The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 02, 2013 #4,705 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist Dead After Apparent Suicide/ Attempted Homicide

Dr. Victoria Vovchik

Police are investigating a possible attempted murder-suicide in Rockland County. Authorities said a woman, identified by Clarkstown police as Dr. Victoria Vovchik, 45, stabbed her 7-year-old daughter several times, and then killed herself inside her home. The little girl was taken to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition.

Source: WCBS [2/28/13]

NY Podiatrist Provides Cold Weather Foot Health Skin Care Tips

During this time of year, many of us have a tendency to develop unusual soreness and pain in our feet. This is primarily due to the cold temperatures that dry out our skin, coupled with our footwear choices and activity levels. While many of us attempt to stay active and follow our New Year resolutions to exercise more often and lose weight, we need to take better care of our feet to prevent injury and reach our goals. Dr. Bruce Pinker provides the following cold weather foot health skin care tips:

Dr. Bruce Pinker

Moisturize feet regularly: "You need to maintain healthy skin on your feet. Applying moisturizer after bathing can reduce dry, cracked, painful skin. This is especially important for diabetic patients," says Pinker. Avoid dehydration: Consuming eight glasses of water daily is still one of the best recommendations for supporting proper water balance.

Source: New City Life [February 2013]

Woman Sentenced for Embezzling $471K from IN Podiatrist

A Muncie woman was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison this week after she admitted to embezzling $471,946.85 while employed as business manager in a Muncie podiatrist’s office.

Kandice S. Inskeep, 41, was ordered Monday to “immediately” repay the stolen money — to her victim and former employer, Dr. Thomas Freeman — by U.S. District Court Judge Jan Magnus-Stinson. However, the judge also ruled that upon her release from prison, Inskeep must pay “not less than 15 percent of (her) gross monthly income” toward any remaining restitution during the five years she will serve on probation.

Source: The Star Press [2/18/13]

Sequester's Medicare Cuts Would Start with Services Provided in April

If sequestration kicks in Friday as planned, the 2% payment reduction to Medicare providers and insurers will be for services provided on or after April 1, an HHS spokesman confirmed Wednesday. When asked if HHS has already alerted providers and insurers about the date of the payment cuts, the spokesman replied in an e-mail, “If sequestration occurs, official notifications will be made.”

The lack of any notice from HHS left provider groups to wonder when their members will see those reductions. An official for the American Health Care Association—which represents skilled-nursing facilities and assisted-living providers—said there has been confusion among the organization's staff and lawyers about when those cuts would take place, while the American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals and National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems all anticipated the cuts would begin in April.

Source: Rich Daly and Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [2/27/13]

Query: PQRS Reporting Period

I understand that CMS is asking us to report on specific conditions (diabetes) with three "Measures." They have to be reported once in a reporting period. I understand that this period is one year. If that is true, does the year run from the first time the measures were reported to a year later, or is the one year period based on a calendar year like shoes for qualified diabetic patients?

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH

Response: Actually, the requirement, assuming you are using the individual claims method of reporting, is to report on at least 3 measures and for each measure report on at least 50% of eligible patients. There is no requirement with this method that the measures be on a specific condition. You can pick any 3 measures that you choose that are within your scope of practice and are applicable to patients that you treat. The 3 measures related to the diabetic foot are just generally very easy for podiatrists to report.

With regard to the reporting period, it is the calendar year--January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Fortunately, the 3 measures related to the diabetic foot--126, 127, and 163--need only be reported once during the reporting period for each eligible patient.

Jim Christina, DPM, Bethesda, MD

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RE: The Passing of Harry Shapiro, DPM

It was with sadness and nostalgia that I learned of Harry’s death. While I could not be considered a close friend, I have fond memories of our intermittent relationships. When I first started my practice in 1965, Harry was one of the first of my colleagues to invite me to his office, to assist in procedures, and learn the skills to run my practice. He was cordial to everyone and was always welcoming both in his practice and his home which was the site of many podiatry meetings. He was always the gentleman. My condolences to his family and to the profession which is enhanced by his participation.
 
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD

RE: Fixation Vs. Non-Fixation of Osteotomies (Gino Scartozzi, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli DPM

I too echo Dr. Scartozzi's comments regarding a met head "seeking" its own level. With the exception of some salvage procedures and some specific neurological deformities, there are very few metatarsal osteotomies that I would ever do without fixating them in some manner. All you need is one or two complications early on in your career to teach you that lesson, regardless of what the literature says or what orthopedists have been doing for years with the "V" osteotomy.

Another life lesson learned early on is that there is one thing you never want to mess with and that is the metatarsal parabola. Once that is done, you have other problems that can last years (transfer lesions, ulcerations, bursitis, stress fractures, lawsuits, etc.), and there are few things worse in private practice than to have the same patients come back to the office month after month, year after year, so you can manage the problem you just caused.

Do yourself a favor. When in doubt, fixate it. You will sleep better and so will your malpractice carrier.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

Editor's note: This topic is now closed and no further letter will be accepted or published.

RE: Fixation Vs. Non-Fixation of Osteotomies (Gino Scartozzi, DPM)
From: Lawrence Kobak, DPM, JD

I thought it was very interesting that one podiatrist cited Dr. Mercado as an excellent surgeon and example. Dr. Mercado has lectured for the Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery and in his excellent books, he has described several minimal incision techniques that he himself used! In the other letter published, somehow I am taken to task about local vs. national standards. I simply never wrote that. However, as a healthcare attorney, I enjoyed the lecture by someone with no legal training. The letters are filled with conclusory "observations" and war stories. Practices "market" themselves that utilize all types of incisions and surgical techniques.

Additionally, there happens to be a breadth of literature on non-fixated osteotomies, if the...

Editor's note: Dr. Kobak's extended-length letter can be read here. This topic is now closed and no further letter will be accepted or published.

RE: Diagnostic Tests in the New Healthcare Environment
From: Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM

A year or so back, I found I was unable to order WBC-tagged bone scans to differentiate a diagnosis of osteomylitis from a possible Charcot event. When I contacted my local hospital's nuclear medicine department, I was told that the Medicare-approved payment was less than half of the procedure cost and the hospitals could no longer afford to provide this service.

I acknowledge that most radiologists will tell you they can differentiate between Charcot and osteomylitis with an MRI, but you must keep in mind that...

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

RE: Pre-Authorization for Imaging (Bill Weis, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
 
When I have to get on the phone with some “doctor” to explain the medical necessity of needed imaging, I feel sorry for that doctor, the patient, and myself. Something has had to go wrong in that physician’s world to have to, or want to, work for an insurance company denying medical treatments to insured patients.
 
As physicians, we have been through extensive training and testing, and are required to perform continuous training and testing in our specialties. After all this, we find ourselves being questioned as to the necessity of the treatments and tests we want to perform on our patients. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with...

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

ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP -  MIAMI / KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Base salary starts at $100k and no limit to your earnings as you grow YOUR practice. We also offer malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEEDED FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

FT/PT associate needed for nursing home work. Great compensation and a great way to supplement your income. Must be willing to travel. Contact us at (786) 975-2090 or fax to (847) 674-2113 you may also email to feetwork@aol.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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

P/T ASSOCIATE NEEDED QUEENS & NYC

PSR-36+ board qual/Cert. Highly motivated, Confident, Ambitious podiatrist with Excellent patient communication skills required! F/T possibilities in future. Base Sal. With Incentives. Spanish and Greek speaking a plus. Please respond with cover letter and resume to: hansfeet@aol.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 – MARIETTA, GA

An associate is needed for a dynamic practice located in Marietta, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. We are looking for a well trained, motivated and personable candidate. This is a great practice opportunity. 2 years or more of a surgical residency is required and practice experience is a bonus. Our office has a licensed and certified surgical center. This is a modern practice with ultrasound, digital x-ray and EMR. We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with potential for partnership. Please e-mail your cover letter, curriculum vitae, letter of references and picture to light@eastcobbfoot.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOUSTON, TEXAS

PSR 24+/ Equiv. DPM, Texas license, Busy diverse practice. Greater Houston Area, Guaranteed Salary and benefits All Aspects of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Board eligibilty, Bilingual A Plus. Send CV to Randal Lepow at rmldpm1@att.net

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

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

PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - ORANGE COUNTY CA

July 1, 2013 and ending July 31, 2014. $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 - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer-3 years old. System includes milling machine, 2 PCs, all cords, parts, hardware and assorted insole blanks. $45K New, Asking $10K. E-mail inquiries to:  sportsmed@fdfac.com.

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 - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
 
Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K 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

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 - 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

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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