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PM News

The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily


May 08, 2012 #4,456 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

Healthy Feet are Clean and Dry: IL Podiatrist

Keep your feet clean and dry. Healthy feet start with good hygiene. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with soap and water when you bathe. Afterward, dry them well. Fungal organisms love moisture, so depriving them of any wetness will make it more difficult for them to thrive. “Be sure to dry well between each individual toe,” says Dr. Elizabeth Kurtz. “Any excess moisture between the toes can create a great environment for a fungal infection to begin.”

Dr. Elizabeth Kurtz

Head off sweaty feet. Your feet have sweat glands galore — 250,000 in each foot! Perspiration creates the perfect environment for bacteria to set up shop. Wearing socks that keep feet dry will help your feet stay healthy. “Socks made of synthetic fibers tend to wick away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks,” says Kurtz. Also avoid wearing excessively tight pantyhose, which trap moisture.

Source: Jan Sheehan, Alice Echo News Journal [5/1/12]

Sports Medicine Fellowship

A new podiatric sports medicine fellowship program under the direction of Douglas Richie, DPM will begin July 1st 2012.   This 13-month program will be based in several clinics and surgery centers Orange County, California and will follow the Fellowship guidelines established by the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.  The Fellow will participate in direct patient care and will receive advanced training in all aspects of sports medicine, podiatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, athletic training, biomechanics and foot orthotic therapy.  Salary is $60K and will include benefits and malpractice insurance.  A license to practice podiatric medicine in California is required.  Applicants must have completed a 24-month podiatric residency program and should send a CV and cover letter describing their current interest and past experience in sports medicine to: drichiejr@aol.com or FAX:  562-596-3157.


Surefit


AT THE COLLEGES

Shaq Receives (Earned) Doctoral Degree from Barry University

He’s officially Dr. O’Neal now. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal received his doctoral degree in Education from Barry University Saturday morning along with another 1,100 students during multiple commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami. "Everyone thinks this is honorary. But this is not honorary. I put in four and a half hard years staying up late at night, studying, reading, and rewriting papers," O’Neal said.

Shaquille O'Neal kneels as he is hooded by Dr. David Kopp (Photo: Peter Andrew Bosch)

The big man didn’t just get by either. O’Neal achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.813 while completing 54 credit hours comprised of 16 courses and six credit hours of self-directed research. He did most of his course work via satellite, video conferencing, and Blackboard.com. The title of his doctoral capstone project was “The Duality of Humor and Seriousness in Leadership Styles."

Source: Manny Navarro, The Miami Herald [5/5/12]

Editor's Note: An interview with Shaq appears in the June issue of Podiatry Management.

Care Credit


MEDICARE NEWS

 Physicians Fight “Unworkable” Medicare Overpayment Rule

Organized medicine is pushing back against a Medicare proposal to recoup overpayments quickly from physicians, who would be required to go back through up to 10 years of medical records when determining if they received excess pay. The American Medical Association and state and specialty medical organizations have called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify — or in some cases abandon — new requirements that practices must return overpayments within 60 days. 
 
About 110 groups, led by the AMA, sent an April 16 letter to CMS acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner calling on the agency to make necessary changes before the proposal is finalized. The AMA also sought clarification of what it meant for a physician to identify an overpayment. CMS had stated that the rule created an “incentive to exercise reasonable diligence to determine whether an overpayment exists.” But the rule should not imply that doctors must actively search for overpayments from a decade’s worth of claims without some piece of information that would signal that an excess payment might have been received, the Association said.
 
Source: Charles Fiegl, amednews [4/30/12]

Orthofeet


SUCCESS TIPS FROM THE MASTERS

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: Do you think we’re graduating too many students these days?  

Dr. Michelle Buttersworth

Michelle Buttersworth: I think what we need to do is really start focusing more on quality than quantity. I think that’s where we need to put our emphasis and really trying to raise the bar and try to get better quality in students. I think we need to do a little bit better job at student recruitment to maybe open the eyes of people to our great profession and what we do so that there are more applicants to choose from.  

Dr. Stephen Smith

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is legendary podiatric surgeon Dr. Stephen Smith. You can register for future events by clicking here

Allied


PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY
Refine Praise
 
Deliver praise that is more memorable than the occasional “Good job!” Boost morale and build relationships with these practices:
  • Acknowledge everyday effort. Stop taking for granted the small actions that people always do well. Comment on those little things to show that you notice and appreciate them. 
  • Comment to others. Instead of delivering praise directly, mention someone’s great work to a colleague or your staff, so others notice too. Indirect praise can be more powerful, because people know you aren’t just flattering them. When you hear indirect praise about someone, pass it along to that person. 
  • Let praise stand alone. Never ask for a favor in the same conversation when you compliment someone. 
Source: Adapted from “The Power of Praise,” Gretchen Rubin, Good Housekeeping via Communication Brieifings

Redi-thotics


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A

RE: Marfan's Syndrome and Bunions (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Robert Hilkemann, DPM

After having seen a higher rate of bunion recurrence on unstable foot types (Down's, Marfan's, etc.), I have chosen to do the Lapidus bunionectomy and, if indicated, a gastroc lengthening - my results have definitely held up better over time. Doing a 1st MPJ fusion has also provided better long-term results on these feet.
 
Robert Hilkemann, DPM, Omaha, NE, rjhilkemann@gmail.com

Sanifeet


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B

RE: Marfan's Syndrome and Bunions (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Daniel Waldman, DPM

Dr. Sullivan did not mention any degree of pain. Maybe he can try conservative measures prior to surgery. The patient would likely benefit and require orthotics post-op anyway. Correct the biomechanical faults externally as the first step in the treatment protocol algorithm. I have used Foot Typing based on Dr. Shavelson's parameters with success. 

Daniel Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, dpmcareer@aol.com

Gramedica


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 2
From: Barry Mullen, DPM
 
In CRPS, vasomotor changes usually do not manifest until its latter stages. That's a point a clinician wants to try to avoid. I'm confident that one month post-crush injury is simply not long enough to establish those signs, so their absence still does not rule out CRPS. The lack of follow-up from the referred specialist makes no sense and is disturbing. 
 
I'd certainly want an explanation why they did not re-evaluate the patient's lack of response. Round one of PT didn't help - what therapy was tried? CRPS resolution often proves challenging, so before one throws in the towel in favor of malingering, a different therapeutic approach is likely warranted.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

webpower


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1
RE: Podiatry Chair Repair (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM
 
If you can't find anyone who will fix the specific brand of podiatry chair you have in your area, try a dental maintenance company. We have used Patterson Dental to make repairs on our chairs. There are many similiarities between podiatry and dental chairs. They have done a good job and are in our local area. I assume there are dental companies in your town as well.  
 
Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM, Coeur d'Alene, ID, jarnolddpm3@frontier.com
HealthyFeet

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2
From: Robert Bijak, DPM
 
I will accept criticism but not lies. Dr. Gurvis said that I hate orthotics. I do not want this falsehood attached to my name. I may challenge orthotic theory and/or study protocol, but I have NEVER said I hate orthotics. 
 
As for his claim that I disparagingly call orthotics arch supports, I maintain that IS their main function, and therefore a correct operative definition. If he chooses to euphemize the devices and call them antipronatory decelerators, talonavicular orthtoics, contact lenses for the feet, or whatever to assuage his ego, that's his choice.   
 
Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

Res EdSummit


RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 3

RE: Sterilizing Bits Between Debridements (Jeff Kittay, DPM)
From: Paul Clint Jones, DPM

I have seen a lot of arguments in both directions on the pros and cons of nail grinding, but the original dilemma was Dr. Kittay being formally reprimanded by his state board for using a grinder in his office without having officially sterilized the bits between each and every patient. The real concern I see here is a state board moving forward into a territory that I have yet to see any formal EBM on either side. What is the standard? What should be the standard, and who gets to decide? Is there evidence upon which to base the decision? 

Either way, surely there is more to this than a state board deciding that they did not like something someone was doing. Or maybe they  wanted to make an example out of someone. Precedence is a major issue here. Where is the standard? If it is such a horrible thing that Dr. Kittay has done, why do all the salons do it, all over this nation?  If it is such a horrible thing, is there a published standard? Who is the next doctor to go down for a standard that does not exist? Are we giving birth to the next legal tort? Maybe we should be grownup professionals and establish the standard by being the leaders, we, as podiatric physicians, are supposed to be in footcare.
 
Paul Clint Jones, DPM, Spokane, WA, drwring@gmail.com

MEETING NOTICES - PART 1

Res EdSummit

Seattle SuperSaverIFAF

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER)

RE: Alleged Medical Neglience Resulting in Amputation (AZ)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

It's difficult to tell from a summary presented verdict, but it appears that the DPM sued by the diabetic patient did nothing wrong and struggled valiantly to save the patient's foot. This was not a new patient but rather a long-standing patient who had seen defendant podiatrist for years. We can all see our own footprint in a case where an existing patient with whom we developed mutual trust turns against us.
 
What appears missing in the report is the possible "influence" of the patient's family or friends who may have pushed him into the suit. Verdict reports never report that influence, because it is impossible to quantify and demonstrate. I think it would be helpful if patients like this one (who lost the suit) could be interviewed to find out WHY they sued. Money of course is an issue, and always will be.
 
But I would put even money on this particular case and suggest that it was outside influence. Those erstwhile friends and relatives who helped foment the suit just walk away. The plaintiff ended up with nothing and the defendant suffered loss of dignity and enormous stress from a suit which should never have been brought. I offer my condolences to the defendant podiatrist. If I had fragile diabetes, I would search him out to treat me.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

MEETING NOTICES - PART 2

Langer Biomechanics

Codingline & PM News In conjunction with AAPPM Present
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August 20-22
(Following the 2012 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC) 

Elegant Dining at the Greenbrier Resort

Coming to Washington D.C. for the National? Don't miss out on being treated like a President and First Family. Enjoy world class amenities including golf, tennis, spa, casino and children's programs.

Speakers: Harry Goldsmith, John Guiliana, Barry Block, Michael Brody, Paul Kesselman, Jonathan Moore, Rem Jackson, Chad Schwarz, and other nationally-known authorities in morning-only presentations.

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Click Here for information or to Register

CLASSIFIED ADS

F/T CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT - NEW YORK

**Must have NYS certification for podiatric x-rays. Primary responsibility is to provide full clinical support to the podiatrist. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: Maintenance logs, inventory, preparing patients for visits, x-rays, assisting with patient registration, appointment scheduling, calling in prescriptions to pharmacies, chart retrieval, providing lab result with charts to physicians, etc. Salary commensurate with experience; benefits/ after probationary period. Fax resume to 212-713-1631 or e-mail to ttolliver@wpmg.org

PRACTICE FOR SALE — BROOKLYN, NY

This practice has been in the same location for 31 years, seeing 80-100 pts/week, working 4.5 days/week. Grossing $350K and netting close to 70%. All surgery referred out. Low rent, option to buy the building in future. Asking $225K, doctor willing to finance. Call 800-983-4194, or email: contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

30 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established, diverse referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow ($400K net income after overhead). EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. Contact:mcrosby@picagroup.com or call (888) 776 2430.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is referred out. Financing available. Call 800-983-4194, or email: contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - AUSTIN TEXAS

Great opportunity for new practitioner or an additional office. 18 year practice with large patient base. Current physician transitioning to part time then retiring to pursue another business opportunity. Start turn-key without need for a bank loan. Great area to live and work. Susieintx@aol.com (512) 565-6634

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - K-LASER

Complete coverage of the therapeutic spectrum on the market. With dual 800 and 970 nm wavelength selectability, power tunable from 0.1 to 12 Watts , spot sizes from 1 – 5 cm2, and frequency modulation from continuous wave through 20,000 Hz, In excellent condition $16,000. Please contact: sunandski400@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- PALM BEACH CO, FL

Young, enthusiastic three location dynamic practice seeks motivated, personable associate for full or part time position. Competitive salary, benefits and incentive structure. Please send CV to sflfootandankle@yahoo.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TENNESSEE/NORTH GEORGIA

Multi-physician, Multi-office practice looking for motivated new associate leading to partnership. We are a busy practice with state of the art technology: EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic Ultrasound, PADnet, EPAT machine. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working and interested in providing all aspects of podiatric care to our patients. Competitive Salary and benefits. All interested candidates please send a CV with two letters of reference to: mybestnewjob@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.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 24-36 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 - CALIFORNIA

Office and hospital-based podiatry group in Bakersfield, CA seeks highly-trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer surgeon with trauma and Charcot reconstructive experience. Staff privileges with 5 local hospitals. Offering health insurance, CME allowance and competitive salary. Must be PSR 24/36 trained, ethical and thoughtful when treating patients. Please forward CV to: aghams2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Starting salary ($100k), plus incentive comp plan, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to: jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a Podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305.www.aggeus.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FINGERLAKES REGION, NY

Podiatry Group looking for a dynamic and motivated associate to join our medical and surgical practice. Track to partnership. Competitive salary, incentives, health insurance, malpractice insurance, educational expenses, and professional dues included. Familiarity with the region encouraged. Candidate should be ABPS qualified or certified. Close to Pennsylvania if expanded scope of practice desired. Send CV to: nypodiatrygroup@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Associate wanted for hospital-based podiatry group practice. Full scope of practice. PSR24+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Full-time position available immediately in Capital District multiple doctor practice. Good salary with percentage. All phases of podiatry. NYS license required. Email resume to: Lchittenden68@gmail.com or call Lori at 518-577-6171

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

PRACTICE WANTED - FINGERLAKES REGION, NY

Looking to purchase a podiatry practice in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. Serious inquiries should be sent to: aspenpodiatry@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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's 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 13,500 DPM's. 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.

Disclaimers
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be either timely or free of viruses.
Guidelines
  • 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.
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    RE: (Topic)
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    Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
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  • Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.

Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
 
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