The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 18, 2013 #4,694 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Proper Pedal Hygiene is Key to Good Foot Health: AZ Podiatrist

Suzanne Abraham, DPM, a podiatrist with Phoenix Foot and Ankle Associates in Central Phoenix and Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, and former Air Force Officer, provides residents with tips for proper foot and ankle care to help avoid common injuries and conditions.

Dr. Suzanne Abraham

Keeping your feet clean and dry can help you avoid a number of embarrassing conditions such as plantar warts, odor, athlete’s foot, and other viruses. Viruses and fungi flourish in dark, wet environments, so in order to avoid these conditions, dry your feet thoroughly after your showers, change socks if they become wet throughout the day, and avoid being barefoot at the pool or locker room.

Source: Bio Portfolio [2/9/13]

TX Podiatrist Back as Antiques Dealer

For 17 years, collectors and bargain-hunters milled monthly through Fair Park looking for that one big find. Sometimes, they were content with a little find, maybe a clock like the one on the kitchen wall where they grew up.

Dr. Morris "Moe" Prigoff

Longtime vendor, Dr. Morris Prigoff, known as Moe on Storage Wars: Texas, will set up as a dealer at Fair Park. A Dallas antiques dealer and podiatrist, Prigoff gained celebrity on the show, Bryan Buchanan the event organizer says, with his wit and flamboyant style. His Riverfront Boulevard shop, River Regency, specializes in midcentury classics.

Source: Karel Holloway, Dallas Morning News [2/15/13]

MI Podiatrist Joins Essentia Health

Dr. Jill Kang, a podiatrist, has joined the Essentia Health-Jamestown Clinic in Jamestown. “Treating maladies of the foot and ankle not only improves patients’ health but also can restore their quality of life,” Kang said. She said symptoms that appear in the feet and ankles can be clues to other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes and gout.

Kang earned her podiatric medicine degree from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, IA. She completed a residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, MI.

Source: Jamestown Sun [2/16/13]

Diclofenac Associated With Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac, a drug that is frequently used for the treatment of pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular complications and should be removed from essential-medicines lists (EML), according to a new review in PLOS Medicine.

The meta-analysis by McGettigan and Henry also reviewed the relative cardiovascular risks of NSAIDs in observational and randomized studies. Rofecoxib, etoricoxib, and diclofenac were the three agents that were consistently associated with a significantly increased risk when compared with non-use. Rofecoxib increased the risk of serious cardiovascular events between 27% and 45%, and etoricoxib increased the risk more than two-fold compared with non-use. In two observational studies, diclofenac increased risk of acute MI approximately 38% and 39%, respectively, and increased the risk of cardiovascular events 40%. In one randomized trial, diclofenac was associated with a 63% increased risk of cardiovascular events compared with non-use.

Source: Michael O’Riordan, Medscape News [2/13/13]

AI System Out-Performs Docs: Researchers

A pair of Indiana University computer scientists set out to devise a computer-based, artificial intelligence system that could “think like a doctor.” But what they created may be even better, producing a system that could outperform physicians in making care decisions over time. The AI system they developed reviewed and, in effect, second-guessed the decisions of human clinicians in 500 cases involving behavioral health patients with a variety of other chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

For each patient, across eight encounters, they came up with a series of dynamic, alternative, evidence-based care paths that outperformed those of the human decision-makers in terms of clinical outcomes and cost, their research shows. Decisions also were evaluated based on a second metric, the “cost per unit change,” which measures the cost in dollars it takes to obtain one unit of outcome change (for better or worse), using the ORS, over time. The researchers concluded the cost per unit of outcome change was $189 when using their artificial intelligence system, compared with $497 for “treatment as usual.”

Source; Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [2/14/13]

Query: Educational Videos

I'm interested in finding out about educational videos for the reception area. Which products or companies do you recommend?

Sherwin Tucker, DPM, Hartford, CT

Query: Chart Storage

We have EHR and are systematically getting rid of old charts.  How long is it necessary to keep records? After the appropriate time, can I just shred charts, or do I need to keep some permanent record in the office as to what was shredded?
 
Scott L. Schulman, DPM, Indianapolis, IN

Editor's comment: PM News does not supply legal advice. Most practice management experts advise keeping records for adult patients for seven years. After that, it's best to shred them. We are not aware of any law that requires you to keep a record of what was shredded. If a patient was younger than 18 years of age when last treated, keep the medical records until the patient reaches age 21, or for seven years from the date of last treatment, whichever is longer. 

RE: The Biomechanics of The First Ray in Dance (Stephen Pribut, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

Dr. Pribut’s comment is well appreciated. It debates “who is the captain of the “en pointe” team." As the ballet cascade goes from rearfoot to forefoot, if the first ray is not stabilized as a unit to provide the necessary leverage to the flexor hallucis longus to take a dancer en pointe, the dancer’s career and performance will suffer.
 
In my opinion, the peroneous longus is the quarterback of the task. I used it in my dance analogy because it performs the same indispensible function in gait as well as in most biomechanical functions including the development of hallux valgus and varus. That was the “en point” I was trying to make.
 
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, drsha@foothelpers.com

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

Dr. Fuller wrote, “If the MC joint is mobile, there is a greater likelihood of transverse plane motion of the metatarsal.”
 
As MC joint flexibility is a hallmark of the flexible forefoot, FFTs and PL inhibition is often the culprit. I believe I referenced Dr. Fuller correctly (I never quoted him; I used the word "mentioned"). As Eric has mentioned that he knows about functional foot typing, I question his comments, as well as his need to voice them.

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

RE: Patient Non-Responsive to Insurance Company Request (Joseph Borreggine, DPM)
From: Misty McNeill, DPM

At our office, once we receive the letter from the insurance company stating they are waiting on information from the patient, we send a letter to the patient. This letter states that to ensure they receive their maximum insurance benefits, they need to contact their insurance with the information or, should they choose not to contact their insurance, we expect payment in full in 14 days from them. We also include a complete statement. It never fails; patients always call the office and say that they have taken care of it. 

Misty McNeill, DPM, Elmhurst, IL, mistydpm@yahoo.com

RE: DOJ and HHS Announce Record-Breaking Healthcare Fraud Recoveries
From: Alan Meyerberg, DPM
 
"...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."

Wow, I have to infer that providers, i.e., doctors are committing incredible amounts of fraud and abuse. And if the government gets an 8 to 1 return on its investigating investment, we should encourage more investing. But I believe the calculations are flawed. I believe included in the "fraud and abuse" category are incorrectly coded claims, claims resubmitted and considered duplicate, and claims lacking patients' middle initials. "Potentially fraudulent providers" includes entities that may have moved or failed to correctly complete the vast array of complicated redundant paperwork to obtain NPIs, UPINs, PECOS, EINs, and so forth. Can anybody confirm or refute my suspicions? Why do we sit back and accept this libel?
 
Alan Meyerberg, DPM, Staten Island, NY, Footquest@aol.com

PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - ORANGE COUNTY CA

July 1, 2012 and ending July 31, 2013. $60,000/year, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE. Letter of interest, and CV to: Philip Radovic, DPM, Fellowship Director, Email: Info@feetfixer.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 - 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 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN DIEGO, CA

Unique opportunity to purchase a very well established practice in beautiful San Diego. Hospital privileges available. Large and stable patient and referral base with consistent new patient growth. Why not practice where people vacation and retire? Willing to stay for transition. Inquires please email pestibear@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.

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

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 - MARYLAND

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.

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 - 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.comASSOCIATE 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-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - SYRACUSE AND BUFFALO

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in Nursing Homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.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

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

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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