The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 25, 2013 #4,779 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

Pregnant Women Need Supportive Footwear

Back pain is a common pregnancy symptom, and it doesn’t always disappear when your baby arrives. Supporting you back actually starts with your shoes. Supportive sneakers or flat boots are best for everyday use, but if you want some height, try rubber-soled wedges, which distribute body weight across a larger surface area and offer shock absorption.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

You’ll also want to ditch your ballet flats and flip-flops, says New York City podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM. Instead, wear flats with an arch support or try insoles or orthotics.

Source: Leslie Goldman, fitpregnancy.com

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. Today is the last day to vote.

Quick Poll
Do you recommend barefoot running?
Click HERE for Results

PA Podiatrist Appointed Chief of Podiatry Staff

Dr. Adam J. Teichman, senior managing partner of East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates, has been appointed chief of podiatric surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown.

Dr. Adam J. Teichman

Dr. Teichman is also a surgical instructor of the podiatric residency program at St. Luke's University Health Network, a panel physician at the wound-healing centers at Easton Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital, a member of the Limb Salvage Team at Sacred Heart Hospital, and the official team podiatrist of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Source: The Morning Call [5/23/13]

WI Podiatrist Runs Healthy Vending Machine Business

A man stocking vending machines in southeast Wisconsin is making it easier for students to snack healthy. Jeff Osbourne, a vendor for "Human Healthy Vending," stocks machines at West Allis Central and several other area schools, as well as a health club and a hospital's corporate center. Doctor Jeff Osbourne said he had the idea of encouraging healthy eating habits from his medical practice.

Dr. Jeff Osbourne

"Everyday, I see a lot of patients more and more suffering from hypertension, obesity, and diabetes," Osbourne, a podiatrist, said. "This is something that's just a chronic disease. It's actually preventable." When Osbourne discovered the healthy California vending company, he said he was "all in." Rather than offering typical vending machine fare, Osbourne's machines feature low calorie, low saturated fat items like protein and granola bars, as well as gluten-free items.

Source: Hilary Mintz, WISN (ABC) [5/21/13]

Query: Square.com

We currently don't have a device to take credit cards due to costs. But, we are getting people with cards from health savings accounts they can't use in our office. I looked into getting the Square device (Square.com). It's a little piece you put in a headphone jack in an iPad and you swipe a card through it. 

Square Credit Card Reader

There's a 2.25% charge per transaction, or it's $250 a month. Patients can sign their name on the iPad. Do other DPMs use this? Are there other devices like this or other affordable ways to take credit cards?

Andy Dale, DPM, Clarksburg, WV

RE: Fluoroquinolone Toxicity (Robert Kornfeld, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM

I read with interest the letter from Dr. Kornfeld  in which he states, "..there are many patients out there with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)." He then goes on to contend, "The SNPs make them susceptible to methylation disorders, inability to metabolize sulfur-containing foods and medicines, inability to convert ammonia to urea, and many others. These are the high-risk patients who are sitting ducks for this horrible and life-altering toxicity syndrome. Many have died from the effects of these complications. There is a growing (and somewhat large) population of these patients due to the high number of fluoroquinolone prescriptions being written."

I couldn't help but notice that there was not a single citation from the literature for any of these assertions. I think it is unwise to ever use a fluoroquinolone as a sole agent, but until I consider changing the way I use these medications, I'd like to see some support for the above statements.

David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX, ledocdave@hotmail.com

RE: Documenting Radiological Findings (Name Withheld)
From: George Stephen Gill, DPM, MBA

It would seem reasonable that this profession could adopt /standardize a basic radiological template that would facilitate a check-off process that would adequately and appropriately document pertinent radiographic findings satisfactory to a review process. The form might contain a summary conclusion: Additional pertinent findings: an inserted comment (summary) that would delineate unusual or exceptional findings (conclusions) and their relevancy to the Dx/Tx plan.

George Stephen Gill, DPM, MBA, Denver, CO, georgestephengill@gmail.com

Re: Staff Makes it Difficult to Get Appointments (Name Withheld)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, William Deutsch, DPM

Dear Name Withheld, You have seen your employees' true colors. Will you ever be able to trust them again?

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

Unfortunately, your staff is sabotaging your practice to ensure their workload is light or not overly burdensome, and to ensure their workday ends on THEIR schedule. The tail is wagging the dog. This is symptomatic of a dysfunctional office. New patients should receive priority scheduling, especially if they're in distress. That shouldn't have to be included in a manual; that's common sense.

I don't know how long your staff has been working for you, but they're not 'on your side.' With the job market as it is today, replacing your contrarian front office worker should be easy. Do you really think that an office meeting will change anything? 

William Deutsch, DPM, Valley Stream, NY, wd.10301@yahoo.com

Re: Staff Makes it Difficult to Get Appointments (Name Withheld)
From: Lynn Homisak, PRT, Carl Ganio, DPM

I have to be honest, I cringed when I read your post because if what you say is true…that you suspect the receptionist and OM are in cahoots and deliberately not scheduling patients…and that they did not accommodate the diabetic caller with a same day appointment (even though they were instructed to)…these are NOT the people you want working for you. In fact, it sounds more like they are working against you! How many other potential patients (besides your “planted call”) were turned away? To answer your question, yes, there is a way to record phone calls for “quality control” AND quality training purposes.

I have never been a proponent of “spying” on staff by using their mistakes and errors as a means of reprimand. I am more of the belief that...

Editor's note: Ms. Homisak's extended-length letter can be read here.

My advice would be to replace that person or persons, as they are becoming too territorial with your patients. They have a sense of entitlement that empowers them to act in their own best interest...not yours. I had a patient sheepishly return to my office after having surgery with another podiatrist. She told me, that when she called my office for a consultation, the front office told her "Doctor Ganio no longer does surgery." This particular ex-employee did not like all the additional work associated with scheduling a surgery. It is undetermined how many people she misdirected in this manner.

Carl Ganio, DPM, Vero Beach, FL, drcarlganio@veropodiatry.biz

RE: MI Podiatrist Discusses Barefoot Dangers
From: Pete Harvey, DPM

Here is a barefoot beach warning side story. Many years ago, I removed a neuroma for a woman. The neuroma was large and removal and healing uneventful. However, right next to the neuroma, I removed a strange object. On close examination, it appeared to be the dorsal fin of a small fish. On questioning, the patient did recall stepping on something sharp on a beach at Galveston many years prior to the surgery. It's one more reason to wear sandals at the beach.
 
Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.

RE: How to Decline a Raise Request (Bob Hatcher, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

The loss of an employee obviously affects different offices in different ways. Employee loss in a three-employee office is obviously different than in a twenty-employee office. The position being lost is also a major factor. However, there are similar cost calculations attributable to every situation. Ten thousand dollars is a mid-range estimate.

There are a number of factors that go into the costs incurred when an employee is replaced. Knowing exactly how much this costs your office is difficult but certainly not impossible to estimate. There are tangible and intangible costs that...

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
 
Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E- mail wpbfootdrs@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 

33 year old practice grossing $550k seeing an average of 40 patients per day. Possible owner financing for both practice and large office building. Five year average profit margin of 35%. New Listing. For more information call Chas Smith at 863-688-1725 or email Chas@cpalliance.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CALIFORNIA

Unique opportunity to purchase a very busy 50 year old practice in Coronado Ca. Large and stable patient and referral base with consistent new patient growth. Low overhead. Priced to sell. Great staff. Hospital privileges available. Willing to stay on for transition. Inquiries please email foothold@msn.com

PURCHASE NOW OR LATER IN DALLAS, TX 

Turnkey in Dallas’ beautiful and prestigious Uptown neighborhood:   modern, fully furnished office in 24/7 security high rise and large patient base. There is tremendous growth potential in this affluent and diverse area. Perfect for new practitioner, to share, or second office.  afc1dfw@gmail.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 - 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 WANTED - CENTRAL/SHORE AREA - TOMS RIVER, NJ

FT/PT Looking for a HIGHLY motivated, organized, ethical associate. EMR/digital 20/20 x-ray/NCV/vascular testing all on premises. Trauma, DM, wound care & large routine & children mix. Must have NJ license. Should be Board Qualified/Certified Potential for future BUY-IN Send CV to toesec@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to: Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base. Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR; diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.com

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 - BEVERLY HILLS 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

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

PODIATRIST FOR NURSING HOME CARE - MASSACHUSETTS

Excellent Opportunity. Seeking independent physician for growing nursing home podiatry care Work independently, make your own hours. Must do own billing. YOU KEEP 100% OF PROFITS. Must be personable and have good patient skills. Acquisition fee based position. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: americanmobile@verizon.net

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

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 - 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.

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.