The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 27, 2011 #4,171 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Uses Invented Machine to Treat CRPS

Joseph Martinez is a 14-year-old boy from Torrance, CA with an extremely rare pain disorder, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). After unsuccessfully trying some conventional treatments, they recently traveled to Texas, pinning their hopes on a podiatrist with a gadget. Dr. Donald Rhodes of Corpus Christi is a podiatrist by trade, a "foot guy," as he says. 

Dr. Donald Rhodes with VECTTOR machine (Photo: George Gongora)

The device, called a VECTTOR machine, was invented by Rhodes and is designed to treat damaged nerves through electronic stimulation. It has not yet been approved by the FDA. Despite the skepticism of experts and others back home, the family insists Joseph is finally making progress. For the first time in months, they say, he has been able to shower without screaming in pain.

Source: Rob Kuznia, Whittier Daily News [5/24/11]

Scholl Student Receives Inaugural Robert Baron Radiology Award

The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine traditionally honors graduating seniors with Departmental Awards. The Department of Radiology recently named its award after Dr. Robert L. Baron who has taught at the college for over twenty-five years. Although retired from the college, Dr. Baron is still active in MRI interpretation as well as a guest lecturer for the department. 

(L-R) Dr. Robert Baron, Atefeh E. Izadi, and Dr. Daniel P. Evans

Pictured is Atefeh E. Izadi (SCPM Class of 2011) who is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Robert L. Baron Proficiency in Radiology Award.  The award was presented by Dr. Robert L. Baron as well as Dr. Daniel P. Evans, the current Chair of the Department of Radiology.

AL Podiatrist Finds Portability of iPad Helpful

With 22 percent adoption among medical providers, as reported in a Chilmark Research report, the iPad has become a key tool for U.S. doctors and medical professionals transitioning from paper charts and developing innovative practice models. Medical providers are increasingly looking to streamline the delivery of care and reduce costs in a rapidly changing medical sector.

Dr. Todd Falls

 "Being able to have something small to carry room-to-room has been a huge help, as well as the outstanding screen resolution," said Todd Falls, DPM, a podiatrist in Birmingham, AL referring to using Practice Fusion on an iPad. "The iPad has also allowed me more time with my patients – I see 35-40 a day – and to engage with them more."

Source: WBAL-TV [5/24/11]

MA Podiatrist Has Completed Seven Triathlons

Ironman podiatrist Neil J. Feldman knows the thrill of victory and the agony of “da feet.” “Everybody thinks feet are the ugliest body part, and people think that for me to do what I do, I must have a foot fetish,” said Dr. Feldman. “The foot is a body part. It's a very unique body part, and the uniqueness of the foot to me is how it fits with the rest of the body.” 

Dr. Neil Feldman

Dr. Feldman, who owns and operates Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester, has completed two Ford World Ironman Championships (with a 12:30:29 time in 2004 and 10:54:28 time in 2008) in Kona, Hawaii, and seven Ironman triathlon events overall (including a 9:59:26 time in the 2008 Lake Placid Ironman).

Source: Craig S. Semon, Worchester Telegram & Gazette [5/25/11]

MD Podiatrist Excluded from Medicare/Medicaid and Fined $326K

Stuart Aiken, DPM, age 51, a podiatrist practicing in Olney, Maryland, has agreed to be excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal healthcare programs for 10 years and to pay the government $326,570 for violations of the False Claims Act arising from false claims that Aiken submitted to Medicare, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the Settlement Agreement, from January 2000 to April 2004 Aiken billed Medicare for incision and drainage of abscesses and debridements of the skin and tissue even though such services were not performed. Aiken fabricated progress notes in the patients' charts and fabricated diagnosis codes in an effort to have the records and diagnoses correspond to the services billed so that he could get paid. Additionally, Aiken billed for services that were non-covered and upcoded, or billed a higher reimbursable CPT code than the services actually provided.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

Senate Rejects House Budget, Obama Plan

The Senate rejected several budget alternatives, including the high-profile Republican measure passed by the House of Representatives in April, and the president's proposed budget. None of the budget measures garnered the necessary 51 votes to pass. The House plan, authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), was rejected 40-57 and was opposed by all Democratic senators voting and five Republicans
 
“The Republican plan to kill Medicare is part of a plan to balance the budget on the backs of seniors,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said before the vote. Republicans defended the measure’s changes to Medicare as necessary to keep it from becoming insolvent in 2024, as determined by the Medicare trustees in their May 14 annual report.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [5/25/11]

Query: Schematic for Minxray PM 200 Mobile X-Ray

The timer fell off and the wires on the timer came off my Minxray machine. Minxray said they no longer have schematics for this machine. Does anyone have the source for schematics for a mobile Minxray PM 200 (circa 1983)? 

Steven Schuck, DPM, Dubuque, IA

RE: Niacin and Cherry Juice, and Acute Gout (Tom Silver, DPM)
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

I cannot attest to the effectiveness of cherry juice/cherries in the reduction of uric acid, but rather than drinking cherry juice or eating cherries which are both high in sugar content and calories, I suggest that patients go to Whole Foods or GNC and they can purchase cherry juice extract capsules very inexpensively. This way they get the benefits without the side-effects.

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

RE: Cracked Arm of Smart Toe Implant (Jay Hassenfratz, DPM)
From: Jack Sasiene, DPM

I have had a few of these implants crack at the arm. It usually occurs due to excessive movement of the toe. Dr. Hassenfratz did not state what post-op immobilization care was being given. As long as there is no concern for infection, I would not remove the implant at this early time of three weeks. I would put the patient in a post-op shoe and immobilize the toe and adjacent toe with Coban and Elastoplast over it as a splint. You could also use an Unna paste bandage on the toe, with Webril and Elastoplast.

Most important is the patient's activity and gait. Instruct the patient to use an apropulsive gait and decrease activity, and document that. Lastly, it is hard to tell from the x-ray, but if the hallux is putting any abductory force on the toe, that also should be addressed with a short spacer in the webspace proximal to the fusion site.

Jack Sasiene, DPM, Houston TX, Sasiene@aol.com

RE: SC Medicaid Elimination of Podiatry Services (George Pattis, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

In New York, we were thrown out of Medicaid about 30 years ago. Improper billing was no stranger to this scenario. No tears were shed over podiatry's removal, and Medicaid patients have been treated by NP's and PA's for decades. Podiatry's redundancy was ascertained, and patients were "successfully" treated "sans" podiatrists. As others see the savings and diminished fraud, I suspect this direction to increase.

Those of us in NY have experienced Dr. Pattis's embarrassment for our entire careers, and are embittered at the APMA and schools for not addressing this issue viz a viz a degree change. The need to strip the tarnished DPM degree and join mainstream medicine is again being demonstrated in South Carolina as the last refuge of survival in this very competitive economic environment.

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: EHR Certification Charges (Andrew Levy, DPM)
From: Alan L. Bass, DPM

I had been a long-time user of PodMed by Leum Software, which has now become TRAKnet by Biomedix Vascular Solutions. After Biomedix bought Leum software and rebranded PodMed to TRAKnet, they then received full ONC certification, but did not pass the cost onto current clients.

Disclosure: I am a former consultant for BioMedix.

Alan L. Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

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 POSITIONS - TEXAS

Texas licensed podiatrists needed in San Antonio and Austin. Great paying positions for full or part-time. Well established, unique mobile podiatry practice servicing senior living facilities. Business office locations in both cities with excellent support staff for your assistance and scheduling. Check us out before looking elsewhere. Find us at www.footmobile.com Reply with cover letter and CV to doctor.cohen@yahoo.com with a cc: to lisa.schulze@yahoo.com or call us at 210-495-6477.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking For The Best. Busy practice. F/T associate possibly leading to partnership. Seeking sharp, honest and hard-working associate who is extremely personable. Board Certified or eligible. Exceptional surgical skills and training needed, but is just as important to diagnose accurately. Excellent salary and benefits. Email CV to Marylandfootcare@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Well-established, busy podiatric practice is seeking highly motivated, well-trained and personable associate for full-time position. Competitive Salary and Benefits, Buy-in Opportunity. Interested persons must be actively pursuing or have NC license. Send resume and letter of intent to gpagpa530@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California practice looking for highly motivated podiatrist for very busy, two location practice. Excellent salary and benefits offered. Please email resume to mrsmcmackin@aol.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

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 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 – 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 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

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

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 - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is 130K on 2 half days per week. Practice is expandable to full time with increasing hours and marketing. Real estate available for purchase. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTH CAROLINA

$800,000+ gross, single location practice needs well trained, energetic podiatrist. Confidential inquiries carpodpract@gmail.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 - 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 - 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

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