The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 04, 2011 #4,125 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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75% of Nail Salons Don't Properly Disinfect: TN Podiatrist 

Podiatrist Dr. Robert Spalding, author of Death by Pedicure, states that "at this time, an estimated one million unsuspecting clients walk out of their chosen salon with infections -- bacterial, viral and fungal." And no matter which salon you go to, there is always a risk of infection.

Dr. Robert Spalding

Spalding claims that in his research "75 percent of salons in the United States are not following their own state protocols for disinfections," which includes not mixing their disinfectant solutions properly on a daily basis, not soaking their instruments appropriately, and using counterfeit products to reduce costs (for example Windex substituted for Barbicide), says the doctor. And the problem is that there is no way to really "verify an instrument has been properly soaked and sterilized" without watching the process.

Source: The chicks at TotalBeauty.com [3/30/11]

Magazine Recognizes CT Podiatrists as "Top Docs"

Connecticut Magazine recently sent more than 5,000 questionnaires to doctors from one end of Connecticut to the other, asking them to recommend a doctor (other than themselves) to whom they would send a loved one for expert medical care. The top vote-getters in the podiatry category were Drs. James M. DeJesus, Harris Greenberger, and David Mader. 

Drs. James M. DeJesus, Harris Greenberger, and David Mader

Also named were podiatrists who finished at the top of the surveys from the years 2008 to 2010 (in alphabetical order):  Drs. Douglas A. Albreski, Marc R. Bernbach, Peter A. Blume, David Caminear, Michael Z. Fein, Alan H. Feldman, Gary Grippo, Robert E. Marra, Robert P. Matusz, John J. McHugh, David C. Novicki, Andrew Rice, Ashley Shepard, Eric Silverstein, Larry A. Suecof, and Abraham C. Yale.

Source: Connecticut Magazine [April 2011]

Maximize Your Time

Prioritize ruthlessly each day. If you start the day with 20 tasks to complete in the hours ahead, you probably will never complete them all. Divide them into “now” and “later” tasks, and start working on the day’s top priority.

Source: Adapted from “22 Time Management Tips,” Susan Ward via Communication Briefings

Query: Automatic Whirlpool Filler

I am looking for an automatic whirlpool filler. The one most common was made by Whitehall. It is designed to fill the whirlpool to a set water level and then turn on the motor for a set amount of time. Does anyone know if they still exist?

Jack Ressler DPM, Lauderhill, FL

RE: DME Supplier Enrollment Fee Follow-Up (Joseph Menn, DPM)
From: Robert M. Gaynor, DPM

I spoke on Friday with the National Supplier Clearinghouse on Friday. The fact is that all new applicants have to pay a $505 application fee to get a DME (PTAN) number issued. This fee is paid online and your application will not get processed until payment is received.

All current suppliers with a PTAN number will have to pay a $505 fee to get re-validated. Suppliers get re-validated every 3 years. Every location that dispenses a DME product is required to have a PTAN number. So, in Dr. Menn's case (he has a main office and 3 satellite offices), he would need 4 PTAN numbers and each number gets re-validated every three years. So, the fees would be spread out depending upon when the office received their PTAN number.

The NSC said the fees were put in place to pay for processing all the applications they receive. Since most DPM's at this time have a PTAN number, they should not give up their PTAN numbers as dispensing DME is still one of the most profitable avenues to earn income in their practices. You need to dispense one pair of diabetic shoes a year to cover the fee.

Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, President Dia-Foot, nailcutter@aol.com

RE: Painful Callus, 5th Metatarsal (Stephen S. Pirotta, DPM)
From: Michael Ruiz, DPM

You may also want to consider a sequential PT release, posterior lengthening, and possibly a STATT. An osteotomy may not be necessary if there are no boney adaptive changes. Cast him in the corrected position for 4-6 weeks followed by cam walker, physical therapy and bracing.  He may end up with a flat foot deformity, but that is more manageable than his current condition.    

Michael Ruiz, DPM, Erie, PA, michael29@juno.com

RE: Obesity and Podiatry (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Robert Creighton, DPM

Given that I was one who advocated for podiatry’s role in the public health challenge against America’s obesity/overweight epidemic, I am compelled to respond to Dr. Bijak’s post. I enjoy and respect Dr. Bijak’s perspective and appreciate his often unique and candid approach to this forum, but he has approached this topic through a provocative polemic that extends far beyond the intent of the posts on this topic. To equate counseling a patient on diet, nutrition and exercise principles with the medical pharmaceutical management of hyperuricemia or hyperglycemia is extreme.

Dr. Bijak makes a good point regarding the relationship between obesity and endocrine pathology, but much of the obese and overweight patients, with or without endocrine imbalance, need to approach their problem by thinking of diet and exercise as part of their “medicine.” Can we not provide some modicum of a role in this pursuit? One needs education and a sound knowledge-base to provide some level of counsel to a patient in this area, but one does not have to be an endocrinologist to provide this counsel any more than one need be an internist to discuss the concept of a food’s glycemic index or a vascular surgeon to provide an exercise prescription for PAD.

Robert Creighton, DPM,  St. Petersburg, FL, rcreightonjr@hotmail.com

RE: Designing an Exam Room from the Ground Up (Nat Chotechuang, DPM)
From: Arnold B. Wolf, DPM

Is this exam room in an office? Assuming it is, you are then compelled to follow the "architectural flow" already in place. Portable vs. fixed cabinetry? Is this a temporary situation? Where is the plumbing supply? Where are the electrical runs? What are the local building code requirements? Bottom line, and with no offense intended, if you are compelled to chase "the perfect treatment room," hire an architect with knowledge of medical/podiatric office design.

I designed my own office (read: not just a room) and did the basic architectural drawings (walls, plumbing, electrical, lighting). Of course, as code requires, the drawings were finished by an architect. Is it perfect...probably not...but it does the job (and patient opinion is always positive). A less expensive option is to consult your equipment suppliers. I'm sure they will have ideas and/or templates. Unless your funds are unlimited, don't waste your time chasing perfect...because your perception of "perfect" will change with time.
 
Arnold B. Wolf, DPM, Sterling Heights, MI, omnifootcare@prodigy.net

RE: Answering Service (Charles Morelli, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I too, much like Dr. Morelli, have gone to an answering system for my office that leaves a brief message, hours of operation, and a phone number to call if you are a doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or a patient with an emergency. Not only are patients surprised (satisfied) when I answer the phone, they are almost apologetic to "having disturbed me." Pharmacies too are pleasantly surprised that they have bypassed the extra step of speaking to an answering service who they then have to hope gets in touch with me.

There are several physicians in my area such as cardiologists, internists, and vascular surgeons who simply leave a message, "you have reached the office after hours and if this is a medical emergency please proceed to the nearest emergency room; otherwise please call back in the morning." In my opinion, my option (as well as Dr. Morelli's) is much better and more personal. Plus, you are cost-cutting. Try it before you simply dismiss it.

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

RE: Answering Service (Bela Pandit, DPM)
From: Pete Harvey, DPM

One more way to access your practice management scheduler is to access your office computer, and thus all its resident programs, with iPad and GoToMyPC.com. You can access patient records, x-rays, etc. from anywhere. The virtual keyboard is almost like a real keyboard.

I don’t use it to schedule patients, but it can easily be done. I use it to remote from my house, hotels, boats, meetings, etc. The mid-level iPad ATT or other connection is best. It's too slow with Wi-Fi.

Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.com

RE: Answering Service (Bela Pandit, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

We have tried many ways to cover our practice when we are not in the office. We have been using the following method for the past ten years and find it functions the best for us with the smallest financial outlay.
 
1. We use voice mail after seven rings. The message tells patients that we cannot answer the phone at this time and to please leave a message.
 
2. The message goes on to say that if this is an emergency to call our answering service. Their number is repeated three times. We contracted with an answering service that only charges $25 month for this "emergency service." The doctor on call is the one who gets the call from the service.
 
3. Be brief.
 
As a personal note, I dislike the message which instructs the patient to go to the nearest emergency room. Perhaps, this is something that is said to protect the doctor legally. It just rubs me the wrong way.
 
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@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 - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN

Entry level DPM needed to join an established, full service, group podiatry practice in Monroe, MI. A generous salary and future partnership opportunity will be offered to the right applicant. Check out our website at www.monpod.com Send CV and cover letter to info@monpod.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. E-Mail CV to urbebe78@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist wanted full/part time for busy midtown Manhattan practice. Must participate in the networks Aetna, BlueCross, Oxford, and United Healthcare. Please respond to 44footcare@gmail.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

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 these lasers on your patients. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- MIDMARK CHAIR

Midmark 647 podiatry procedure chairs, x2, condition new (only 1 yr.) , wired & wireless foot controls, block screen, base rails, light and dark blue upholstery with matching stools, under warranty. Other pod. equip., large modern curved reception desk. Midtown Manhattan, contact NYCfoot@aol.com for further information.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

28 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established referral base. Well-trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow $475K income after overhead. EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Also available are two transferable surgical center partnerships(with distributions). Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. Cover letter/CV to softechpodiatrist@gmail.com

OFFICE TO SHARE- NYC GREAT OPPORTUNITY

6 rooms (1000 sq. feet), Gramercy Park area. Newly renovated, painted, fully equipped and wired. Good for all situations. Available for immediate occupancy. Rental terms are competitively priced based on need. Please contact 157629@gmail.com for more information.

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

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