The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 25, 2012 #4,471 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MO Podiatrist Discusses Heel Pain in Children

Karl Collins, DPM, FACFAS, a St. Louis-area foot and ankle surgeon, says heel pain occurs frequently in children ages 6 to 14 as their feet grow and the heel bone develops. "As children become more active in sports, they increase their risk for growth plate injuries and subsequent heel pain," says Collins. This is especially true during the school year, when surgeons see an increase in middle- and high-school athletes experiencing heel pain from sports.

Dr. Karl Collins

"New bone forms in an area behind the heel, known as the growth plate, and cartilage is vulnerable to severe inflammation from strain or stress. With repeated stresses and strains from overactivity, the heel becomes very painful," Collins explains.

Source: WKBT TV  [05/22/12]

FL Podiatrist Performs INBONE Total Ankle Replacement

By last summer, Jim Gorham's left ankle was ruining his life. That's when he went into Shands Jacksonville for surgery. Podiatrist Dr. Ryan Pereira replaced a damaged tendon with a cadaver tendon and stabilized Gorham's ankle with a procedure known as an INBONE Total Ankle Replacement.

Dr. Ryan Pereira

On Aug. 13, Pereira performed the surgery. He said ankle replacement surgery has been around since the 1970s, but that it had fallen out of favor until recent technical improvements. "His ankle was completely bone on bone," said Pereria, who used a plastic joint to separate the bones. Pereira said Gorham's ankle will never be 100 percent functional. "But the INBONE gives him stability," he said. "He's done exceptionally well."

Source: Charlie Patton, The Florida-Times Union [5/22/12]

NC Podiatrist Keynotes at Scholarship Luncheon

The 3rd Annual Magnolia Garden Luncheon was held under balmy skies last Thursday. More than 100 people, many dressed in their casual finery, attended the luncheon. Dr. Christine Wright, a podiatrist at Cornerstone Healthcare, then delivered the keynote address. In a moving and passionate speech, she revealed her deeply personal battle with breast cancer and how the YMCA’s “Live Strong Program” was integral to her recovery.

Dr. Christine Wright

Wright participated in the 12-week discipline at the downtown Greensboro Y, but noted that the Jamestown branch now offers that program. She closed her remarks with a quote from famous anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Source: Ogi Overman, Jamestown News [5/23/12]

Bahamas Podiatrist is New Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture

There's an old adage that you should never judge a book by its cover. The 'his story' or 'history' of the new Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Dr. Daniel Johnson, is definitely one of those must stories. He is holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Podiatric Medicine, University of Westminister, Masters of Psychology and Clinical Psychoanalysis, London, England, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and the Commonwealth Fellowship for Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Podiatric Medicine. 

Dr. Daniel Johnson

Dr. Johnson, who himself played college level varsity soccer, track and field, football, and rugby had the opportunity to excel at the international level, but he chose to pursue his educational pursuits."I am here, sent by the Prime Minister, to make sure that the magnificent story of trial to triumph, a Bahamian story, is etched in the minds of the Bahamian public and burned on their hearts," said Dr. Johnson.

Source: Brent Stubbs,  Bahamas Tribune [5/21/12]

Heart Disease, Stroke Deaths Fall for Diabetics

Better medical treatment and disease management have contributed to a decline in the death rates for people who have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Deaths related to heart disease and stroke fell by 40% for diabetics between 1997 and 2006, while deaths from all causes among diabetics decreased by 23% during that period, a study published in the journal Diabetes Care notes. Researchers analyzed National Health Interview Survey data from almost 250,000 adults; findings showed that people with diabetes were less likely to smoke and were more physically active than before, and there was also better management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Despite these improvements, obesity levels continued to rise among people with diabetes.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [5/23/12]

Industry Leaders Voice Optimism on Curbing Defensive Medicine

Undertaking extensive efforts to improve the quality of care provided has not mitigated malpractice costs—including the cost of defensive medicine—for some providers, but it may in the future, representatives of several providers undertaking delivery reforms told a Senate panel.

Dr. Lee Sacks, chief medical officer for Advocate Health Care, based in Oak Brook, IL, told the Senate Finance Committee that the health system's medical liability costs were $90 million in 2011, despite the broad use of a model quality improvement system since 2004. Sacks was joined by Dr. Richard Migliori, executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, in expressing optimism that the expanded adoption of quality-improvement efforts, such as ACOs, will reduce the use of costly defensive medicine.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [5/23/12]

Take a Tablet to Manage Time

Adding a gadget can give you better work/life balance. Eighty percent of tablet users say the devices have improved their work/life balance,
according to a recent Staples survey. Here’s how an iPad or similar device can benefit you:

•  Mobile work. Tasks that would be cumbersome on a smartphone, such as tapping out a report or sending a lengthy email reply, are easier with the large screen. Plus, you don’t have the hassle of lugging around a laptop.
•  Single focus. The limitations of a tablet force you to work on one task at a time and not become distracted by temptations such as checking email. Sixty percent of the tablet users in the Staples survey say the device has improved their productivity.

Source: Adapted from “Tablet Users Report Better Work Life Balance and Higher Productivity,” Josh Smith, Gotta Be Mobile via Communication Briefings

RE: Down's Syndrome Complication (Brad Shollenberger, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Ron Raducanu, DPM

You may want to rule out erythromelalgia.
 
Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

Although this patient is a Down's syndrome patient, it may not necessarily have anything to do with the pathology described. It really does sound like an autonomic nervous system disorder that may be affecting this child. It may border on what we see with painful peripheral neuropathy in our diabetic population. I'm not even sure if there is any testing available for this in the pediatric population, and the drugs we use to control painful neuropathy are not FDA-approved for use in children. 

Ron Raducanu, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, kidsfeet@gmail.com

RE: Lamisil, Tamoxifen Drug-to-Drug Interaction (Charles Morelli, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
Dr. Morelli, I have a powerful request for you. Since most of us are not up on each and every drug and food interaction regarding the transplant patient, perhaps you can research and write a comprehensive paper on what all of us need to know when treating patients who have had organ transplants. Since you are personally close to this matter, you would most likely include important things that a person just glossing over the literature might overlook.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Unethical Behavior By Foot Solutions
From: Peter M Mason, DPM

Last month, I had custom orthotics made for a female in her 70's for treatment of moderate/severe pronation. She returned to the office yesterday very upset. She stated she had gotten a "second opinion" regarding the orthotics and was told they were "not the right type." I asked who gave her this opinion, and she stated: "Foot Solutions". She mentioned the name of the person giving the "opinion", and I know the person is the owner of the store.

The local Foot Solutions store is in business about 10 years. In the early years... 

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

RE: Coding Verification Reviews for Custom Fabricated AFOs
From: Robert M. Gaynor, DPM

I spoke with PDAC yesterday. Due to fraud and abuse, they now are requiring all L1940, L1960 and L1970 custom AFOs to be PDAC-approved prior to September 1st. Any manufacturer that supplies AFOs to podiatrists must have their brace examined and coded by the PDAC by 9/1/12. Furthermore, even if they already have their brace approved, it has to be resubmitted unless their brace is already in their system to be reviewed.

I think this is pretty significant news as many podiatrists dispense braces, and even more significant for the manufacturers of these AFOs that have never had their braces coded like the Richie Brace. I believe anyone dispensing any DME product that is not approved by PDAC is at risk if they are billing Medicare for it. Below is the article confirming the  Coding Verification Reviews for Custom Fabricated Ankle-Foot Orthoses.
 
Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Wellington, FL, DrGaynorDPM@aol.com

RE: Dubai Podiatrist Introduces Portable Foot Toning Device (Kathy Satterfield, DPM)
From: Andy Bhatia, DPM

I found this story and product to be quite intriguing, and wonder if anyone knows if something similar has been marketed in the U S. before?

Regarding Dr. Satterfield's comments, Dubai is actually one of the more progressive countries in the Middle East. In fact, if you visited there, you would be hard-pressed to find any women at all who are covered from head-to-toe unless you went to the rural areas. The country is fashion and brand-name crazy, and not just Jimmy Choo but every high-end branded shoe line is a hot seller, and the malls are like something out of a futuristic movie!

Andy Bhatia, DPM, Columbus, OH, asbhatia@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA
 
Three-office practice with hospital, surgical center & nursing home privileges.  EMR since 2000. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, progressive practice. Competitive salary and benefits offered.  Practice offers good mix of surgery, wound care, and general podiatry.  Open to associate with potential future buy-in.  Please forward your information and CV to footdocpa@aol.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION  - FLORIDA

Looking to hire an associate who is caring, friendly, and holds a patient in the highest regard. I am a single practitioner with a large podiatry practice in Tampa, FL. Will provide an outstanding salary with additional incentives, excellent healthcare benefits, retirement and cell phone. Please email resume to: Heliodiety@aol.com or fax to 813-854-6105.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.comASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, two office group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Good mixture of general podiatry and surgery. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: toesrus7@yahoo.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 - NYC

Full and part-time opportunity available in 40 year old practice in downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art office with EMR and digital x-rays. Must be experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Competitive salary. Possible buy-in opportunity available. please email resume to dpm10019@yahoo.com

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

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 - OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

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 - BEAUTIFUL LONG ISLAND

Business-oriented, mature Board eligible/certified podiatrist who is not just looking for a job, but a secure future. Buy-out of practice will be available. Practice does in excess of $500K. 2 hospitals available. No nursing homes, no Medicaid. Competitive package. Please fax CV to 631-581-0857.

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. Availability to become part owner of a multi-room, multi-specialty ASC. Excellent opportunity for the right doctor with potential to achieve $200K in the first year. 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 biomechanics, trauma, ESWT, PRP, wound care, and ultrasound diagnostics. Participating insurance #'s a plus. Please fax resume to: (609) 259-6637.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Full and Part-time opportunity to provide conservative, ethical podiatric care to residents in long-term care throughout Illinois . Full time position includes health, disability, 401, auto/travel expenses. Ideal Full-time candidate would be willing to travel 2-3 days per month, or be located in central or downstate IL. We have a 30 year history of providing exceptional care and service, with appropriate reimbursement. Please email queries or resumes to: gh@podiatryplus.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

We are hiring podiatrists for part-time positions in California: San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose. Duties: Diagnosis and treatment of Onycomycosis using Pinpointe laser in our facilities (training at the clinic); flexible schedule. Qualifications: Valid DPM California license; active medical liability insurance. email CV to: ofer@lasernailtherapy.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.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.

GREAT OFFICE STAFF FOR HIRE - SOUTH JERSEY

Very experienced office staff needs jobs. Office is closing and they are experienced people to hire in South Jersey. E-mail for CV and or what you are looking for They know podiatry and are both certified  podiatric medical assistants. They do billing, scheduling, chairside, and much more  Footcare@comcast.net

LOCUM TENENS - TEXAS STATEWIDE

It is that time of year, and you want to go on vacation, but can't or won't leave your practice, I can help. Please contact me at:  netexasl@gmail.com  I will forward a CV

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: EPAT

(Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) for sale. D-Actor 200. This machine is still new. Purchased in late 2011.( new machines>30K). It is the conservative alternative to surgery. Treats Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, Achilles Tendonitis, Joint pain. Great Buy. $19,995 or best offer. Please call 713-541-3199 for more information. or email contactus@houstonfootankle.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have itFootcare@comcast.net

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC

This is a great opportunity to expand or establish a new practice. Fully furnished, large modern Podiatric office in an upscale doorman building on the east side. Fully equipped and Wi-Fi ready. (Rent includes electricity and supplies). Available immediately for full or part time occupancy. Save up to $100,000 in initial costs and avoid any start-up mistakes. Email podofficenyc@gmail.com for further information. Price is considerably below market value. Confidentiality will be strictly upheld.

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 - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact:podiatrypracticesale@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.

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