The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 06, 2013 #4,735 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Heel-Free Shoes Result in "Most Natural and Comfortable Position: OH Podiatrist

Dr. Nick Campitelli is an Ohio podiatrist and marathon runner who has worn Vibrams since 2009. He wears his barefoot shoes not only when running, but also while visiting with patients and working in the operating room.

Dr. Nick Campitelli

According to Campitelli, the heels on traditional shoes cause wearers to lean back unnaturally, putting stress on their heels and backs. But the heel-free design of barefoot shoes eliminates stress and causes wearers to stand flat on the ground, which is the “most natural and comfortable” position.

Source: Caroline Leal, World Magazine [4/4/13]

PM News has begun 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. Straw polls are not scientific and do not represent standards of care. Last Day to Vote!

Quick Poll
How satisfied are you with your career in podiatry?
Click HERE for Results

IA Podiatrist Re-Appointed to State Board

Dr. Denise Mandi has been re-appointed to the Iowa Board of Podiatry. Mandi was originally appointed to the state board in 2007 and was elected Vice-Chair in 2010.

Dr. Denise Mandi

Mandi joined Broadlawns Medical Center in 2004 after receiving her medical degree from Des Moines University. She is certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Mandi is the only Central Iowa surgeon who is certified to perform total ankle joint replacement surgery utilizing all available artificial ankle implants with the AgilityTM, InBoneTM, and TornierTM options.

Source: Des Moines Register [4/5/13]

MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison in Healthcare Fraud Scheme

A Grand Rapids podiatrist will serve time in prison for committing healthcare fraud. Anthony J. Kirk, 61, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to six months in prison, fined $15,000, and ordered to pay $65,110 in restitution for committing healthcare fraud, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles announced Thursday in a news release. Kirk, a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine, pled guilty in November 2012 to knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud the Medicare program by repeatedly submitting false and fraudulent claims for services he did not actually perform on his patients. According to the release, Kirk admitted billing the procedures when in fact he only performed “routine foot care,” a service that generally is not reimbursable by Medicare.

Source: Holland Sentinel [4/5/13]

Arizona AFO, Inc. Releases Interactive eBook for the iPad®

Arizona AFO®, Inc. has announced that The Foot & Ankle Handbook is now available to download from the Apple® iBookstore^SM for the iPad®! The Foot & Ankle Handbook is an interactive guide for orthotic intervention of the lower extremity. This handbook serves as a valuable resource for students and instructors and may be used by practitioners to assist in their practice and with referral sources and their patients.

The handbook can be directly downloaded from your iPad® using the latest version of the iBooks® app from the App Store^SM. From within  the iBookstore^SM, the handbook can be found by running a search for “Arizona AFO”. The handbook can also manually be found within the “Textbook” category in the iBookstore^SM.

Query: HBOT Supervision

I am credentialed as a Healogics provider to supervise hyperbaric oxygen treatement (HBOT) treatments at a local hospital. My question to colleagues is, does your HBOT facility allow you to supervise dives for diagnoses outside of your scope of practice, e.g. osteoradionecrosis of jaw? What is the difference between supervising a dive on the lower extremity and the upper body if no additional treatment is being rendered? HBOT provides a systemic treatment.

Stan Gorgol, DPM, Salem, NH

Query: Call Pay

I am curious to know if any podiatrists are getting call pay from a hospital? This call pay would be in addition to any charges generated while being on call. In my area, we have a number of allopathic specialties that receive call pay regardless of whether they are called or not. They are being paid to be available and can take the call from home. If you are receiving call pay, how did you come up with an appropriate fee?
 
Charles Myers, DPM, Conway, SC

Query: Nerve Biopsy Code

What is the correct CPT code for a biopsy of a nerve in the foot?

Sandy, Office of Allan Hetelson, DPM, Bensalem, PA

Response: CPT 64795 is "biopsy of nerve". Let me preface this by saying it is not the same as an epidermal nerve fiber biopsy. If performing this type of biopsy, it is essentially a skin biopsy to look at nerve denervation, so in this instance, the correct code is CPT 11100.

David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Dense Macules/Nevi (Judd Davis, DPM)
From: Coleen Napolitano, DPM

I sent the photo to the dermatologist I work with. He thinks they look like keratoses (benign). Check his back (or at least his upper extremities) and see if it's there too. It wouldn't hurt to biopsy if you want to double check.

Roody Samimi, DPM, Whitehall, PA, roody.samimi@gmail.com

A side-effect of minocycline is skin pigmentation, which can vary from blue gray to muddy brown. I believe this may be the cause of the pigmentation presented.

Coleen Napolitano, DPM, Maywood, IL, cnapol1@lumc.edu

RE: Recalcitrant Heel Pain (Loren J Miller, DPM)
From: Paul R. Scherer, DPM, Mark Hinkes, DPM

I suggest that you work the patient up for sero-positive or sero-negative arthritis. The following diseases have been well documented as having unilateral persistent heel pain as the presenting symptom: sero-negative (HLAB27 positive) include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (formerly Reiters), enteropathic spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, anterior uveitis. Seropositive include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Custom orthotics sometimes don’t work. Who would have thought!
 
Paul R. Scherer, DPM, San Francisco, CA, pscherer@prolab-usa.com

When does the pain occur? Does the patient have AM pain upon arising or neuritic type pain in the afternoon? Does the patient have an unequal limb length? Is there pain to the calcaneus with medial/lateral compression? Is there a positive lamp cord sign to the medial calcaneal nerve? How about a bone scan of the calcaneus to R/O sub-clinical stress fracture? Does that patient have any history of lumbar spine trauma/surgery? Does the patient have any history of DVT? Have you tried a bone stimulator or casting the patient to be NWB for 6 weeks? Have you run any labs? ANA sed rate, crp, uric acid, bpm, rheumatoid factor?

Mark Hinkes, DPM, Murfreesboro, TN, drhinkes@gmail.com

RE: Recalcitrant Heel Pain (Loren J Miller, DPM)
From: Don Peacock, DPM

Unfortunately, we’ve all had this type of patient and it can seem like no treatment options are left. However, in my experience, most patients who have not responded to appropriate treatments for heel pain have gastrocnemius equinus. Check to see if he has equinus by performing the Silfverskoid test. If he has gastrocnemius equinus, then you will need to address this. This can  be done minimally invasively via endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. It is important to determine whether or not he has a true cavus or normal foot type. It sounds like he may have some degree of pseudo-equinus that is compensated. 

This foot type can respond negatively to plantar heel surgery, but may respond very well to a gastrocnemius recession. In conjunction with the gastrocnemius recession, consider ablation of the calcaneal nerve branch. The reports have been very favorable for nerve ablation  for  correction of recalcitrant heel pain. Definitely address the equinus deformity, if present. These options are minimally invasive and may be more appealing for someone who has already gone through extensive treatment.

Don Peacock, DPM, Whiteville, NC,  peacockdpm@gmail.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Robert Eckles, DPM, MPH

Regarding the current residency position shortage, I feel compelled, after review of the dozens of online comments made on PM News and elsewhere, to write from the position of Graduate Placement Director and Associate Dean at one of the 9 colleges of podiatric medicine.

There have been many assertions made in recent weeks, generally summarized as:

• There are too many colleges of podiatric medicine.
• There are too many students in the colleges.
• The colleges care nothing about...

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

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

To the 100+ graduates of podiatry school without a clear path today, I want to share a lesson in life, “Sometimes your worst times become your best.” I have had the opportunity to interview over 210 (so far) of the best podiatrists in the country on Meet the Masters and there are a few distinctions that are evident. Regardless of any bad situation (divorce, death of a family member, hurricane, or fire), what you focus on that will affect your destiny and, in turn, your life.

Dealing with the problem in front of you today, I offer a few suggestions for you to consider:

• Contact residency programs and offer to attend without compensation. Even if you do not get credit, you will gain...

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

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

PRECEPTOR POSITIONS - PHILADELPHIA

(3) Preceptor Positions available in Philadelphia and possibly (1) or (2) more in NY/NJ. Practice is diverse with a strong offering in podiatric rehabilitation, sports medicine and pain management. Two preceptors successfully completed this past year and gained tremendous hands-on experience. Please send resume to: ediamond7@comcast.net. To learn  more: www.philadelphiapodiatrist.com. 

PRECEPTOR POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice offering paid preceptorship. You will learn great patient care techniques along with nuisances that go into running a successful practice. We had a positive experience with a preceptor this past year and want to repeat this. If interested please send CV to office@fitfeetflorida.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer. System includes milling machine, PCs, all cords, parts, medical software, hardware and $2100 worth of insole blanks. System cost $45K New, Asking $10K. For more information visit amfit4sale.wordpress.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - BIOMEDIX PADNET SYSTEM
 
PADnet is clinically valuable, provides fair financial return with medically appropriate testing and seamlessly integrates with the complete suite of BioMedix® products and services. One year old. In Excellent condition. Buyer pays for shipping. Please contact Rhonda Daggs at info@footanklecenters.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 footcare@comcast.net

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - SCHOLL COLLEGE

The Dr. William M. Scholl College Podiatric Medicine is seeking up to three full-time academic podiatrists to train and lead the next generation of podiatrists in an interprofessional, multicultural learning environment. Applicants must be board qualified with preference for board certification in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with scholarly credentials. Contact Robert Joseph DPM, PhD at Robert.joseph@rosalindfranklin.edu or (937) 479-1793. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Health Science is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty and staff embrace diversity and are committed to attracting qualified candidates from historically underrepresented groups.

PODIATRIST SEEKING EMPLOYMENT - CHICAGOLAND AREA

Personable, well trained ABPS Board Certified podiatrist with 10 years experience seeking associate position or buy-in opportunity in the Chicagoland area.  Please email inquiries to ewcv5@hotmail.com.

PRACTICE 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 - SIOUX CITY, IA, TRI-STATE

Solo practice, established over 40 years. High volume, general care with surgical and orthopedic mix. Surgical privileges at 2 major hospitals. Deferred financing available. Contact: Medical Office, PO Box 4516, Sioux City, IA 51104.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH TEXAS

Associate position possibly available. Located 50 miles from Dallas. All phases of Podiatric care with no ER call. PSR 24 required.  Hospital privileges & strong referral base. Practice has EMR, digital X-ray & on site vascular testing. Very competitive salary and benefits. Please send CV to Footdoc3143@gmail.com 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - SYRACUSE, SCHENECTADY, ALBANY, AND SURROUNDING NY REGIONS.

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes. Also Cortland, Little Falls, and Gloversville. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.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 – HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY

Full-time podiatrist PSR 24 or greater, board eligible needed for traveling between offices in Northern NJ, Saturdays. Slow to start but great potential – high end location. Personality a must, Not routine care shy, Multilingual a plus, base salary and malpractice. Info to anklefootdoc@optonline.net, please no attached files.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - N.E. INDIANAPOLIS (FISHERS/ANDERSON)

Full or Part-time associates to join board-certified podiatrist in diverse, modern podiatry practice in hospital and office settings. EHR, digital x-rays, PADnet, Cutera Genesis Plus laser, Pinpointe Laser, ESWT, mini-C-arm, all aspects of DME, and hospital affiliations with three networks. Limited wound care. No nursing homes. Current Indiana podiatrists welcome. Tremendous potential for individual(s). Send C.V. with salary and benefit expectations: john.lloyd@lloydpodiatry.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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Two doctor practice looking for an associate to take retiring doctor's position with partnership opportunity for the right person.  Competitive salary, health insurance and incentives. Two offices serving a diverse number of routine, surgical and wound care patients. Two years surgical residency training and FL license required. If interested in this great opportunity please e-mail CV, surgical log and references to toesrus7@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA
 
We’re expanding, seeking podiatrist to join multi-office practice. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Prefer private practice experience. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA

Needs to be highly motivated, INDEPENDENT and surgically-trained to join a successful 40+ year practice surrounded with water sports, beaches and hiking. PSR24/36 ; well versed in forefoot and rearfoot surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and diagnostic ultrasound. Please email CV & cover letter to feetloveus@gmail.com

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 - GEORGIA

Associate needed for a busy podiatry office in Georgia. Candidate must be self motivated and surgically trained (PMS24/36). Must be versed in forefoot surgeries. At least one year post residency experience is required. Please send CV to myromeclinic@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NY

Busy multi-specialty practice of PCPs, general surgeons, OB-GYN, podiatric surgeons looking for a full-time podiatric associate in  Upstate NY, Binghamton, Finger Lake Region. Great Benefits, opportunity for partnership. Must be highly motivated, personable and be Board qualified/eligible. Our podiatrists have over 100 years combined experience. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA

Full time, PSR 24-36 month trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Philadelphia group practice. Multidimensional, multi-office group treating a wide range of patients including forefoot, rearfoot & ankle surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine, and workrelated injuries. Office & diagnostic equipment state-of-the-art. Full benefit package included with bonus incentive. Position available starting July, 2013 excellent opportunity leading to partnership. Please email to: bailliemw@gmail

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND, DC, PA

A podiatrist is needed for the Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania area. Partner for the corporation. Surgery center, emergency room call and a hospital location. All areas of podiatry. Established practice. Salary and commission. Fax resume 410-857-4227 or email at butler@qis.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL

R U a PM&S36 or PSR24 graduate looking for a bright future in podiatry BUT cannot be afraid to work hard to achieve. Nail care to reconstructive ankle/leg trauma. Attitude & God complexes need not apply. Frames / IM nails, must be comfortable applying. Work hard for exciting future. Superstars only. Send info mny1029@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice seeking individual with balanced medical and surgical training. Practice is well established with growing new patient visits. Offering competitive salary and benefits along with bonuses commensurate with performance. EMR already in place with well-trained assistants. Please Send cover letter and CV to office@fitfeetflorida.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

Wanting full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in 30+ year established practice situated in coastal community just south of Los Angeles.  Building out a new office near hospital. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Looking for someone to take over practice in the future.  Excellent opportunity for young ambitious doctor.  Send resume to asbf@pacbell.net, titled, "Podiatrist".

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS- BUCKS COUNTY

Seeking top-notch, highly motivated candidate with excellent clinical & surgical training to join established, well regarded multi-office practice with full spectrum of podiatric care. Great opportunity for the right person. Please respond to poddoc2@aol.com  with Resume,  CV and references.

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.

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