The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 06, 2009 #3,564 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Receives 2009 Voices Award

Al Musella, DPM has been awarded the 2009 Voices Award by the organization Voices Against Brain Cancer. Musella became interested in brain tumors when a relative was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 1992 and was told that there was no hope and that she would be dead within months. At the time, there were no online brain tumor resources, and no centralized listing of brain tumor trials.

Dr. Al Musella

Dr. Musella set up the first online support group dedicated to brain tumors and used the group to compile the first comprehensive database of treatment options. This was the basis for his website,  virtualtrials.com. He created the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information to fund innovative research, advocate for the brain tumor cause, and help families deal with the diagnosis of brain tumors.

Many Diabetic Ampututaions are Avoidable: NY Podiatrist

According to New York City podiatrist Dr. Michael Perlstein, the severity of the diabetes crisis is illustrated by a trend he's seeing in his practice: more and more patients are undergoing highly preventable amputations due to complications from diabetes.

Dr. Michael Perlstein

"The statistics are staggering: more than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in diabetic patients," says Dr. Perlstein, pointing out that foot problems are the leading cause of hospitalization among diabetics and adding that with proper treatment, many of those problems and most importantly, amputations could have been avoided.

Source: Gloria Gamat, Daily Diabetic [6/4/09]

Query: Sandal Suggestions for an Elderly Patient with Flatfeet.

I have an elderly woman who has been looking for a  pair of sandals-- not the "thong" style -- for her flat feet. She does not desire a custom pair. If they would be able to accommodate  her current orthotics-- even better! I am looking for any reasonable suggestions.

Hans Blaakman, DPM, Duncan, SC

Query: Contract Re-negotiation

I am a newly-graduated podiatrist who is coming to the end of my one year contract with my employer. My schedule consists of between 15 to 30 patients a day, servicing two nursing homes and other clinics of special need. Although I have not had much in the way of surgery over the year, I am still generating between $30K - $40K in receipts each month (my take is 35%), with general podiatric care. 

My employer only works in the same office part time where I work every day. My  reputation has grown in our small community and am very much enjoying my time here. At what point do I consider re-negotiating my contract for a larger percentage of receipts? I am already deeply in debt from student loans and would like to see things turn a little quicker.

Name Withheld
 

RE: Calcific Mass of The Plantar Heel (James Anderson, DPM)
From: Mark H. Sugar, DPM

I had an almost identical case last year with a young 32 year old Jamaican young lady who initially presented with a large callus formation on the entire plantar aspect of her heel with swelling and pain. She said it had been there for years and she had no history of any treatments or medical problems that could be connected with this problem. On x-ray, the mass was quite large (almost twice the size of the one pictured here) and she was scheduled for surgical excision. 

The surgery went well, however, it was a little more difficult than I thought in that it required the use of power equipment to actually divide the osseous mass in half with an oscillating saw in order to excise it cleanly. The void was packed with Nu-gauze for drainage and it took 2 months to heal. The pathology report  indicated "fragments of bone with reactive changes and adjacent cartilaginous and soft tissue." It was determined to be benign. 

Mark H. Sugar, DPM , Hyattsville, MD, MSugar8364@aol.com

Orthotics and Evidence-Based Medicine  (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Jerry Peterson, DPM
 
I totally agree and specifically would like to see some research on orthotic sandals - the ones where you can remove the bed and put your orthotic in the footbed of the sandal. Do orthotics really perform as well in these sandals as they do in closed-toed oxford stable shoes?  Simple high-speed photography on a treadmill should show this.

Hopefully one of the colleges will pick up the charge, especially the ones that pride themselves as centers for biomechanics. Let’s do the research so we can defend our benefits to the masses with PROOF.

Jerry Peterson, DPM, West Linn, OR, DRP@ifixft.com
 

RE: PADnet Vascular System (Chris Seuferling, DPM)
From: John V. Guiliana, DPM, MS

Editor’s note: Dr. Guiliana’s extended-length note can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=26705&start=1

RE: Medicaid Exclusion (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Frederick, DPM, Jordan Sheff, DPM

When any insurance carrier, including Medicaid, decides to exclude the services of podiatric physicians, it is a tragedy. There can be no positive from preventing patients from receiving expert care.  The only possible up-side would be an opportunity to educate legislators on why this is a huge mistake, opening the lines of communication. Road blocks that prevent any patient population from reaching your door as a podiatrist are road blocks toward a healthy society. 

Jeffrey Frederick, DPM, Berkley, MI, jeffreyfrederick@sbcglobal.net

Opting out of Medicaid was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done for my practice.  When you consider the time spent versus the amount you get paid, you literally lose money. I never had a large Medicaid practice to begin with and I have retained a small handful who see me for routine foot care and pay cash.
 
Jordan Sheff, DPM, Newport, RI, jsheff@newportfootcare.com

RE: VT Bans Industry Gifts, Tightens Reporting Rules
From: Charles R. Oehrlein, DPM

I am hoping that this also causes them to ban payments, lunches and anything else to politicians who make decisions that affect their constituents’ healthcare.

Charles R. Oehrlein, DPM, Hoover, AL, droehrlein@yahoo.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Full-time podiatrist(s) needed in Austin or San Antonio. Current Texas license required. Unique mobile podiatry practice. Better pay, fine working conditions with excellent support staff. Check out our website www.footmobile.com. Reply to footcenter1@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION- HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NEW YORK

Unique opportunity for the right person! We’re looking for a personable, motivated individual who is seeking opportunity and security in a high end multi-office group practice. This is an incredible position for the right person. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVES WANTED

SureFit has immediate openings for three sales representatives – one for Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast territories. Responsibilities include but are not limited to obtaining new business, executing sales strategy, initiating contact with customers, identifying their needs and selling appropriate products to meet those needs. Ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, highly motivated individual with a positive attitude who prefers a team environment. Minimum requirements include Bachelor’s degree, 3+ yrs sales experience, preferably in Podiatry and/or O&P Industries. Position requires up to 70% travel with residency in each territory. Please e-mail resume and references to: James R. Grady, Director of Sales SureFit jgrady@surefitlab.com

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - NEW X-RAY MACHINE
 
MIN-x-ray Mobile system Model PM200R40. Brand new. Less than 1 year old. Never used at all. I was opening a new location that fell through. Completely brand new. Paid $11,000. Will sell for $6,500. Located in the Bronx, NY- call 914-714-0667

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS 
 
Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.com 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Amfit Orthotic Making System. Includes new computer, recently updated digitizer, and orthotic mill, and $2,500.00 in supplies (which would generate about $20,000.00 in orthotics). skip the middleman. Cost $35,000.00. Asking $23,000.00 OBO AMERICAN FOOT CLINIC 405-733-2783 OR 405-820-6887 americanfoot@email.com

PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - DALLAS TEXAS AREA

New practice started in Irving Texas by two 15 year established podiatrists from Austin. We've decided to stay in Austin and travel only for research. Opportunity for new practitioner podiatrist to start practice immediately with no money out-of-pocket. Write to MRobsonDPM@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE -BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN

Outstanding opportunity to purchase 12 year established general podiatry practice. Now working one day per week seeing approx. 20 patients. with 3-4 new patients per week. Steady flow of returning patients. Selling because of disability. Turn-key.  First quality equipment, furniture, and build-out. Priced to sell for the value of the equipment.  Call (248) 538-5958. e-mail: DocPod@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA

Part-time non-surgical practice for sale Palm Beach County Florida. Established practice (32 years) for sale. Fully-equipped office in area heavily populated with seniors. Storefront location with excellent exposure. Practice includes one nursing home. Great opportunity for expansion. To inquire, please call  561 965-3300

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH JERSEY

Ethical, highly-motivated, personable, PSR-24/36 trained  ABPS-certified/eligible individual proficient in surgery, biomechanics, palliative care, wound care. Hospital privileges available. EMR , Diag U/S, digital radiology, etc. Benefits include competitive salary, health and malpractice insurance, and seminar allowance. Email CV and three references. Toetrukr@aol.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI   
 
Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITION/WASHINGTON, DC/SILVER SPRING, MD

Excellent opportunity to join a multi-doctor practice with its own Certified Surgical Center. Practice is full-scope with an emphasis on sports medicine. Competitive salary plus bonus structure. PSR 24+ only. Send CV to hgodpm@verizon.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA

Who wants to continue making good money in a down economy, and who would like to live in Florida on the coast? I have been working for over 45 years and have had enough. My business grosses over $940,000 dollars a year and my net is over $250,000. I see approximately 40 patients a day in a coastal Florida town and am sitting on a little gem. Office is 2000 sq. ft. Hospital very close with surgical center. Large scope of practice in Florida. Contact me if you are ready to step up. $585,000 dollars. Contact me at: hagen5644@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

Great opportunity for hard-working, ethical podiatrist to join Midwest multi-physician, podiatric group with multiple locations. A well-established, successful, growing practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT and PT surgically trained physician. Applicant should be well-trained in all aspects of surgical care, completed a 24-36 month residency, & at least board eligible. Diverse practice offering high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume to: 712-258-9977 

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