The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 02, 2009 #3,482 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Roger Lee Buehler, DPM

Dr. Roger Lee Buehler, 76, of Duncanville, TX passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. He was raised in Salem where he met and married his wife of 54 years, Shirley Hill Buehler. After serving in the Army from 1952-1954, he completed his pre-med education at Kent State University. He received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, where he served as class treasurer, secretary of student council  and president of Phi Alpha Pi, a national scientific fraternity.

Dr. Roger Lee Buehler

In 1962, Roger established a private practice in Wynnewood Village in Dallas, Texas, where his son, Thomas, also a podiatrist, later joined him. He retired in 2004 after 44 years of practice. During his years of practice, he was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the State Board of Podiatric Examiners, on which he served for 12 years. He was also a member of the Texas Podiatric Medicine Association, where he held various positions on the board of directors. He also served as president of the Dallas County Podiatry Society. Since retiring, he has been enjoying his grandchildren and recently became an active member of the Duncanville Police Citizens on Patrol Program.

Source: Salem News [2/28/09]

VA Podiatrist Discusses Ingrown Toenails in Children

Ear aches, runny noses and tummy aches are frequent complaints with children. Feet can be added to that list, according to Suffolk, VA podiatrist Matthew Dairman, Fellow and spokesman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. "Many children hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain," he says. "Over time, the nail may break the skin and lead to bad infections." The cause? Most often, tight shoes, tight socks and nails trimmed improperly. Sometimes, a child inherits the tendency for nails to curve.

Dr. Matthew Dairman

The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a podiatrist's office. During the short procedure, the foot and ankle surgeon numbs the toe and removes the offending portion of the nail. In some cases of infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Various techniques can permanently remove part of a nail's root too, preventing it from growing back. Most children experience very little pain afterwards, and can resume normal activity the next day.

Source: Kathy Van Mullekom, Daily Press [2/28/09]

Kraus to Receive APMSA's Kenison Award

The American Podiatric Medical Students' Association (APMSA) has selected APMA Trustee Ira Kraus, DPM, of Chattanooga, TN, to receive APMSA's most distinguished honor, the APMSA 2009 Kenison Award.  

Dr. Ira Kraus

The APMSA Kenison Award, named for Nehemiah Kenison, a visionary and leader in the profession of chiropody in the mid-1800s, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding efforts and contributions to podiatric medical students and the profession. The award will be presented this month to Dr. Kraus by APMSA President David McKenzie (Arizona Podiatric Medical Program at Midwestern University, Class of 2010) during the APMA House of Delegates meeting in Washington, DC.

Source: APMA E-Daily News

Obama Taps Sebelius for HHS Secretary

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Saturday accepted President Obama's request to become his Health and Human Services secretary, stepping into a central role in the new administration's ambitious effort to overhaul the nation's healthcare system.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius

The White House is to convene a summit on healthcare in a few days, an early step in Obama's plan to vastly expand the reach of the nation's healthcare system.

Source: Los Angeles Times [3/1/09]
 

Query: Subtalar Arthroreisis

A local insurance carrier has denied reimbursement for subtalar arthroreisis, as they have deemed it “experimental.” What literature is available that supports this procedure?

David M Davidson, DPM, Buffalo, NY

RE: The Importance of Biopsies
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Dr. Bryan Markinson's article in February 2009 Podiatry Management: "What if the patient refuses a skin biopsy?" couldn't be more timely. As reported in PM News, a recent court case over a "lost" biopsy resulted in over an 8 million dollar loss, after it was determined that the patient had malignant melanoma.
 
Practice management experts advise us of the value of taking skin biopsies and using the talents of dermatopathologists to extend income and patient services. I clearly remember taking a skin biopsy of an interdigital lesion that did turn out to be malignant melanoma. It looked like a typical interdigital corn, but was not. I received a direct personal call from the pathologist advising me of the bad news. I was shocked and stunned. It didn't "look" malignant, and was hardly "pigmented." The patient was immediately referred to an oncologist.
 
Our Medicare-certified surgical center and private care protocols called for all skin lesions to be biopsied and pathologically examined. I actually never had a patient refuse it, but if I had, I would request that the patient see another doctor (not necessarily a podiatrist), and thoroughly document their unwillingness to agree by a signed form. If they refused to sign the form, a staff member can cosign the refusal, in the patent's presence. Pictures documenting the lesion are absolutely necessary. There are malignant and pre-malignant skin lesions like mycosis fungoides that masquerade as various dermatoses.  

We all want to "put out the image" of being pleasant and friendly to patients. It is possible to do this process professionally and carefully, simply stating that it is "impossible" for your practice to accept the burden of responsibility for refusal of biopsy. You should have the signature form pre-prepared in your file cabinet. There are clearly some things we cannot allow. This is one of them.  
 
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: Supplier Accreditation and Surety Bond Solicitations
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

The NSC and all four DME MAC’s continue to post frequent announcements concerning the exemption for Supplier Accreditation and Surety Bonds for physicians. Podiatrists are considered physicians under Medicare and continue to be amongst a group of professional covered by MIPPA who are currently EXEMPT from the accreditation process. Similarly, physicians have been selected to be EXEMPT from the requirement to purchase a $65,000 surety bond.

Over the past few weeks many podiatrists have either received mail or high pressure phone calls from “accreditation agencies,” insisting that the accreditation deadline is coming soon. These agencies offer (for a substantial fee) to assist your practice in obtaining the “required” accreditation and Surety bonds required by CMS.

I recently discussed this problem with Sandra Bastinelli, from CMS’ Program Integrity Group. Sandra stated that her office would gladly investigate any complaints from physicians receiving this type of misinformation.

If your office has received any contact from an accreditation agency or a broker offering to sell you a Surety Bond, you should contact Sandra Bastinelli at: Sandra.Bastinelli@cms.hhs.gov

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Supportive Sandals or Flip-Flops (Alison DeWaters, DPM)
From: Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Jenny Sanders, DPM

The Moszkito flip-flops have a unique built-in 16mm arch support on the Archy model. The Archy model comes in both men and women's styles. It is available in pink, red, green, black, and brown for women; and black and brown for Men.

Moszkito Archy

Since there is an arch support, the Archy's are designed to be an everyday flip-flop. Archy's have a MRSP of $59.99. 

Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Lake Worth, FL, nailcutter@aol.com

Bite Sandals are Unisex and wide, so won't work well with a narrow foot type. They are great for orthotics because they have a removable insole, however, the stock insole is rather flat. I'm a fan of Chaco Sandals. They have substantial arch support and several styles easily adjust for different foot types (cavus/planus).

Chaco Adjustable Sandals

I also like Fit Flops. I'm sure either company will sell wholesale to you.

Jenny Sanders, DPM, San Francisco, CA, jenny@fdfac.com

RE: Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC
From: Hal Ornstein, DPM

A passion of mine has always been to show all in our profession the critical role podiatric assistants play in the success of our practices on many levels. Since my days as Chairman of the American Podiatric Medal Students’ Association in the 1986, I have admired and looked up to Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC for living and breathing every moment the mission of elevating the podiatric medical assistant to the highest level. She traveled to hundreds of meetings and spent thousands of hours of her personal time organizing assistant meetings and working with leadership of the ASPMA.

Sandra has been a big driving force in my career, and surely in the lives of many others. Many hugs and blessing to her family. We will miss her with all our hearts.

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NAPLES, FL

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base salary, percentage, benefits including 401K. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com
 

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI  

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – CALIFORNIA

Three podiatrists needed for busy North Hollywood office. Full-time Monday-Friday 8am-2:30pm.  No weekends and no call. Pay negotiable. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Please email resume and salary request to Coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY?

Our practice continues to grow and we’re in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York State. This is a great career opportunity for the right person(s), with an excellent compensation package available. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com 

IMMEDIATE OPENING – MIAMI, FL 
 
Part-time and Full-time position available now. Massive growth potential present in an expanding group practice. June graduates are welcome to apply. Send CV and LOI to qvan@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION -SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY 

I’m looking for podiatrist who wants additional practice hours. Perfect for combining your own practice with an additional income. Must be on Aetna Insurance, Horizon Blue Shield, Medicare, and most commercial carriers. I am looking for someone who has a desire to learn how a very successful practice is run, so that I will be able to have time away from my practice. Payscale to be discussed. Could lead to partnership or sale. E-mail contact information, CV, and why you would be perfect for this opportunity. Contact foot.care@verizon.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

CRYO-Pac portable unit with 4 probes. Hardly used. Can be transported easily from office to office. Multiple treatment applications. $7,500 or best offer. Call (772) 283-3800 or (772) 529-7770 (Cell) or e-mail jaz1616@bellsouth.net

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

SPORTS MEDICINE/ PODIATRY FELLOWSHIP

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has a 12-month Fellowship beginning Aug 1, 2009 and ending July 31, 2010. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE.  Interviews will be at the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Annual Meeting and Midwest Podiatry Conference. Candidates will be chosen by mid-April. 24-month surgical residency training is a pre-requisite .Send a letter of interest, CV and three letters of recommendation to: Amol Saxena, DPM, FACFAS, Fellowship Director, Dept. of Sports Medicine, PAMF, Clark Bldg. 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Ph: 650/853-2927 Email: HeySax@AOL.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN  

Seeking quality-oriented, patient-focused RPR-trained associate for a fast-paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care. Gain surgical experience while earning an excellent living. Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. If you are highly motivated, ethical, and have good communication and clinical skills, please forward your C.V. cfsdr@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE or ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTHEAST OHIO 

Well-established, two-office practice in Southeast Ohio for sale. Seller currently works 3.5 days per week. Gross >$300K, Net ~$140K.  Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition, Ohio Licensure. Contact seller at bjadpm@hotmail.com for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – ANDERSON, INDIANA

Well established office in Anderson Indiana for sale. Seller currently works 3 half-days per week and gross over $200K. Excellent locations and growth potential. Very podiatry-friendly community. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition. Contact seller at mddpm@sbcglobal.net for more information.

 
PM Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 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 Ext 110.

• 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.