The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 10, 2013 #4,766 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block

NY Podiatrist Provides Tips for High Heel Wearers

A 2 ½ inch heel can increase the load on the forefoot by 75%. Women who habitually wear high heels are at risk for permanent physiological damage to the knees, hips, back, and tendons. Damage can be seen in women as young as 25 years old! Women, if you do choose heels, follow this advice from Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery in NY and NJ:

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

Alternate Heights: If your tendon doesn't get acclimated to the same height every day, it won't shorten to a specific height. Stretch: Every day you wear heels, sit in a chair and use a yoga band or twisted sheet slung around your foot. Pull the band towards you as you stretch your toes forward. Choose A Wedge: Any heel that offers more surface area is putting less stress on the ball of the foot, so go with a chunky heel, wedge, or even a platform.

Source: Denise Reynolds, Emax Health 5/7/13]

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. This question submitted by Dr. Michael Forman.

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

NY Podiatrist Sings on New Broadway Cast Recording of PIPPIN

Dr. Kathleen Reilly Fallon recently took part in a special recording session of 'No Time At All' with actress, Andrea Martin and Stephen Schwartz, composer of PIPPIN.

Dr. Kathleen Reilly Fallon and Stephen Schwartz

Fallon sang on the new Broadway Cast Recording of PIPPIN. The recording took place at the Concert Hall in the New York Society for Ethical Culture in New York City, NY.

Consensus Builds for 5-year SGR Transition Period

Providers are coalescing around a five-year transition period before moving to a new Medicare physician payment system, according to a House Republican involved in developing the replacement. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, said the next question in developing a sustainable growth-rate replacement measure that is expected to pass this year is how much time is needed even before that transition period begins.

Brady said House Republicans crafting the Republican SGR-replacement bill are focused on finding ways to cover the $138 billion, 10-year cost of repealing Medicare's cost-control formula. Even though the Congressional Budget Office-provided estimates dropped in February from its earlier expectation of a $245 billion cost, the challenge of finding a bipartisan way to pay for eliminating SGR still appears the chief hurdle to reforming Medicare physician payments.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Physician [5/8/13]

Georgia Enacts Physician Shield Law

A provision in the U.S. House of Representatives' version of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was left out of the Senate version has been resurrected and signed into law in the state of Georgia. Signed by Gov. Nathan Deal on May 6, Georgia's physician shield law prevents administrative payment guidelines from being introduced as the standard of care in malpractice suits.

“The development, recognition, or implementation of any guideline by any public or private payor or the establishment of any payment standard or reimbursement criteria under any federal laws or regulations related to healthcare shall not be construed, without competent expert testimony establishing the appropriate standard of care, to establish a legal basis for negligence or the standard of care or duty of care owed by a healthcare provider to a patient in any civil action for medical malpractice or product liability,” the new law states.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Physician [5/7/13]

Query: Overlapping 2nd Digit Status Post Bunionectomy

A 77 year old active female presented with bothersome 1st and 2nd toes on her left foot. She related that she had bunion and hammertoe surgery in 2008, but "they haven't been right since!" She stated that she can't maneuver like she could before surgery, which is troubling to her. She also stated that she has occasional numbness in her toes as well.

Overlapping 2nd Digit Status Post Bunionectomy

Clinically, the neurovascular status is within normal limits. She has an overlapping 2nd digit with a laterally deviated hallux noted left foot. As expected, minimal ROM is available at the 1st MTPJ. What surgical procedures would be recommended considering the patient's age and level of daily activities?

Query: Patient's Boss and Workers Compensation

A Workers Compensation patient is coming in to be seen. The patient's boss wants to be with the patient in the room. Does the patient have the right to refuse to allow this person in the exam room?
 
Steven Block, DPM, Owensboro, KY

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. In general, a patient has the right to exclude anyone from being present when he or she is being examined or treated. We suggest that you contact the Workers Compensation Board in your state to make sure that your state does not have an exception to this rule.

RE: Chronic 1st MPJ Pain (Scott Hughes, DPM)
From: Don Peacock, DPM

I am a believer in MIS foot surgery and have found it rewarding for my patients. For me, MIS surgery is very exciting and extremely artistic. It also provides enormous benefit in many ways, including better cosmesis. Like you, my background is in traditional surgery, and I still find these well-documented noble traditional procedures to be a big part of my practice today. I was also originally very skeptical of minimally invasive surgery.

The x-ray posted is a modified Austin and has a plantar shelf which...

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

RE: Smart Patient With Smart Phone
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

I recently heard a telling story from a fellow DPM. He had a patient with a ligamentous injury and offered the patient conservative care of a soft cast for edema and a BK-walking boot to reduce pressure and load from ambulation. This patient’s insurance does not cover the cost of the BK-Boot. So the doctor told the patient his fee for the boot. The patient said okay and the doctor started to put on the soft cast. 

The podiatrist left the room to retrieve the boot from his supply closet, and upon his return, the patient told him that he did not need the boot, as he just purchased it on the Internet from his smart phone for about half the price of what the doctor was charging. It will be delivered tomorrow. This is interesting food for thought about the different profit centers we all have in our offices. Times are changing.

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@yahoo.com

RE: Letter to Gov. Christie About ESWT Coverage
From: William A Sachs, DPM

I recently had a former patient return to see me. I had performed ESWT on her 10 years ago. She began to tell me how great the procedure had been and that she has been pain-free for all these years. She remarked that she heard "it's not covered anymore" and she's so happy she was able to have it covered at that time because it really "made a difference" in her life. It prompted me to write this letter to Governor Christie. My hope is that others will take the time to write a letter to their government officials in the hope that there may be some transparency and maybe some action taken to allow us to better serve our patients.

Dear Governor Christie, ....

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

RE: EHR Implementation Rising, But Hurdles for Healthcare Providers Remain
From: From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
It is true that many physicians from different medical specialties are not satisfied with the EHR system they bought. Many might feel that they purchased the wrong system and there is a better one out there.  The problem is that the government regulations on all of these systems have made them all difficult to use and time-consuming. Some are better than others, but none are designed to make professional lives less complicated.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Dr. Lidtke's Remarks (Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: George C. Trachtenberg, MS, DPM

I have no concerns about my comments. They are generic comments based on physics, and it is then left up to the reader to decide what they think. There is, in fact, nothing fluid in “what is". It is what it is! Just putting abstract comments in a publication like PM News can be very misleading to those who don’t evaluate patients with in-shoe mapping systems and/or video analysis. They are just looked upon as expert comments, and that is where the potential danger to the patient ultimately lies.
 
Also, terms such as “The Masters” or the “experts” are often just that…terms!

George C. Trachtenberg, MS, DPM, Vestal, NY, doctor@georgetrachtenberg.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

28 year old practice in a desirable part of Brooklyn. EHR certified with stage 1 criteria successfully met. Practice has room to grow. Good mix of Medicare hazardous foot care; surgery and wounds. Low overhead. Priced to sell. Email Inquires to: brooklynpracticeforsale@gmail.com

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 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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Looking for full time/part time associate in busy 3 office practice.  Offices are located in Union, Hudson, and Bergen counties. Competitive salary with benefits. Excellent growth opportunity. Please send C.V. to njpodiatry33@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA

Well-established practice in Arlington Virginia looking for first year associate DPM perhaps leading to purchase of office. Office is one block from metro and has onsite private parking for patients. Present owner is retiring but will aid with smooth transition. This practice has been in the same location for the 40 years and has an excellent referral base. Must be licensed to practice in the state of Virginia. Please contact drmichaelfine@aol.com. Cell Phone 703-582-5999.

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- HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Hudson Valley Foot Associates has a great opportunity available! We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM. Please visit www.hvfa.com and forward cover letter with CV to info@hvfa.com.

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

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA

Needs to be highly motivated, INDEPENDENT and surgically-trained to join a successful 40+ year practice surrounded with water sports, beaches and hiking. PSR24/36; well versed in forefoot and rearfoot surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and diagnostic ultrasound. Please email CV & cover letter to fixafoot@cox.net

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 - MONTANA

Needed podiatric surgeon skilled in reconstructive procedures for complex deformities of the foot and ankle. All benefits are generous. Position provides an opportunity for immediate case load and professional fulfillment in a nationally profiled practice in Montana. 3 year PM&S or equivalent. Inquire at www.Selectapplications.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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, NV

Need a Nevada licensed podiatrist to cover IN OFFICE for month of June 2013. Starting Date June 1, surgical experience not a requirement. Salary is negotiable. doctor@viawest.net

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.

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

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 - 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

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.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. 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.