The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 04, 2013 #4,706 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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 Laser Treatment Success Depends on Patient Compliance: MD Podiatrist

Nail fungus is disfiguring to the toe nail and a tough infection to kill, according to doctors. For many, it is a source of embarrassment. Podiatrist Dr. Kelly Geoghan said the Pinpointe laser that she uses seems to work best for ridding the nails of fungus, which lives on the skin. She said through even minimal trauma to the nail bed, enough of an opening is created for the fungus to get under the nail, and once it's in there, the infection wreaks havoc.

Dr. Kelly Geoghan

"Because it's under the toenail, most of the topical medications don't get under the nail and get rid of the fungus," Geoghan said. "It heats up and kills the fungus," Geoghan explained. "The specific temperature of the laser is heating up that specific type of cell." The procedure requires three treatments, but the success of the treatment depends on the patient's compliance. "In between visits, patients apply a topical for the nail -- something for the skin and that's prevention on the skin if they have a fungal infection," Geoghan said.

Source: Lisa Robinson, WBAL-TV [2/27/13]

APMA Extends Deadline for Public Health Fellowship

The American Podiatric Medical Association  (APMA) has extended the application deadline for its public health fellowship to March 15, 2013. The APMA/TDI Public Health Fellowship program is a one year post-doctoral public health fellowship for a graduating podiatry resident at The Dartmouth Institute (TDI) of Dartmouth College. The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide the fellow with the fundamental skills, knowledge base, and philosophical foundation in health policy and clinical practice, with specific attention paid to public health, clinical/health services research, and healthcare leadership.

Upon completion of the 12-month program, the fellow will receive an MPH degree from Dartmouth Medical School. The course listings include course work in epidemiology and biostatistics, inferential methods and systematic review, critical issues in health and healthcare, social and behavioral determinants of health, continual improvement of healthcare, applied public health series, strategic and financial management of healthcare institutions, and environmental and occupational health. The fellowship covers tuition and provides a yearly stipend to assist with living expenses.  Applications can be obtained by writing to James R. Christina, DPM at jrchristina@apma.org.

AENS Announces The Nickerson Peripheral Nerve Award

The Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons has announced the Nickerson Peripheral Nerve Award. This competition is open to all 4th year medical/podiatric students or residents. Applicants must submit a maximum 2,000 word paper on any peripheral nerve treatment topic, including anatomy, diagnosis, pharmacologic, or surgical treatment. This paper should be submitted along with a resume and a reference letter from a faculty member by August 3, 2013 to: info@aens.us. Winners will receive membership and a full travel grant to attend and present the paper at the November 1-2 AENS Annual Symposium in Houston, TX.

AZ Podiatrist Keynotes to Superstorm Sandy Striken Hospital  

The City of New York's Coney Island Hospital was devastated by Superstorm Sandy. That made a symposium on amputation prevention and the diabetic foot highly improbable. In the words of Dr. Glenn Donovan, Director of Podiatric Surgery, "We have taken our hits-- and our meeting should never have happened-- but it did-- and I can think of no one better than Dr. David Armstrong to give us a shot in the arm."

Dr. David Armstrong keynotes to Coney Island Hospital Seminar

Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the University of Arizona's Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) cited shared trauma, recalling the 2011 Tucson shootings and his medical center's role. His talk focused on the complications of diabetes. The lecture, which took place by video link, was one of the highlights of a day-long symposium on the latest in wound healing and prevention.

PA Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison For Healthcare Fraud

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a podiatrist who practiced in Harrisburg and Elizabethtown was sentenced today to 16 months in federal prison for committing healthcare fraud. He engaged in a pattern of billing health insurers for services in both Pennsylvania and California for services that were supposedly provided in both locations at the same time. U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith said that Dr. Michael C. Karason, 44, who now resides in Lincoln, CA, previously pleaded guilty to engaging in a scheme to defraud healthcare benefits programs. Judge Sylvia Rambo directed that Karason pay a total of $118,000 in restitution to Medicare, Capital Blue Cross, and Highmark, and that he serve a three-year term of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Source: U.S. Attoney's Office [3/1/13]

Michael J. Valletta, DPM

Dr. Michael J. Valletta of Somers passed away on February 28, 2013 at the age of 67. As a podiatrist, he had his own practice in Mahopac, NY where he worked for many years, and then moved on to become the dean and professor emetitus  at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3 from 1 to 4 PM at Cargain Funeral Home in Mahopac with a funeral mass on Monday, March 4th at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church in Somers. Interment to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Query: Exparel

Is anyone using Exparel post-operatively? Do you typically get up to 72 hours of anesthesia, as advertised?

Patrick Barnes, DPM, Council Bluffs, IA

Query: Optogait

I'm thinking about incorporating gait analysis in my practice. Has anyone had experience with Optogait? I'm interested in cost, function, and overall usability in a daily mid-sized practice.

Nicholas Pagano, DPM, Plymouth Meeting, PA

RE: Hurricane Sandy and NYSPMA
From: Debra Weinstock, DPM

All around, we see the New York and New Jersey communities slowly recovering from the harsh effects of hurricane Sandy. For those individuals and communities impacted by the storm, it will take a very long time to regain the normal pattern of daily life and practice. As an individual podiatric physician whose practice was stricken, I would like to recognize the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) and its board members, and thank them for supporting their members.

Following Hurriciane Sandy, NYSPMA reached out to their members and acted swiftly to create and carry out a plan to help those members affected. My appreciation is genuine and I am sure that I speak for all our members affected, and again want to give a sincere thank you to NYSPMA.

Debra Weinstock, DPM, Howard Beach, NY, debbieber@aol.com

RE: Pre-Authorization for Imaging (Bill Weis, DPM)
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM

Here is how I currently handle this situation. On any patient where I order imaging done outside my office, I inform patients that they must phone their insurance company before scheduling the test to find out if a pre-authorization or pre-certification is required.

Also, they are instructed to get the name of the person whom they spoke with. If pre-authorization is not required, they are to schedule the test. If, however, a pre-authorization is required, the patient is then required to...

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

RE: Reasonably Priced EMR with Good Tech Support (Mary Carlson, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I currently use EZ billing software and their EMR software. I find their tech support user-friendly. Compared to others I have seen, they are reasonably-priced. I have also received my incentive money using this EMR.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY,doclatt@aol.com

RE: NJ Podiatrist Dead After Apparent Suicide/ Attempted Homicide

Let us all pray for Dr. Vovchik and her family. 

Vincent Joseph Kolenich, DPM, Bellaire, OH, belpodinc@sbcglobal.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 g

rowth. Why not practice where people vacation and retire? Willing to stay for transition. Inquires please email pestibear@gmail.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

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/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.

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.

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

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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