The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 01, 2011 #4,175 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Flip-Flops Spell Big Trouble for Feet: NY Podiatrist

With the pleasures of summer come some traditional hazards, like sunburn. Consider adding flip-flop-related injuries to the list. Though flip-flops and sandals may look perfectly harmless (not to mention stylish), foot experts say they can spell big trouble for your feet. 

Dr. Karen Langone

"From a podiatry perspective, it's difficult to advocate most popular flip-flops," said Dr. Karen Langone, a Southampton foot doctor and president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. "We see a lot of traumatic injuries: Someone stubs their toe or catches their foot going up a curb and tears off the nail. Or puncture wounds go right through the shoe." She described wearing flip-flops as "similar to being barefoot in your backyard: You're much more prone to whatever nature throws your way."

Source: Randy Dotinga, Newsday [6/27/11]

NY Podiatrist is Director of Foot Service at Bronx Hospital

Dr. Neal Blitz is the Director of the Foot Service, a division of the Department of Orthopaedics that provides complex reconstructive foot surgery for conditions such as flatfoot in adults and children/adolescents, revisional foot surgery, bunions, congenital foot deformities, neglected clubfoot, dislocated toe deformities, and tarsal coalitions.

Dr. Neal Blitz

“The Foot Service at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center is responsible for managing all foot conditions that bring patients to the hospital,” says Dr. Blitz. “We provide inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care, and our mission is to offer top-notch, leading-edge musculoskeletal care for the foot to the patients we serve and to the Bronx community.”

Source: MDNews.com [5/30/11]

NY Podiatrist Works to Increase Health Awareness in the African-American Community

Dr. William Holley has always been a strong contributor in the Western NY community. He has participated in numerous yearly health fairs at his former church. He had a radio show for ten or more years called, “Soul to Sole” in which he provided information and inspiration on both physical and spiritual health. He is presently partnering with Roswell Hospital in creating prostrate cancer awareness through an event that will take place in June, around Father’s Day, to provide information on prostrate cancer and to raise funds for both Roswell and his own non-profit to provide future events in relation to creating health awareness.

Dr. William Holley

Holley also runs an organization called, “Foot Soldier for Total Health,” in order to increase awareness for the African-American community in Western New York, as he strongly believes that the mindset of a person is just as important to their health as their physical state of being.

Source: Cat Miller and Will Jones, BlackWNY.com

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: What vascular tests should podiatrists be performing? 

Dr. Marc Brenner

Marc Brenner: Besides measuring pedal pulses, podiatrists should be doing ankle/brachial indexes (ABIs). They probably should perform duplex scans and if they find these values are not where they should be, then they should immediately refer these patients to the appropriate vascular specialist for further testing. 

Dr. Michael King

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment will feature APMA president, Dr. Michael King. You can register for this event by clicking here

Take Steps for a Civil Workplace

Here’s a startling statistic: 80% of workers in a recent survey said that they have been insulted or bullied in their workplace. Even worse: 78% of those workers said that their commitment to the organization declined as a result. Clearly civility — or the lack of it—can affect your bottom line. What can you do to improve?

•  Bring the matter into the open. Discuss civility during meetings. Call staffers out for uncivil behavior and commend those who live by the workplace guidelines.
•  Write it down. Create a code of conduct for employees and doctor(s). Post it in several prominent locations throughout your office.
•  Set enforcement standards. Include clear written guidelines and describe the steps you will take to address incivility.
•  Enforce consistently. Follow the same procedures for addressing all instances of incivility. That means the standards must apply to the doctor(s) as well as employees.

Source: Adapted from “Defusing the Uncivil Workplace,” Wallace Immen, The Globe and Mail, via Communication Briefings

Query: Post-Op Cast Application Denial

Medicare has been denying post-op casting for patients with open treatment of metatarsal fracture with internal fixation. The explanation is that a modifier is required if it is related to a surgery. What modifier should we use?

Syed Ghani, DPM, Sterling Hts., MI
 
Response: I suggest appending the casting code with a "-58" modifier - staged procedure in a global period related to the initial surgical procedure.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Treating an Unaccompanied Minor (David E. Gurvis, DPM)
From: Keith Gurnick, DPM

Treating an unaccompanied minor age 16 can be done successfully if you handle the situation carefully, and have written office policies and protocols prepared in advance, and they are followed by your office staff. Sometimes the parent or guardian just isn't able to be present when their child needs or is able to be seen.

The issues and decision to consider prior to treating an unaccompanied minor include the following:

1) The potential complexity of the condition, and what (if any)...

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

RE: Rem Jackson's Top Practices (Stephen Pirotta, DPM)
From: Peter Wishnie, DPM, Jennifer Feeny, DPM

The summit meeting given by Rem Jackson of Top Practices is the best seminar on marketing your podiatry practice, hands down. I guarantee you will at LEAST increase your profits by 20 percent. Rem is an amazing speaker and gives you a complete cookbook on how to run your practice efficiently while increasing your patients. I have learned so much from Rem and I am very thankful that I have met him. I have been to the summit meeting for five years now and I plan on taking my associate doctor this year. 

This will be the best thing you can do for your practice this year.

Peter Wishnie, DPM, Piscataway, NJ, drwishnie@stopfootpainfast.com

I joined Top Practices three years ago and it has been a game changer for me. At the ripe age of 37, I was already burned out on podiatry and contemplating searching for a different career. With Rem's help, I have gotten my weekends and evenings back! I changed my practice and now see the types of patients I want to see, when I want to see them. I enjoy podiatry again. Rem and Top Practices members have given me the tools and resources to accomplish my goals.

Jennifer Feeny, DPM, Roanoke, VA, j.k.feeny@gmail.com

RE: Rem Jackson's Top Practices (Stephen Pirotta, DPM)
From: Craig H. Thomajan, DPM, Marybeth Crane, DPM

If you feel that you have not reached  the full marketing  potential of your podiatry practice, or your full potential when it comes to personal growth and positive mental attitude, then I urge you, without any reservations, to attend this powerhouse of a summit. You will leave this meeting with the infrastructure and road map to elevate your practice to the level you wish it to be. Rem’s understanding of marketing and how we can obtain the patients we wish to treat in our practice will allow you to reach a potential previously not seen with traditional marketing. The meetings are a learning experience and there is follow-up work involved, but the work is well worth your time. The changes you see and feel in yourself and your practice are priceless. Involvement with this group has allowed me to make my practice work for me and not the other way around!

Craig H. Thomajan, DPM, Austin, TX, Thomajan@austinfootandankle.com

I have been working with Rem for over three years and have seen nothing but positive growth in my group practice. In less than a year, I saw significant return on my investment of time and money. He has changed the way we look at our practice and my staff will tell you he has made FAANT a better place to work. Like all things worth doing, just asking for Rem's help is only step one. For any practitioner who is willing to take a hard look at themselves and their practice, then do a ton of work to overhaul both; working with Rem can change your life. If you are not ready to really work for positive change, then his program is not for you.

Marybeth Crane, DPM, Grapevine, TX, crane@faant.com

RE: Custom Orthotics: Upgrade DPM's or Stop Others? (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Ed Davis, DPM

I agree with Dr. Shavelson's assessment about our profession maintaining a high level of skill in the area of lower extremity biomechanics and orthotic prescribing. Perhaps, we could be more effective in educating the public about such skills. It is also up to us to better define what constitutes a true prescription custom orthotic.

That definition, made from scientific and legal bases, should have sufficient specificity and clarity such that there is little room for confusion among the public and third-party payors. Such a definition would then make it difficult for...

Editor's Note: Dr. Davis' extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: To Be or Not to Be an MD/DO (Jim Steinberg, DPM)
From: Paul Kruper, DPM

Dr. Jim Steinberg thinks podiatrists have not earned the right to have a plenary scope of practice. He should reserve that restriction for himself because any DPM finishing the now required 3-year residency is indeed qualified for expanded scope. Both his and other respondents' admonishment that a DPM is not worthy of an MD/DO scope is somewhat prophetic.

None of my three children will be podiatrists. My daughter will be entering medical school. I did not want her to be forced to take a 3-year residency and then be saddled with the burden of a limited license. The reward has to equal the investment. The scope should equal the training.

Paul Kruper, DPM, Kingsburg, CA, prkruper@yahoo.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 - 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 – 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 - CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual for a growing, well-rounded practice with potential for partnership. Must be PSR 24-36 trained. Competitive salary, incentive and benefits. Email CV to orin915@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN MI (NOT DETROIT AREA)

Leading to partnership for rapidly growing 3-physician group practice. Must be residency trained and willing to learn and follow our very successful business model. Salary plus incentive. If you're unhappy with where you're at now this may be the answer! If, interested send CV to: paulapmac@me.com

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

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 – 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

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 - 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


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