The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 01, 2007 #2,821 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IL Podiatrist Recognized For Service to The Community

Dr. Anthony Easley will never forget when he was a Joliet West High School freshman struggling with academics. "My parents were not pleased, and I remember my mother telling me that she was turning me over to my father," he recalled. "Our father was an extremely hard worker," said Easley, who is believed to be the first African-American man to practice podiatry in Joliet.

Dr. Anthony Easley

At the Illinois College of Podiatry in Chicago -- where he received his doctorate of podiatric medicine in 1986 -- he said he had to deal with harassment that other students did not. "I had an instructor who would constantly scream in my ear and say, 'You will not make it out of surgery,'" Easley said. "He did not know that he was making me better, and he was making me more focused." After graduating, Easley completed his surgical training, followed by a radiology fellowship and a surgical residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago in conjunction with Northwestern Hospital.

In 1992, as a board-certified podiatrist, Easley became the owner of the Associated Foot Surgeons of Joliet after working there for three years. "I believe every patient is a VIP," Easley said about his practice. "I take care of every patient as if they were my mom." His staff agrees. Medical assistant Dana Surges, who has worked with Easley for four years, said, "Every person who walks through the door comments on how pleased they are. He has a great reputation, and his patients love him. He's nice, and he knows what he's talking about. Dr. Easley is very personable with his patients. ... He's also a great boss." He's received numerous awards, including recognition this past Sunday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church for his service in podiatric medicine.

Source: Herald News [2/18/07]

Deadline Nears For 21st Annual APMWA Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association (APMWA) reminds students that the deadline for entry into the 21st Annual Student Writing Competition is only one month away.

1. All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include ethics, practice management, or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.

2. There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.

3. First prize will be one thousand ($1,000) and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.

4. This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.

5. Articles must be sent by 4/1/07 to bblock@prodigy.net

Consumers Can Now Use Web-based Firm to Negotiate Fees

Patrick Fontana twisted his left knee last spring while hitting a drive down the fairway on a golf course in Columbus, Ohio. But what really pained him was the $900 bill for diagnostic imaging ordered by his doctor. Mr. Fontana, a 42-year-old salesman, has a high-deductible health plan coupled to a health savings account. Since he was nowhere near meeting his deductible, he was on the hook for the entire bill.

So he did something that insurance companies routinely do: he forwarded the bill to a claims adjuster, in this case My Medical Control, a Web-based company that reviews doctor and hospital bills for consumers. After concluding that Mr. Fontana was not getting the best possible price, the company’s representatives called the imaging facility and demanded a lower one, promptly saving him $200 — minus a 35 percent collection fee.

“The average provider — doctors or hospitals — has between 5 and 100 reimbursement rates for the exact same procedure,” said Timothy Cahill, president of My Medical Control www.mymedicalcontrol.com. “A hospital chain with multiple locations may have 150 rates for the same procedure. Consumers don’t know this.”

Source: Michael Mason, New York Times [2/27/07]

OTC Painkillers Increase Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds

Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can raise blood pressure among men, increasing the risk for heart disease, according to a study published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Reuters/Boston Globe reports.

For the study, researchers from Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital led by John Forman analyzed data on 16,000 male health professionals with no history of hypertension (Fox, Reuters/Boston Globe, 2/27). Over a four-year period, they tracked the frequency with which the men took painkillers including aspirin, acetaminophen -- sold as Tylenol -- and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, which include ibuprofen products such as Advil (Loftus, Wall Street Journal, 2/27).

The researchers found that men who took acetaminophen six or seven days per week were 34% more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure than men who did not take the drugs. Men who took aspirin on a regular basis were 26% more likely to develop high blood pressure than nonusers, while men who took 15 or more NSAIDs per week were 48% more likely than nonusers to develop hypertension. Researcher Gary Curhan said that men who are advised by their doctors to take aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks should continue to do so, adding, "The benefit outweighs the risk."

Sources: Reuters/Boston Globe via American Health Line [2/27/07]

Query: Plica Syndrome of the Achilles Tendon?

A patient with Achilles insertional pain tells me that his chiropractor diagnosed him with, "A plica" after looking at his MRI. The MRI report makes no reference to "A plica" and states the Achilles tendon is normal. There is some non-specific soft tissue inflammation surrounding the Achilles tendon. I read the MRI the same way. I have heard of plica sydrome of the knee, but never of the ankle or the Achilles tendon. Has anyone heard of plica syndrome or "A plica" of the ankle or the Achilles tendon?

Norm Wortzman, DPM,North Quincy, MA

Query: Injectable Silicone

Where can one acquire training in using injectable silicone as prophylaxis for recurrent plantar ulcerations? I have a diabetic patient who is not a surgical candidate and would like to learn more about this treatment option. Where does one purchase the silicone, and how often is it injected?

Chris Seuferling, DPM, Portland, OR

RE: Lesser Digit Night Pain (Hartley Miltchin, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I had a similar case. I had the patient cut a Lidoderm patch to size and place it right over the digit before bedtime. The patient has not complained since.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

I wonder if at age 81, this patient is not manifesting a very distal, digital arterial stenosis, even with more proximal normal pedal pulses, causing nocturnal pain. Try topical nitoglycerin ointment to the tip of the toe 30 minutes before going to bed at night.

Godfrey Viegas, DPM, gviegas1234@sbcglobal.net

After you have totally worked up the patient with a comprehensive history and physical and as long as there is no contraindications, administer posterior tibial and anterior tibial sympathetic nerve blocks to the right ankle with 1 cc. of Lidocaine, 1 cc. of Carbocaine and 1 cc. of Marcaine for each block. The results can be dramatic in pain relief and its accompanying parasympathetic vasodilition.

Mel J. Colon, DPM, Atlanta, GA, drmjc@imcdrs.com

RE: PM’s February 2007 Cover
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

In light of the recent posts on this subject, and from an advertising / marketing perspective, a job well done. Pictures speak a thousand words. Or, up to 300 words if you want to post it on PM News.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, podiatrist@mindspring.com

Editor’s note: This topic is now closed

RE: Shocking Orthotics

A patient came in a few years ago to get new plastic orthotics. He had some old stainless steel ones which looked like they were in great shape, so I asked if they bothered him. He said that they still felt fine but he still wanted a plastic pair. When I asked why, he said "Well, I'm an avid golfer. About two weeks ago I was playing during a thunder storm. I raised my steel shafted club to swing and a bolt of lightning struck it, and the current went right out through my steel arches. Knocked me about 10 feet backwards". The patient was otherwise unhurt: we made him a nice new pair of Rohadur orthotics...

Paul Busman, DPM, Troy, NY

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST/CENTRAL TEXAS

Practice in East Central Texas has an opportunity for an associate to join as an associate leading to partnership. Hospital supported practice which has two doctors seeking a third for new office. Practice is leading provider in market and offers an outstanding compensation and benefit package. This position is targeted to be an equity partner within two to three years. easttxdpm@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SANTA FE, NM

Established, 30 year practice with multiple office locations looking for a PSR 24/36 trained, hardworking, personable, ethical, highly motivated individual for associate position with immediate partnership available. E-mail CV and reference letters to sfpodiatry@aol.com

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA-PM&S 36 ASSOCIATE WANTED

Large, busy podiatry group looking for associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Department, six appointment locations, EMR, MRI and Digital X-ray. Full compensation and benefit package offered. Mail CV to Martin Foot and Ankle, 1203 S. Queen St. York, PA 17403 or email business administrator, johnreitzel@comcast.net

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIC SURGEON POSITION - TEXAS

We are looking for an exceptionally trained podiatric surgeon to work in the Houston, Texas area. Candidates seeking this opportunity need to be dynamic, people friendly, and have current licensure in Texas. Future licensure in Arizona will be required. Exceptional opportunity, with attractive benefits, and excellent starting salary. The successful candidate will find a rare opportunity to integrate into a specialized lower extremity practice with emphasis on peripheral nerve surgery, endoscopic and arthroscopic surgery, and other special surgery of the foot and ankle. Please submit a cover letter with current curriculum vitae via email to: Slb99@pdq.net Stephen L. Barrett, D.P.M., MBA

ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR SOUTH MIAMI AREA

Large group, busy, multi-office, partner potential. Motivated applicants only. Mail resumes and letters of intent to 999 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead , FL 33030. July start time OK, sooner preferable. E-mail lianadpm2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Associate Wanted....For well established Central Jersey practice, diversified in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. I am looking for a highly motivated, conscientious, individual with strong work ethics. My practice may offer great potential for the right person. Minimum PSR 24. Please reply to Jerseypod@gmail.com

LEASE SPACE MANHATTAN/ LONG ISLAND

Are you sending your MRs out? Now you can lease space and run your own MRIs, bill global, and have them read by a board certified radiologist. Two locations to lease, Manhattan East 60th street (near all public transportation) and Plainview, Long Island. Call for details, lease arrangements and reimbursements Email podo2345@aol.com or Call 516 476-1815

PRACTICE FOR SALE -NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WASHINGTON, DC

Associateship leading to full purchase or immediate sale. 25 Year old practice located in a hosp. w/ full surg privileges. Large number of diabetic patients and referrals. Fully equipped with x-ray, topical hyperbaric oxy units, 4 tx rooms and more. $400K on only 3 days a week. Will finance with generous terms and stay to introduce. Owner leaving area. Contact R. Benjamin, DPM jhallux@yahoo.com or 202-841-5545

PRACTICE FOR SALE MICHIGAN-DETROIT AREA

Michigan practice Detroit western suburbs for sale. 3 offices, great locations & high gross, buy outright or over time. Call 561-213-9400 after 7:00 p.m.

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PORTLAND, OREGON

Immediate opening in beautiful Portland, OR. Busy, well-established private practice is seeking a dynamic, motivated, surgically-trained podiatrist. High volume of primary care referrals. Work with a well-trained support staff in one of the most efficient offices in the area. Surgically-oriented practice. Competitive compensation package including malpractice and benefits. Call (503) 652-1121. Ask for Dr. John Mozena or email jlmozena@aol.com

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 POSITION: BALTIMORE, MD

Mercy Medical Center -Position for a highly motivated individual with completed non-surgical residency or one desiring additional surgical training in well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2007. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY & CONNECTICUT

Opportunity to be a part of a prestigious and well-established large Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation practice, with locations in Stamford, CT and West Harrison, NY. Looking for a Podiatrist to join an already busy practice with opportunity to build. We have state-of-the-art offices with MRI, digital x-ray, paperless charts, physical and occupational therapy. Applicants should be Board Certified or Board Eligible. Competitive salary and benefits. For further information on the practice, log onto WWW.NYCONNORTHO.COM Interested candidates should forward their C.V. to: Cliff Katz, Executive Director ckatz@nyconnortho.com

Incredible opportunity to join a busy, well-established group practice. Looking for a self-motivated, hard-working individual seeking to become a partner. Hospital and surgery center privileges. Salary plus percentage, 401k and real estate opportunities. Send CV to universityoffice@ bellsouth.net

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