The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 20, 2011 #4,165 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NYCPM Celebrates Centennial With Record-Breaking Attendance

Amidst great pomp and ceremony, and despite inclement weather, over 600 alumni and friends attended the 100th anniversity convocation and testimonial of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM). The huge gathering for this historic milestone was the largest ever in the college's illustrious history. 

(L-R) NYCPM honorees Jack Britts, Kevin Goodwin, and Jay Morgan

Honored with degrees of Doctor of Humane letters were: Jack Britts, president and CEO of Merz Pharmaceuticals (hooded by Anthony Iorio, DPM, MPH), Kevin Goodwin, President and CEO of SonoSite, Inc. (hooded by Steven Goldstein, MD), and Jay Morgan, COO of Global Research Operations for Merck Consumer Care (hooded by John O'Mullame, PhD). 

(L-R) Congressman Charles Rangel Presents Plaque to NYCPM President and CEO Louis Levine

Also honored was Louis L. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYCPM, who was presented a plaque from Congressman Charles Rangel in appreciation of the college's role in providing foot care to the Harlem community.

APMA Youtube Video Discusses How To Wear Flip-Flops Safely

It’s an unwelcome fact that warm weather lovers don’t want to hear: your favorite pair of flip-flops are bad for your health - the health of your feet, that is. A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that 50 percent of Americans have experienced foot pain or discomfort at some point in their lives. Improper footwear is often a chief cause of this pain, and many types of flip-flops can directly cause foot problems due to lack of support and other factors. 

Dr. Michael King

 “During the warmer months of the year, many podiatrists treat a greater number of foot problems that can be traced back to wearing flip-flops,” said Michael King, DPM, president of APMA. “However, people don’t have to give up wearing this type of footwear altogether. There are certain types of flip-flops that offer a superior amount of stability and support than others.” Looking to avoid a flip-flop fiasco? View the following video for a list of helpful flip-flop tips by clicking on http://www.apma.org/flip-flops-2011

NJ Podiatrist Honored By The Marlboro K-8 Board Of Education

On May 12, 2011, at its annual reorganization meeting, the Marlboro K-8 Board of Education honored Dr. Terry Spilken for his 12 years of distinguished service as a board member, six of which he served as president and two as vice president. Although he continues to be very committed to supporting the outstanding education that is provided by the school district, especially because his grandchildren will be attending Marlboro schools in the near future, Spilken is unable to serve because he is moving to another town at the end of this year. 

Long-time friend and board colleague Cynthia Green presents Terry Spilken with a plaque and framed resolution from the Marlboro Board of Education in recognition of his distinguished service to the children of Marlboro.

To a standing ovation from a full house, including Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik and past board members who came to honor his service, Spilken wished the new board well in continuing to chart a course of excellence for the children. “It’s all about the children, nothing else,” he said.

TX Podiatrist Pleads Guilty ot Healthcare Fraud

A 52-year-old Paris, Texas podiatrist has pleaded guilty to federal healthcare fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today. Dr. William Goldman pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don Bush.

According to information presented in court, Goldman submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid from 2003 to 2008 for surgeries he never performed. Goldman was indicted by a federal grand jury on Apr. 15, 2010. Goldman faces up to two years in federal prison. He also faces forfeiture of $350,000.00, along with his podiatry license. 

Source: Department of Justice [5/18/11]

CMS to Issue First Medicare EHR Incentive Payments This Week

The CMS will send its first payments this week for providers that have met Stage 1 meaningful-use requirements under the Medicare portion of the electronic health-record system incentive program.

Eligible professionals participating in the Medicare EHR program can receive a payment of $18,000 to $19,800. Payments will be based on 75% of their allowed Medicare charges submitted no later than February 2012, according to an e-mailed notice from the CMS. For hospitals and critical-access facilities, several factors will determine the value of incentive payments issued. The base payment is $2 million.

Source: Christine LaFave Grace, Modern Healthcare [5/18/11]

Query: Unidentified Fixation

Can anybody identify this fixation? It needs to be removed and I wish to avoid a problematic encounter. 

Unidentified Fixation Device

It seems to have characteristics of Stay Fuse, but it's much larger.

Richard Jaffe DPM, Jerusalem

Query: Vacuum System With an Umbrella Burr?

Does anyone know of a vacuum system that works with an umbrella burr when debriding nails?

Ivar E. Roth DPM,MPH, Newport Beach, CA

RE: Attaining Parity in California (Michael Cornelison, DPM)
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM

With all due respect to Dr. Cornelison and all podiatrists who work tirelessly for our profession, even if our profession works together with other medical associations or orthopedic associations to agree to an “MD-equivalent” training program, the concern remains. Even with an unrestricted license, will third-party payers, including federal programs be compelled to include podiatrists in their programs or reimburse podiatrists equally for the same services provided by MD/DO’s?

The purpose of consideration to move towards an MD/DO license is consistent with the evolution of our training and services provided. Review Dr. Levy’s “To be or not to be an MD/DO” in the PM News dated May 19, 2011. In that post, you will understand a coherent rational first step approach to the most effective path podiatry should follow for the benefit of all podiatrists - foot and ankle specialists.

Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

RE: Substitute for Colchicine (Robert K Hall, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Brian Kiel, DPM

If the public knew what happened with colchicine, they would make an episode of "Shame On You" on television. Colchicine, as we all know, has been around for ages and is one of those time-honored generic drugs for the treatment and prevention of gouty attacks. It costs pennies a tablet. A company found a loophole in the law and was able to get a non-generic form of colchicine approved by the FDA and somehow was able to get the FDA to force companies to stop making and marketing the generic version. The non-generic version of .6 mg. colchicine is called "Colcrys" and it is quite available, but for many dollars a tablet.

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

Due to their infinite stupidity, which is too long a story to go into at this forum, the FDA is no longer allowing generic colchicine to be produced or written for in the U.S. The product is now called Colcrys and guess what - it is colchicine 0.6mg. A normal Rx will cost approximately $150. The representative URL Pharma will supply you with discount cards for your patients. It is absurd and costly, but we have no alternative. Info is also at colcrys.com

Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

RE: Podiatrist's Responsibility When Taking Patients' Blood Pressures (Peter Harvey, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

In regard to Richard Boone, Sr's comments, if podiatrists are going to be held to that standard (and I am not disagreeing they shouldn't), it seems to me that just might make us "physicians."

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

The question to Dr. Udell is: do you think you wouldn't be named in a suit had you NOT taken the pressure? When defining "responsibility", please let us, the doctors, define it. In other words, what is the highest standard of care that we can deliver to our patients. Malpractice attorneys will name you in a lawsuit just because you saw the patient within the last month anyway. The truth is we cannot look at what is right for the patient through the prism of what a malpractice lawyer will define as standard.

It is better to discuss responsible and reasonable protocols that one should adhere to when faced with abnormal vitals rather than malpractice responsibility. In my office, any abnormality is addressed within the treatment plan, including a call to the internest and recommendations for follow-up. When the BP is extremely elevated, patients may then be sent to the ER provided that the PCP cannot/won't see them. Yes, this is a lot of work, and it certainly will reflect in the plan complexity and level of billing, but by failing to take general medical data simply because you are a specialist won't give you a get out of a lawsuit free card.

John Scheland, DPM, Clarks Summit, PA, limblengthener@yahoo.com

RE: Medicare Trust Fund Exhausted by 2024 (John Swaim, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Dr. Swaim thinks that our own government would do such a dastardly deed as to promote negative propaganda toward physicians who are actually contracted with the government and some of our society’s most trusted, needed, and respected public servants. What else could be assumed when our government reports the amounts spent by Medicare recipients seeking medical attention as “Physician spending?” 

It’s not just Medicare that is destined for devastation. I’m continually amazed at the amount of withholdings the working American places in trust of our government bureaucrats, yet does not seem overly concerned with the unrestrained disregard or our nation’s fiscal responsibilities. They probably don’t know that our government has absolutely no obligation to pay back Social Security. It is written in law that that program can be cancelled at any time the government sees fit. 
 
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com

RE: The Passing of Rob Roy McGregor, DPM
From: Robert F. Weiss, DPM

I was sorry to hear of Rob Roy McGregor's passing. I knew him as a good colleague, but more as a fellow marathoner. While running the 1977 NYC Marathon, at a water station at the 18th mile, I heard his voice "Praise be the Lord----water." From there on, it was a race between the two of us. I finally was able to pull ahead of him at the 22-mile mark. He had a good few years on me! We met at the finish line to celebrate with another drink of water!

Robert F. Weiss, DPM, Darien, CT

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 – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311

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

ASSOCIATE/OPPORTUNITY - PHOENIX (EAST VALLEY)

Established practice seeking motivated min. PSR24+ personable, ethical, motivated person to join state-of-the-art multi-office locations. Partnership/Ownership opportunity in practice, real estate, surgical center. Also interested in existing practitioner to merge or work part time. Contact AZPODAssociate@aol.com Must be pursuing or have AZ license.

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 - 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

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 - 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

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

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