The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 29, 2013 #4,754 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

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
What would you recommend as a career for your child?
Click HERE for Results

Results of last week's poll

PA Podiatrist Aids Boston Marathon Bombing Victims

Dr. Scott Aronson has worked in the podiatry station of the Boston Marathon for years, tending to the aching feet and muscles of runners who have pounded their feet on the pavement for too many miles. The Easton foot doctor has taken care of their bloody toenails, their stress fractures and their tendonitis. He has never had to administer first aid for the kind of injuries he faced on April 15. Aronson was treating runners in the medical tent closest to the finish line of the marathon when the first bomb went off only a few hundred yards away.

(L-R) Drs. Howard Palamarchuk and Scott Aronson assist wounded runner at Boston Marathon.

The victims started pouring in.The first person has blood all over his face. One man had lost both his legs. Then they brought in a young girl. She was wearing long pants and a leather jacket. “They plopped her right in front of me. She had lacerations on her eyes and ears and her hair was all burnt,” Aronson said. Aronson and the other members of the podiatry team – including a group of medical students from Philadelphia and New York, first-timers to the Marathon experience – traded their bandages for gauze and face wraps and gloves and IV bags. It took more than an hour to treat the victims and transfer the more seriously injured to the hospital.

Source: Susan Parkou Weinstein, Easton Journal [4/26/13]

Appreciative Jerry Seinfeld Donates to NYCPM

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, after suffering for many years from debilitating heel pain and failing to obtain relief from a variety of therapies, finally achieved complete resolution of his problem after evaluation and treatment by Joseph D'Amico, DPM a Professor of Orthopedic Sciences and past Chairman at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

(L-R) Dr. Joseph D'Amico, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Michael Trepal, Louis Levine

A grateful Seinfeld wanted to make a meaningful contribution in appreciation of the care he received so that others could benefit from the services podiatric medicine has to offer. Two projects suggested by D'Amico will now occur. One will be a major biomechanics symposium in honor of the late Richard Schuster, DPM, longtime professor at NYCPM, and the other will entail significant enhancements to NYCPM's gait study laboratory.

MI Podiatrist Discusses When it's Safe to Run With an Injury

You've been training for the Fifth Third River Bank Run four months through one of the coldest, snowiest, wettest winter and spring we've ever had. Now, you have a foot injury. Can you still run? Dr. Martin Hoffmeister with Northfield Podiatry in Grand Rapids says, "most minor soft tissues injuries are the type that respond to rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories. (These injuries) will not prevent you from running."

Dr. Martin Hoffmeister

"An injury which is progressive, and seems to be getting worse each time you run, should not be ignored. Soft tissue injuries like posterior tibial tendon ruptures occur spontaneously. You can't run through those. You're done. Minor sprains and strains that respond to conservative treatment should not prevent you from running," says Hoffmeister.

Source: Joshua Aldredge, WZZM (Grand Rapids, MI) [4/25/13}

HELLPP Act Introduced By Congress

Yesterday, Reps. Lee Terry (R-NE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced HR 1761, the Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act, to the 113th Congress. If enacted as written, the HELLPP Act will accomplish three important goals:

• Define doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians under Medicaid
• Clarify coordination of care in the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program for persons with diabetes
• Strengthen Medicaid program integrity

"APMA has been working diligently with Congress to remove patient access barriers to podiatric physicians and surgeons for nearly a decade. The introduction of this common-sense, bipartisan reform legislation today marks a significant step forward for our profession and for patients, especially the millions with diabetes whom we treat every day," said Matthew G. Garoufalis, DPM, APMA president. "We will continue to fight this battle to the end and ensure today's podiatrists are rightfully recognized by the federal government, and that life and limb-saving services performed by podiatrists are available to those in need."

Source: Yahoo News [4/26/13]

NJ Podiatrist Sentenced for Selling Prescriptions

A Park Ridge podiatrist was sentenced Friday to five years in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for illegally selling prescription painkillers. Dr. Carnig Shakarjian came to his sentencing in Superior Court in Hackensack on crutches as he was recovering from foot surgery. He said he was “profoundly” sorry for his actions, and was once asked to speak up by a sheriff’s officer as he mumbled in a low voice.

Source: Kibret Markos, North Jersey.com [4/26/13]

Query: The Wartabater
 
We are all always looking for a miracle cure for warts. My partner sent me a link for a new product called The Wartabater. From their website, "The principle of operation of the device is as follows:  Each cell type in the body (as any physical item) has a natural resonant frequency. If the cell is agitated at its natural resonant frequency, the resonance causes the cell to physically break apart, destroying itself. The electronic circuit pulses 32v DC at the natural resonant frequency of a wart cell. Very little energy is needed to achieve this. The results are virtually always 100% successful." Do my colleagues have any experience with this product? Any opinions?
 
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA

RE: Non-Specific Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome
From: Edwin Harris, DPM, Jason Woods, DPM

Chronic pain that seems out of proportion to any clinical or historical findings in the presence of patchy bone marrow edema suggests CRPS I.

Edwin Harris, DPM, Westchester, IL, eharrisdpm@aol.com

Diffuse hindfoot bone marrow edema in a 13 year old girl is very often due to a hindfoot coalition. Her pain aggravated with activity would support this. Certainly, unusual diagnoses such as those listed by other contributors could be the case, but a hindfoot coalition would be much more likely. Having a musculoskeletal radiologist review the MRI would be helpful if you are not able to detect a coalition yourself.

Jason Woods, DPM, Seymour, IN, jason.woods311@gmail.com

RE: Post-Op Hallux Varus (Kel Sherkin, DPM)
From: Stephen Musser, DPM, Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM

A first MTP fusion, in my opinion, would be your best choice.
 
Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH, ly2drmusser@gmail.com

If you think that this is the result of a closing base wedge, you probably should not entertain doing surgery on this patient. This is an opening wedge procedure, the joint is subluxated at best, and the patient is not having pain. Pandora's box is sitting in your treatment chair.
 
Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM, Fort Walton Beach, FL, basewedge@yahoo.com,

RE: Patients' Requests for X-Rays (Joseph Borreggine, DPM)
From: Robert Wunderlich, DPM
 
In my experience, most hospitals and radiology groups that perform radiographs using a digital system are happy to provide a copy of the images on a CD-ROM (which also contains a stripped-down version of the software to view the images). New patients will often bring a copy of the CD with them to the office. If they don't, we've had no problem requesting a copy of the CD. Typically, they'll deliver it the same day via courier.
 
Robert Wunderlich, DPM, San Antonio, TX,  rwunder@gmail.com

RE: Billing for Missed Appointments (Olga Luepschen, DPM)
From: Hartley Miltchin, DPM

Where I practice in Toronto, Canada, all fees are cash payment at time of service. We do not deal with coding, insurance billing, etc. I became very stressed with the number of inconsiderate new patients who failed to show up for their appointments or canceled at the last minute. I implemented a credit card appointment requirement.

When a new patient books an appointment, they must provide us with a credit card. They are advised that if they do not cancel their appointment within 48 hours of their scheduled time or do not show up, their credit card will be billed for 50% of the consultation fee. If they refuse to provide a credit card (we do not keep this information on our computers), we don't book the appointment (never happens). In the past 2 years, my new patient no-shows, etc. have dropped by over 99%. I have only billed new patients twice in this 2-year period. I believe this protocol is a wise deterrent.

Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, Canada, ilovebunions@aol.com

RE: Purchasing a Digital X-Ray System (Laura R Lefkowitz, DPM)
From: Pete Harvey, DPM

Most digital x-ray systems, whether DR or CR, should be adaptable to your current X-Cell machine. Your costs will probably go up because of software agreements, etc. However, that is usually offset by the convenience of digital.
 
Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.com

RE: Replacement for Fabco (Paul Taylor, DPM)
From: R.D.Teitelbaum, DPM

I have used a self-adherent gauze called Stat-Wrap, that originally was sold by several vendors, including Miami Bandages Plus. It came in several sizes--- 1" and 2" were my favorites. Recently, only Henry Schein carries it under the German manufacturer's brand name -'Haftelast'. Why this seems to be the only self-adherent dressing gauze on planet Earth is an interesting question in itself. It is essential to my practice.
 
R.D.Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL, Mfvandange@aol.com

RE: Podiatry's Secret Problem (Steven Moskowitz, DPM)
From: Victor S. Marks, DPM, MPH

A 90 year-old woman with diagnosed dementia, requiring placement in an assisted-living facility, should be eligible for podiatric care every 61 to 90 days without question. I think our energy would be better spent trying to have current Medicare guidelines revised to better meet the healthcare needs of an aging population with multiple chronic diseases who can no longer safely care for their feet. We are still the only profession qualified to provide this much-needed care.
 
Victor S. Marks, DPM, MPH, Scarsdale, NY, vicsmarks@aol.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Dr. Kiel points out that there are some podiatric medical school graduates who are not qualified to do a residency. I do not think this is the point. On this thread, there are those who have made valid points, those who have blamed the leaders, those who have called for change, those who say we need to decrease enrollment, etc. However, I have not seen anyone coming forward with a plan to address this in real time.

I personally offered the 104 a pre-residency fellowship in integrative podiatric medicine on...

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

Foot Fetish Man Poses as a Student Studying Podiatry

A Polk County man with a foot fetish has been arrested, after cops say he asked a ten year-old girl to see her toes. Investigators tell WDBO, 23 year old Reginald Cruz has had the strange obsession since he was six years old, convincing his victims that he needed to massage their feet to earn merit badges in the Cub Scouts.

"If they allowed him to give massages, he would end up trying to lick their feet or suck their toes," says Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. He says when Cruz got older he began to pose as a college student doing a study on podiatry, all in an attempt to gain more access to feet.

Jonathan Beaton, WPXI [4/25/13]

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.

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 inquires to ewcv5@hotmail.com.

PODIATRIST WANTED - PENNSYLVANIA

Multi-specialty physician group seeking part-time or full-time to join our Johnstown, PA facility offering on-site x-ray, vascular ultrasound and other services. Patient base already established. Experienced or recent graduates considered.  Applicants send resume to cfleegle@atlanticbbn.net or call 814-288-1418 ext. 7.

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 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 - 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.

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 - 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 – MISSOURI

Podiatric medical group seeks PSR24-36 individual who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training. Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. Four hospital affiliations, certified surgical suite in office, ultrasound, EHR Certified Stage 2. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.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."

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETS

Busy multi-office podiatry practice looking to expand. Need extremely energetic dedicated individual. Must be PSR 12-24 trained, EMR, laser, vascular testing the works. Must have sense of humor. MA License, NH License A+! Surgery, sports medicine, pediatrics, shoe store. Please send resumes to resumesent11@comcast.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA
 
Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.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 - 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 – 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

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 – 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.

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 - 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

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.

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 - MANHATTAN
 
Prime NYC Practice Location: 200 East 72nd Street. Street level with signage. My equipment or yours. Will stay on to introduce or leave.  E-mail Dr. Shavelson. drsha@lifestylepodiatry.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.

 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.