The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 06, 2013 #4,761 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Wedding Shoes Need to Be Properly Fitted: OH Podiatrist

Prime wedding season is just around the corner. If you're the bride-to-be or a guest, whatever you do -- don't skimp on your shoes. It's important to think about your feet, or pay the price. "They wear high heeled shoes for the first time and now they're coming in on Monday because now they're losing their toenail because there was so much pressure. They danced the night away, they didn't care, and now they have what is called a subungual hematoma from the constant pressure of jamming of their toe nails in the shoes," said Dr. Joy Rowland, a podiatrist from Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Joy Rowland

If you've ever slammed your finger in the door, you know what we're talking about. Some (paronychias) require no treatment at all while others may need to be drained. The nail may eventually fall off as well. Doctors say there's nothing wrong with buying new shoes for a special event but try to put your feet before fashion.

Source: ABC News [5/3/13]

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
What type of digital radiography system does your office use?
Click HERE for Results

Results of Last Week's Poll

Des Moines Medical Student Rotates Through IA Podiatrist's Clinic 

A third-year Des Moines University medical student will be learning about foot and ankle care at a specialty Storm Lake clinic for the next two weeks. Before studying under Dr. Randy Crampton at his Foot and Ankle Clinic, Milford native Kimberly Chaffin had completed rotations in OB/GYN, pediatrics, psychology, family practice, surgery, and anesthesia.

(L-R) Dr. Randy Crampton, Foot and Ankle Clinic; Kimberly Chaffin, Des Moines University third-year medical student and John Crampton (Photo: Ashley Miller)

"We're not as exposed to foot care in medical school, so having clinical experience is a great way to learn," Chaffin explained. During her rotation, she will learn about sub-specialties, such as bone deficiencies, heel pain, and surgery. Since opening his Storm Lake clinic over three decades ago, Crampton has been passionate about providing practical, real-life experience for students, an opportunity once extended to him as an undergraduate.

Source: Ashley Miller, Storm Lake Pilot Tribune [5/3/13]

UK Podiatrist Discusses Impact of Winning Businesswoman of the Year Award

Businessmen and women from across the borough gathered at Madison’s restaurant to kick off the third installment of the Rochdale Business Awards. Established in 2011, the Rochdale Business Awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and business people within the borough.

Rebecca Schofield (L) accepts Businesswoman of the Year Award

The awards ceremony is organized by the local business community, and this year will take place at Rochdale Town Hall on November 8^th. Rochdale Business Woman of the Year 2012 Rebecca Schofield also spoke, discussing the impact winning had on her business, Walkright Podiatry. 

Source: Colin Henrys, Rochdale Online [5/4/13]

AZ Podiatrists Lecture at Pan American Diabetes Symposium

Los Cabos, Mexico was the venue for an important Pan American symposium dedicated to diabetes and amputation prevention this week. Hosted by the Mexican Diabetic Foot Society of the Mexican College of Physicians and Surgeons, the program featured speakers from the Americas and Europe. Featured speakers included renowned vascular surgeon Joseph Mills, podiatric surgeons Drs. Robert Frykberg and David Armstrong, as well as endocrinologist Giacomo Clerici.

Dr. David Armstrong

"We have proposed forming our own NAFTA" noted David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) during his keynote address, "This North American Free Toes Alliance, if you will, would focus on free trade of ideas, training teams, and technology across borders."

Docs' EHR Shortcuts are Not Fraud: AMA Chairman

Dr. Steven Stack, American Medical Association board chairman, gave a spirited defense of physicians and a sharp, but balanced critique of electronic health-record systems at a federal “listening” session Friday on EHRs and their potential for use in billing fraud. Since 1995, when the E&M coding system came into use, the widespread adoption of EHRs and progression toward team-based care, both good trends, “are rapidly changing physician documentation,” Stack said. That can be “pure torment” for physicians who must select each element on an EHR template “by clicks, double clicks, or triple clicks.”

The most common way around these tedious processes with templates, he explained, are macros that fill in pre-determined fields for patients with similar conditions. Another is by cutting and pasting elements, such as historical patient information from a previous record, or the text of a “pithy” description of a condition written by that physician or even a peer, into a new record. These short cuts make a physician more efficient, but none of this constitutes fraud, according to Stack.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [5/3/13]

Query: Grounds for Patient Dismissal

I performed surgery a few months ago, and the check for the anesthesiologist's fee ($2,300) was sent directly to the patient who chose to keep the check and deposit it into his account. When both the anesthesiologist and I contacted the patient, he told us that he was sorry and would "take care of it." The patient contacted the anesthesia department and offered to pay them $50 a month. Clearly, that offer was not accepted.

This patient requires additional surgery to treat a new complaint, and to also augment a previous procedure. Besides the fact that he would have to go back to the same hospital and receive anesthesia by the same group, and again have the check sent directly to him, what are my legal obligations to this patient as they pertain to additional surgery? Can I refuse to treat him until the financial obligation has been satisfied, or could that be construed as "abandonment" with possible legal liability? 

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Since the patient breached the contract against the anesthesiologist and not you, there would likely be insufficient grounds to refuse treatment on the basis of a third-party. The anesthesiologist would likely have more grounds to refuse to treat, as there is not the same doctor/ patient relationship that you have with the patient. It would be a good idea for the anesthesiologist to write the patient's insurance company a letter apprising them of the situation. They may provide a remedy such as guaranteeing that future checks go directly to the provider.

RE: Chronic 1st MPJ Pain
From: John F. Swaim, DPM

In these situations, I've used the Arthrex hemi implant with good results. I'd remove the fibular sesamoid to gain on the IM angle. The hemi provides good ROM and stability while eliminating the pain, and is easy to install. In more ambitious days, I might have tried to salvage the joint with an Austin, slid downhill and proximal to decompress the 1st MTPJ. But the 2nd met isn't long here, and re-balancing the parabola would be difficult.

As an aside, I've installed the Osteomed 3-part total 1st MTPJ implant in active patients such as yours. While the alignment, cosmesis, and pain reduction were always achieved, post-op ROM invariably was disappointing.

John F. Swaim, DPM,  Red Bluff, CA, podtexdoc@aol.com

RE: The Podiatric Residency Crisis
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

One of the big complaints residency directors seem to have with creating new residency slots that have been approved is the paperwork that is involved in the process. I was wondering if CPME has relaxed the required paperwork? Secondly, I listened to Bret Ribotsky's Meet the Masters program and was intrigued by Jeffrey Jensen's idea that, in many cases, "bridge loans" were given to hospital programs that lacked the necessary start-up funds for residency slots.

If money could be raised for such said "bridge loans", does anyone know how to find out which programs would be willing to accept this type of a loan? Who could act as a "facilitator" for "bridge loaning" of residency programs? There has been some good talk about what can be done, but time is wasting and ideas need to be put into motion....crisis without intervention is still crisis.

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, ny, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: The Podiatric Residency Crisis
From: Leslie Levine, DPM
 
I've heard the old adage that there is no such thing as bad press. However, after reading the first two posts in the May 1st edition of PM News, if I were an outsider looking in, I'd be hard-pressed to understand the need for a 3-year surgical residency to warn the public about the perils of nail salons and improperly fitting sneakers. I'm sure the flip-flop and high heel warnings will begin to appear soon.

Lo and behold, what appeared in the May 4th edition... a reprint of an article quoting none other than the distinguished president of the APMA warning of the dangers of flip-flops.

Leslie Levine, DPM, Orangeburg, NY, LILevine@aol.com

RE: Purchasing a Digital X-Ray System (Raymond Posa)
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM

Mr. Posa goes into great length to describe the differences between CR and DR, and claims that CR is not true digital radiology. Scholarly papers refer to CR - computed radiography as digital radiography. The only place I have seen claims that CR is not true digital radiography is in literature by DR manufacturers.

Please remember the POWER of digital radiology is not in the image capture, but...

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

RE: Laker Basketball Star's Injury May Have Been Preventable: TX Podiatrist (Doug Richie, DPM)
From: Brian W. Fullem, DPM

In reading the entire Wall Street Journal article, it is important to note that Dr. Davis was not misquoted. The article was taken directly from an email that Dr. Davis sent to his patients. I would not even constitute what the WSJ published as journalism. The email appears to be a way to promote Dr. Davis' practice to get more patients in the door to utilize all his technology. I do not fault Dr. Davis for sending out the emails to his patients; it is good practice management.

However, I agree with Dr. Richie completely and...

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

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.

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 - NEW YORK

Full-time podiatrist is needed in Brooklyn. Excellent salary and benefits for an excellent growing practice. Please send your resume to Metropolitanirene@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Large established podiatry practice 30+ years in New York Hudson Valley/Capital District area seeking associate/partner to eventually take over practice. Also would entertain reasonable offer to purchase one of the two offices. Serious Inquiries may contact: Podiatrygroupny@gmail.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 - CALIFORNIA

Established foot and ankle specialty group looking for an experienced podiatrist. This position entails making rounds at local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and having scheduled office appointments. Must be comfortable with all aspects of podiatric care and will be doing no less than the hiring partners. Full-time position with a competitive salary.  Looking for someone with a great bedside manner, energetic and will to go the extra mile to make a positive difference. Send CV to administrator@footnankledoc.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 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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH EAST FLORIDA

Large established podiatry practice looking for a part-time associate. Experienced or recent graduates considered. Serious inquiries may contact us at podiatryg@yahoo.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 - 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

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CA
 
Home Foot Care, Inc. Is looking for motivated podiatrists to provide quality mobile care to our home-bound patients. Flexible schedule, independence, great compensation. 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

Located near Boston. 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 - NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBAN AREA
 
Medical-surgical podiatry practice seeking well-trained individual to work full-time with future partnership opportunity. PM&S-36 a minimum. Pleasant community 45 minutes outside Chicago. Send resume to feetdpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST VIRGINIA 

Seeking podiatry associate in well-established, growing practice in small, friendly, safe city. New hospital built 2 years ago in nearby. large college is 35 minutes away. Immediate employment. Senior podiatrists is retiring. email resume to associatedpodiatrists@gmail.com or fax to (304) 623-2638. 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE -  PHILADELPHIA, PA AREA , & TEXAS

Looking for podiatrist to see patients in Nursing Home Facilities in Philadelphia, PA area  and Texas. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY.  Please contact me at doconcall@aol.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.

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 and letter of interest to: greatdoctors1@gmail.com

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

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 - 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

PRECEPTOR POSITIONS - PHILADELPHIA

(1) Preceptor Position available in Philadelphia and possibly (1) or (2) more in NY/NJ. Practice is diverse with a strong offering in podiatric rehabilitation, sports medicine and pain management. Two preceptors successfully completed this past year and gained tremendous hands-on experience. Please send resume to: ediamond7@comcast.net. To learn more:www.philadelphiapodiatrist.com.

PODIATRY PRACTICE LOCATION AVAILABLE - UPPER EAST SIDE NYC

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

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 - NEW AEROLASE YAG LASER

Brand new Aerolase Yag Laser Bought Feb 2013- Never Used Paid $35,000. Will sell for $25,000. Contact Kathy (352) 867-1155 or Michael after 7pm (352) 816-1155.

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 - CUTTING EDGE MPL  THERAPEUTIC "COOL" LASER

Purchased 04/2010 Purchase price $27,000 Asking $13,000 (Image 1, Image 2, Image 3). Our doctors just haven't been using it enough. email mrobsondpm@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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students

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