The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 26, 2012 #4,472 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PA Podiatrist Discusses Home Treatment for Bromhidrosis

If the smell from your piggies is causing people to pass out, don't despair. Help is out there. "Young adults through their early 30s make up the largest group of foot-odor sufferers. Most likely due to anxiety," said Dr. Richard Spinner, a Stroudsburg podiatrist. "Bromhidrosis, or foot odor, is caused by bacteria. It is not the sweat itself smelling, but the substances skin bacteria create when they come in contact with sweat," Spinner said.

Dr. Richard Spinner

Anxiety and stress are the most common causes of excessive sweating, he said. Spinner suggests his patients first try antiperspirant to prevent excessive perspiration. "Commercials show people using anti-perspirant for underarms, but people never think about using it for their feet," he said. Make sure you are not buying just a deodorant. It must contain aluminum chlorohydrate to prevent sweating, Spinner said.

Source: Amy Leap, Pocono Record [5/24/12]

OCPM President Keynotes at KSU Commencement

On Friday, May 4, 2012, Thomas V. Melillo, DPM, President of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM), was the featured Commencement Speaker at the Kent State University Advanced Degree Ceremony. Dr. Melillo addressed the 850 advanced degree graduates with insight from his personal and professional experience. “I have learned that with an education, with a commitment to your chosen profession, and with a personal drive to be the best you can be, your life will be rewarding, exciting, and most of all personally fulfilling,” stated Dr. Melillo.  

Dr. Thomas V. Melillo at Kent State University Advanced Degree Ceremony

The Kent State University Commencement for Advanced Degrees ceremony graduated students from the College of Nursing, College of Public Health, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Communication & Information, College and Graduate School of Education, Health and Human Services, College of Architecture & Environmental Design, College of the Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, and the College of Technology.

AAPPM Student Chapter Holds Food Drive at OCPM

Recently, at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM), the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) held a food drive, and the decision was to donate the collected food to the Cleveland Food Bank. For approximately two weeks, the OCPM students asked their peers, as well as the staff and employees of OCPM, to donate to the drive to support a great cause. Participation was outstanding, leading to a large quantity of donations.  

(L-R) Dan White (white shirt), Amory Baker, Hal Ornstein, DPM, Dan Phan, and Andrew Schneider, DPM

"As the student AAPPM club, we donated nearly a quarter of a ton of non-perishable foods!  I believe contributing to those less fortunate by means of nourishment or mentoring is absolutely necessary, and it invigorates the human spirit," said Daniel White, AAPPM student president. Dr. Hal Ornstein followed up by saying, “Too many of our fellow human beings face hunger globally. This food drive is directly supportive of a recent national initiative we have created in podiatry called “De-Feet Childhood Hunger”, and ultimately, “de-feet hunger for all.” 

Chronic Wearing of High Heels Leads to Cinderella Syndrome: German Podiatrist

Heels that are high change the way a woman walks, said Renee Andrea Fuhrmann, head doctor at a podiatry clinic in Bad Neustadt, Germany. This has been proved in studies that analyze walking and muscle action. "A woman who regularly wears high heels - more than three times in a week for the entire day - will have problems." Ten per cent of Fuhrmann's patients come to her with problems resulting from years of walking in high heels. Many complain about splayed feet, bunions, or hammertoes. High heels only make these deformities worse in feet that already are predisposed to them. 

Dr. Renee Andrea Fuhrmann

"Wearing high heels over a long period of time can lead to back pain," says Fuhrmann. The Achilles tendon and the calf muscles get shorter when a woman wears high heels over a long period and this causes something called Cinderella syndrome, in which it hurts to walk in shoes that don't have high heels. "I have many patients who say they can no longer walk in a flat shoe," says Fuhrmann. Therefore, exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and calf are very important.

Source:  The Canberra Times [5/21/12]

SD Podiatrist Attends Boot Camp to Expand Pre-Fab Business

Spearfish podiatrist Dr. Lorri Riley and her business partner Angie Albonico are getting a step up on their business plan for their insole product at the week-long workshop in Sioux Falls. Riley saw a need that wasn't being met for her patients. "For anyone who came in with flat feet, I had to do prescriptions. They can run from $300 to $800, and when insurance companies aren't paying as much and patients can't afford to buy them, I was taking generic ones and trying to modify them and give them something better," Riley said. 

Dr. Lorri Riley

That's how J1 insoles were born. They're available in three Walgreens stores in the Black Hills. In addition, this training is helping the company's plan to expand.

Source: Angela Kennecke, Keloland Television [5/23/12]

The Right Flip-Flops Can Prevent Plantar Fasciitis: Aussie Podiatrist

If you're prone to foot problems or concerned with overall foot health, you may shy away from one of summer's great joys, believing flip-flops aren't good for your feet. After all, 50 percent of Americans have experienced foot pain or discomfort at some point, and improper footwear is a leading cause, according to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). 

Philip Vasyli

"Non-supportive flip-flops cause a common foot injury known as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot and the heel," says podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, co-founder with integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil of Weil Integrative Footwear. "Flip-flops leave feet prone to common muscle overuse injuries, which can be easily prevented with the right footwear." The good news is, you can wear flip-flops - even if you never thought you could. It is possible to find stylish, good-looking varieties that feel great and are healthful for your feet.

Source: Las Vegas Journal-Review [5/24/12]

CMS Drops 48-Hour Signature Deadline, Permits Use of Standing Orders

CMS has ditched its 48-hour deadline for physician signatures and given hospitals a freer hand to shape their own destiny in this and other areas, according to the final update to the Medicare conditions of participation, announced May 10. While hospitals enjoy greater regulatory freedom, they take on the burden of developing new policies and procedures, compliance experts say, and may experience more claims denials if signatures are missing because physicians aren’t under Medicare’s 48-hour gun.

The new hospital conditions of participation (COPs) cover a lot of ground. In addition to the physician signature change, CMS now requires a physician on the hospital board, permits the use of standing orders, and allows hospitals to make greater use of non-physician practitioners (NPPs). As always, CMS emphasizes it is opening the door to the flexibility rather than requiring it. For example, hospitals can choose to stick with a 48-hour physician signature deadline, but CMS is not enforcing it universally.

Source: Nina Youngstrom, Report on Medicare Compliance [5/21/12]

Show Respect With Everyday Actions

You can engage, honor, and motivate team members more with daily interactions than with any formal recognition program. Conversations can show that you respect employees' expertise and value their contributions. Add these types of interactions to the workday:

•  Show trust. Prove that you respect people’s skill and judgment by putting them in informal leadership roles.
•  Allow them to help. Go beyond assigning work that fits the person’s job description. When you face a dilemma ask employees, “What would you do?” They will be proud that you solicited their opinion, particularly if you take that advice.
•  Expand influence. Compliment a team member’s skill and ask for ideas to apply that skill in other areas. Example: “I’m amazed at how you have been able to streamline the _____ process. Can you see ways we also could simplify _____?”
•  Collaborate. Invite an employee to participate with you as an equal in some project. It could be a volunteer event outside of work. Find a situation where you won’t be “the boss.”

Source: Adapted from “4 Rewards That Are More Powerful Than Money,” Jeff Haden, Inc. via Communication Briefings

RE: Alleged Failure to Have Adequate Coverage While on Vacation (Illinois)
 
A podiatrist left for a multi-week vacation after removing a patient's bunion and did not arrange for another podiatrist to be on call; by the time the podiatrist returned, his patient's condition was such that a second surgery was necessary.

Facts: In the early months of 1999, Andrea Vedope was suffering from a bunion on her right foot. She consulted on the matter with a podiatrist in Portage. On 5-27-99, Defendant performed surgery to remove the bunion. He used the McBride procedure, which realigned the toe after the bunion was removed. The surgery on Vedope appeared to be successful, and shortly thereafter Defendant left his office to take a vacation of several weeks. He did not arrange for another podiatrist to be on-call during his vacation.

While Defendant was on vacation, Vedope returned to his office and received follow-up care and an x-ray from an assistant who was neither a doctor nor a nurse. The assistant also changed Vedope's bandages. When Defendant returned from his vacation, he realized that during his absence, Vedope had developed a "hallux varus" deformity. This is a...

Editor's note: The complete verdict reporter can be read here.

Result: Defense verdict on liability. A Hammond jury heard the evidence over four days and returned a verdict for Defendant. The court entered a defense judgment.

Plaintiff's expert: Lowell Weil, Sr., DPM Des Plaines, IL
Defendant's expert: Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, Philadelphia, PA. 

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

I wish to clarify the comments from Dr. Gaynor. Until now, no manufacturer of custom AFO devices has been required by Medicare to have PDAC approval of their devices. This has been a requirement of many pre-fabricated AFO devices but not custom devices. Currently, dispensing practitioners of custom AFO devices are NOT "at risk" as Dr. Gaynor warns. The proposed deadline is 9/1/2012 for all manufacturers to obtain approval from PDAC. Until that date, practitioners can dispense custom AFO devices, including those billed under code L-1970 without fear or risk as Dr. Gaynor inappropriately assumes.
 
Doug Richie, DPM, Seal Beach, CA, DRichieJr@aol.com

RE: Unethical Behavior By Foot Solutions (Peter Mason, DPM)
From: Louis W. Nordeen, DPM

In regard to Dr. Peter Mason's frustrations and concerns regarding Foot Solutions, we have had the same problem in Richmond, VA. The Foot Solutions store here has actually gone out of their way to be nasty. I have called them on this several times, and have actually had to warn my patients. It is unfortunate that they would act this way, and now I see that this is not just a local problem, but appears to be national.

I think that we should just keep doing great work, be nice but warn our patients (mainly about being over-charged, and not having good return policies), and continue to call them on this in a professional manner. It has been quite shocking here in the Richmond area. Foot Solutions denies it everytime, but too many times per month, this is voiced to me by patients.

Louis W. Nordeen, DPM,  Mechanicsville, VA   onefoot7@gmail.com

RE: Plantar Appendicitis?

I saw a new patient today, and this is her written response to the question, "What is your foot problem?"

"Extreme prolonged pain near cuboid, calcaneus, and appendix. Might be plantar fascial inflammation."

Just when you think you've heard it all!
 
Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, ON

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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

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 - 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.com

ASSOCIATE 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.

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:  AUTOMATIC  X-RAY PROCESSOR 

ALLPRO 2010, 4 years old, good working order. Pick up from NYC preferable. $1,200 Contact: DOC4FOOT@aol.com

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 haveitFootcare@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

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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