics with one that actually puts the DPM in the driver's seat.
 
Think of the peroneus longus muscle engine in a ballerina who has trained it so well that she can stay en pointe. In addition, the number one injury in ballet is to the 1st MP joint when there is underlying foot type pathology or poor training technique. This confirms my claims, as this is the same mechanism for bunion formation in the average Joe or Jane.

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

RE: Etiology of Hallux Varus (Jordan Sheff, DPM)
From: Ed Cohen, DPM

When I wrote about doing a reverse Reverdin-Isham procedure with lateral 1st metatarsal head and hallux osteotomies as well as straightening toes 2-4 with lateral proximal base phalangeal osteotomies, I should have said the patient will probably need to be followed up with a pair of orthoses.

I feel it is important to do the surgery because the orthotic control is not enough to solve the shoe problem of the crooked toes, just as an orthosis will not correct an HAV deformity, but can be very helpful after surgery by controlling some of the abnormal factors contributing to the deformity.

Ed Cohen, DPM, Gulfport, MS, ecohen1344@aol.com

RE: Cryoprobe or Alternative (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Paul Muller

We want to rebut Dr. Forman’s remark that we are out of business. We can be reached at all times at 888-248-2838, and have two websites with contact info. The supplier of the original CryoProbe, CryoSurgical Concepts, was merged with H&O Equipments, Inc, the manufacturer of the CryoProbe, and a letter was send out in September of 2010 to all their customers.

Paul Muller, USA Business Manager Cryoprobe, paul.muller@ho-equipments.com

RE: Cryoprobe or Alternative (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Dock Dockery, DPM

The CryoProbe cryotherapy unit is alive and well and is operated by H-O Equipments, Inc., out of Mount Pleasant, SC. Contact philip.adams@ho-equipments.com for more information. I am a big fan of the newer CryoProbe units for the treatment of benign skin conditions like warts and plantar keratotic lesions.

Disclosure: I am a Clinical Consultant for CryoProbe.

Dock Dockery, DPM, Seattle, WA, gdockdockery@aol.com

RE: Lisfranc Injury: Easy to Miss, Hard to Get Over- OH Podiatrist
From: Martin V. Sloan, MS, DPM

Dr. Mark Hardy commented, "As many as thirty percent of Lisfranc injuries are missed at initial diagnosis by providers who are not foot and ankle specialists." I am perplexed. One wonders how the 300+ million Americans functioned or got through their daily routine prior to the advent of "foot and ankle surgeons" within the podiatry profession in the last 20 years or so.

And who taught these "foot and ankle surgeons" in all matters relating to the foot and ankle? Was it not the podiatrists who came before them? I suggest that ALL podiatrists who were well-educated, trained, and maintained their proficiency are very adept at diagnosing and treating this rare injury (1 in 55,000 people). I suspect any of us who have worked in the trenches over the years have missed a diagnosis or two. I would hope that, moving forward, we would all continue to do and learn all we can to minimize our oversights of the past and maximize the positive outcomes for our patients.

Martin V. Sloan, MS, DPM, Abilene, TX, doc@drmartinsloan.com

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 - 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.

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

POSITION AVAILABLE - WEIL FOOT ANKLE & ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE-CHICAGO
 
Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs and is recruiting qualified podiatric surgeons. A three-year residency is required and a podiatric fellowship is preferable. Current practicing podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area are also welcome to join our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 16 DPMs, a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.
 

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 – NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. EHR, arterial vascular testing, and ESWT in the office. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard-working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive compensation package and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NY, TX, PA, and IL

Looking for podiatrists to see patients in nursing facilities in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Please contact me at doconcall02@aol.com.

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.

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

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

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

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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.