The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 23, 2011 #4,115 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IL Podiatrist to Assume Role as Director of CLEAR

Dr. Stephanie Wu, Associate Professor and the Director of Educational Programs for CLEAR, will assume the role of Director of CLEAR and the Associate Dean of Research for Scholl College upon Dr. Wrobel's departure. Dr. Wu joined the College in 2004 as a research fellow for CLEAR and is an internationally recognized researcher with more than 80 publications to her credit. 

Dr. Stephanie Wu

Additionally, she has delivered more than 200 keynotes and lectures both nationally and internationally. She currently serves as the Director of the College's Summer Research Program, sponsored by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) T35 grant.

IL Podiatrist Named Scholl Alumni of the Year

Richard G. Macdonald, DPM has been selected as the 2011 Alumnus of the Year by the Alumni Association of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. He was honored during the 28th Annual Scholl College Scholarship Benefit and Alumni Reception on March 4 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

(L-R) Scholl Alumni president Dr. Jack Hutter, Dr. Richard Macdonald, and Scholl dean Dr. Nancy Parsley

“Dr. Macdonald has distinguished himself as an accomplished podiatric physician and leader in our profession over his 40-year career,” said Dr. Nancy L. Parsley, Dean of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. “He represents a model of excellence for all Scholl College alumni.”

House Likely to Pass Medicare Pay-Cut Delay

Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), vice chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, said in an interview Monday that the House Republican leadership aims to begin consideration of an as-yet unintroduced Medicare physician pay bill next month. The leadership's goal is to pass the bill in June and give the Senate months to act before the current one-year freeze of a 29.5% physician pay cut expires Jan. 1.

The House measure would not permanently replace the Medicare physician payment system, based around the sustainable growth rate formula, but would freeze the current rates for several years while Congress negotiated a permanent fix, he said. Such a permanent fix proposal is expected from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission in October, but Burgess said Congress would need more than a few months to reach agreement on a permanent fix.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Physician [3/22/11]

Web Videos Increase Conversions to New Patients

Adding web videos to your practice website will hold potential patients on your site up to 10x longer and increase visitor conversions to new patients. On average, a person will visit approximately 5 physician websites before selecting a doctor to contact. That drops to approximately 2.5 sites when the site contains videos. Start with a personalized homepage greeting and a few videos about what you treat most often. These videos will convey your professional credibility while establishing a personal connection with prospective patients.
 
Source: Adapted from "Increasing Visitor Conversions," comscore.com and Gary Ignotofsky

Query: Current Views on Regranex Gel
 
I do basic wound care in my office. Although it has been several years since I stopped using Regranex Gel because of the black box warnings and coverage issues, I am tempted to resume use of the product for some of those small, clean ulcers that have not responded to simple debridement and local wound care. Regranex always worked well for me in the past. I would appreciate some feedback from the wound care experts about how Regranex Gel fits into their current protocol for wound care.  

Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA

Query: Oil for Ritter Surgical Table

I need to re-fill the oil reservoir on an older model Ritter 75C surgical table.  In a sitting position, it slowly tilts forward, but is easy to re-position with the foot switch. Does anyone know specifically what oil to replenish it with?

Robert K Hall, DPM, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Query: Returning a Custom AFO

I have a patient who was dispensed a Richie Brace specific for his foot problem. After wearing it, he decided that he does not like it, and brought the AFO back. It was explained to the patient before casting that this is a custom brace, but he still does not want it.

I am wondering how I handle this type of situation as I have never had this happen before.

Jenny T, Office of Kevin O'Brien, DPM, Lake Havasu City, AZ
 
Response: You are under no obligation to take back a custom device simply because the patient does not like wearing it or using it. If the device did not fit or caused the patient pain, you would be obliged to adjust the device until it fit properly or was replaced by one which did.

If you have already billed this to Medicare, then I don't believe you would be responsible to refund the carrier any money. If you have not billed this to Medicare, then I would not suggest billing it to the carrier other than as a canceled order.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

Codingline subscription information can be found here APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Pain in Hallux Interphalangeal Joint (Jordan Sheff, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

For starters, go easy. From the 1st MT-cuneiform joint to IP hallux, the  "new 1st ray" appears elevated with a PF distal phalanx. Use a regular orthotic with an extrinsic FF post 2-5, with a cut-out for the first ray.
 
Lewis Teich, DPM, Bellvue, CO, LJTMesa@aol.com

For immediate relief, try a “forefoot toe-off rocker” on his shoes. The apex should be distal to the MTPJ. This will prevent motion and shear at the IPJ during propulsion. 

Toe-off Rocker

Start with a 30 degree angle for best results. It can be less. Make sure the toe box of his shoes are high enough and long enough, at least ¼ to 3/8 in length from the end of his hallux to the end of the shoe.

Robert S. Schwartz, C Ped, NY, NY. rss@eneslow.com

Since conservative management has failed on this patient, surgical revision is indicated. On the lateral radiograph, it appears that the proximal phalanx has healed in a dorsiflexed position. This may have been a result of ...

Editor's Note: Dr. Gino Scartozzi's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: White Tipped Toes (Jeff Kass, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: J E Schiller, MS, Jeff Kittay, DPM

In response to the question by Dr. Kass, "What is the test for Raynaud's?" - A positive cryoglobulin.  

J E Schiller, MS, DPM, Euclid, OH, Joan.Schiller@UHhospitals.org

Dr. Udell's skin reaction sounds exactly like my skin allergy to hydrogen peroxide. White blotches that appear after contact with HP, burning/itching that lasts for a few hours, inability to wash off or debride the skin "lesions", and spontaneous resolution. Can you connect your episodes with any recent chemical exposure? So far, using gloves has been the only way for me to avoid this unpleasant effect from a seemingly "innocuous" product.
 
Jeff Kittay, DPM, Boston, MA, twindragons2@verizon.net

RE: Medical Nail Technician? (Patrick Barnes, DPM)
From: Mary C White, DPM

I have had nail technicians in my office for 10 years. Many of the podiatrists locally have surgical practices only, and I could not handle the amount of people who needed nail care. Also, many patients did not qualify for medical nail care, so I have them see the nail techs for cash. It has worked well.

Mary C White, DPM, Rockford IL, drmarydpm@comcast.net

RE: Replacement Product for Panafil (Theresa L. Schinke DPM)
From: Bruce Pinker, DPM

I suggest prescribing Collagnase as a substitute for Panafil. Although it is not as effective as a debriding agent as Panafil, it is much more readily available. A few years ago, my patients had difficulty finding Accuzyme (which was highly effective) in the pharmacy, and my substitution for Collagenase served well.

Bruce Pinker, DPM, Pomona, NY, docpinker@yahoo.com

RE: Pissed Off About Healthcare (Gino Scartozzi, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM, David Helfman, DPM

Dr. Scartozzi's comments are clearly heartfelt and genuine. He is a credit to this profession, and it is easy to see how deeply he cares. My only comment is this - organizing the profession is not likely to net change over time. My opinion is that it is time to start charging patients for what is not covered and dropping out of contracts that limit your ability as a doctor to properly care for your patients. Then we will have a public that is pissed off. And that is where the change will come from. There are many more of them than there are of us and they are the ones who keep the insurance companies in business by paying premiums.  It is time to STOP cooperating with insurance companies and time to do the RIGHT thing.

Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

Healthcare is very regulated, mainly because the single biggest payor of all healthcare dollars is the federal government and 17% of our GDP or 2.3 trillion dollars was roughly spent on healthcare last year. Once the government gets involved, and is spending our money, they have a fiduciary responsibility to all US citizens to make sure that controls are in place to prevent fraud and abuse.

Unfortunately, the government should never have gotten involved in healthcare, but that’s about 30 years too late or more. The key for physicians is to be...

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

RE: The Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 /Obamacare
From: George Jacobson, DPM,

Our founding fathers were such seers...  It's amazing that some believe that they anticipated our state of healthcare in 2011, with what some interpret as a "General Welfare Clause." You may say it is inferred, but it is not written. I wrote about and studied the "Privacy Rights" issues when I was in college. Abortion, gambling, drug/alcohol use, and prostitution can be argued as individual rights of choice based on "privacy rights" and therefore they should not be crimes (Text book "Crimes Without Victims." 1965). Nowhere in the Constitution are privacy rights guaranteed, yet the public think they are. They may be inferred.

You can say the same for healthcare being guaranteed or a right but it is a greater leap, especially when you consider the concept of healthcare and the language of the 1700's. The Constitution can be amended to specify inferred rights, yet it hasn't happened nor are there movements to do so. We can't even get a common sense balanced budget amendment. Ambiguity is the rule of politics. Specificity is common sense which doesn't mix well with politics.
 
George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL, fl1sun@msn.com

RE: Homeopathy is a Safe Way to Complement Treatment Choices: IL Podiatrist (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Again, Dr. Udell's bias is without education. Homeowatch is a great site to showcase doctors who practice irresponsible medicine. If there was a website called Allopathwatch relating to the number of deaths from prescription drugs, it would far trump the "dangers" of homeopathic medicine. I have been injecting homeopathic medicines in my patients for 25 years, over 50,000 times. Surprisingly, I am not in jail, I have not harmed anyone, I have not been sued, and I have a thriving practice. Nuff said.

Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering full or part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care to the elderly in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your c.v. to drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - TEXAS

Podiatrists needed in San Antonio or Austin. Great paying positions for full or part-time physicians. Established, unique mobile podiatry practice servicing senior living facilities. Office locations in both cities with excellent support staff for your assistance and scheduling. Check us out before looking elsewhere. See us at www.footmobile.com.  Reply with cover letter and CV to doctor.cohen@yahoo.com with a cc: to lisa.schulze@yahoo.com or call us at 210-495-6477 or 210-545-3338.

POSITION AVAILABLE – PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Full-time or part-time position available for an associate to join a modern, well established practice. Needed is a motivated, hard-working, well-rounded, surgically-trained podiatrist to complement our office. Excellent income potential with possible partnership opportunity available. Arizona license required. Email CV to Foot.doctor@hushmail.com.
 

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 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 - 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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -  SONOACE ULTRASOUND

2007 Sonoace, Pico color ultrasound image, Medison, MY202C MAI, 7.5 mhz small head, hl59edn, 40 mm, 4 modes - 2d, Doppler, 3-D, and multi-image. $9,800 or best offer. Just finished servicing by Universal, includes Sony black and white printer. Charles W. Kelley III, DPM cwkell2aol.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. Also a used Lumix 2 laser, best price today   Dr. Zuckerman is in the Fort Lauderdale area and will demo this lasers on your patients. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

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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