The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 06, 2013 #4,708 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Steinberg, Levoy to Be Inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

Podiatry Management Magazine has announced that John Steinberg, DPM,  and Bob Levoy have been elected to receive the 2013 PM Lifetime Achievement Awards and will be inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

(L-R) Dr. John Steinberg and Bob Levoy

Dr. Steinberg, the 30th podiatrist to receive this honor, is a noted educator and researcher. Bob Levoy, the 7th non-podiatrist to be inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame, is a noted practice management author and lecturer. Full biographies of both honorees can be found in the March Issue of Podiatry Management.

PM News is beginning a new weekly feature called Quick Poll. Each week, we will post a new poll based on some of the controversial issues discussed in our Comments/Responses section. 

Quick Poll
Do you fixate metatarsal osteotomies?

NMPMA Elects New Officers

The members of the New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association (NMPMA) have elected the following members to executive board positions:

Dr. Nathan Ivey

President: Nathan Ivey, DPM (2012-14)
Vice Presidents: John Anderson, DPM (Term 2013-15) Angela Drury, DPM (Term 2012-14)
Treasurer: Jonathan Williamson, DPM (Term 2013-15)
Secretary: Travis Hampton, DPM (Term 2013-15)
Members-at-large: Uchenna Chukwurah, DPM (Term 2013-15), Gaye Gustafson, DPM (Term 2013-15)

NMPMA Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

The New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association (NMPMA) presented Fritz Moeller, DPM with its Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2013 Annual meeting of the association. This award recognizes Dr. Moeller’s significant and ongoing contributions to podiatric medicine over his 48 years of practicing in New Mexico. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Moeller has served professionally on the New Mexico Board of Podiatry, New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association Executive Board as well as being active on local hospital staffs in both Albuquerque and Socorro.

Dr. Fritz Moeller

Dr. Moeller, being the first residency-trained licensed podiatrist in the state, has been an advocate for the advancement of surgical training for podiatry and practice equity. He is recognized by many younger podiatrists as a mentor in their efforts to gain necessary training and hospital staff privileges. Dr. Moeller will be retiring from active practice at the Presbyterian Socorro Hospital.

AZ Podiatrist Collaborates with Qatar to Study Use of 'Smart' Socks

The University of Arizona Department of Surgery’s Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), the Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP) and Hamad Medical Corporation (Doha-Qatar) recently were awarded more than $2 million in research grants from the Qatar National Research Fund to study the use of new technology incorporated in specially made socks. The socks will be worn by people with diabetes who are at risk of forming foot ulcers that can lead to amputation and death.

Dr. David Armstrong and Smart Sox

The socks are made from cutting-edge, intelligent textiles that use fiber optics and sensors to monitor temperature, pressure and joint angles in the feet, alerting medical professionals and wearers of the socks of any developing problems. Dr. David G. Armstrong, UA professor of surgery, director SALSA and iCAMP scientific director, said intelligent textiles “are like a security system for your body. You can’t manage what you can’t measure and we are getting better at it with intelligent textiles and garments.”

Query: Intake/Patient Registration

I am looking into making my intake patient registration more efficient, independent of my EMR. Is anyone using a third-party system that they are happy with?

Richard Goldstein, DPM, NY, NY

Query: Health Fusion EMR

I am going to be upgrading  my Medisoft software. I've been looking into a few companies including Health Fusion. I am most interested in the practice management and billing aspect instead of the EMR. Does anyone have any input about this company?

Jack Ressler, DPM, Tamarac, FL

Query: Billing a Bunionectomy with Z-Plasty of Tendon

I performed a McBride/Akin bunionectomy along with z-plasty of the extensor hallucis longus tendon. Do we bill CPT 28299 only, or we use combination of codes?

Syed Ghani, DPM, Eastpointe, MI

Response: You bill CPT 28298 - correction, hallux valgus (bunion), with or without sesamoidectomy; by phalanx osteotomy. CPT 28299 is a double bunionectomy with osteotomy, which you are not doing. The extensor tendon work is a component of the procedure, and, in my opinion, should not be billed.

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Exparel (Gary Scheinin, DPM)
From: Robert E Kuvent, RPh, DPM

I would like to respectfully correct Dr. Scheinin on a couple of points. First, according to the distributor (Pacira), the cost of Exparel is $120/vial, not $250. Second, the dose form is designed as a single use entity.

Robert E Kuvent, RPh, DPM, Chandler, AZ ftfixr@gmail.com

I believe as it is currently sold, these vials are only to be one-time use, which means they are not to be used on multiple patients, not even when the cases are on the same day booked consecutively, or for the other reason of the expensive cost.

Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, keithgrnk@aol.com

RE: PM News Quick Poll
From: David Cutler, DPM

Quick Poll...what a great idea. Rather than a battle of words from a handful of vocal pods, now we can get a sense of what the broader populace of us are doing.

David Cutler, DPM, Bellingham, WA, mdavidm@aol.com

Editor's note: So far, in the first 24 hours, over 650 readers have voted. You can still vote by clicking here.

RE: Optogait (Nicholas Pagano, DPM)
From: Seth J. Steber, DPM
 
The Optogait video & computerized system by Microgate is an affordable, versatile, portable and very accurate (to a millisecond) gait analysis system. It quickly gives us the quantitative data we need to validate our treatments.  In addition to gait, this one system can evaluate running, jumping, reaction, and balance. Optogait is a very effective system for analyzing patients as a baseline for gait and stability, for rehabilitation progress, and as part of a falls prevention program. 

The wireless system allows you to evaluate barefoot, in shoes, and in shoes with orthoses or braces. We can also evaluate patients who are unilateral or bilateral amputees. Its use in the evaluation of the dynamic motion of the athlete is well-established. The Optojump (Optogait without the capability to add an EMG) system is in all  U.S. Olympic Centers and is used by many professional sports teams in the U.S. and Europe. Optogait is the tool that can elevate our practices for every problem set that we see - your imagination is your limit.
 
Disclosure: Incedo Orthopedics, LLC is the Certified Podiatric Distributor for Optogait/Optojump, North America

Seth J. Steber, DPM, owner Incedo Orthopedics, LLC contactus@IncedoOrthopedics.com

RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM

We all meet thousands of people in our professional lives. There are always some people that touch us in a way that leaves an indelible impression in our minds forever. Dr. Valletta was one such person. I remember him from when I was a student at NYCPM. He always impressed me as being honorable, dedicated, and committed to the advancement of not only the profession but all of the students whom he dealt with. Our profession has lost a good man.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY

I’m saddened to hear about Michael. I too was a classmate. Our class was very cliquish. Michael was part of the "Goyim". We had lots of fun with that. He was always one of the good guys and shared with the others in the class. His illness was a difficult cross to bear, but he did it well. Condolences to his family.  

Tom Neuman DPM, Class of 72, Northridge, CA

RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM

Dr. Valletta was a friendly, caring teacher in the Foot Clinics when I was a student. I remember him fondly. Best wishes to his family and friends.

Michael A. Robinson, DPM, MPH, JD

Dr. Valletta was the Dean of Clinical Sciences when I was a student at NYCPM. As the student council president, I spent a lot of time with Dean Valletta. He mentored me and guided me on how to be a successful leader. It was my early guidance from Dr. Valletta that helped make me realize that I needed to be involved. Throughout my career, I have remembered many of the things that Dr. Valletta taught me. I am thankful to have had the good fortune to have someone take an interest in me when I needed it. He made me feel as if I was a very special student. In retrospect, I believe he made everyone feel special. That was his gift. What an opportunity I was given, to learn how to be a leader from Dr. Valletta. Podiatry and NYCPM have lost a great man. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Ira H. Kraus, DPM, Chattanooga, TN

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 - LOS ANGELES, CA

Practice is in Boyle Heights area since 1998. 70%MM the rest consist of Cash/PPO/HMOs. Last 4 years grossed between 200-350k in a down economy. Constant referrals from PCPs in the area. Includes Padnet, and all podiatry equipments. Asking 130k. Please email me only footdoc525@yahoo.comPRACTICE 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 - 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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN MICHIGAN 

Tired of your current position? Looking to grow my practice in beautiful northern Michigan. Come and benefit from my years of hard work. Practice has just the right balance of hospital work, surgery and office. This is not a “gimmick” based practice, but a well integrated part of the medical community. Contact me if you are extremely interested in northern Michigan. Salary plus incentive based contract.  Send CV/ letter- MichiganPod@gmail.comASSOCIATE 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".

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 - 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 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

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

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

• 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.