The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 07, 2011 #4,154 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NE Podiatrist Provides Tips on Summer Foot Care

Getting your feet healthy and pretty for summer can be easy. A local expert who knows all about feet weighed in with tips on everything from the best lotions to do-it-yourself-pedicures. Flat-heeled winter boots like UGGs are trendy and comfortable but lack support, which can cause foot pain and aggravate existing foot problems, said Omaha podiatrist Dr. Glenn York. 

Dr. Glenn York

York also sees dry, scaling skin on patients' feet because of dry winter weather, home heating systems, and hard water. Frequent hot baths aren't advised. Hot water washes away your body's natural oils and leaves skin dry. To moisturize, York recommends Cetaphil or Eucerin lotions.

Source: Alissa Skelton, World-Herald [5/5/11]

CSPM Student Wins APMWA Student Writing Competition

Daniel Jones, a third-year student at College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery has been named the winner of the 25th Annual American Podiatric Medical Writers Association Student Writing Competition. His paper was entitled, "Continuing Education: Unlocking the Door of Opportunity.” This is the second consecutive year that he has won this competition. 

Daniel Jones

Jones will receive a one thousand dollar honorarium from a special endowment by Dr. and Mrs. Steven Berlin to the APMA Educational Foundation.

The award for Honorable Mention went to Brian Schmidt, a third-year student at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine for his paper, "A Microcosm of Customer Service and Customer Care."

Village Podiatry Centers Listed Among Top 25 Atlanta Practices

Another milestone has been accomplished by Village Podiatry Centers. The practice has just been recognized by Atlanta Business Chronicle as among the Top 25 Physician Practices in the metro Atlanta region, ranked by number of physicians. The 2011 list includes both primary care and specialists with Village Podiatry Centers ranking 21 in size. 

Dr. David Helfman

“We have experienced a 60% growth in our physician staff in the past three years as our group model has rapidly expanded,” said Dr. David Helfman, Village Podiatry Centers CEO. “Currently, we employ 34 physicians in 22 metro Atlanta offices with a total of 26 offices in Georgia. Our goal is to continue growing to meet the increased demand for foot and ankle healthcare while delivering the highest quality and operational efficiencies.” Village Podiatry Centers has more than 120,000 patient visits annually. In addition to physicians, the practice employs 200 clinical and support staff. The corporate office in Atlanta manages operations, finance, and marketing functions.

Study Outlines Docs' eRx Barriers

Clunky data-management tools and the juice not being worth the squeeze in obtaining information were cited as the two main barriers to the use of electronic prescribing systems in a Center for Studying Health System Change study of 24 physician medical-group practices. The research, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, found that physicians in most of the survey group's medical practices had access to patient formulary information, but just slightly more than half could access patient medication histories using their e-prescribing systems. The researchers found that many physicians "did not routinely review these sources of information when making prescribing decisions."

Respondents cited two key barriers to use of e-prescribing systems, according to the report: cumbersome tools to view and import data into patient records, and data "not always perceived as useful enough to warrant the additional time to access and review them, particularly during time-pressed patient visits."

Source: Joseph Conn, Health IT Strategist [5/5/11]

Bill Would Exempt Podiatrists from Antitrust Laws

On April 7, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced H.R. 1409, the Quality Health Care Coalition Act of 2011. This bill would exempt from federal antitrust laws any healthcare professional engaged in negotiations with a health plan regarding the terms of any contract. Currently, the insurance industry, including any healthcare insurance company, is immune from federal antitrust laws under the McCarran-Ferguson Act. In contrast, healthcare providers can presently be prohibited from collectively negotiating with insurance companies.

H.R. 1409, if enacted, would give healthcare providers the ability to collectively negotiate contractual terms with insurers, including provisions that affect the quality of patient care, and would put them on the same footing as other collective bargaining units immunized under the National Labor Relations Act.

Source: APMA News Brief [5/5/11]

Tips from Adam Smith - Part 1

Adam Smith (1723-1790): Father of Modern Economics, wrote in Wealth of Nations, "All increase in wealth comes from the division of labor - organizing work so that those who are best at a particular task can focus on just that." As physicians, we can each relate to this phrase as we evaluate how we run our practices. Start by asking yourself the following question:

What is the most important thing you are doing now that someone else can do better? As you evaluate what you do well and don't do well, this is a great question to ask yourself and/or your staff. Put a list together on what you are doing now and what you can delegate to someone who does it better. This will drive your productivity.

Source: David Helfman, DPM

Query: Implant Selection

I would like to open a dialogue concerning preferences in the selection of implants for the great toe joint. There are many on the market. I am interested in the reasons for selecting one over another. Please limit the discussion to implant selection, and let's not debate arthrodesis versus implant surgery in these threads.

Jack A. Reingold, DPM, Solana Beach, CA

RE: Recurrence of Club Foot (Sean S. Ravaei, DPM)
From: Mike Boxer, DPM

This appears to be a case of focal dystonia rather than a recurrent club foot. Focal or segmental dystonia usually will affect a single body region as opposed to generalized dystonia. Dystonia can start in childhood with inversion and plantarflexion of the foot. The picture submitted is rather characteristic of the typical deformity. The pathology is involuntary muscle contractions, and one form of treatment is the use of Botulinum toxin injections into affected muscle groups.

Mike Boxer, DPM, Woodmere, NY, MCBDPM@aol.com

RE: Obligation to Report Proposed Insurance Fraud (Name Withheld)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Name Withheld has a patient who wishes to come a few "additional times" and strike an agreement with the podiatrist to not be charged or pay co-insurance. Two issues come to light here: The first, "unnecessary treatment", and second, Medicare/insurance fraud. The doctor carefully documented this and wants to know whether the patient should be "discharged" from the practice. If he is elderly, there is also a possibility that he has dementia.

Putting that issue aside, Name Withheld can count on being "turned in" by the patient who...

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

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

A simple inexpensive substitute for the snap pin is a threaded K-wire. After driving to the appropriate depth (C-arm assisted), the K-wire can be snapped flush to bone using a suction tip placed over the K-wire and bending it side to side 2-3 times. Be sure to confirm placement because removal is a problem (You must use cannulated drill bit). I prefer screws for easy removal in case of complications.

John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Hts NJ, drjohnmoglia@aol.com

RE: TrakNet EMR (Jack Burgin, DPM)
From: Bob Hatcher, DPM

We completely agree with Dr. Burgin’s assessment of TrakNet EMR. We are a three-doctor practice and switched early in 2010 to TrakNet. We were, in general, pleased with the medical record section but were extremely disappointed with the financial/scheduling piece. The program just doesn’t seem to be robust enough for a larger or busier practice. I will not bore you with the details, but we are now back with our original program and humming along quite nicely, thank you. We have had NO success getting reimbursement for even a portion of our pain, though we felt the program was way oversold. No surprise there! I strongly recommend that larger practices carefully evaluate TrakNet before purchasing.

Bob Hatcher, DPM, Raleigh, NC, bob.rfc@intrex.net

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

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.

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