The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 09, 2012 #4,457 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.

Salon Instruments Need to Be Autoclaved: DC Podiatrist

Manicures and pedicures look great, but you can get infections or harm your nails. What precautions should someone getting a manicure or pedicure take before heading off to the salon? First and foremost, it’s important to bring your own instruments — such as clippers, nail files, and pumice stones — to avoid picking up germs from another client, says District podiatrist Dr. Erika Schwartz.

Dr. Erika Schwartz

“If [salon employees] are just dipping their instruments in some kind of solution, that’s not going to kill bacteria and fungus,” she advises. “They should be using an autoclave, a type of machine for sterilizing instruments, says Schwartz.

Source: Carolyn Butler, The Washington Post [5/7/12]

CA Podiatrist is Creator of Barbershop Screening Program

Seven barbershops in Southeast San Diego will participate in the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program -- a health screening and education community outreach program -- as part of a California statewide initiative scheduled May 12. "Historically, it has been the focal point where men feel safe and trust abounds," said Dr. Bill Releford, a Los Angeles podiatrist specializing in treating people with diabetes and creator of the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program.

Dr. Bill J. Releford

This program is Releford's brain child. Deeply disturbed by the enormous amputation rate he saw in the African American community, he set out in 2000 to effect change, first by establishing his own not-for-profit organization dedicated to the issue -- the Diabetic Amputation Prevention Foundation. Screenings at barbershops is an attempt to meet men where they already are instead of trying to convince them to head to the physician's office, Releford said.

Source: Lisa Zamosky, California Healthline [5/7/12]

 2nd Annual PRESENT Residency Education Summit Midwest - A New Podiatric Tradition 

This past weekend, 90 podiatric residents from 45 programs and 35 resident directors participated in the 2nd annual PRESENT Podiatric Residency Education Summit outside of Chicago, in the heartland of the country. The Council of Teaching Hospitals, under the able chairmanship of Gregg Young, DPM partnered with PRESENT to host its annual Faculty Leadership Conference, a day-long clinic on effective teaching technique required by the Committee on Podiatric Education of all residency directors. 

(L-R) 2012 Residency Education Summit Committee Richard Reuter, DPM, Michael Shore, DPM, Alan Sherman, DPM, Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, and Robert Frykberg, DPM, MPH

The 2012 Midwest ResEd Summit featured 10 hands-on workshops, an 11-hour academic lecture program delivered by an esteemed faculty of residency program directors, and mentorship sessions to help residents execute their personal career plans.

Residency Rumble Winners Announced

The 2nd Annual PRESENT Residency Education Summit Midwest culminated with a unique ResEd Summit tradition - the Residency Rumble. This year's Rumble had 68 residents grouped into 17 teams, tackling the most difficult case scenarios and challenging academic questions submitted by residency directors from all over the country. 

Residency Rumble First Place Winners Erik Lew, DPM, Sonya Morse, DPM, Nicole Humphries, DPM, Thomas Fusco, DPM, Francia Squatrito, DPM from Community Health Partners Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation programs

Accolades are in order for the impressive showing by the top 5 teams, who all won cash prizes for their programs and the bragging rights as reigning Rumble winners. That is, until July 20, when the brand new Residency Summit EAST is held for the first time in Teaneck, NJ for the large population of residency programs around New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Query: Non-Union and Malunion of Metatarsals

This 54 year old female presented with a non-union, comminuted fracture of the 1st metatarsal and malunion of a 2nd metatarsal shaft fracture, right foot. The patient has had three previous surgical interventions without success, mainly due to non-compliance (The last surgery was March 2011). A Minirail was applied to the 1st metatarsal a few months prior. Currently, the patient complains of pain, submetatarsal head 2, secondary to a callus.

Non-Union and Malunion of Metatarsals

The patient related that she has been in a regular shoe (despite being instructed to remain in orthowedge shoe) until a few days ago when the callus began to hurt. Her neurovascular status is intact, right foot. The screw head is palpable clinically. There is a nucleated, hyperkeratotic lesion submetatarsal head 2, noted clinically. What are the best options going forward?

Philip Graham, DPM, NY, NY

Query: EMR for Podiatrists Nearing Retirement?

What recommendations would you have for the practioners who are nearing their retirement but still may want to work for another 5 years or so.  Is it all worth it? Is there any possibility that doctors who are in solo practice and nearing retirement age may be given an exemption or some consideration by Medicare?
 
Jeffrey A Parker, DPM, Port Jervis, NY

Query: Clinical Summaries: Place of Service

At what locations are we required to provide a clinical summary? We have two main offices and a small satellite office at a retirement community. We also visit several assisted living and nursing homes. Which locations require that a clinical summary be given?

Brad Shollenberger, DPM, Exeter Township, PA

Response: You have to provide a clinical summary each time you bill an E/M code. Place of service does not matter. What does matter is if you are using certified EHR for the location. If you are using certified software at a location and you bill an E/M code, you provide a clinical summary.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY

Dr. Brody is a featured speaker (and available for your questions) at the Codingline-PM News Coding & Practice Management Workshop, August 20-22 (following the APMA Annual Meeting) at the Greenbrier - www.podiatrym.com/greenbrier.cfm

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Marfan's Syndrome and Bunions
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

I respectfully beg to differ that a 16 degree IM angle falls "well within the parameters for a neck osteotomy," even in healthy individuals. That's borderline at best. Couple that IM angle elevation with a YOUNG, active patient whose correction needs to endure many years of an active lifestyle, along with a disease known to adversely affect collagen synthesis that generally allows for medial column destabilization, and you have now most definitely fallen well "outside" the parameters for a neck osteotomy.

Fusion...YES...but NOT the MTP! Why destroy a healthy joint that has a full, painless ROM completely devoid of arthritis? You don't need stability at the MTP; you need it proximally where the deformity lies and where the immature collagen exerts its greatest effect. To adequately address this bunion deformity AND prevent future recurrence, stabilize the 1st ray via 1st met-cuneiform joint arthrodesis via Lapidus...assuming your patient cardiac clears. Capillary fragility is also very common in Marfan's syndrome, so you can expect more than normal post-op bleeding and edema. Check pre-op INRs and perform very diligent intra-op hemostasis.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

RE: Podiatry Chair Repair (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM

Try calling the chair manufacturer. Sometimes, they have repair persons throughout the country who do repairs for them.

Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM, Buffalo, NY, drfoot1@roadrunner.com

RE: Sterilizing Bits Between Debridements (Jeff Kittay, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

I do not know how it is in other states, but here in Mississippi, the State Board of Medical Licensure regulates MDs, DOs and DPMs. They are “all powerful.” They will tell you what the standard is and one had better follow their direction or be willing to have your license formally acted upon. If you want to know anything about your issues with them, you have to sue them just to review their records on you.

My experience is that state boards generally adhere to the “guilty until proven innocent” philosophy and that your license to practice is...

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

RE: Alleged Medical Negligence Resulting in Amputation (AZ) (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Larry Kansky DPM, JD
 
Dr. Rosenblatt bets that Plaintiff Mr. Bullock's podiatric malpractice suit was instigated by the outside influence of family and friends.
 
This lawsuit likely began for two reasons. First, Mr. Bullock was upset because he lost part of his right foot. Second, Bullock found a podiatric expert willing to testify that his treating podiatrist's care was below standard.  
 
Larry Kansky DPM, JD, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Larry.Kanky@gmail.com

RE: Celebs With Ugly Feet

Just when you thought you were grossed out by Steven Tyler's feet, here are some women celebrities who could use some podiatric intervention. 

(L-R) Keri Hudson, Iman, and Oprah

Source: Styleblazer [4/27/12] via Dr. Robert Steinberg

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

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 - 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- 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 tosflfootandankle@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. Surgical residency 24month+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958, e-mail us at contactus@alaskapodiatry.com.

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

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.

• 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.