The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 22, 2013 #4,748 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MA Podiatrist Recounts Actions and Emotions of Boston Marathon Bombing

Dr. John Pizzuto is a podiatrist. He was treating a national guardsman at the time of the explosions. "People starting running all over the place, but when we heard that it was definitely a bomb, we responded," said Pizzuto. Everyone in the tent rushed to help the wounded. "That's what changed me. In five minutes the streets were covered with blood. There was not a lot of panic. The doctors, the nurses, it was like they were ready for this. They knew what to do."

Dr. John Pizzuto

What sticks most in Dr. Pizzuto's mind was the this woman patient he treated and the last thing she asked before she left. "She asked what was my name. And you get choked up because you know that they want to thank you, and you know it's real."

Source: Elaine Quijano, CBS Evening News [4/16/13]

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
Is your office handicapped accessible?
Click HERE for Results

Last Week's Poll Results

GA Podiatrist Initially Chose Location to Avoid Northeast Winters

Dr. Drew Xenos was born and raised in New York City, but has now lived in Georgia for 37 years. "I came to Atlanta for a seminar," he said, "and loved it. On the way home, I got stuck in a snowstorm. When I finally got home I told my wife, we're moving to Georgia to open a practice." So he moved to Atlanta in July of 1976 and began seeing patients once a week in Winder, at Russell Nursing Home (the current Winder Rehabilitation Center).

Dr. Drew Xenos

"Every time I came to Winder I would hear, 'we need a podiatrist here [in Winder],'" he said. "So I opened a practice here." When Xenos first moved to Georgia, he was a, "unique entity." "My accent was a bit stronger then," he said. He no longer sounds like a freshly transplanted New Yorker, but the accent does surface in certain words. But he certainly doesn't say, "dawg," when speaking of his two Maltese pets.

Source: Kathy Bridges, Barrow County News

CA Softball Star Plans to Attend Podiatry School in the Fall

Megan Hom has been an excellent softball player since she first stepped onto Bill Simoni Field in the spring of 2010, so it was surprising when she hit a slump, at least by her lofty standards, early in her senior season. But this year, Hom is hitting .369 and has scored 30 runs, both second in the conference, and she leads the Big West with 14 sacrifice bunts. Pacific coach Brian Kolze said the senior center fielder is one of the finest players in program history.

Megan Hom

Hom admits the finality of her career has been weighing on her as this season draws to a close. "I'm not going to take any moment for granted, and I'm cherishing everything more," said Hom, who will graduate in May with a biology degree and plans to attend podiatry school after that.

Source: Jagdip Dhillon, Record Net [4/20/13]

Lien Imposed Against MI Podiatrist for $1.6 Million

A Michigan podiatrist who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in federal court had a lien imposed against property he owns in Brownsville as part of an effort to collect more than $1.6 million in restitution owed as part of his sentence.

Dr. Richard Alan Behnan of Fenton and his assistant, Kelly Morel, were indicted on Sept. 22, 2010, on the single conspiracy count and 41 counts of healthcare fraud related to billing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Medicare for procedures that were never performed.

Source: Susy Kelly, Herald Standard [4/20/13]

Query: Legit or Kickback?

A company wants to do neurological testing in my office on patients I would refer. This is what they wrote: Here’s a summary of our program.

• · We perform all insurance verification and billing.
•  We are in network with many insurance carriers, including BCBS and Cigna.
•  You receive $150 per hour while we are testing patients.
•  You also receive a fair market value lease amount of $75 for a half day and $150 for a full day.
•  You receive payment on the day of service.
•  There is no cost to your practice and no monthly minimums.
•  Reports are read and interpreted by board certified neurologists.

My question is whether this is a kickback. I asked the company and here is their response: "It is not a kickback because we are paying you on a per hour basis, not a per patient basis. It also isn’t based on what our collections are. Regarding the rent, it is based on fair-market-value and is a pre-set amount for a specific amount of time. So it’s either a half day block or a full day block."  I would like advice from others on the forum.

Adnan Shariff, DPM, Okeechobee FL

Query: Parts for Whitehall Whirlpools

I'm having trouble finding a replacement toggle switch for an old Whitehall JO-125 whirlpool. It has four wires, two on each end (8A 125v, 16A 250v). Does anyone know where to purchase replacement parts?
 
George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL

Re: Bacterial Infection of Nail (Jay Kerner, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

Lacking from his post was why Dr. Kerner didn't pick up his telephone and call the Florida podiatrist for clarification. None of us has any idea why the patient presented to the podiatrist in Florida, so how could we interpret his findings? Personally, if one of my patient’s lab reports came back with Staphyloccus haemolyticus, I would be aggressive.

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

RE: Wart Covered Foot (David Kahan, DPM)
From: Jerry Langford, DPM

This would be a good patient to treat with the off-label use of cimetidine to kick-start the immune system to get rid of the warts. The dosage for a child is 20-40 mg/kg a day in three divided doses. Children 10 years old or younger usually respond in 7-30 days; ages 11-18 years usually respond in 4-12 weeks. The dosage for adults is 20 mg/kg up to 1600 mg a day, and it may take 6-12 weeks for the warts to resolve. For the average adult, I usually prescribe 800 mg b.i.d.

Jerry Langford, DPM, Collierville, TN, jlangforddpm@bellsouth.net

RE: Podiatry's Secret Problem
From: Steven Moskowitz, DPM

Podiatry has a secret problem that needs to be exposed.

My 90 year old mother-in-law lives in Hallandale, Florida. She has been very healthy, never even taking any medications at her age. She recently started to show signs of senile dementia, so we decided she would do well in an assisting living facility. Four days after moving in, a podiatrist showed up to cut her toenails and billed Medicare $120. I want to make it clear that besides mild dementia, she has no health problems or toenail problems.

I recently retired from practice and had been too busy to watch her medical billings. Looking back over the past 10 years and probably longer, I now see that a series of different podiatrists have been cutting her nails as often as Medicare will pay for the service, even though she is not eligible for nail care.

These podiatrists are crooks, ripping off Medicare to the tune of millions of dollars. Our profession needs to police our own or the government will do it for us. The only thing we will be reading in PM News is which podiatrist got arrested today for fraud. Without trying to sound that I am without sin, I can honestly say that I never knowingly billed for a service I did not perform or that was not medically necessary. How many of our fellow podiatrists can say the same?

Steven Moskowitz, DPM (Retired), Houston, TX, ssssmosk@aol.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions 
From: Amram Dahukey, DPM

So now, the blame game is on, and everyone is trying to blame someone for the shortage of residencies or offer different short-term solutions. One doctor even suggested it is time to sunset the DPM and offer an MD degree. Almost 20 years ago, as delegate of the Arizona Podiatric Medical Association, I circulated a notion that the solution to our specialty integration into the mainstream medicine, is by changing the curriculum of the medical schools so that students will have a dual degree MD or DO and a DPM. It was a time when the debate was raging about whether we should include the ankle or just foot as scope of practice.

The solution I offer is two-fold: change of the education system to grant both degrees even if it requires an additional year in school, and accept students based on the projected number of residencies at the time of enrollment. I believe that these changes must be made now for podiatric medicine to become an accepted specialty of medicine. Many of the hurdles we as practitioners encounter on a daily basis will be removed. This is not an issue of pride, but of practicality in daily practice in hospitals, and even in insurance acceptance issues. 

Amram Dahukey, DPM, Tucson, AZ, drd@premiersurgeons.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Wenjay Sung, DPM

I respect Dr. Kass' opinion and his "thinking outside the box", although I'm not sure if his suggestion was in jest or seriousness.  We are all worried about 104 applicants on the outside looking in for residency positions. However, as Dr. Kass pointed out, "fellowships" are typically referred to as advanced training after a post-graduate residency program. Let's not start confusion for students/residents by switching or creating new definitions for "fellowship".

I believe what Dr. Kass is trying to describe is called a "research assistant position." Most allopathic medical schools offer this to their unmatched residents, and podiatric medical schools can mirror this idea. I believe we can all agree with Dr. Kass' proposal that the schools should offer something of substance to students, like research assistant positions. 

Wenjay Sung, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, wenjay.sung@me.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED - VAN NUYS, CA
 
Looking for reliable, honest and motivated podiatrist to assist with house calls to patients home residence and various health facilities.  Candidate must be willing to drive throughout the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles areas. Flexible schedule. If interested, please email resume to homefootcare@hotmail.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."

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

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 - NORTH CENTRAL, NJ

Well established busy solo physician seeking a well trained podiatrist (PMS 36) to join our growing practice. Bilingual English Spanish a big +. Competitive salary/benefits package. Send CV to email: njpod2013-1@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Two office practice, well established, modern offices. ED trauma call, good mix of medicine and surgery. Excellent compensation package. Please email letter of intent and CV to jdisabato@vfasa.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 - 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.

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

FT OR PT ASSOCIATE - SOUTH JERSEY

Great opportunity for FT or PT associate starting July 2013 in established practice in South Jersey. EMR, FDA-approved Lasers for fungus. Will work with Board Certified/Qualified podiatrist. Must have New Jersey License. Diverse practice in a nice area with a pleasant environment. e-mail CV at hhfootdoctor@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Immediate opening for a full time podiatrist in a rapidly expanding multi-office practice in central New Jersey. Well established referral base with full admitting hospital privileges. Compensation is performance based with patients scheduled from day 1. Wonderful working conditions. Applicant must have at least PSR-24 surgical training. Valid NJ license and Medicare number is required. Applicant should also be familiar and competent in podiatric surgery, biomechanics, trauma, PRP, wound care, and ultrasound diagnostics. Participating insurance #'s a plus. Please fax resume to: (609) 259-6637

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN WASHINGTON

Busy 4 office practice in suburban Washington, DC seeing highly motivated individual for full time associate position leading to partnership. Minimum PSR 24. Competitive salary and benefits.  Respond to mlmltm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Hudson Valley Foot Associates has a great opportunity available!  We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM.  Please visit www.hvfa.com and forward cover letter with CV to info@hvfa.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.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 - 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 - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, Midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION DETROIT SUBURBS

Multi-location practice seeks individual with excellent surgical training.  Practice is well established for over 30 years.  EMR’s available, ultrasound, Doppler & circulation testing, digital x-ray.  Buy in opportunity as owner plans on retiring in 2016 or sooner.  Please send cover letter with CV to footlaw@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARIETTA, GA
 
An associate is needed for a dynamic practice located in Marietta, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. We are looking for a well trained, motivated and personable candidate. This is a great practice opportunity. 2 years or more of a surgical residency is required and practice experience is a bonus. Our office has a licensed and certified surgical center. This is a modern practice with ultrasound, digital x-ray and EMR. We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with potential for partnership. Please e-mail your cover letter, curriculum vitae, letter of references and picture to light@eastcobbfoot.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. 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 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.

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 - FOX YAG LASER

Mint condition, still under warranty. Unit is portable & includes all the accessories. $14,500.00. Call 727 586-3668 or 727-321-310.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - VIRGINIA

62 years consecutive private podiatry practice, excellent referral base, busy, modern equipment; X-Cel Xray machine, digital Tigerview scanner, Traknet EMR, and 3 new Midmark chairs for the doctor and patient. Virginia license is required. Please contact Dr. Fine at drmichaelfine@aol.comor 703-582-5999.

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.

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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