The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 04, 2011 #4,178 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

NY Podiatrist Discusses Melanomas on the Feet    

Did you know that melanoma symptoms are often diagnosed by podiatrists? Members of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) were recently polled to find out if they’d ever found melanoma or skin cancer during a routine foot examination. Seventy-five percent said they had. 

Dr. Robin Ross

“Everyone can protect themselves by avoiding the sun, but if that doesn’t cut it on a beautiful day, then apply a high level sunscreen to the feet and toes. Re-apply sunscreen often as it wears away over the course of a couple of hours and washes away if you go swimming,” said Dr. Robin Ross, president, NYSPMA. “If you see any unusual marks or discoloration on your feet or toenails, see a podiatrist, the foot doctor specialist, who will be able to expertly assess the situation.”

Source: Ann Pietrangelo, Care2.com [5/31/11]

LA Podiatrist Testifies Before Congressional Committee on Health IT

On behalf of APMA, solo practitioner Denise Lea Elliott, DPM, of Marrero, LA testified today before the Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology, House Small Business Committee at its hearing on “Not What the Doctor Ordered: Health IT Barriers for Small Medical Practices.” APMA Legislative Advocacy Director Faye Frankfort and Scientific Affairs Director Jim Christina, DPM, also was present. This was a truly exceptional opportunity that allowed Dr. Elliott to advocate for podiatry at the federal level regarding the barriers small providers encounter and possible solutions. 

Dr. Denise Lea Elliott

In her testimony, Dr. Elliott emphasized that “ ... requiring eligible providers to implement electronic health records for Medicare in a meaningful way over the next five years places an undue financial burden on the majority of podiatrists that are small business owners ...”

Source: APMA News Brief [6/2/11]

NJPMS Elects New Officers

Terry Spilken, DPM, became the 92nd president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society (NJPMS) upon taking the oath of office at the society’s Leadership Dinner held at the Region III Meeting in Atlantic City, NJ. 

(L-R) Drs. David Dondero, Secretary; Marshall Feldman, President Elect; James Ricketti, Immediate Past-President; Terry Spilken, newly elected President; Sharon Monter, Treasurer; and Alan Bass, Vice President.

Also elected were:

Marshall Feldman, DPM, President Elect
Alan Bass, DPM, Vice President
David Dondero, DPM Secretary
Sharon Monter, DPM, Treasurer

Tenth Mexican Diabetic Foot Congress a Pan-American Success

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico was the site of the celebration of the 10th Mexican Diabetic Foot Congress, and it showcased an all-star Pan-American cast. Keynote addresses from Robert Frykberg (USA), Giacomo Clerici (Italy), Adofo Zavala (Argentina), Gustavo Marquez (Colombia), and David G. Armstrong (USA) as well as those from founding organizer Fermin Martinez (Mexico) highlighted the event. 

(L-R) Giacomo Clerici (Milan Italy), Guillermo Guerrero Torres (President, Mexican Diabetic Foot Association), David G. Armstrong (Tucson, USA), Eduardo Bladinieres Camara (Reynosa, Mexico)

 "I don't think you could ask for much more from a meeting", noted David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona.The meeting, co-hosted by Dra. Rocio Jimenez and Guillermo Guerrero,  was designed to help spread the guidelines of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot throughout Mexico and Latin America. 

Fix Common Voice Problems

A pleasant voice is a business asset, simply because it makes others want to listen to what you have to say. Are you aware of how your voice sounds? Record yourself in conversation or reading an article aloud. Here are solutions if your voice sounds:

•  High pitched. That makes you sound immature or nervous. Make sure to breathe deeply, and practice consciously speaking in a lower range.
•  Flat, unemotional. Read aloud from a novel, finding and expressing the emotions in the text.
•  Rapid. Use punctuation marks in written text as markers for pacing, pausing and breaking comments up into bites. If you are speaking off the cuff, mentally insert appropriate punctuation for pauses.

Source: Communication Briefings

Query: Collagen Injections

I have a patient who requests collagen injections into the plantar fat pad area. She refuses a metatarsal osteotomy and is willing to pay for periodic injections as needed. Shoe therapy, met pads, etc. have not been effective.

Which is the most appropriate filler to inject? Where does one buy it? How much volume to inject? How much is reasonable to charge for the injection?

John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Hts NJ

Query: DME Billing Service

Can anyone recommend a reliable and reasonably priced DME billing service?

John Scholl, DPM, Lady Lake, FL

RE: Surviving a Malpractice Lawsuit (Name Withheld)
From: Kimberly Eickmeier, DPM

If you are a PICA policyholder, PICA has a fully-equipped staff, including physicians who can help you through this process. You are not alone during this. What you are experiencing is quite common.

Kimberly Eickmeier, DPM, Champaign, IL,  Keickmeier@christieclinic.com

RE: EHR Incentive Check Bonus
From: Hal Ornstein, DPM

Receiving your EHR incentive check from the government provides a great opportunity to wow your office manager or whoever did most of the work to gather and submit the information necessary to get your system running. Think about giving that person $1,000 from the check received and a huge thank you!

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ, toetoe@optonline.net

RE: To Be or Not to Be an MD/DO?
From: Tom Ries, DPM

What makes a real doctor? I have heard this debate for many years on whether or not podiatrists should be MDs or not. My opinion is that we should have parity of course. My experience has been with a multi-specialty practice, military service, veteran service, and Indian Health Service, and also private practice.

I have considered, at various times, going through medical school only to find out that podiatric medicine actually has more basic sciences than most general medical programs. Are we not qualified to be medical doctors because we were denied a rotation in some cases such as obstetrics or psychiatry?

No one questioned my credentials when I...

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

RE: Reflexology Massage Can be a Good Thing: FL Podiatrist
From: Michael Lawrence, DPM

Recently, in an article in PM News, Geovanny Chico, DPM, stated that reflexology "can be a good thing" and that "it may help." My question is how so? I've spent a good deal of energy over the last 30 years attempting to debunk this myth so I would appreciate being enlightened further on Dr. Chico's thoughts.

Michael Lawrence, DPM, Chattanooga, TN, ftdoc@joimail.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 - NORTH DALLAS, TX

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 POSITION - ILLINOIS PERMANENT P/T

Podiatrist needed for Medinah Spine/Rehab/Podiatry. Upper middle class suburb multi-disciplinary established office seeks perm P/T podiatrist to service established podiatry practice. Please call SueL 630-529-0077 or fax resume to: 630-529-0087.

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 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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.