The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

Disposable NPWT Device Receives APMA Seal of Approval

The developer of an ultraportable and disposable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device, today announced that it has been awarded the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Approval for its innovative SNaP® Wound Care System. APMA, the leading resource for foot and ankle health information, awarded the Seal to Spiracur's SNaP System for its contributions to better foot health and mobility.

Dr. Kathleen Stone

"The SNaP Wound Care System has proven to be a vital treatment for wound care, especially for the millions of people battling complications from diabetes," said Dr. Kathleen Stone, president of APMA. "It has been thoroughly evaluated and found to be highly beneficial to foot health. For this reason it has been granted APMA's Seal of Approval."

Source: SYS-CON Media

DJO Acquires Dr. Comfort

DJO Global announced March 15 that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase therapeutic footwear maker Dr. Comfort. The acquisition gives DJO the number one share in the "large and underserved diabetic footwear market," which is "rapidly growing" for podiatry practices, orthotic and prosthetic centers, HME providers, and independent pharmacies, the company said in a release. The transaction is expected to close within 30 to 45 days. 

Eric Lorentz

Eric Lorenz, president of Dr. Comfort, his management team and employee teams will join DJO Global, which makes medical devices for musculoskeletal health, vascular health, and pain management. DJO's products include the Aircast, Chattanooga, CMF, Compex, DonJoy, Empi, ProCare, and DJO Surgical brands.

Source: Homecare [3/16/11]

CA Podiatrist Restores One-of-a-Kind Car

They say the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Dr. Roger Leir of Thousand Oaks couldn't help but agree as he stood in front of his prize-winning, one-of-kind, 1948 forest green Dodge Derham Coupe that nabbed him the prestigious James Melton Award from the Antique Automobile Club of America last month. 

Dr. Roger Weir with 1948 Dodge Derham Coupe (Photo Karen Quincy Loberg)

Even though he was extremely mechanical, Leir became a podiatrist (still maintaining offices in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo) and remained a car hobbyist, even owning a Moorpark car museum, The Joseph Leir Memorial Auto Collection, for a time. The museum housed 110 cars, mostly Dodges, and it was there he brought this precious 1948 Dodge Derham Coupe — a showroom model never intended for public production — which he found in a Vermont backyard in 1985.

Source: Ventura County Star [3/16/11]

Deadline 2 Weeks - APMWA 25th Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 25th Annual Student Writing Competition.

• All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics,or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
• There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
• First prize will be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), sponsored by an APMA Educational Foundation endowment from Dr. and Mrs. Steven Berlin, and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
• This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
• Entries must be received by 4/1/11 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

Doc Supply Won't Keep Pace with Medicaid Enrollment: Report

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, some 16 million more people are expected to receive Medicaid coverage by 2019, but according to a Center for Studying Health System Change research brief, most of those new patients in the system live in states where primary-care physician shortages are looming or where a large segment of these doctors are not seeing new Medicaid patients.

In fact, the report concludes that "most of the nation will likely observe Medicaid enrollment increases that exceed increases in Medicaid (primary-care physician) supply." Based on 2008 data from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s area resource file, 42% of all primary-care physicians are accepting all or most new Medicaid patients, compared to 61% accepting all or most new Medicare patients or 84% of those with private insurance.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare [3/17/11]

Query: White Tipped Toes

This 22 y/o female presented to the office with the chief complaint of white tips of her toes. She stated that after a shower or any water immersion, the tips of her toes turn white. I had her soak in water for three minutes in the office (Photo on left).   

White tips of toes after soaking (L) and showering (R).

When her toes turn white, she scrapes the skin with her fingernails.  She also gave me a picture following her shower which is on the right.  She was previously treated with Lamisil unsuccessfully, and tested negative for Raynaud's. There is no finger involvement. X-rays were taken, but no definitive changes were noted. Any thoughts?
 
Gregory Mayer, DPM, Greensboro, NC

RE: Comminuted Fracture S/P Ex-Fix (Name Withheld)
From: Simon Young, DPM

I don't understand why ex-fix needs to be removed? The pins seem to be placed appropriately and the fracture should be able to be reduced via fluoroscopy. The screw can be removed via a small incision, and a K-wire or small Steinman pin inserted to stabilize the fracture. Ex-fix can be stabilized and offer more strength than a plate. Placing a plate would require a large incision and periosteal stripping which can do more harm.

I agree that at this point off-weight-bearing is a must, but patient compliance is a question.  Ex- fix should allow for weight-bearing, especially if the patient is not compliant.

Simon Young, DPM, NY, NY, simonyoung@juno.com

Re: Stratification of Risk for Medicare Enrollment (Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

CMS risk stratification for Medicare enrollment is largely in response to the billions of dollars in fraudulent claims stolen from the Medicare trust fund over the last few years. I generally applaud this measure, however, it is incomplete and needs further refinement because it does not address several categories of Medicare providers. While physicians are categorized as "low risk", it may place physician suppliers in the same "high risk" pool as ordinary DME suppliers. That is, it does not adequately address physician suppliers providing DME to their own patients. It also does not differentiate physicians who own DME supply companies (open to the general public) vs. DME supply companies owned by non-physicians.

Whether this new ”risk stratification”  makes it more difficult for physicians to enroll/re-enroll or provide DME in their own offices remains to be seen. Several weeks ago I contacted  the National Supplier Clearinghouse for clarification on this provider risk stratification. Once received and/or addressed, I hope to be able to share it with the readers.

Paul Kesselman DPM, Woodside, NY,  pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Pissed Off About Healthcare
From: Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM

On a few of the earlier discussions regarding Medicare and other insurance carriers paying poorly, slowly, or even requesting money back, a thought came to me. I was under the impression that physicians were restricted by law from organizing and promoting action regarding payments, charges, or anything to do with our medically-derived income. When I finished  my residency, someone told me that it was illegal for me to request a copy of a superbill or prices from another practitioner. If I am correct, and physicians are not allowed to organize, I don't understand why the MD, DO and/or profession have not tried to finance a class-action suit.

If you think about it, no other profession is regulated as severely as physicians. Healthcare professionals are not all treated alike. Nurses get raises, pharmacists get raises, physical therapists and all other allied health professionals get raises. My salary has gone down every year for over a decade. I would be willing to invest a thousand dollars to become a citizen with the equal rights of my neighbors. Granted, I did not work and study for years to be rich. I just wanted to help others get well. I had no idea that once graduating and becoming a doctor, I would be stereotyped as a crook, as a cheat, as someone whom the government must control to protect the public. I know I am pissed off (forgive my language). Aren't the rest of you?
 
Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM, Royston, GA, claret32853@gmail.com

RE: Sending Patients' Accounts to Collections (David Weiss, DPM)
From: Matthew B. Richins, DPM

Sending a patient to a collection agency is a direct result of a failure. By doing so, we fail to collect the money due to us at time of service. We verify insurance of every patient every day they are seen, so we know what they owe us. Many providers will disagree, but who goes to the grocery store to buy milk, then asks that the amount be billed? Likewise, we should demand what is owed to us at time of service, or in the case of surgery, before. If you implement an aggressive pay at the time of service policy, your amounts in collections will decrease, and your actual collections will increase.

Matthew B. Richins, DPM, Joplin, MO, mnmrichins@yahoo.com

RE: The Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 /Obamacare (Jerry Falke, DPM)
From: Marc "Merlin" Mauss

Dr. Falke wrote:  "I hate to burst Dr. Bijak's bubble, but the United States Constitution contains two references to 'the General Welfare', one occurring in the Preamble and the other in the Taxing and Spending Clause. It is this latter one that is generally referred to as the "General Welfare Clause."

There are 17 Powers ceded to Congress under the Constitution; "Promoting the general welfare" is not one of them.  As Dr. Falke wrote, the phrase "promote the general welfare" appears twice in the Constitution, first in the Preamble, which does NOT convey any powers to the government, but merely explains the reason the enumerated powers are given.  The same phrase, "promote the general welfare" is repeated in Article I, Section 8,  describing why taxes may be collected, however, there is no power given to do anything as vague as "promote the general welfare." Once again, this phrase is used only as an explanation for the specifics that follow.

James Madison (in The Federalist No. 41 and in a letter to the House of Representatives titled, "Veto of federal public works bill, March 3, 1817") asserted that spending must be at least tangentially tied to one of the specifically enumerated powers, as the General Welfare Clause is not a specific grant of power, but a statement of purpose qualifying the power to tax.

Marc "Merlin" Mauss, Coram, NY, merlin@shadowriders.org

RE: Homeopathy is a Safe Way to Complement Treatment Choices: IL Podiatrist (Marc Katz, DPM)
From: Kevin Lam, DPM

I would not beat up on homeopathy too quickly.  At first, I thought this was a bunch of crock also, but I opened up my mind and went to a seminar this weekend by Dr. Kornfeld about integrative podiatric medicine, and I learned some very applicable things from homeopathy. MDs/DOs are doing this for wellness programs/detox, etc. Some family practioners and internists in my town are accepting this form of treatment and even have a separate practice dedicated to this within their existing practice. Anesthesiologists are using acupuncture for anesthesia along with hypnosis instead of propofol.

I had a patient who is an RN/hypnotherapist and did a self-induced MAC during my injection and procedure, all without movement or response. Homeopathy is not all about Voodoo. There are tests to quantify results. I looked at this with an open mind and I was pleasantly surprised. 
 
Kevin Lam, DPM, Naples, FL, klamdpm@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Are you looking for a busy, well-rounded practice experience?" Group practice in DFW area looking for a 3-year surgically-trained associate with a sports medicine background. Needs to be as comfortable making orthotics as fixing a complex flat foot. Email CV to crane@faant.com

POSITION AVAILABLE – NEW YORK

Well-established, multi-doctor podiatry practice with offices in Putnam and Westchester counties. Compensation based on productivity. Excellent opportunity for recent residency graduate to build skills and learn practice management. Full-time preferred but right part-time candidate will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to: Podiatry2011@gmail.com 

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growth.  Must be board eligible/certified. Practice enjoys strong reputation and name recognition. Established location available for PSR 36+ with incentive comp, benefits, coverage. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit  www.foothealers.com.

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - TEXAS, EASTERN, PENNSYLVANIA

Looking for podiatrists to cover three or four nursing homes in Eastern Texas (Rusk & Tyler) Ft/ Worth/Dallas. Also in Upstate New York (Syracuse and Buffalo) and Pennsylvania (Meadville, Hillsdale, and State College). AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. E-mail doconcall02@aol.com  

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY - FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Progressive, busy practice seeks personable, ethical, confident associate interested in future partnership. Lucrative opportunity for self-starter with strong work ethic. State-of-the-art office in rapidly growing community with two new hospitals and new surgery center. Practice has excellent reputation with well established referral base. Cover letter/CV to: fredfeet@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NY

Busy Midtown Manhattan state-of-the-art practice with 2 locations seeking part time/full time associate. Must be in-network Empire BC/BS. Looking for a personable doctor with immediate availability. Residents Need not apply. DrB@myfcny.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER
 
Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for ugly, unsightly, toe nail infections. Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. Dr. Zuckerman is in the Fort Lauderdale area and will demo this lasers on your patients. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH DALLAS, TX

Reasonably priced. 26 year old solo practice, centrally located. Includes 1 Ritter & 1 Midmark chairs, Excel x-ray, electronic claims submission, website, all supplies and instruments. Retiring owner will stay for transition. Will consider owner finance. dallasfootdr@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WASHINGTON STATE - SUBURBAN SEATTLE

16 year established part time practice. Includes Midmark 417 (4 position keypad), Excel X-ray, processor, Ritter M9, instruments, bandaids, etc. 1 Day/week $50K gross. Professional Business appraisal at $48K. Asking $35K. Shared office with 2 FP's. Easily expandable. Reply: practiceforsale18@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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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