The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 17, 2011 #4,162 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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"Shape-Ups" Not Recommended for Children: NY Podiatrist

Skechers has recently introduced a shoe from its popular "Shape-Ups" line in girls' sizes. And parents and podiatrists aren't happy about it. Dr. Suzanne Levine, a podiatric surgeon and foot-care expert based in New York City, let the New York Daily News know she definitely won't endorse the shoe.

Dr. Suzanne Levine

"The shoe's rocking bottom can cause ankle injury, especially if these little kids are running around a lot," she said. She also warned against the dangers of disrupting the "gait of a growing child."

Source: My Fox (Boston) via New York Daily News [5/13/11]

MI Podiatrists Conduct First Podiatric Forum at AGS National Conference

Dr Jodie Sengtock, President of the  Michigan Podiatric Medical Association and Dr. Jeffrey Frederick, President of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, were the first ever podiatric physicians invited to conduct a podiatric forum at the national conference of the American Geriatric Society in Washington, DC this past week. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a not-for-profit national organization of close to 6,000 health professionals devoted to improving the health, independence and quality of life for all older people. 

Drs. Jeffrey Fredreick and Jodie Sengtock

By presenting at the conference, they have opened the door to further collaboration among professions as partners in delivering healthcare to the elderly, along with cooperation on possible research projects. Their presence at this conference was a giant step at helping to open the eyes of other healthcare professionals toward podiatric medicine. "Since podiatry has had no formal relationship with the AGS, and given the impact the AGS has in research and providing care for the exponentially growing population of elderly, it is a natural fit for podiatry," said Frederick.

NY Podiatrist Receives Patent for Foot Typing Method and Custom Foot Orthotics

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted U.S. Patent #7938788 to Dr. Dennis Shavelson for his invention, and determined that his Foot Centering Theory of Biomechanics advances the science and art of evaluation for casting and prescribing custom foot orthotics. 

Dr. Dennis Shavelson

Custom Foot Centering Orthotics can only be developed during doctor-patient encounters. “Exclusively allowing podiatrists to practice Functional Foot Typing will preserve the system’s integrity and ensure long-term patient satisfaction and brand loyalty,” says Shavelson.

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

Bret Ribotsky: How is the issue of parity with MDs playing out in California? 

Dr. Jack Morgan

Jack Morgan: The California Podiatric Medical Association met with the California Medical Association and the California Orthopedic Association and went over what are our educational base is, and showed how little difference there is between our educational training. They came away supporting the fact that we want our schools now to grant the MD degree or an MD equivalent once they graduate from podiatry school. So, this is a big move forward for the nation, and California has led this drive for a number of years. I guess the vision of having podiatric medicine and surgery as a portion of the medical profession will become something that we are all going to see in our lifetime of practice. 

Drs. Craig Walker and Marc Brenner

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment will feature New Cardiovascular Horizons Seminar director Craig Walker, MD and  Marc Brenner, DPM, podiatry section head.. You can register for this event by clicking here

Set Up for Social Media Success

Social media is not a fad; it is not going away. Even if you find the concept of tweeting, blogging, friending and posting incomprehensible, those things will be essential to successful practices’ plans. Set up social media guidelines and allow employees to start contributing to your long-term success.

• Put your policy in writing. Leave no doubt about what employees are allowed to do—and prohibited from doing—on your practice's social media sites. If you would not want to see the information on a bulletin board in front of your office, no one should put it on any social media site.

Source:  Adapted from “Tapping Social Media for Positive PR,” Heather Lutze, Bulldog Reporter’s Daily Dog via Communication Briefings

Query: Surgical Scrub

For years, when doing small office surgery, I have prepped the patient with TechniCare. It was simple, and good. By simple, I mean you could spread it on clean skin (skin oils removed with alcohol) and let it sit for three minutes- and it was fine, even for bone work. I am running out of this product and looking around now for a replacement, as it seems it is no longer available.

My needs are: easy to dispense, non-staining to floor or equipment, no scrubbing (if possible)...just clean the skin with alcohol, apply the prep, and let it set for a few minutes.  What are others using?

David Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN

RE: CMS Attestation
From: Chris Browning, DPM

I am curious to know if any of my colleagues have personally logged on to the CMS attestation website and tried to "attest" since it opened 4/18/2011. Many of the requirements are virtually impossible for most of us as podiatrist to achieve. If so, how many of you passed? I listened to one of the MD leaders in charge of meaningful use from Medicare at a recent podiatry seminar who basically looked the entire audience in the eye and claimed that this first year was "just collecting some data and trying to get docs to use EHR." "We just want you to use the system." Furthermore, he made it sound fairly easy to meet all of these criteria.

Sorry to break the news...

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

RE: Bench-Top Orthotic Grinder Finishers (Rich Rusche)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

I remember hearing that what we use is not specific to our profession, and that the same products are used in dental labs and by jewelers.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Rockledge, FL RASDPM32955@gmail.com

RE: Podiatrist's Responsibility When Taking Patients' Blood Pressures (Pete Harvey, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

The treatment of hypertension is as much an art as it is a science. Primary care physicians, cardiologists, and renal specialists who treat patients with hypertension all day long are aware that it is not always possible or, in some cases, even advisable to maintain a person's blood pressure at 120/80 for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a patient ate a salty meal prior to a visit to the podiatrist, or was nervous as a result of being treated for a foot disorder, that patient's blood pressure might temporarily rise. On the other hand, if a patient's pressure is extremely elevated, where the systolic was in the 200 range, that case requires immediate intervention and an urgent referral.

According to one internist I spoke with, there is a gray area with unknown legal consequences. Take this scenario. A podiatrist notices that a patient's pressure is mildly elevated, documents and even reports it, but the patient's PCP, cardiologist, or nephrologist is willing to live with those numbers. The patient then has a CVA the next day. Could that patient bring a legal action against the podiatrist, along with his or her primary care physician? By the mere fact that we are now taking blood pressures, could we be swept into the net of a legal action brought against every physician who had anything to do with the diagnosis and management of the patient's hypertension?

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Peroneal Tendon Repair Code (Tony Poggio, DPM)
From: Amol Saxena, DPM

CPT 27659 is flexor secondary repair of the ankle, which is where the peronei are. I agree that no additional coding for GraftJacket or other substitutes without tendon transfer is necessary.

Amol Saxena, DPM, Palo Alto, CA, heysax@aol.com

RE: The Passing of Rob Roy McGregor, DPM (Lloyd Smith, DPM)
From: J B Addante, DPM

Dr. McGregor was instrumental in bringing about a residency program for podiatry at the "Beth Israel-New England Deaconess Hospital, one of the major teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School. The off-shoot resulted in a full podiatry program (not a toe nail clipping service) there. I have the highest regard for his diplomatic successes in dealing with some "fierce" opposition. I am proud to have been associated with him and having had the privilege to have had a small part in those efforts. These residents have gone on to be a proud group of contributing practitioners bringing honor to our profession,

I consider Rob Roy to be one of the "Podfathers" of podiatry. We have truly lost an understated major contributor to podiatry. He was really a man of "unjustified" humility. We are fortunate to have had him as a member of our profession.

J B Addante, DPM, Fitchburg, MA

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 - WA (KIRKLAND, SEATTLE, EVERETT, AND REDMOND)

Join one of the fastest growing podiatry practices in Washington state. Must be motivated to grow practice. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information go to seattlefootdoctor.com. Send resume to seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE - POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

 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 POSITION - SOUTHERN MI  (NOT DETROIT AREA)

Leading to partnership for rapidly growing 3-physician group practice. Must be residency trained and willing to learn and follow our very successful business model. Salary plus incentive. If you're unhappy with where you're at now this may be the answer! If, interested send CV to: paulapmac@me.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEVADA

Well established 22-year practice in Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada seeking full-time  associate. General podiatric care with moderate amount of surgery to be done in local hospital or surgery center. Competitive salary and benefits. Modern office in new area. Please respond by email to lvfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Modern practice seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) associate. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, hardworking individual with strong surgical and medical skills. Solid referral network and 13 years of growth. Come live in the Iowa City area and enjoy the quality of life and stability of a Big Ten University community. Competitive salary and benefit package available. If interested, fax CV to 319-354-1014 or e-mail to dave@341foot.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - LONG ISLAND PRACTICE (NASSAU COUNTY)

looking for part time associate for 8-12 hours/week with room to grow. Please email pittpod@gmail.com with interest (write 'position available' in subject line).

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA

Huge opportunity. Are you an outstanding person? Would you like the freedom to utilize your talents to the max? Opportunity awaits right candidate. Excellent mix of office/surgery motivated/experienced staff. Full Time Associate PSR 12-36. Great Salary/Benefits, Bonus Package, Unlimited Potential, Buy-In Opportunity. Email resume to podiatry22@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY, FL

Associate with PSR 24+, needed for a dynamic practice. Well-established high-tech with specialties in sports medicine, surgery, and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. E-mail: flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Well-established, multi-doctor podiatry practice with offices in Putnam and Westchester counties. Compensation based on productivity. Excellent opportunity for recent residency graduate to build skills and learn practice management. Full-time preferred but right part-time candidate will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to: Podiatry2011@gmail.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

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

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 - HOUSTON, TEXAS  

28 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow $475K 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. softechpodiatrist@gmail.com

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

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.

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