The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 08, 2012 #4,483 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Secures Nomination for November Election

Dr. Lee Rogers (D) secured a position on the ballot with a strong showing in Tuesday's congressional primary for the 25th District. Under California's system, the top two finishers advance to the November election, regardless of party.

Dr. Lee C. Rogers

Rogers secured 18,959 votes (30.2%) far outpacing Republicans Dante Acosta's 8,076 votes (12.9%) and Cathie Wright's 4,185 votes (6.7%). Incumbent Howard "Buck" McKeon (R) received 31,489 votes (50.2%).

Source: vote.sos.ca.gov 

We’ve just posted the June/July 2012 CME titled:

June/July 2012 CME

 You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online

NJ Podiatrist Barters Photography for Donated Food

The Howell Emergency Food Pantry received some much-needed support from the Howell Pride Lacrosse Club in the form of donations that were delivered to the Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Hal Ornstein, a podiatrist and founder of the center, found a creative way to encourage the lacrosse club’s players to donate food by bartering his services as a photographer.

Dr. Hal Ornstein

In exchange for donated items for the food pantry, athletes received an 8x10 and a 4x6 photo, Ornstein said. “It seemed like a no-brainer,” he said. “I used to just give them the pictures. Now we’re asking them to give something back.” The effort ties into a campaign called “De-Feet Childhood Hunger,” Ornstein said.

Source: James McEvoy, News Transcript [6/6/12]

Carecredit^SM Unveils New Logo

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, CareCredit has introduced a new brand image, which consists of a new logo, icon, and tagline: Making care possible…today. For 25 years CareCredit, a healthcare credit card, has been dedicated exclusively to healthcare and helping more patients get the care they want and need. While today, the program continues to focus on patient satisfaction, access to care, and ease of use, the new branding look more closely represents the key role of CareCredit in the lives of 20 million patients over the past 25 years. 

New Care Credit Logo

Experts Debate Privacy Regulations

Is there too much regulation of healthcare information privacy, or too little? That was a key question that largely went unanswered for more than an hour, but sparked a lively debate among panelists and the audience at the Second International Summit on the Future of Health Privacy in Washington. Probably, the most provocative statement during that June 5 debate came from panelist and privacy lawyer James Pyles, of the Washington firm of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, who called on rule makers to add a definition of privacy principles to federal privacy regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

“HIPAA doesn't even define privacy,” Pyles said. Amendments to HIPAA under the health information technology provisions of the more recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 don't either. Courts say individual control over what is shared is the key term in defining privacy that's known and shared about them, Pyles said. The public believes they have a right to privacy and should have a right to privacy, and you will get sued if you violate it, he said.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [6/6/12]

RE: "Unified" Post-Graduate Training
From: Charles M Lombardi, DPM

I feel compelled to write this note due to the recent posts about our "unified" post-graduate training in podiatric medicine and surgery. It was only twelve years ago that the ABPS supported and rallied to have a two-track system for our post-graduate training programs. Our thinking at ABPS was the medicine track was weak (RPR, PPMR) but could flourish with the right direction from the ABPOPPM. This model was rejected by the "grassroots" of the podiatry profession This was initially supported by ABPOPPM, but later changed after "public grassroots pressure."

This was also rejected by many of the people who now post for the need for medical training and the need for...

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

RE: NC-stat System (Mohammad Sharif, DPM)
From: Richard Rettig, DPM

I have the NC-Stat system in my office. Most major insurance companies have specific LCDs denying coverage for this examination. In addition, I have seen a large failure rate, with the machine unable to obtain a reading, despite following every 'tip' given by the company.

Richard Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, rettigdpm@gmail.com

RE: Ovation Medical (Art Hatfield, DPM)
From: Philbert Kuo, DPM, Eugene Batelli, DPM

A year or two ago, I received a "free" CAM walker boot sample from Ovation, only to be billed for it. When I inquired about it, they asked that I return the boot. I returned the boot and have not heard from them since.

Philbert Kuo, DPM, Chesapeake, VA, philbear@pol.net

I have used Ovation medical in the past. You get what you pay for.  They are inexpensive, but patients go through the AFOs in no time. I am currently using Breg Bracing, available through M3 Medical Resources (855-845-6379) out of Marlboro, NJ. The bracing and AFOs are awesome, all Medicare-certified, and patients seem to like them better.
 
Eugene Batelli, DPM, Clifton, NJ, eabdpm@gmail.com

RE: Vision 2015, Vision 20/20 (Ed Davis, DPM)
From: Jeff Kittay, DPM

I'm not sure, but I think that Dr. Davis' tongue was completely inside his cheek with most of his "suggestions" (Really? a Congressional ban on flip-flops?). Judging by the responses, though, it seems that some people took him seriously. Asking any prospective podiatry student to incur debt of 100K to 200K for both schooling and underpaid residency training is a non-starter. And I think he missed the boat on naming the 4-5 year residency grads. They must be called "Superpods", for they shall lead those of us with blinders into the light, with truth, justice, and the American (APMA) way. Kind of gives you goosebumps, doesn't it?
 
Jeff Kittay, DPM, Boston, MA, twindragons2@verizon.net

RE: FloChec & 93922 (Eric Kaplan, DPM, Richard Rettig, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

The query asks about using this equipment and billing CPT 93922 even though it does not perform ABI testing. From what their literature states “infrared light is transmitted into the digits” and a “sensor measures reflected light which correlates with blood flow.” If I am not mistaken, this is the definition for photoplethysmography. For Medicare patients, photoelectric plethysmography for 93922 is “not covered per CMS Manual System, Pub 100-3, Medicare National Coverage Determinations, Chapter 1, Section 20.14 as these methods have not yet reached a level of development such as to allow their routine use in the evaluation of suspected peripheral vascular disease.”

Even so, performing the ABI test would be simple enough: attach the sensor to the digit (index finger for Brachial pressure reading or second toe for ankle pressure reading); inflate the cuff until a flat line is observed; slowly deflate cuff; when a waveform becomes apparent record that pressure reading from the sphygmomanometer. The photocell method can be a very useful screening tool for PAD and may increase accuracy in performing the ABI as a component of the E&M visit code.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Rockledge, FL, RASDPM32955@gmail.com

RE: Success Tips From the Masters (Bryan C Markinson, DPM)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM

I think what is overlooked in this discussion about medicine vs. surgery is the real life implications of these certifications in today's world. Many larger metropolitan hospital systems and many of the larger insurance carriers REQUIRE ABPS certification to be accepted on their staff, and also to have the ability to participate on the insurance panels.

I do agree that surgery is "glorified" and that any practitioner worth their salt is just as versed in the medical AND surgical management of the foot and ankle. I don't agree that it should be either one or the other, though.

The reality is that with today's residency experience, there is really no reason NOT to be ABPS-certified. Unfortunately, for better or worse, this is the way of the world, and what I would like to see  is a unified board of Podiatric Medicine AND Surgery (ABPMS?) and a unified College (ACPMS?). This would assure inclusion for EVERYONE (young and older, regardless of past and current training levels) and eliminate the "beating each other up" issues that are so prevalent.

Ron Raducanu, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, kidsfeet@gmail.com

RE: Barefoot Running More Efficient
From: Kevin A. Kirby, DPM

Having less mass on the foot does seem to reduce the metabolic demand of running, so that barefoot may be faster compared to shoes if the shoes are relatively heavy.  However, the most recent research, just published out of the University of Colorado, shows that light racing flats are more efficient than even barefoot running. In their study on 12 experienced barefoot runners, the subjects ran both barefoot and in 150 g cushioned shoes with lead weights of 150, 300 and 450 g attached to the foot/shoe. The VO2 increased 1% for each 100 g added in the barefoot and shoe condition. However, shod running had 2.7-4.1% lower VO2  than barefoot running when mass on the foot was equivalent.
 
The researchers cited the concept of "cost of cushioning" as the reason that barefoot running was less metabolically efficient than running in 150 g racing flats, meaning that there is an added metabolic cost of having the body's muscles do the cushioning to absorb the impact forces of running rather than having the shoe perform this function (Franz JR, Wierzbinski CM, Kram R: Metabolic cost of running barefoot versus shod: Is lighter better? Med Sci Sp Exerc, Feb. 16, 2012, epub ahead of print). This concept may explain the fact why the world's elite runners rarely, if ever, race while barefoot, and why not a single international marathon has been won by a barefoot runner for over a half century.
 
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA, kevinakirby@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
 
Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for a full time/part-time PSR 24/36 podiatrist in a 30 year old, well established practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. State-of-the-art office with EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and beautiful office. Generous base salary, malpractice insurance, health insurance, benefits and bonus structure. A well rounded and energetic podiatric surgeon needed for this group of 4 board certified podiatric physicians and surgeons. Please send CV to: michiganfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN SOUTHEAST & SUBURBS

Perfect Career Opportunity for experienced DPM. This unique opportunity is for any level of training from RPR to PSR to PSR3. Fast track partnership for the right individual. Must have Michigan license. All phases of practice can be expanded including surgery. Local hospital privileges available. Individual must be ethical, personable, hard working and committed to high quality care. Competitive salary with buy-in or partnership available. Please fax a letter of interest and CV to 734-981-0487.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with some working experience in a podiatric office. Two sessions (1/2 day) a week for July and August for Upper West Side of Manhattan. References a must. One 8 AM to 12, one 12 to 5 PM. Reply to fabienne.rottenberg@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Associate wanted for hospital-based podiatry group practice. Full scope of practice. Surgical residency 24month+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958, e-mail us at contactus@alaskapodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA

Three-office practice with hospital, surgical center & nursing home privileges. EMR since 2000. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, progressive practice. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Practice offers good mix of surgery, wound care, and general podiatry. Open to associate with potential future buy-in. Please forward your information and CV to footdocpa@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Well-established practice seeking associate with opportunity for buy-in. Must have a minimum of 2 years surgical residency, or have 10 years practice experience with rear foot surgical skills. Great opportunity for growth with in-house surgical center, 2 hospitals within walking distance & more. Puerto Rican License required. Send CV/Resume to admin1@podiatrycenterpr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

Immediate opportunity just became available in Boston for FT or PT surgical or non-surgical podiatrist(s). Established rapid growth cash Laser Clinic. No insurance hassles Profit sharing. Reasonable hours. No hospital call. Contact chrismichaud@yahoo.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, two office group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Good mixture of general podiatry and surgery. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: toesrus7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Looking to hire an associate who is caring, friendly, and holds a patient in the highest regard. I am a single practitioner with a large podiatry practice in Tampa, FL. Will provide an outstanding salary with additional incentives, excellent healthcare benefits, retirement and cell phone. Please email resume to: Heliodiety@aol.com or fax to 813-854-6105.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHOENIX, WEST VALLEY SUBURBS

A well-established, solo-physician practice seeking a Full Time Associate Podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained physician with sound surgical skills and applicant must have completed a 24-36 month residency, & be board eligible/certified. Practice offers a state of the art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary and benefits. Partnership opportunities available. Fax resume: 623-935-5783 or email to AzPodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Full and part-time opportunity available in 40 year old practice in downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art office with EMR and digital x-rays. Must be experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Competitive salary. Possible buy-in opportunity available. please email resume to dpm10019@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305.  www.aggeus.

GREAT OFFICE STAFF FOR HIRE - SOUTH JERSEY

Very experienced office staff needs jobs. Office is closing and they are experienced people to hire in South Jersey. E-mail for CV and or what you are looking for They know podiatry and are both certified podiatric medical assistants. They do billing, scheduling, chairside, and much more Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: EPAT

(Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) for sale. D-Actor 200. This machine is still new. Purchased in late 2011.( new machines>30K). It is the conservative alternative to surgery. Treats Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, Achilles Tendonitis, Joint pain. Great Buy. $17,995 or best offer. Please call 713-541-3199 for more information. or email contactus@houstonfootankle.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC
 
This is a great opportunity to expand or establish a new practice. Fully furnished, large modern Podiatric office in an upscale doorman building on the east side. Fully equipped and Wi-Fi ready. (Rent includes electricity and supplies). Available immediately for full or part time occupancy. Save up to $100,000 in initial costs and avoid any start-up mistakes. Email podofficenyc@gmail.com for further information. Price is considerably below market value. Confidentiality will be strictly upheld.
 
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. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.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 referred out. Financing available. Call 800-983-4194, or email: contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

30 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established, diverse referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow ($400K net 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. Contact: mcrosby@picagroup.com or call (888) 776 2430.

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