The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 13, 2012 #4,408 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Foster, Davis to Be Inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

Podiatry Management Magazine has announced that Oliver Foster, DPM,  and Michael Davis have been elected to receive the 2012 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 Thursday August 16, 2012 as part of the APMA Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC.  

(L-R) Dr. Oliver Foster and Michael Davis

Dr. Foster, the 29th podiatrist to receive this honor, is a noted political leader and philanthropist.  Michael Davis, the 6th non-podiatrist to be inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame, is Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association .

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 Pathology Labs and The Tetra Corporation (Formula 3).

Parents Need to Be Aware of Children's Foot Injuries from Sports: APMA President 

"Sports play a significant role in the lives of millions of young athletes," says Dr. Michael King, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Parents need to be aware that sports, which require a substantial amount of running, turning, and contact, can translate to injuries. Protecting children's feet from injuries, and bringing them to a podiatrist when problems occur, can help keep kids in the game and make the sport more enjoyable."

Dr. Michael King

"Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children participate actively in sports," King says. "Parents need to be vigilant to ensure children's feet remain healthy and safe. And remember - lack of complaint by a child is not a reliable sign that everything is fine. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it."

Source: Novato Advance [3/10/12]

Alleged Failure to Properly Diagnose and Treat (Ohio)

Facts: Defendant podiatrist performed the following procedures on plaintiff: December 2, 2004--Excision of a calcaneal heel spur, release of plantar fascia, and decompression of the medial calcaneal nerve to plaintiff's right foot; May 29, 2005--Reduction of plaintiff's bunion on right foot; July 7, 2006--Repair to a ruptured tendon in Plaintiff's right foot. Plaintiff alleged loss of function to her right foot and leg, including permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy.

Plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to diagnose her with a cavus foot deformity and negligently treated her. Plaintiff alleged that defendant treated the symptoms in her feet without a proper diagnosis, thereby causing the plaintiff to undergo significant unnecessary and painful medical treatment and to sustain resultant permanent injury. The defendant podiatrist denied negligence.

Result: Jury verdict in favor of defendant ($0).

Plaintiff's Expert: Lawrence Marczak, DPM, Chicago, IL
Defendant's Expert Richard Frykberg, DPM, MPH, Phoenix, AZ

Source: Mealey's Jury Verdicts & Settlements

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: Is podiatry reaching parity with other medical specialities?

Dr. Keith Kaskuk

Keith Kashuk: We hear a lot about podiatric medicine trying to achieve parity with other medical disciplines, and we’ve always spoken about that and we preached it, but whether or not we are getting closer now is a matter of debate. However, I think it’s definitely a worthwhile goal to try to achieve parity with other medical professions.

My chief of surgery in the old Civic Hospital days was Earl Kaplan. One thing that he tried to imbue into every resident that he trained was that we need to take what we’ve learned, go back into our communities, and pass that same spark of education to other people to train them. He always believed that the students should be more successful educationally, financially, and in every way than the professor.

Dr. Peter Blume

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is author and researcher Dr. Peter Blume. You can register for future events by clicking here

Query: Becoming a Certified Coder

I read, with great interest, Dr. Joseph Borreggine's letter regarding the ICD-10 costs, etc. Does anyone have information on how to become a "certified coder" (I plan to have one of my employees do just that). Where are there courses, what are the approximate costs, is there post-course testing, who does the certifying, and who has oversight over the certifying organization?
 
Charles F. Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA

RE: Atypical Forefoot Pain (Gary Bjarnason, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

This sure sounds like nerve involvement. The conundrum in this case is his lack of symptoms at times other than driving. My rule-outs here would be an atypical presentation of neuroma, tarsal tunnel, or entrapment of the medial plantar nerve. None of those conditions, however, would cause such weird timing of symptoms unless one of those neurological conditions is only aggravated by the position of the driver's foot when he is hauling down the road. My suggestions would be an MRI, which could possibly rule out some of these causes.

Nerve conduction studies may help, although I am not a fan of them. Obviously, perform an ultrasound examination and take x-rays. One possibility is that he keeps his wallet in his back pocket, which raises one side of his buttocks when he is sitting in the cab, putting a strain on the descending spinal nerves. If none of the above helps, I would make a neurology referral.

If possible, I would try to observe him during his employment. Perhaps we could learn something by observing his body and foot position. Let us know the outcome.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com

RE: Lapidus or Fusion (Philip Graham, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I think that this case is interesting and challenging and thank Dr. Graham for bringing it to the forum. I also thought the remarks about knowing one's limitations were uncalled for.

I also disagree that a 1st MPJ fusion can't correct for high IM angles. Two years ago, at the NY clinical conference, Tzvi Bar David, DPM gave multiple case presentations on this exact issue.

I think Dr. Graziano gave sage advice about treating the patient and not the x-ray. Dr. Scartozzi brought up some key points, that for completeness sake, I'd like to expound on. The range of motion in this case is pretty normal with mild pain on end range of motion. The joint is subluxed, and hence if the joint was made congruent, ...

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

RE: Changing Banks for Medicare Direct Deposit (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

The query was about the simplicity of the process. It is not a big deal and the transition occurred in the two week window that Medicare projected. Another suggestion: have two accounts at the same bank. Let all of the direct deposits go into one of the bank accounts, then transfer the money into the other account and use it as your active checking account.

I typically keep less than one-hundred dollars in the direct deposit account. The reason why to do this is because any organization that you give permission to direct deposit is also allowed to directly withdraw from that account. Very few of the rights you have with your personal bank account apply to your business account.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Rockledge, FL  RASDPM32955@gmail.com

RE: Depreciated Value of Equipment (Name Withheld)
From: Steve Goldman, DPM, MBA

Depreciation, or as it's also known, Accelerated Cost Recovery (ACR), is a method of valuing an asset (instrument or equipment for example) that is worth less over the time it has been used, or put into service. There are many methods of calculating depreciation, but the most common accounting method is something called "Straight Line Depreciation."
 
Let's say you purchased a treatment chair for $10,000 today. Let's also say that you anticipate the expected useful life of the chair, for argument's sake, to be 7 years. Let's also assume that the asset (treatment chair) decreases in value 10% each year it is used. So a depreciation schedule for the chair would look like:
 
Time (Year) Depreciation   Accumulated   Depreciation     Net Value
0                  $          -            $                               -          $ 10,000.00
1                  $  1,000.00        $ 1,000.00                            $   9,000.00
2                  $  1,000.00        $  2,000.00                           $   8,000.00
3                  $  1,000.00        $  3,000.00                           $   7,000.00
4                  $  1,000.00        $  4,000.00                           $   6,000.00
5                  $  1,000.00        $  5,000.00                           $   5,000.00
6                  $  1,000.00        $  6,000.00                           $   4,000.00
7                  $  1,000.00        $  7,000.00                           $   3,000.00
 
Time 0 represents the day of purchase. After the 7th year, the net value of the original asset that was once worth $10,000 when it was new, still has some residual value. In this case, $3,000. This amount at the end of the useful life of the asset is called the "scrap value."
 
Steve Goldman, DPM, MBA, NY, NY, stevegoldman@att.net

RE: ICD-10 Preparation (Arthur Lukoff, DPM)
From: Timothy A Webb, DPM

Regarding the coming implementation of ICD-10, isn't it well past time that our and other medical provider groups come together in an organized way to simply say "NO"? It's time for plain talk between us all, anti-monopoly laws and regulations be damned. It's simply ludicrous to expect any practice to spend money and accept delay of payment (especially on THIS scale) to finance the mechanism of retrieval of ever-decreasing earned payments from a third-party (insurance), government or private. Regardless of what the medical community's collective action may be, my practice will go to a strict cash-basis operation if/when implementation comes. 

Timothy A Webb, DPM, Prestonsburg, KY, oneijoe@yahoo.com

RE: ABPS Name Change (Craig Breslauer, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

It is all about what we do. Those who have argued over the past few weeks about the use of term "podiatrist" and how "important" it is to retain our identy, need to wake up.

ABPS is now playing catch-up. The American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons (ABLES) is already there!

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com

RE: CA Podiatrist Discusses Fungal Infections
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

Dr. McAloon, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association states that “a shoe that’s pressing on the infected area can irritate it (the nail)”. In fact, repetitive shoe microtrauma is the primary cause of most dystrophic toenails which are often being misdiagnosed and treated as fungal toenails.

The statement “Wearing shoes made of breathable fabrics, like leather or canvas, and being sure to take off your socks and shoes to air out your feet after exercising or working all day will prevent fungus” is anecdotal at best and has no EBM validation.

To say that “a fungal nail can be treated by trimming and filing any loose areas of the nail, soaking feet in water that contains a few drops of tea tree oil, using a topical antifungal treatment (if necessary) and bleaching the shower to kill any lingering fungus” sounds like something I heard my grandmother say that I don’t wish to be attached to my professional reputation.

Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NYC, NY drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Vermont. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a Podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305. www.aggeus.org

POSITION AVAILABLE – CENTRAL WYOMING

Well established solo practitioner looking for an associate leading to partnership at a busy, modern practice in a great location. Friendly personality and good communication skills a must. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send letter of introduction and CV to: wyofootdoc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN NY

Busy multi-specialty Medical office in Brooklyn, NY is seeking an experienced podiatrist. We are offering great compensation, flexible schedule and great office environment. Our Requirements: Must have Experience Must have Medicaid & Medicare provider. Please respond by email to: ddpropertymgmt@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MIAMI, FLORIDA

Associate with potential for partnership. All phases of foot and ankle care. Bilingual in Spanish helpful. Send Resume and Letter of interest to miamifootandankle@gmail.com

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA- SAVANNAH & SURROUNDING AREAS

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking podiatrist looking to build a career & long-term relationship. Either established practicing physician or new residency graduate. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. Along with CV, please provide medical plans that you are currently participating in. Please forward your information to roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES

Multi-specialty group seeking part time podiatrist. Opportunity to transition into full time position. Required: 3 years or surgical residency, including Charcot reconstruction, fellowship or interest in biomechanics, and ability to train surgical residents. Send CV to podiatricri@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 5 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - 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 calls. 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 – ALBANY, NEW YORK

Solo practitioner looking to wind down after 29 years. Immediate position available in a well- established diversified practice. Must be ethical, hardworking and committed to quality patient care. Must have good communication and surgical skills. Patient base established with additional growth present. Excellent salary & benefits. Please send cover letter and resume to McBride719@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

I'm not just looking for an associate. I am looking for a doctor who wants to build a highly successful career with a doctor who is as committed to their success as he is to his own. Go towww.YourFutureInPodiatry.com to find out about this opportunity.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SWISS DOLORCLAST ESWT

Swiss DolorClast ESWT. Complete with Cart. Extra hand pieces. Excellent condition. Low hours. Asking $12k. Pictures available upon request. Contact Carol at 708-596-3757 or carol.performance@sbcglobal.net

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

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