The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 23, 2013 #4,699 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MO Podiatrist is Also a Famed Sculptor

Dr. Zenon Duda, 57, is an artist, a sculptor — a creator, he prefers — but the “doctor” in front of his name isn’t just for kicks. He is also a board certified podiatrist who has been in the field for more than 25 years, working at Perry County Memorial Hospital for most of it, but now working at both Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis in Cape Girardeau.

Dr. Zenon Duda

Perhaps a strange dichotomy, art and feet, but Duda says it’s all interconnected when you break it down to basics. Somehow, he manages to balance his practice while maintaining his art simultaneously, citing that most weekends serve as intensive creative sessions.

Source: Amanda Keefe, Perryville News [2/21/13]

KSUCPM to Host Introductory Meeting

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM) and College of Public Health will host an informational meeting Thursday to introduce the KSUCPM to students. Besides hearing from KSUCPM admissions representative Robert Mattaline and faculty member and podiatrist, Dr. Rocco Petrozzi, students will be able to learn more about the profession of podiatric medicine, the day-to-day life of a podiatrist, and the admission requirements for the College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Rocco Petrozzi

Carla A. Ronnebaum, director of enrollment management for KSUCPM, said students will be surprised with what they find out about the relatively new college. “Students who are interested in a career in medicine or healthcare would benefit greatly from attending this presentation,” Ronnebaum said. “The College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State is hopeful to educate KSU students about this rewarding profession.”

Source: Amanda Knauer, Daily Kent Stater [2/20/13]

Query: Replacing Implant

A 74 year old male presented with a painful anterior and lateral right ankle. He has an ankle implant from a procedure 12 years ago.

Ankle Implant S/P 12 Years

Dorsiflexion with his knee extended is 10 degrees; flexed 20 degrees. He is active (plays tennis, etc.). He wants the "plastic" in the implant replaced, because at the time of the procedure, he says that was told this could be done. Any suggestions?

Dale Shrum, DPM La Quinta, CA

Query: Source for Mental Health Problems for Physicians

Does anyone know of a service that handles medical professionals who may be experiencing a mental health problem such as a manic-depressive or bipolar disorder? I know of the PRN or physician recovery network, but I think they mainly deal with drug addiction.
 
Name Withheld (MI)

Query: Preparing for the Part 1 ABPS Foot Surgery Exam

Do any PM News readers have any advice on a good way to prepare for the Part 1 ABPS Foot Surgery Examination? I have been in private practice for about 15 years?  I did pass the written the first time I took it in 1997.

Eric J. Cwynar, DPM, Columbus, OH

Query: Multi-Specialty Group Clinic Billing

If a DPM joins a corporate non-profit, multi-specialty group that bills insurance plans under their own group numbers for the MDs and DPMs, can the podiatrist bill a new patient visit if a different physician within the group saw this patient in the past? For example, a family practice doctor referred a patient to a podiatrist in the group.

Jeffrey Klein, DPM, Waterford, MI

Response: The rule for "new" vs. "established" states that a patient is new if they haven't been seen by the same physician or another physician *of the same specialty* in the same group practice within the past 3 years. In other words, if this multi-specialty group has other podiatrists, and the patient had seen one of the other podiatrists in the past 3 years, the DPM who just joined the group would bill the encounter as an established patient visit.

However, if podiatry is a new specialty to this group practice, or if the patient had only been seen by non-podiatrists in this practice within the past 3 years, then the first visit with the podiatrist would be considered a new patient visit. The fact that the patient had been seen by a family practice physician in the group (your example below) would have no bearing on the podiatrist's new vs. established decision.

Joan Gilhooly, CPC, CHCC, Lebanon, OH

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Fixation Vs. Non-Fixation of Osteotomies (Ed Cohen, DPM)
From: Randall Brower, DPM

If a patient comes in to your office with a 3 mm or more displaced 1st metatarsal fracture, and has no medical problems, how would you surgically treat it? By and large, most surgeons would FIXATE it AND keep the patient non-weight-bearing.

So, to Dr. Cohen, why do we treat osteotomies differently than fractures? The bone doesn't know the difference. That's why I never understood why some podiatrists are having a patient walk on day one after a bunionectomy with an osteotomy, but cast and NWB a 1st metatarsal fracture.

I'd love to listen to Dr. Cohen on the stand defend to a plaintiff's attorney after a displaced osteotomy why (in the 21st century) he didn't fixate an osteotomy with rigid stable fixation options, why he didn't treat a displaced fracture, and why he isn't in keeping with the current community standard.

Austin's article won't save you in court. Technology has advanced since the '60s. Competing with their neighboring practitioners, some podiatrists have found themselves selling patients on MIS, bunionplasties, no fixation surgery, and walking out of bunion surgery the same day rather than properly educating a patient about stable rigid fixation and the need for a period of NWB of the surgical fracture. My advice: Trade boutique for sound and stable technique.

Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ, footdoctor33@yahoo.com

RE: Fixation Vs. Non-Fixation of Osteotomies (Ed Cohen, DPM)
From: Don Peacock, DPM

I agree with Dr. Cohen's position on non-fixated osteotomies of digits and lesser metatarsals. I am ABPS board certified and was trained in conventional surgery. In recent years, I have incorporated MIS techniques into my surgical arsenal. In my opinion, one of the reasons for complications following lesser metatarsal osteotomies is not that we perform too many of these procedures, but that we only partly correct metarsalgia with metatarsal osteotomies.

I routinely perform lesser metatarsal osteotomies on mets 2-4 at the same time via MIS techniques and allow the mets to seek their own level without fixation. So far, I have not had AVN or non-union as a complication. Transfer lesions have also been eliminated as a complication. In the last several years, I have corrected all Tailor's bunions via MIS osteotomy without fixation and have had no incidence of non-union. In fact, the only case I have ever had AVN was in an Austin procedure in which I used screw fixation. The 1st rays I have non-fixated have all healed so far. 

Don Peacock, DPM, Whiteville, NC, peacockdpm@gmail.com

RE: Biomechanics of 1st Ray in Dance (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

I must also disagree with Dr. Forman, and respectfully suggest he review the JAPMA article I just previously cited (Primary Avascular Necrosis of the Halluces in a Ballet Dancer). The dancer in that case study sickled, a pronating fault which eccentrically loads the medial forefoot column when dancers vault to en pointe position. She also possessed an "Egyptian" foot type (excessively long hallux), the least efficient foot type for en pointe dancers.

Collectively, we postulated those were the two primary factors responsible for the eccentric hallux loading that caused...

Editor's note: Dr. Mullen's extended-length note can be read here.

RE: Dan Bluth's Podiatry Manual (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Terry McVey

Dr. Michael Warshaw has produced a 300+ page handbook as an update and enhancement over the Dan Bluth book Podiatry Coding and Billing, which we publish. It is used in all his seminars as part of the cost, then is sold separately for $90. All can be assured of our 100% money back guarantee if there is any question.

Terry McVey, President, McVey Associates, Inc., terry@mcveyseminars.com

RE: Podiatrists in the News (Joshua Kaye, DPM)
From: Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM

I would echo the editor's response to Dr. Kaye and add that I have read articles and seen stories in the media in which MDs extol "simplistic" measures such as hand-washing for the prevention of disease. A preventative treatment does not need to be high tech to be valuable to our patients. I am confident that other physicians do not sneer at their colleagues for promoting hand-washing and would not sneer at a podiatrist for promoting good foot hygiene or proper footgear selection!

Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN, vetpod@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 - 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 - 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 - CORONADO, 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

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 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Requiring full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in established Practice situated in a foothill community of Southern California. There is an existing patient base and a strong support team. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Send resume to office@uplandpodiatry.com , titled, "Podiatrist".

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-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

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 - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

PART-TIME ASSOCIATE - BRONX, NY

Seeking a well-trained, confident, ethical, hard working candidate. All aspects of podiatry performed (surgery, biomechanics, routine foot care, DME, vascular studies, diagnostic ultrasound). Also, seeking help for house calls in the Bronx and Westchester (mostly routine foot care, DME). Competitive salary. Please send CV to: docdpm2@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Busy, well established five-office practice in Charlotte, NC looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to beach, mountains - ideal location for outdoor enthusiast. NC license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Send resume to charpodiatry@gmail.com

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 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.

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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