The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 10, 2010 #3,853 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Men Tolerate Earth Shoes Better Than Women Do: OH Podiatrist

The Earth shoe has stepped back onto the fashion footwear scene. “I know the shoe well,” said Oakwood podiatrist Dr. Deanna Chapman. Some people like them and some don’t, she said. “In women, the negative heel puts too much strain on the Achilles tendon, because we are used to wearing shoes (high heels) that take the Achilles tendon off stretch, so it’s slightly shortened,” she said. “A negative heel causes the tendon to stretch out maximally. Some women say they just can’t wear the shoes without pain.”

Dr. Deanna Chapman

“Am I against the Earth shoe? No, I’m not,” Chapman said. “They have a large popularity because of the wide toe box and good arch support.”  Men don’t flip-flop back and forth between high heels and flat shoes like women do, so they usually have fewer problems wearing negative heeled shoes, she said. “The flip-flop back and forth, that’s the problem,” she said.

Source: Katherine Ullmer, Dayton Daily News

WesternU Patient Care Center to Open May 12

Unique in its design, mission and range of services, the Western University of Health Sciences Patient Care Center in Pomona, CA will open to the public on May 12, 2010. The 78,000-square foot Patient Care Center (PCC) is part of the University’s recent $100-million expansion project, which also includes the Health Education Center, Veterinary Pathology Center, Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center, and a seven-story parking structure. The Patient Care Center will be home to the Medical Center, Eye Care Center, Foot & Ankle Center, and Pharmacy. The Dental Center is scheduled to open this summer.

Western University Patient Care Center

The Western University Foot & Ankle Center will be staffed by nationally-recognized experts in the field of podiatric medicine. The center offers critical expertise, comprehensive care, and management for a full range of foot and ankle problems that can be caused by chronic conditions or injuries. 

GA Podiatrist Records Ace

Robert Schwartz, a podiatrist at Norcross’ Foot and Ankle Center, made a hole-in-one while golfing on April 24, two days before his 60th birthday.

Schwartz used a 6-iron to ace the 191-yard, seventh hole at Reynolds Plantation’s National Course Bluff.

Source: Gwinnett Daily Post

NJ Podiatrist Appointed Chief of Surgery Department

Dr. Christian Robertozzi has been appointed Chief of the Surgery Department at Newton Memorial Hospital. On staff since 1985, Robertozzi has paved the way, increasing surgical privileges at the hospital, including a podiatric residency program through an affiliation with Morristown Memorial Hospital. 

Dr. Christian Robertozzi

Robertozzi is a past president of both the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society and the American Podiatric Medical Association.

CMS Enrollment Compliance to Increase

CMS’s intense focus on enrollment compliance will turn increasingly to hospitals, physicians, and other Part A and B providers and suppliers now that the agency has put controls in place to keep undeserving durable medical equipment (DME) companies out of Medicare. The director of Medicare program integrity said April 18, “There is no more important program-integrity function on the Medicare side than enrollment.” Kim Brandt asserted at the Health Care Compliance Assn. Compliance Institute in Dallas that once there are bad apples in Medicare, “it’s really hard to get them out.” 

The Medicare integrity group also monitors providers and suppliers to ensure that they are paid only for those items they are licensed to provide. For example, effective Jan. 3, 2011, Medicare will not pay for DME unless the ordering physician is enrolled in Medicare through PECOS, which is CMS’s Internet-based enrollment system. DME claims will be rejected if ordering physicians and non-physician practitioners are not in PECOS, which stands for Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System.

Source: Nina Youngstrom, Report on Medicare Compliance [5/7/10}

Query: Post-Traumatic Pain in the Interspaces

I have a patient who had a 65-pound pipe fall on the top of her right foot 6/11/08. She has had pains in the first three interspaces since then. Other symptoms include burning, tingling, shooting pains, and occasional twitching of the foot. She has had physical therapy, NSAIDs, steroid injections, and paddings. The steroid injections help for about three days. The patient is very sensitive to cold and pressure.  She is very frustrated, and wants surgery. I am not sure how to proceed. Any suggestions as to further tests, treatment, or surgical options would be appreciated.
 
Gregory Teles, DPM, Torrance, CA

Query: Transferring PAD Net Service

Does anyone have experience transferring over PAD Net service to a purchasing party? Are there any issues in doing this?

Anthony Rosales, DPM, Flagstaff, AZ

RE: Keratoderma (Robert Colligan, DPM)
From: Guercy Saint-Phard DDS, DPM, David Tarr, DPM

I had a case just like the picture shown. The patient was a 16 y.o. girl. At the first visit, I tried to debride with a #10 blade. It was impossible without hurting the patient, so I decided to put her on Carmol 20 bid. After a few months, the skin returned to its original look.

Guercy Saint-Phard, DDS, DPM, Berrien Springs, MI, guerss55@hotmail.com

I have had several patients with a congenital form of hyperkatosis plantaris with full coverage throughout the total plantar aspect of feet and toes. I have found that patient usage of 60% salicylic acid ointment in petrolatum with regular office-based debridement sometimes gives relief. There is no cure, and these patients can become disabled. It's a chronic process with no great outcome. Occasionally, testing for fungus may indicate additional clue to the cure. I recommend taking a sample test for PAS and performing a biopsy.

David Tarr, DPM, Lowell, MA, tarrdpm1@aol.com

RE: The Media Impression of Podiatry (Doug Richie, Jr., DPM, Barry Block, DPM, JD)
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM

While I do understand Dr. Richie's frustration with the media, I honestly do not think the media shapes and molds our position in the medical marketplace. In my opinion, podiatry's reputation is shaped and molded by the success we have with our own patients, and equally important are the doctors who refer patients to us. It is up to each and every one of us to create excellent relationships with internists, family docs, pediatricians, neurologists, vascular surgeons, dermatologists, etc. These are the people who need to know how we're trained and what we do. They are the ones who have first-hand experience with our level of expertise...or not. They hear from the patients whom they have referred to us. They see us in the hospital. They know what we're capable of doing. I believe the best marketing efforts are internal as well as professional. Like it or not, MD's hold a major key to our reputation. And yes, the media loves shoe stories!
 
Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, holfoot153@aol.com

I am sure that the editor is not implying that "reimbursement " drives the treatment decisions made by podiatric physicians. Podiatric physicians who practice "office" foot & ankle care” will probably do quite well without ever doing surgery as long as they use all of the latest diagnostic modalities (digital radiography, MS ultrasound, braces, orthotics, and DME) that are available to them. For instance, for a treatment of a stable fracture, it is more lucrative to see patients every other week until healing while providing physical therapy, bracing and strapping techniques for immobilization than to put them in a cast and be responsible for care for 90 days. Orthopedic surgeons, on average, only perform 4-6 operations per week, but see over 100 patients per week.

The reason that podiatry is locked into discussing the "horrors" of flip-flops, barefoot running, and the potential for a diabetic foot ulcer is because that is what our national organization, APMA, has emphasized in 80% of their news releases and initiatives. We have become the diabetic "foot saver." This is not to be dismissed, but "wound nurses" and "PA's" are also doing a great job, and they have not had to undergo 8 years of college and a 2-3 year residency to qualify.  

I contend that podiatry is as much a surgical profession as is orthopedic surgery. Using the CMS definition for "surgery," we provide strappings of toes, feet and ankles, give numerous injections, repair ingrown nails under anesthesia, remove warts, and on occasions, do total ankle replacements. Perhaps a more balanced PR approach by APMA would bring more requests for comments than another unfounded opinion by a "podiatrician" that "flip flops" are as bad as "water-boarding."

Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM, Des Plaines, IL, weif4feet@aol.com

LOOKING TO PURCHASE PRACTICE IN FLORIDA

Experienced, surgically trained, very successful FL licensed podiatrist currently practicing out of state looking to purchase successful full time practice in Florida to relocate for family reasons. I have been in practice for over 10 years and am fluent in English/Spanish. Serious inquiries only. Please send email to faajobs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION -  NAPLES, FLORIDA  
 
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. We rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Salary and percentage based on skills and experience, benefits including 401K. Current Florida license a plus. This a wonderful world class community. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK 
 
Great Opportunity  NY podiatric practice – multiple locations – seeks well-trained, ethical DPM per diem and full-time positions available. Competitive salary. Send resume and CV to: info@advancedfootcare.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, DALLAS, HOUSTON, AND SAN ANTONIO AREAS

Seeking well trained ABPS board rearfoot/ankle certified/qualified foot surgeons for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group. Excellent salary/benefits. Email CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2010. Fellowship to include advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org

POSITION WANTED - SOUTH FLORIDA  (BROWARD OR PALM BEACH COUNTY)

Board Certified, Experienced Podiatrist available for per diem work, nursing home, house calls, locum tenens. Reference available. Please reply to soflpod@aol.com

PRACTICE & BUILDING FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Website and marketing material included. Seller happy to assist with transition. Grossed 350K last year, priced to sell with financing available 200k. Call 931-446-5724.

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTH CAROLINA - ASHEVILLE/MOUNTAINS

Well established, multi-doctor, multi-office diverse practice has immediate need for associate doctor leading to partnership. Associate doctor will be very busy from day one. Attractive compensation and benefits. Buy-in potential after one year. Contact at smfc2@charterinternet.com or 828-734-1535

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Podiatrist needed for Maryland practice. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Immediate opening for personable, dexterous, NC licensed podiatrist. Attractive office in nice locale. Guaranteed salary with incentive. Ownership opportunity available. Reply with C.V. to greatpodjob@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital based affiliations and clinical appointments, with teaching faculty positions at PM&S-36 residency programs, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Position will be available for July/August, 2010. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of conservative care and surgical forefoot, rearfoot, reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care and limb salvage. Candidate should be ethical, hard working, outgoing and a self-starter. Commensurate pay, income guarantee, with incentives and full benefit package. Definitive plans will be discussed leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

25 year full scope in medical building, podiatrist friendly hospitals, appreciative and cooperative patients, excellent expansion potential, physician referrals. Wonderful place to raise a family. Retiring seller will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA

Immediate opening for a surgically-trained individual for associate position in northern suburb of Atlanta. Hospital privileges available. Position could lead to partnership or purchase of practice. Send resume and CV to pd751@hotmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

LOOKING TO PURCHASE PRACTICE IN FLORIDA

Experienced, surgically trained, very successful FL licensed podiatrist currently practicing out of state looking to purchase successful full time practice in Florida to relocate for family reasons. I have been in practice for over 10 years and am fluent in English/Spanish. Serious inquiries only. Please send email to faajobs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION -  NAPLES, FLORIDA  
 
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. We rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Salary and percentage based on skills and experience, benefits including 401K. Current Florida license a plus. This a wonderful world class community. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK 
 
Great Opportunity  NY podiatric practice – multiple locations – seeks well-trained, ethical DPM per diem and full-time positions available. Competitive salary. Send resume and CV to: info@advancedfootcare.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, DALLAS, HOUSTON, AND SAN ANTONIO AREAS

Seeking well trained ABPS board rearfoot/ankle certified/qualified foot surgeons for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group. Excellent salary/benefits. Email CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2010. Fellowship to include advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org

POSITION WANTED - SOUTH FLORIDA  (BROWARD OR PALM BEACH COUNTY)

Board Certified, Experienced Podiatrist available for per diem work, nursing home, house calls, locum tenens. Reference available. Please reply to soflpod@aol.com

PRACTICE & BUILDING FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Website and marketing material included. Seller happy to assist with transition. Grossed 350K last year, priced to sell with financing available 200k. Call 931-446-5724.

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTH CAROLINA - ASHEVILLE/MOUNTAINS

Well established, multi-doctor, multi-office diverse practice has immediate need for associate doctor leading to partnership. Associate doctor will be very busy from day one. Attractive compensation and benefits. Buy-in potential after one year. Contact at smfc2@charterinternet.com or 828-734-1535

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Podiatrist needed for Maryland practice. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Immediate opening for personable, dexterous, NC licensed podiatrist. Attractive office in nice locale. Guaranteed salary with incentive. Ownership opportunity available. Reply with C.V. to greatpodjob@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital based affiliations and clinical appointments, with teaching faculty positions at PM&S-36 residency programs, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Position will be available for July/August, 2010. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of conservative care and surgical forefoot, rearfoot, reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care and limb salvage. Candidate should be ethical, hard working, outgoing and a self-starter. Commensurate pay, income guarantee, with incentives and full benefit package. Definitive plans will be discussed leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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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