The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 03, 2011 #4,177 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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KY Podiatrist Discusses Recommended Flip-Flops

It's common this time of year for Dr. Heather Whitesel, a podiatrist at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, to see patients with problems linked to their love affair with flip-flops. She said some people switch shoe types too quickly, pick the wrong footwear for their body or foot types, or wear flip-flops during inappropriate times. Injuries she has treated range from tendonitis to stress fractures, and they have included crush injuries and amputations. 

Dr. Heather Whitesel

"While I do not recommend any one brand or type of shoe, ... many of my patients have found Chaco and Keen sport sandals helpful for their arch support and the toe guard on the Keen sandals," Whitesel said. She suggested the website Apma.org/flip-flops-2011 for a list of flip-flops recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association, along with helpful tips for summer flip-flop treks.

Source: Joy Priest, Herald-Leader [5/31/11]

High Heels Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis: IN Podiatrist

No doubt about it: High heels look great. A pair of 5-inch stilettos can lengthen the legs, thrust the hips forward for a sexier silhouette, and turn any woman into a statuesque beauty. But at what cost? Podiatrists can rattle off the physical tolls caused by repeatedly wearing towering heels. Start with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis," said Dr. Daniel Miller of the Foot & Ankle Institute.

Dr. Daniel Miller

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis can be caused by a shortening or tightening of the heel cord, Miller said. An Achilles tendon can end up being so tight that the wearer "cannot walk without some sort of heel or wedge." The time, over which that Achilles heel might tighten up varies from person to person. "It depends on the height of the heels and how religious you are about wearing them," Miller said. "It can take a few years or 30 years." Some compensatory muscles also might be built up to bolster the ankle while high heels are worn, but Miller said that might result in a weakening of other muscles.

Source: Muncie Star Press [6/1/11]

Judge Issues Restraining Order Against CT Podiatrist

Charges of domestic violence filed against Torrington Tax Collector Robert T. Crovo were referred to the court system's family relations division following his appearance in Bantam Superior Court Tuesday.

Judge Corinne L. Klatt issued a protective order requiring Crovo, 59, who also is a podiatrist with offices in Torrington, to stay away from his girlfriend, a 42-year-old Torrington woman who was not charged.

Source: Brigitte Ruthman, Republican-American [6/1/11]

E-Prescribing Penalty Could Hit Up to 109,000 Clinicians

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing more exemptions to an electronic prescribing requirement that could penalize as many as 109,000 physicians, nurse practitioners, and other prescribers who do not adopt the technology.
 
The penalty is the flip side of a Medicare program created in 2008 that gives clinicians a bonus if they transmit prescriptions electronically to pharmacies, using approved software. The bonus is 1% in 2011 and 2012, and 0.5% in 2013; it disappears the following year. Meanwhile, clinicians who do not report at least 10 electronic prescriptions on Medicare claims during the first 6 months of 2011 will experience a 1% pay cut in 2012 that grows to 1.5% in 2013 and 2% in 2014 with continued non-compliance.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape Medical News [6/1/11]

Audits, Legal Actions May Net Up to $3.4 Billion: Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), today announced $3.4 billion in new expected recoveries (in accounting terms "receivables") related to its investigations, audits, and other reviews, mainly of Medicare and Medicaid. These expected recoveries are largely made up of restitutions, fines, penalties, other assessments, and settlements. This announcement was made in connection with presenting OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress for October 2010 through March 2011.

The expected recoveries include about $222 million from audits and $3.2 billion arising from 349 criminal and 197 civil actions that were concluded during the period. OIG also excluded 883 individuals and entities from participating in Federal healthcare programs during the same time frame.

Source: OIG

Query: Surviving a Malpractice Lawsuit

After being in practice for six years, I was just issued my first summons for a lawsuit. Although it seems frivilous (phenol with a subungual exostosis), I am still greatly concerned and stressed about having to deal with this. I underdstand this is part of being doctor in today's climate; but it is still unsettling. Obviously, the legal matters will be handled, but I was curious if any doctors who have been through this, can offer any tips to get through the psychological aspects and can offer any advice.

Name Withheld

RE: The True Cost of Implementing EMR (Robert Eells, DPM)
From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM
 
I thought the article about software needing billing/coding elements to be fully certified was most interesting. It's a story I've heard over and over, and it's sad to hear. I invented a simple "app" program to help other doctors. What they are experiencing is, I fear, just an infancy of problems.
 
The way that software people talk to us is terrible. The key, I think, is to get software that's flexible to change: software that allows "apps" and "add ons" to adapt to "changes". An example is when a new change requires "ethnic" background and "language" of choice to be stated in demographics. Ask your software company, "Can I customize it? Can I add apps? Is there a universal bridge software (to allow this)? Can I use other tech support from other companies"? 

Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL, stevenkdpm@yahoo.com

RE: Touch Screen Notebook (Laura R Lefkowitz, DPM)
From: Martin E. Wendelken, DPM, RN

As far as a large powerful tablet (and I have tried and purchased many), the ASUS is my top choice. It runs an I5 processor, 4 gig RAM, and solid-state hard drive (not a mechanical drive), so movement or motion is not a problem. It comes with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and a case that doubles as a stand for easy viewing while working on a desk .

Best of all, you can use both your finger and /or a digital pen that come with the system. This pen is a Wacom pen and tablet built in (one of the best made). For more information see it  here: asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Slate_EP121/#specifications
    
Martin E. Wendelken, DPM, RN, Elmwood Park, NJ,    drmew@optonline.net

RE: Custom Orthotics: Upgrade DPM's or Stop Others? (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

We must define what constitutes a prescription for custom orthotics. If the Rx from an MD, DC, or PT only says, "Make an inlay", is that an Rx? Podiatry can set the standard for what precise elements are required for a prescription to be a prescription. An Rx for an antibiotic: "Dispense antibiotic", would not be accepted by a pharmacist. Allowing labs to have to make the decisions for the prescribing doctor as to type, materials, STJ motion, and forefoot and rearfoot posting does not create a proper Rx from the prescribing physician.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NEW JERSEY

Podiatrists wanted to work multiple nursing homes in New Jersey. Must have a N.J. license. Please contact 44footcare@gmail.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 - 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 - 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 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 - NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES

Excellent opportunity for an energetic, compassionate, hardworking individual with superior surgical and medical proficiency. Recent graduate or experienced practitioner. Excellent salary, benefits and partner-buy in offered, full admit privileges and surgical scope. Fax CV to Ecpodiatry@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NY

Opportunity of a Lifetime. Are you the one-in-a-million podiatrist I’m searching for? Do you aspire to greatness? If you have a great smile, great attitude, take initiative, then you should consider this exceptional opportunity. I am seeking a smart, residency-trained podiatrist with great surgical skills to become an associate in one of the top practices in the country. Don’t miss out on this outstanding opportunity! Please email your CV to institutebeaute@aol.com with “Attn: Sophia Johnson” in the subject line.

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 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 - 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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

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