The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 04, 2010 #3,795 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Jacobs, Homisak to Be Inducted in PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

Podiatry Management Magazine has announced that Allen Jacobs, DPM and Lynn Homisak have been elected to receive the 2010 PM Lifetime Achievement Awards and will be inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. The awards ceremony will take place at a special luncheon on July 16, 2010 as part of the APMA Scientific Meeting in Seattle.

Dr. Allen M. Jacobs

Dr. Jacobs, the 27th podiatrist to receive this honor, is a noted lecturer and researcher.

Lynn Homisak

Lynn Homisak, the fourth non-podiatrist to be inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame, is the president of SOS Healthcare and a regular columnist for Podiatry Management.

Biographies of both honorees can be found in the March Issue of Podiatry Management. A list of those receiving Honorable Mention appears here:

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Luncheon can be ordered through the APMA Scientific Meeting Registration Form, or by contacting APMA at (800) ASK-APMA.  All profits from this fundraising event go to the APMA Educational Foundation’s Student Endowment Fund.  This year's event is sponsored by Bako Podiatric Pathology Services, Langer Biomechanics, Inc., and PAMLABS, LLC.

75% of Regular High Heel Wearers Report Foot Problems: CA Podiatrist

“According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 39 percent of women wear high heels every day,” said Dr. Paul Yoon, a podiatrist at Fullerton Medical Center. “Within this group, nearly three out of four (women) have reported a shoe-related foot problem.”

Dr. Paul Yoon

Ankle sprains and pain in the balls of the feet are common effects of wearing high heels but long-term conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, calluses, calf contractions that can lead to Achilles tendinitis and knee and lower back problems often occur, according to Yoon. “Lower back pain can also result as the spine bends backwards to compensate the forward push of the body when you walk in heels,” said Yoon. “It can also increase the knee joint pressure and contribute to osteoarthritis in the long term.”
 
Source: Brenna Phillips, Daily Titan [3/1/10]

NYCPM Professor Provides Children's Shoe Buying Advice

To check shoe fit at home, press down between the longest toe and the shoe’s tip when your child is standing on both feet, recommends Laurence J. Lowy, DPM, a professor of pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. If there’s less than a thumb-width of space, it’s time to go shopping. It may be tempting to opt for a size larger to last longer, but don’t, says Dr. Lowy: “The larger the shoe, the more the foot can flounder around, which can lead to blisters and tripping.”

Laurence J. Lowy, DPM

Flexibility trumps material. “Most kids will do very well with a flexible sneaker that has a flat bottom that doesn’t rock,” advises Dr. Lowy. A flexible shoe allows for the foot’s natural side-to-side and up-and-down movement so a child can walk and run with ease. A flat rubber bottom with minimal raise in the heel promotes balance and traction. Everything else is secondary, Dr. Lowy says, adding that man-made materials are fine unless a child’s feet sweat a lot or there are allergic reactions to certain chemicals.

Source: Barbara Turvett, Working Mother

Medicare PQRI Still Gets Bad Grades From Physicians

Now in its fourth reporting year, Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting Initiative continues to frustrate physician practices that are looking to access feedback reports from past years and use them to improve their patient care, according to research released Feb. 17 by the Medical Group Management Assn.

MGMA surveyed practices representing more than 11,000 physicians and found that fewer than half were able to access their PQRI feedback reports from the 2008 reporting year. That's a decline from the 51% who successfully obtained their reports for 2007, the first year of the program. And 60% of practices that were able to access their 2008 reports were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the information.

Source: Chris Silva, AMNews [3/1/10]

Query: Pre-Fab Gait Plate

Does anyone know where I can get a pre-fab gait plate to correct out-toe gait? (UCBL-type is preferred, if they exist)
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM Forest Hills, NY

Query: Solicitation of Former Patients

I am a partner in a practice with 3 partners. I am planning on leaving to go out and practice on my own. In our partnership agreement, it does state that the charts are the property of the practice but I was wondering if I can send a letter to all of my current patients informing them of my move?
 
Name Withheld

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Generally, the terms of an associate agreement dictate whether an associate can solicit patients or referral sources. Most associate agreements prohibit these types of solicitations. It is a wise move to discuss this with your partners beforehand. If you send out such letters without their knowledge and consent, they will likely find out about it and sue. Litigation is a costly and traumatic experience.

RE: Concerns from a Podiatric Physician
From: Joseph S. Borreggine, DPM

As I sit in my podiatric medical office on a cold winter morning in 2010, I begin to peruse the schedule for the coming week. I observe that we are seeing an average of ten patients a day. Some days have no patients at all. This has been a trend occurring over the last year or so. I begin to wonder what has happened to the practice.

The repetitive bustle that was once heard in the hallways and treatment rooms is slowly being replaced by the dim sound of the office background music. Time used to pass by without a worry, but now that is all there is taking up the day. And alas, the phone stays silent as a church mouse. Retrospective thoughts crowd my brain with a critique of why this is happening, and will this trend continue? What are the reasons, and is it something I am doing or have done wrong?

I assumed that.... 
 
Editor's Note: Dr. Borreggine's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Extra Wide Shoes (Neil A Burrell, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

While we are somewhat in shock that long-time APMA supporter, New Balance, is now attempting to go into competition with us, with some stores hiring pedorthists to make insoles, New Balance Stores have Bs to 6Es for men, and AA to 4E for women. The next place I would check is Nordstroms.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Medicare Cuts (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I have always believed that physicians should place the following sign in their reception area: “As of today, our office is no longer accepting Medicare patients until Congress has enacted permanent physician payment legislation. If you have a medical emergency, please go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.  Please call the following phone numbers to speak to your Representatives and Senators: <Insert appropriate phone numbers here>.”
 
The solution would be forthcoming within a week. Considering the numbers of physicians vs. the numbers of patients, our best chance of getting this mess fixed is to let the actual consumers of healthcare, our patients, hassle Congress for the correct legislative answer.
 
Robert A. Boudreau, DPM, Tyler, TX, rbftdoc@aol.com

I agree completely with Dr. Ross' sentiments to delay non-emergent Medicare patient care for 2 weeks. We implemented this plan in our office when the cuts went into effect on Monday. We called each scheduled Medicare covered non-emergent care patient to inform them exactly as to why we would not be able to accommodate them for the next 2 weeks. Furthermore, we informed any new Medicare patient that called why we could not schedule them for several weeks. The response has been overwhelming! To our surprise, not a single one of our patients was even aware of the cuts (And our senior population here is generally very well-educated and well-informed – several of our patients even showed us that they have the phone numbers of our local politicians stored in their cell phones!).
 
When we informed them of the Senate’s inaction and the detrimental effect this could have on their access to healthcare, our patients were more than eager to contact their Senators and Congressmen on our behalf. The patients were angry – not with us for delaying care – but with the Senate using them as a pawn in their political pandering. It was empowering to take a small stand and have the full support of our patients. Imagine what an impact we could have if every physician enacted a similar plan. We can only hope that if enough constituents get "fired-up", some real positive change will occur.

Heather Snyder, DPM, Charlottesville, VA, hsnyder@affapodiatry.com

Physicians do not need to call ! Why bother? Everyone in the Congress and Senate clearly knows what a 21.5% cut will do. No, just tell your  Medicare patients that you will no longer be able to treat them if the 21.5% cut remains, and if they want to do something about it, they should make the calls. Offer to transfer their medical records to another doctor, if they can find one. And, also remind them that what Medicare paid before the cuts is less than 50% of the value of the service. I am now doing that for Multiplan/PHCS covered patients because Multiplan allowed $20 for a 99203.
 
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Medicare and Non-Par (Eric Trattner, DPM)
From:  Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM

It's true that non-participating Medicare providers can earn 9.25% more for their services than participating providers when they collect the full limiting charge. But trying to offset Medicare payment cuts by going from participating to non-participating status will not necessarily result in more annual Medicare revenue.

Remember, even though a non-participating physician is required to submit unassigned claims to Medicare, the program sends payment checks to the patient, not the physician, and the physician must collect the entire amount for the service from the patient. When weighing the benefits of participation vs. non-participation, you have to take into consideration the costs associated with collections and the losses from some patients who receive the check for your services from Medicare but never get around to paying you.

Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, lrubindoc@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - UPPER WEST SIDE NY

Great starter practice or satellite office in NY. Looking for new podiatrist who needs to start on his/her own, enthusiastic and flexible hours. Serious inquires only. Office has been used as satellite office, but can easily be expanded to a primary office if your schedule permits. Call 201-491-2173

POST-GRADUATE PODIATRIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Boston University Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. This unique fellowship at a major teaching facility is a two-year opportunity, during which he/she would be expected to become a knowledge expert who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in limb preservation and tissue repair. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Massachusetts license-eligible, ABPS Board Qualification-eligible. Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in podiatric medicine and surgery. Annual Salary: Year-1 $61,000, Year-2 $66,000. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: erin.springhetti@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

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 - CONNECTICUT

Associate needed full or part-time for Nursing homes in Connecticut. Need hard-working, ethical individual. Must have CT license. Excellent salary. Please call Zina (347)307-4333 for additional information.

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.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT

Outstanding practice for sale in northern Fairfield county, CT. Shared space with other medical professionals. Very low overhead. Grossing almost $300K on 30 hours per week. Referrals from three different primary care physician offices. If interested e-mail CTPodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Preference given to a PSR 24+ training and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family second to none. Kindly forward C.V. to e-mail drcosentino@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Associate position with buy-in potential. Daytona Beach, Florida Great opportunity for PSR 24-36.trained physician to join state-of-the-art practice. Please forward resume to pfk4@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 or call Martha 909 984-5614.

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 - 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 – NEW YORK CITY

In-Network Part-Time Podiatrist in NYC needed.  Please email CV to r_sjohnson@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

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

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

SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

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