The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 22, 2010 #3,786 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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April 10 Editorial - An Open Letter to CPME RE: Document 320  

We've just posted our April editorial regarding the proposed new residency standards. You can read our letter by clicking here.

We recommend that you read these proposed changes by clicking here.

We urge you to send your own comments to CPME Director Alan Tinkleman artinkleman@apma.org  

APMWA Announces 24th Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 23rd Annual Student Writing Competition.

• All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics,or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
• There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
• First prize will be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
• This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
• Entries must be received by 4/1/10 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

ID Theft Rule Decision Might Exempt Docs From Red Flag Rules

A recent federal court decision could offer physicians and other health professionals an avenue for relief from a Federal Trade Commission regulation requiring them to implement a formal identity theft prevention program or face penalties. The Dec. 1, 2009, ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia blocked the commission from applying the "red flags" rule to lawyers. The decision prompted the American Medical Association and others to petition the commission in January for a similar exclusion for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

The regulations, which have gone into effect but whose enforcement has been delayed until June 1, require entities that regularly extend credit or defer payment for services to adopt a formal policy for detecting and preventing identity theft. The FTC counts physician practices as creditors if they bill patients for past services or allow patients to set up payment plans. But in a case brought by the American Bar Assn., the court found that the FTC exceeded its authority in applying that interpretation to attorneys.

Source: Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews [2/15/10]

Stop Multitasking and Start Unitasking!

Multitasking doesn’t really involve doing several things at once.  That’s an illusion; in fact, one of the most common workplace illusions. It actually requires that you SWITCH back and forth between tasks and…multitasking significantly reduces your productivity. This occurs even when you are switching between very simple and highly similar tasks. We need to change our current beliefs about these illusions.

So, instead of, "I get more done when I multitask, and people actually admire my ability to multitask, and multitasking makes me more productive," try this… "If I cut back just 20 percent on multitasking, I can free up almost six weeks a year for other activities."

Source: Wendy Ellin, President, Momentum.  For information on AAPPM, click here.

Query: Smart Toe Implant Complications

Recently, a podiatric physician sought recommendations of PM News readers regarding treatment for a fractured smart toe implant. I have had referrals to my office for the same problem as well as destroyed middle phalanges with this implant. At a recent meeting in Florida, I met several others who have also witnessed this problem. An online podiatry blog also shows a fractured smart toe implant.

I am curious to know whether or not there is a potential issue with breakage of this implant, and would be interested in knowing how many podiatric physicians have observed this problem. Is there a patient safety concern?

Allen Mark Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO

RE: Osteochondral Defect (Marc S. Greenberg, DPM)
From: John Etcheverry, DPM, Peter Bregman, DPM

I have attached photos of a similar case.

Pre-, Intra-, and Post-op Autographs for OCD 1st Met

I feel autograft works very well. Arthrex makes a nice disposable harvesting kit. It is very easy to use.

John Etcheverry, DPM, Bakersfield, CA, jetch@footnankle.com

I would consider one of two options. First, you can do an implant to replace the head of the 1st met. The two implants I know of are the HemiCap and Osteomed. The second option is to harvest an osteochondral plug from the talar head (if it is truly just a solitary lesion), or you can get it from tibia. However, this joint does not look so great, so if the clinical physical exam is consistent with more disease, obtain consent for both procedures, and then you can decide intra-op.

Peter Bregman, DPM, Tewksbury, MA, www.painfreefeet.com

RE: Plantar/Palmar Keratosis (Misty McNeill, DPM)
From: Marc Klein, DPM

Dermatologists have done research in the use of NSAIDs for KPP. Consider one of the two topical NSAID gels. I used this topical NSAID gel once with improvement, but not resolution.  

Marc Klein, DPM, Methuen, MA, MAILKlein@aol.com

RE: Surgical Options for HAV in 16 Year Old (Richard Frost, DPM)
From: Philp H. Demp, DPM

The surgeon should take care of the HAVs according to his/her technique. If I diagnose that the result has produced a pathomechanical configuration of the metatarsal heads, then a change in length(s) of one or more of the lesser metatarsals, based on my research calculations, should produce a smooth, healthy configuration of the metatarsal heads. It is expected that this healthy configuration will minimize complications for years to come.

Philip H. Demp, DPM, Cinnaminson, NJ, pdemp@dca.net

RE: Revo Vascular Diagnostic System (John M. Scholl, DPM)
From: Marc Katz, DPM

I have been using the Revo for over a year. It is an excellent single-level vascular exam. The report gives you ankle, arm, and toe pressures. You also get ABI, TBI, PVR and PPG waveforms. The machine is highly accurate and truly takes 5 minutes. It is a great initial screening device that quickly gives a large amount of critical information.

I picked this system because I want to be able to continue my good relationship with my vascular friends. I do the single-level exam. If there is disease, I send them for a vascular consult, and the vascular guys do a multi-level exam and can still be reimbursed. I also like the idea that the single-level anatomically stays more within our practice scope, and therefore, I feel perfectly comfortable interpreting the findings and results.
 
I fax the printout to the PCP and vascular docs, and they really appreciate the communication and updates. I highly recommend the product. It is cost-effective, accurate, and fast. I have no conflicts of interest and have no relationships with Unetiks.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

RE: CA Podiatrist Sees 35% Rise in Insurance Premium
From: Dwight L. Bates, DPM

My wife and I have each paid premiums over $1,000 per month for health insurance from the Texas Health Risk Pool for the last six years. I am not complaining as I am able to pay it, but I look forward to being eligible for Medicare.        

Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Dallas, TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN - (OAKLAND COUNTY)

outstanding opportunity for associate in well established practice, general & surgical podiatry forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full or part-time). Well-trained, responsible, motivated with good communication skills, ABPS qualified or better. Send CV & letter of interest to: PodiatristWanted@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Hospital clinic practice with a large volume of all patient types. In need of 1-2 podiatrists, willing to work as a team and make a career in Indianapolis. One - two year residency training can be medical or surgical. Excellent income and ownership possible. Curriculum vitae to twz1001@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/D.C AREA

We are looking for an energetic and well-trained podiatrist to join our rapidly growing group; we have offices in Maryland and D.C and are in need of someone who is hard-working and growth-oriented. This candidate must be a graduate of a PM&S 36 residency program or have the equivalent in practice experience. We are looking for the person that wants to make this area their home and become an integral part of our group. If interested, e-mail your CV and cover letter to washingtonpod@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - W FLORIDA, BEACHES

Well established podiatry practice with excellent mix office/surgery seeking full time associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits for the right hardworking, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

SPACE AVAILABLE With MRI– NYC/LI

Turn-key office space, East 60th and 22nd St. Manhattan and Plainview, Long Island. Available extremity M.R.I and dynamic ultrasound (East 60th St Manhattan and Plainview, LI). Tests are run by DPM and read by board-certified radiologist. Call for rental agreement. Satisfies Stark laws (516) 476-1815.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBS

17 year-old surgical practice for sale. Practice sees a wide variety of foot and ankle pathology and is largely referral especially regarding surgical patients. Two offices fully equipped. Lease or purchase of office condo also possible. Doctor willing to stay Please email inquiries to crystallakefootandankle@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Wonderful opportunity! Successful multi-office, multi-professional practice seeks well-trained new and established podiatric physicians with expertise in sports medicine, podopediatrics, rearfoot/ankle surgery, or hospital podiatry. A must to be outgoing, motivated, and personable with a dedicated hard-working ethical desire to become a winner. Send resume, current photo and letter of interest to sierrajip@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE: TENNESSEE 

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Great opportunity for a PSR 24 or 36 residency trained individual to join a dynamic two doctor group with physical therapy. Needs good FF surgical skills, RF a bonus. Beautiful office and great area of the country for outdoor recreation-minded individuals. Opportunity for partnership after employment. Please reply to: jclough@bridgemail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INLAND EMPIRE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Associate needed full or part-time for multi office practice. Must be ABPS BC/BQ. Hard working, ethical individual who is looking to a possible partnership opportunity. Looking for current licensed or resident completing program this spring. Email CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome.  Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND 
 
Busy Bellmore, NY office. Motivated, board certified, hard-working, experienced in all phases of podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242-7540 or Fax Resume 516 826-9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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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