The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 05, 2011 #4,152 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Warns of Dangers at Beauty Salons

It appears to be just a harmless beauty regimen. But, if you're not careful, you could pay for your manicure or pedicure with your health. Denison podiatrist, Dr. Matthew Jackman has seen patients with infections picked up after getting their nails done. Many of them were caused by the use of poorly sanitized tools. "If the pedicurist has used instruments that have fungus from another person on it, and they don't sterilize it and clean it effectively and they use it on your toenail...then that fungus, that microorganism could be transferred via that instrument from that person to another," said Jackman. 

Dr. Matthew Jackman

He says onychomycosis, a fungal infection, is the most common. It occurs when fungus builds up under the nail, pushing it away from the nail bed. Another type of infection is bacterial, or called paronychia...which can cause swelling, and redness and pain around the nails. And Jackman says if you have any pre-existing conditions like diabetes, these infections can go from annoying and painful to dangerous. "I have seen fungal infections in diabetics with peripheral vascular disease and certain co-morbidities who actually had to have amputations that came as a result of that," says Jackman.

Source: Victoria Maranan, KXII.com [5/2/11]

Scholl Student Completes Teaching Fellowship

Tahir Khan, a fourth year student from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, has successfully completed a one-month teaching clerkship through the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Mr. Khan is the first podiatry student to complete the training that had been limited to fourth-year medical students from the Chicago Medical School.  

Tahir Khan

The clerkship involved teaching first and second year medical students from the Chicago Medical School, and first and second year podiatric medical students from the Scholl College of podiatric medicine at Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine and Science. This involved comprehensive history-taking skills, comprehensive physical exam techniques (head to toe physical exams), writing exam questions and grading assignments, along with working one-on-one with students having academic difficulty in their "Essentials of Clinical Reasoning" course.

IL Podiatrist Named as New Executive Director of IPMA

The Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) has named Darien, IL resident Michael Hriljac, DPM, as its new executive director. He replaces Mary Feely, who served as executive director for 16 years. Hriljac worked as an attorney at the law firm of Robbins, Salomon & Patt LTD, in Chicago, where he represented solo and small group practices, companies, and investors in the healthcare field. 

Dr. Michael Hriljac

Hriljac has a master’s degree in health law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1979 after receiving his bachelor’s of science degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

33 Month Sentence for AZ Podiatrist on Drug Charges 

A Tucson podiatrist was sentenced to 33 months in prison, plus five years probation, Monday in a prescription fraud case. Corina Hollander, 57, pleaded guilty in late March to attempted conspiracy, attempted trafficking in the identity of another person, attempted fraud schemes, and obtaining a narcotic drug by fraud.

At the time of Hollander’s indictment last June, Assistant Attorney General Christina Vejar said Hollander progressed from writing fraudulent prescriptions for a painkiller and anti-anxiety drug for co-workers and roommates to writing fraudulent prescriptions in patients' and family members’ names.

Source: Arizona Daily Star [5/2/11]

Query: Injectable Hyaluronidase
 
Does anyone know where I can obtain injectable hyaluronidase at a reasonable price?

Paul Kesselman DPM, Woodside, NY

RE: Recurrence of Club Foot (Sean S. Ravaei, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

First get a neuro consult. The patient's foot can be fixed by addressing the deformity. Determine where the apex of the deformity is, assess the CORA (center of rotational angulation), and perform the appropriate mid-foot and rear foot osteotomies that will address the osseous deformity. You will also need to address the Achilles tendon (lengthening or gastroc recession), posterior ankle capsular release, and a complete Steinler stripping.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: Sgarlato Snap Fixation Pin Substitute (Mark H. Sugar, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

Dr. Sugar asks if there is any product that can be used in lieu of a snap fixation pin. The answer is "yes." Simply use a K-wire. Cut it flush to the bone, or tap it down with a mallet. You may want to invest in your own K-wire cutter and keep it sterilized, either in your hospital locker or have them hold it for you. But you know, as well as I do, if you chose the latter, it will get lost. Some hospitals have wire cutters that are either too big or are so old and dull that they do not perform well. The rate-limiting step here is not the fixation, but the wire cutter. You need a small one that is sharp, strong, and able to hug the cortex of the bone.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: Keryflex Toenail Restoration (Susan Papp-Mlodzienski, DPM)
From: Mohammad Sharif, DPM

I have been using Keryflex at my office for about one year. It is a great option for any dystrophic nail, with the added benefit of instant results. Of course, it is not a cure and it will have to be replaced every 2-3 months unless the nail does not grow, such as in traumatic cases. You will need some remaining nail for this to work. Probably 1/3 of my patients for Keryflex are males! The best part is that I have trained my staff for the procedure, which frees me to see other patients. It can take 10-45 minutes depending on how many toes you are doing. I think it is a great service to offer.

Mohammad Sharif, DPM, Atlanta, GA, msharif@vpcenters.com

RE: TrakNet EMR (Laura R Lefkowitz, DPM)
From: Michael I. Cornfield, DPM

I purchased Biomedix (TrakNet DPM) late last year and, after training, went live with them on 2/1/11. I interviewed 8 companies and chose them because I thought they had the most to offer, with the least expense. Other companies offered more, but were considerably more expensive, and others were less expensive, but didn't offer nearly so much.

What I like about TrakNet DPM is the amount of templates they have, because the more templates, the less time spent creating individual notes. After I became more familiar with the system, I realized that there were only a few templates that I actually liked. However, they...

Editor's Note: Dr. Cornfield's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Duty to See Patients in Isolation (J M Cortez, DPM)
From: Harry A. Harbison, DPM

Dr. Cortez is concerned about "cross-contamination" from isolated patients and does not see them due to that concern. I must point out that all patients must be equally treated via universal precautions, such that cross-contamination should not be a concern. As to seeing a specific patient "because social services insists," that would appear to fail the definition of medically necessary services under Medicare guidelines. The solution is to ethically treat patients who require the services of a physician in your specialty, when specifically consulted by the primary care physician for a medical problem. Be aware that OIG has targeted SNF services for scrutiny in their work plan.

Harry A. Harbison, DPM, Long Beach, CA, harbih@verizon.net

RE: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome In Left Foot (New York)
From: Vincent Gramuglia, DPM

Apparently, this is another elaborately spun tale of podiatric surgical malpractice that I had the misfortune of reading by one of the all-time best storytellers that our profession has. 

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY

Associate wanted full-time, for practice in East Orange NJ PSR 24-36 trained. Must be motivated to grow practice, especially build wound care and surgical services. Buy-in possible after the 1st year. send CV to Drfoot44@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package. Reply with letter, CV and photo to Jagerone@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI, FL

Full-time. Very Busy practice. Rearfoot/forefoot/wound care. Salary + % gross. Send CV to footdoctorinmiam@aol.com

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with treating home-bound patients. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested, email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located on Mission Regional Hospital Campus. Gross income 2010 was $340,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Only 3 years old. Will consider all offers. 949-702-1052. David Stoller, DPM (Family Footcare) david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST SUBURBS, CHICAGO, IL

Great Opportunity! Present owner to stay on for transition. Average 20% growth over 3 years while open only 4 half days a week. Excellent growth potential with increased hours. Perfect for a new practitioner or a 2nd location. contact podiatrynwsuburbs@gmail.com for information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

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