The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 11, 2013 #4,739 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Recommends Therapeutic Shoes for Diabetics

Diabetics are often unable to feel pain or pressure. A simple injury, even a tiny cut or blister that doesn’t heal or goes unnoticed, could lead to serious complications. Dr. Franklin Kase, a podiatrist, says therapeutic shoes offer the greatest protection.

Dr. Franklin Kase

“That person certainly is at risk -- if they don't wear proper footgear -- for infection and subsequent amputation of part or all of their limbs," Kase said. "So, it's very important to protect the foot.”

Source: Toni Guinyard, NBC (Los Angeles, CA) [4/6/13]

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.

Quick Poll
Have you implemented EMR in your practice?
Click HERE for Results

NJPMS Hosts Reception for Congressman

(L-R) Janice Feldman, Congressman Frank Pallone, Dr. Marshall Feldman, and Herman Hammerschmidt

On Monday April 8, 2013, the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society hosted a reception for Congressman Frank Pallone, D-6 Congressional District at the Society’s headquarters. Congressman Pallone is the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Health.

NY Podiatrist Named Distinguished Fellow of NAP

Dr. Karen Langone has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Practitioners (NAP). She is a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her post-graduate training there as well. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is a Fellow of the Board. NAP is a non-profit organization founded in 1981 to advise governmental bodies on our healthcare system.

Dr. Karen Langone

Langone is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and Past President of the Academy. She is the Lead Clinical Director for the New York State Fit Feet Program of Special Olympics International.

IN Podiatrist Joins St. Mary Medical Staff

St. Mary Medical Center has announced the addition of podiatrist Jared L. Moon, DPM, to the hospital’s medical staff. A native of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, he received his medical degree from Des Moines University-College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. He completed his podiatric medicine and surgery residency at the DeKalb Medical Center in Georgia in conjunction with the Podiatry Institute, with added credentials in reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Jared Moon

During his residency, he volunteered in El Salvador with the “Healing the Children” organization, performing surgery on underprivileged children to treat clubfoot. He also volunteered in the medical tent of the Atlanta Marathon in 2012, treating runners’ injuries.

Source: Laporte Country Life [4/9/13]

MI Podiatrist's Office Burns Down After Shooting Incident

A man identified by employees as a former maintenance worker opened fire Tuesday inside a Detroit medical facility, sending workers and visitors screaming and rushing for the doors just moments before the building erupted in flames. Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum, a podiatrist who operated his private practice from the building for about 30 years, said he heard a security guard yell that the gunman "had taken Sharita (hostage) and is shooting at other people in the building."

Fire Consumes office of Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum (Photo: Steven J Pepple)

Destroyed in the blaze, Kirschenbaum said, was his collection of boxing gloves, personal letters and photos of boxing great Joe Louis. He estimated the memorabilia were worth about $100,000. Kirschenbaum is former Boxing Commissioner of Michigan.

Source: Associated Press [4/10/13]

New Patients’ Access Rights Mean New Requirements, Including ‘Duty to Warn’

Covered entities (CEs) and the business associates (BAs) they may use to handle medical records requests from patients will need to ensure they can produce an electronic copy if that is how data are kept. They will also have to give patients the option of receiving their records through unencrypted emails and other electronic formats considered to be “unsecure” while warning them of risks, and comply with an expanded definition of a “designated records set.”

These are just a few of the provisions and clarifications regarding patients’ and individuals’ rights under the new HITECH Act final rules issued by the HHS Office for Civil Rights on March 26 that will necessitate changes in medical records policies and procedures by CEs and BAs. There are also tighter timeframes to produce patient records as well as a new mandate to restrict protected health information (PHI) from going to a patient’s health plan under specific circumstances.

Source: Report on Patient Privacy [April 2013]

Improve Your Writing

Read everything you write out loud before sharing it with other people. That way you can determine what your readers will “hear” as they read your words. Edit the tone and word choice as necessary to prevent misunderstandings.
 
Source: Adapted from “Want to Be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer,” Dave Kerpen via Communications Briefings

Query: Refusing to Hire a Person Who Smokes
 
In the April 11th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, there were two papers published regarding the controversy over denying employment to people who smoke. Institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Baylor Health Care systems have policies of not hiring smokers. The feeling at certain healthcare institutions is that having working medical professions who take breaks to smoke in the parking lot or whose clothes smell from tobacco does not set a good example for patients who have been told by their doctors to quit smoking. Yet 21 states passed laws preventing employees from discriminating against smokers. The authors of one of the papers advised hiring smokers, but in addition, urged giving them medical help to stop smoking.
 
This leads us to podiatry. We all know that smoking can lead to Buerger's disease, gangrene, and post-operative complications. Should we refrain from hiring an assistant or even another podiatrist who is a smoker?
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: HBOT Supervision (Stan Gorgol, DPM)
From: Ira Weiner, DPM

I was instrumental in changing the law in Nevada allowing podiatrists to supervise treatments. Recently, the law was challenged and was upheld in our favor. Our law currently states, and has always stated, that we can monitor dives for diagnoses in our scope of practice only.  In addition, we have gone further to state that all dives need to be performed in a facility located in an acute care campus. Based upon Nevada law, osteoradionecrosis of the jaw would not qualify a podiatrist to monitor the dive.

Ira Weiner, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, vegasfootdoc2005@yahoo.com

RE: HBOT Supervision (Stan Gorgol, DPM)
From: Joe Agostinelli, DPM

In 1986, I was fortunate enough to be the first non-MD/DO or nurse hyperbaric oxygen therapy healthcare provider to take the Air Force HBO course. At my base at the time, we had the largest  HBO chamber, with the ability to even operate in this chamber. The reasoning I gave to be a must attendee  to  the course was that 90 percent of the patients in that chamber were referred by me because of diabetic and or dysvascular non-healing ulcerations.

I do not know what courses certify you to be an HBO treatment provider now, but are they at least 7 full days with certification after successfully completing the course? The reason to attend and become certified for HBO therapy should not be a billing issue but...

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

MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison for Healthcare Fraud (Matthew B. Richins, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

I have to concur with Dr. Richins in this matter. Fraud requires intentional deception. Admitting to fraud means that you knew it was wrong when you did it. Regardless of the cost, if I were innocent, I would defend myself to the last appeal. After all, other than our good name and character, who are we? There is a huge difference between making a mistake and committing fraud. Fraud has no defense.

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

RE: MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison for Healthcare Fraud
From: Martin V. Sloan MS, DPM

It saddens me to read of the travails of Dr. Kirk, or of any colleague. But it also concerns me that seemingly others are suggesting the legitimacy of submitting CPT code #11730 for the debridement of toenails. By definition, 11730 is "the avulsion of a nail involving separation and removal of the entire nail plate or a portion of the nail plate (including the entire length of the nail border to and under the eponychium)." A television commercial from years ago that will always stick in my mind ended with the line "it's not nice to fool Mother Nature." I think it behooves all of us to be as informed as we can be in this ever-changing world.

Martin V. Sloan MS, DPM, Abilene, TX, doc@drmartinsloan.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Jeff Kittay, DPM

Editor's Note: The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) has just released an article titled "Residency Shortage: Continued Efforts to Find a Solution." This article can be read here.

As usual, Drs. Jacobs and Markinson have hit two nails on the head with one hammer. The gall that CPME, AACPM, and the collective colleges have to continue to recruit innocents, take their borrowed money, and then put them on the street with a half-hearted "well, we never promised you a rose garden", is nothing short of criminal. APMA and the ridiculous Projects 2015, or 2020, or 3000 just don't get it. Not every DPM wants to be a surgeon, and no one should be required to become one.

The state societies which have lobbied state legislatures to pass restrictive (and, I believe, unconstitutional) laws requiring 3-year surgical programs while there are insufficient...
 
Editor's Note: Dr. Kittay's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Robert Schwartz, CPed)
From: Vincent Gramuglia, DPM

This is great advice for our podiatry school graduates. I know they all dreamed of the day that they would be opening their own office, joining a hospital staff, preparing for board certification, beginning to make a decent living and raising a family after all their hard work and study at a quality residency program. I never thought of the possibility of working in a shoe store right out of school! As John McEnroe  once said, "you cannot be serious." Maybe Rockport, Nike, and Bally should put their names in the match and hold interviews at the CRIP!

Our graduates of podiatry school should not be encouraged to languish in a department store with a shoehorn in one hand and a coupon for 25% off in the other. What's next, the fragrance counter at Sachs? With all do respect to Mr. Schwartz, it would be insulting to these talented individuals, who sacrificed their money and their youth achieving this goal, to suggest that they settle for anything less than what they deserve.

Vincent Gramuglia, DPM, Bronx, NY, a2onpar3@optonline.net

RE: Outrageous Nails of the Day

This diabetic patient was seen as a consult for "nail care."

But can I bill for 11721?

Dan Klein, DPM, Fort Smith, AR

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Trulife, a global manufacturer of orthotic, prosthetic, physical rehabilitation and breast care products is searching for a strong business development manager to build the market position of our custom AFO line in podiatry market.  Successful candidate will have experience selling into the podiatry market segment and have established business relationships with podiatrists.  Proven track record of growing sales in podiatry market needed.  C.Ped credential +.  Must be able to develop & manage a sales force consisting primarily of independent sales groups, experienced in B2B podiatry, orthopedic, DME sales.  75% travel. To apply, email resume to lbouchard@trulife.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

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 - 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.

PRACTICE FOR SALE  - MIAMI, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for well trained new or other practitioner wanting to relocate to South FL. Walking distance to three world-class hospitals. Free standing building. Est. 1972. Great terms. Retiring, not looking for an associate. Contact me at draam@att.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

28 year old practice in a desirable part of Brooklyn. EHR certified with stage 1 criteria successfully met. Practice has room to grow. Good mix of Medicare hazardous foot care; surgery and wounds. Low overhead. Priced to sell. Email Inquires to brooklynpracticeforsale@gmail.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

 PODIATRIC MERGERS - CHICAGO AREA 

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area. We are interested in discussing merger with current  podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area. Practices that have a minimum of 5 to 25 years of activity are welcome to meet with us and visit our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 18 DPMs, a neurologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.

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

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 - 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/PARTNERSHIP  MIAMI/KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Busy, well established five-office practice in Charlotte, NC looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to beach, mountains - ideal location for outdoor enthusiast. NC license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Send resume to charpodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO 

Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 years old hospital based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of High Risk Diabetic Foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.com.

SEEKING FULL OR PART-TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY

An outstanding practice opportunity! We are searching for a dedicated and caring full time or part-time podiatrist to join our growing endocrinology practice that is devoted to quality patient care and conveniently located in Englewood, NJ. The office is less than ten miles from Manhattan. Competitive salary and benefits package offered. For further details, please call Victoria at (917)655-9009 or email resume to cvsschwartz@aol.com

TWO FOR TEXAS

Desiring to grow our group of successful medical and surgical professionals.  We are seeking an exceptional Podiatric Physician and Surgeon with great interest and talent to serve as 1) Our Diabetic Foot Care Team Leader or 2) Our Sports Medicine Team Leader.  Send CV, letter of interest, and current picture to:  greatdoctors1@gmail.com

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 - NORTH TEXAS

Associate position 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 - UPSTATE NEW YORK and CONNECTICUT

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes. Syracuse, Schenectady, Albany  Cortland, Little Falls, and Gloversville, and surrounding areas, New Britain and Southport, CT. 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."

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.

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 WANTED - CHICAGO

Preceptorship at a State Licensed and accredited Surgical Center in Chicago. Over 2,500 cases annually in podiatry. orthopedics, general surgery, pain management and neurosurgery. Preceptor will be involved in assisting surgeons and scrubbing into cases. Rotations in anesthesiology and 2 months in internal medicine at local teaching hospital. Salary of $ 52,000, plus health benefits and vacation. Housing provided. Do NOT send transcripts or Board scores. Preference will be given to 2013 graduates of  Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Send letter of request to: Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inc. 2333 North Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60707. Attn: Dr. Hrywnak

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

PAID PRECEPTORSHIP AVAILABLE IN MANHATTAN

Surgical, Biomechanics, and Practice Management. Send C.V. to ddfcfootdoc@gmail.com

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