The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 12, 2013 #4,740 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block

The April 2013 issue of Podiatry Management has just been mailed. This 228-page issue includes our cover story, "The Ins and Outs of Medical Practice Valuation,"  as well as an assortment of features, including our informative columns, a round table of APMA state Executive Directors and a CPME-approved CME.

April Podiatry Management

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

Scholl College Student Presents Research at NAP Forum

Neringa Kunigonis with Poster

Neringa Kunigonis, a second-year student at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, has presented her research poster at the National Academies of Practice Forum. The poster demonstrated the results of an ongoing randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mild compression diabetic socks on patients suffering from diabetes and lower extremity edema.

Hong Kong Podiatrist Discusses Minimalist Shoes

Compared to traditional running shoes where the difference between the height of the heel and forefoot (known as a "heel-to-toe drop") could be 10 to 12mm, minimalist shoes feature a drop of between zero and 6mm. "The theory behind this is that it allows, or promotes, a more natural running style, with a smoother transition from rear-foot to mid-foot to toe-off," explains podiatrist Douglas Horne, who runs a private practice in Discovery Bay.

Douglas Horne

"This lower heel-to-toe drop reduces the occurrence of the two-beat foot fall - a heel strike followed by an uncontrolled shift of the foot into a forefoot slap on the ground - which can become painful on the ankles and shins." Horne suggests that "the science which was touted as the reason for moving towards a more forefoot strike [as promoted by minimalist shoes] is now being questioned and challenged by other research, which in some cases seems to say the complete opposite."

Source: Jeanette Wang, South China Morning Post [4/9/13]

MI Podiatrist Loses Office, Boxing Collection, But Lucky to be Alive

Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum, former state boxing commissioner, knows he could have died in the fire that engulfed his podiatrist practice Tuesday in the Park Medical Plaza on Grand River in Detroit. While Kirschenbaum survived what he calls a "morning of craziness and madness," two employees in the building he knew well -- Sharita Williams, a 35-year-old receptionist and mother of four, and her ex-boyfriend, Myron Williams, 54, a maintenance worker fired from his job a week earlier -- died in the blaze that might have been deliberately set.

Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum

Kirschenbaum, a former amateur boxing champion from New York, said the loss of life cannot be replaced. Nor can his 43 years' worth of patient records and charts that were charred beyond recognition. Despite his relief that none of his staff was hurt, Kirschenbaum is shattered at losing his boxing library, which also included items from the careers of Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Thomas Hearns.

Source: Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press [4/11/13]

Disgraced Aussie Podiatrist Faces Jail

Yesterday, Terence Williams, 40, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a female patient in 2011 by giving her a rectal examination. The verdict came after two hours of deliberation. Justice Peter Evans, who granted Williams bail, warned him that he should not suffer the delusion that he would avoid a prison sentence. Charmaine Gibson, defense counsel for Williams, said her client would have his immigration status reviewed upon conviction and would probably be deported back to England if he was sentenced to 12 months of jail or more.

Source: Nick Clark, themercury.com [4/12/13]

Obama Budget Replaces Sequester Cuts and SGR

President Barack Obama today released a proposed $3.8 trillion budget for fiscal 2014 that would shrink the federal deficit by $1.8 trillion over the course of 10 years, but not on the backs of physicians. Instead, they are on the receiving end of some federal largesse. For starters, Obama's deficit reduction, similar to that in the budget plan approved on March 23 by the Democratic-controlled Senate, would replace the automatic, across-the-board cuts called sequestration that include a 2% decrease in Medicare reimbursement for physicians.

In addition, as in previous budget plans, Obama would perform a "doc fix" on the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula for setting Medicare pay rates. Under the Obama plan, physician pay rates would be frozen at their current level.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [4/10/13]

RE: APMA Pinterest Page
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

OMG! I went to the APMA Pinterest page today, and never have I seen such an embarrassing example of incompetence. At the site, is a page called Beat-Bunion Blues. Here, there are multiple pictures to click on, which I did. I wish I hadn't. One of the pages described how to rub olive oil on a bunion to break down the calcific enlargement. Another explained how wearing the right shoes can prevent a bunion and get rid of a bunion - and this one was sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association. Another was an ad for splints to cure bunions.

Whoever allowed this garbage to go to print should be fired. As a profession, we have enough trouble fighting the opinion that we are second-class physicians, and for our national organization to publish this kind of insanity further justifies that opinion. I have belonged to the APMA for almost 40 years and have served as an officer of the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association, including president, so this is not an anti-APMA screed. I think that if this is what we can expect from APMA, we have more problems than I have realized. I hope that someone from the APMA will respond to this with an explanation, and tell me when the perpetrator was fired.

Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

RE:  Refusing to Hire a Person Who Smokes (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Peter Bregman, DPM

I am glad Dr. Udell brought this to light, pun intended. Smokers, or more properly nicotine addicts, will do or say anything to justify something that is clearly bad for them, just like a heroin addict. We all know patients who are so addicted and troubled that they continue to smoke after being diagnosed with lung cancer, emphysema, or a heart attack. Now, this is a free country, but I do not want to pay for their health problems or the second-hand smoke problems, but those of us who pay taxes do just that. Furthermore, cigarette smell is off-putting to most people, and sometimes downright offensive.  Again, these addicts don't care what you clean air breathing people think. 

So, I have never hired a smoker and never will. Even if I could get sued, I would make the arguments above in court. I can very easily detect a smoker by sense of smell. So, set up any interviews either right after lunch or in the evening and you will surely smell it on them.

I don't operate on smokers unless I have no other choice. I am still surprised when they ask "why do I have to stop?" As long as we don't mind the billions of cigarette butts scattered across the land of our nation as people just flick them in the ground, then nothing will change.  So, until the tobacco lobby goes away, we all suffer because others are too weak and too addicted to change.

Peter Bregman, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, drbregman@gmail.com

RE: HBOT Supervision (Joe Agostinelli, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

Regarding Dr. Agostinelli's concern, in this day and age, you cannot be certified to supervise (or bill) without the proper credentialing. I mention billing because I am not independently wealthy, and unless you are, that is pretty much an important factor in most of what we do in any walk of life. In fact, our medical director also mandates that we become CHTs AND become  CLS certified because we do have patients' safety in the forefront of any treatment.

When you supervise a 12-person multi-place chamber, safety comes first. We must also attend the week-long course at International ATMO down in San Antonio. Dr. Scheffield and his colleagues at Nix hospital more than prepare us for our position as supervisors in the field of adjuvant hyperbaric therapy.

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

RE: MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison in Healthcare Fraud Scheme
From: Ted Cohen, DPM

What a bunch of hypocrites, what a bunch of self-righteous loathing liars! Sure the doctor made a mistake, sure he should pay restitution for up-coding. But 6 months in jail! That is just absurd, capricious, wanton, and totally arbitrary! The nerve of this podiatrist’s fellow brethren to believe that this “crime” against humanity deserves JAIL TIME! especially when (I’ll go out on a limb here) I guarantee that each and every one of us at one time for even the smallest line item cheated on our taxes.

You sanctimonious bunch of whores (of which I include myself). You want to talk about thievery, let's talk about...

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

RE: MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison in Healthcare Fraud Scheme
From: Cynthia Cernak, DPM

In the past two years in Wisconsin, we've had two notable physicians make headlines with their crimes. One was involved in a cocaine selling scheme and even had a loaded shotgun in the backseat of his car. He was caught with the goods. A second physician in his group is also implicated in the cocaine business. They have never seen the inside of a jail cell and are cutting deals to get off with community service.

The other physician is a well-known neurosurgeon who is being accused of millions of dollars of offshore accounts with Medicare payments. He also is getting off with community service and now opening a new office in the Racine area. It seems as though it was the attorney expertise that these two physicians were able to afford to buy that enabled them to get off so easily.

Cynthia Cernak, DPM,  Kenosha, WI, dr.cernak@gmail.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM

WHO or WHAT oversees the number of  admissions vs. available residencies? I understand there is no guarantee of the number of graduates, residency survival, and so on. I would simply like an answer to Dr. Markinson's question. Who or what watches the number of admissions vs. the number or residencies?

What, if any, mechanism is responsible to avert this future disaster again? No philosophy please. Just an answer. WHO IS IN CHARGE? Where is our well-remunerated executive director?

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Vincent Gramuglia, DPM)
From: Bruce Krell, DPM

Well said, Dr. Gramuglia. As I recall, the Scholl College, class of 1987 had a difficult year in obtaining residency programs. Not one person, at any time, ever suggested to me that I would not become a fully functioning podiatrist, participate in a residency, perform surgery, become ABPS certified, and earn a living to provide for my family. I, like my classmates, made my own choices and efforts. Some got and some didn't. Some stayed and some didn't. I for one did what I had to do, and I made it work for me in this profession. I continue to do so today although sometimes it is a struggle.

I find the comments that Mr. Schwartz made are not commensurate with the current trend in the profession given the push towards foot and ankle surgery. However, as stated before, not everyone can be a reconstruction specialist or perform complex surgery. There is a great deal of decent podiatric medicine in an office setting to provide service for, and there should be no need to work at a shoe store to pay for student loans. I would be incredibly upset if I were in the situation that the 104 students find themselves. I hope the leaders who are responsible for this fiasco will step-up and make it right, resign their positions, or their Board of Directors have them fired.

Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ, footdoc352@cox.net

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 the College of Podiatric Medicine. in Chicago.  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

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 - PADNET AND MIDMARK 417 PODIATRY CHAIR

Both in excellent condition. Asking $8,000 for PADNET and $3,000 for chair. Inquire (516) 922-0502 or bombbustr7@aol.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

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.

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.

 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 - 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 - 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

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".

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

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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.