The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 15, 2013 #4,797 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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AZ Podiatrist Uses Amniotic Membrane to Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Building upon past research, Dr. Bruce Werber of InMotion Foot & Ankle Specialists developed a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers that prevents amputations. Dr. Werber gets the open, infected wounds to close by injecting them with amniotic fluid.  "We now have amniotic membrane and fluid that is cryopreserved. So it can be used on anybody at anytime and anywhere and morselized so it can be injected. We don't have to have a live birth to collect it, and it can be harvested in very clean, sterile conditions. We inject it in and around the wound, and it enhances the healing,” Dr. Werber was quoted as saying.

Dr. Bruce Werber

In his study of 20 patients, they all had wounds that were unresponsive to other more traditional treatments.  He said they injected the amniotic membrane around the wounds, and they started to close within days.  The membrane has mesenchymal stem cells, which have all of the nutritional materials the tissue needs to heal.  It stimulates the body very aggressively to start to create healthy tissue. Dr. Werber says of the 20 patients, all of their wounds have responded, and 90 percent have closed in the last year. “Everybody had progression, which is pretty remarkable for any medication,” Dr. Werber said.

Source: AZ Central.com via KSAT

Scholl College Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2013

One hundred members of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science culminated their studies at the 99th Commencement Celebration at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago on June 7, 2013.

Graduate Dustin Christensen (left) receives his diploma from Scholl College Dean Dr. Nancy L. Parsley

During the ceremony, Dr. Helmut P. Epp, former provost at DePaul University, received an honorary degree for his integral role in creating the Alliance for Health Sciences between DePaul and Rosalind Franklin. The alliance between the two institutions allows for streamlined entry for highly-qualified students into graduate-level health science studies, faculty collaboration, and expanded research opportunities.

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CPMA Honors State Representative

The Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association honored state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) Wednesday for her leadership and support during the 2013 legislative session. Rebimbas was recognized during a presentation as part of the association’s regular business meeting in Meriden. The association appreciated her leadership and support on important bills to improve patient access to podiatric services, especially HB 6445, which allows physicians and podiatrists to jointly practice as a professional corporation.

Rep. Rosa Rebimbas

The Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association is the state’s professional society of podiatrists and was behind two pieces of legislation passed this year — HB 6445 and HB 5443, An Act Requiring Podiatrists to be Board Qualified. HB 5443 did not, in and of itself, get passed, however, language of the bill was incorporated into HB 6389 with a “strike-all” amendment, and HB 6389 which passed both chambers. Under the new law, a board qualified podiatrist may apply for and receive the permit to perform advanced ankle and rearfoot constructive surgeries. Prior law required a podiatrist to be board certified before applying.

Source: Citizens News [6/13/13]

NY Podiatrist Presents at UHMS Meeting

This past weekend, Frank Lattarulo, DPM presented a poster and spoke at The 46th Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) in Orlando, FL.

Dr. Frank Lattarulo

Dr. Lattarulo discussed the traumatic amputation and subsequent successful surgical re-attachment followed by adjuvant hyperbaric therapy on a 5 year old Korean child.

FL Podiatrist Attends Health IT Summit

Dr. Chet Evans was invited to attend and participate at the two-day Health IT Summit sponsored by the Institute for Health Technology Transformation. The theme of this meeting was the continuum, connectedness, mobility, and security of vital health information and its necessarily related technology. 

(L-R) Matt Raynor and Dr. Chet Evans

Said Evans, "the proliferation of ACOs, the widespread variation in health information exchanges (HIEs), the necessity to achieve meaningful use, the absolute requirement for mobility of the EHR and its need for transferability and transparency, make it all that more critical that podiatric medicine be at the table." Dr. Evans is currently President and CEO of AnchorMed, a medical and dental program development and management company.

Query: Considerations of Re-using a Bone Screw
 
Having done a bunionectomy with osteotomy and screw fixation on a patient about four months ago, yesterday I was removing the screw and preparing to do the same bunionectomy procedure on the other foot.  Looking at the perfectly good and very expensive screw, I was considering the option of using the same screw for the new bunionectomy. It was in perfect condition and sterility was certainly not a question. If I were to ask the manufacturer of the screw, for their own economic considerations, I am sure they would recommend using a new screw. Only because I had no outside opinions on this issue, I used a new screw. What are the thoughts among the community?
 
Joshua Kaye, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

Query: ICD-9 286.9

When performing conditionally covered routine foot care on a Medicare patient with coagulation defects due to medication (ICD-9 286.9 is suggested), what medications other than Coumadin/warfarin are covered?

Craig Sapenoff, DPM, West Palm Beach, FL

Response: Yes, you are correct. ICD-9 286.9 (Other and unspecified coagulation defects, defective coagulation NOS, deficiency, coagulation factor NOS, and delay, coagulation) is listed in the First Coast Routine Foot Care (L29272) LCD as being a covered diagnosis.

As to what medications would qualify, my reading of that LCD does not specify that information. You would have to use your medical judgement based on what the patient is taking. You would still need to meet the other parts of the exclusion to routine foot care because this is an asterisk code.

Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX

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RE: Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM

I do not agree with the posting by Robert Bijak, DPM. Donald Trump said, 'How are we going to treat everyone in America when we don't have enough doctors now to treat every American?" As much as I regret to quote him, he drives home an interesting point. Will this mean more foreign medical graduates in America encouraged by our government? In 1978, President Carter spawned "offshore" medical schools and opening residencies to foreign grads. If podiatry thinks we do not have enough residencies now, then just wait and see how "change" in healthcare will change our profession. Think about this. Will podiatry need more American schools and residencies?

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

RE: A Message to the Lost 92 (Name Withheld)
From: Ira Baum, DPM
 
Everyone should read Name Withheld's letter in its entirety. His story is sad and strangely optimistic. He, as many others, were severely wronged by our profession's lack of forethought regarding post-graduate training, which led to limitations to receive licenses in some states and to practice current podiatry. In 1990, I was one of the lucky few to obtain a surgical program. I was blind to the suffering of my colleagues but did nothing at the time to address the injustice. 

I spent most of my professional career learning and improving my skills and fighting another battle - the battle we still fight, one of parity - to be treated the same, financially and politically, by third-party payers for the same services provided by other specialists; not to be pigeon-holed or separated by the business adage supply and demand, but to be treated the same because of our education and training.

The cancer that plagues or profession includes the disunity between podiatry education and post-graduate training, but more importantly, the inability to find a solution that will lead to parity and consolidation of podiatrists so they don’t have to join “orthopedic groups” (to get paid at the orthopedic surgeons' rates), or to develop a pathway to medicine and surgery, osteopathy, or allopathic medicine.
 
Ira Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

RE: Scholl Professor Sues Associate Dean for Defamation
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

After reading the lawsuit, it saddens me to see this type of behavior from our educators-regardless of who is right or wrong. Perhaps, since one of the reasons that has been submitted for the cause of our residency problem is too many colleges, we should consider firing all of those involved and/or shutting down a school where this type of behavior exists. It sounds like a true restructuring needs to be done. I mean the whole kit and caboodle.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Unmatched Residency Placement Currently Stands at 92 (Lawrence Kansky, DPM)
From: Philip Larkins, DPM

There has been much chatter about the unfortunate graduates in the last few years who have not matched residencies. This is deplorable for our profession, and should not happen - end of statement. The podiatry schools have now crossed into a place of “for-profit” scorched earth.
These schools do not care one bit about what happens to the graduates of their programs. They are all about the money, and it smells very similar to those ‘other’ for profit schools: Kaplan, Phoenix, etc., just to name a few.

These schools are PREDATORS! They take advantage of humans who really want nothing more than to...
 
Editor's note: Dr. Larkins' extended-length letter can be read here.

PODIATRIC MERGERS - CHICAGO AREA

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area. We are interested in discussing merger with current podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area. Practices that have a minimum of 5 to 25 years of activity are welcome to meet with us and visit our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 18 DPMs, a neurologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.

PODIATRIST SEEKING EMPLOYMENT- PORTLAND, OR AREA

Motivated, highly surgical trained podiatrist seeking employment opportunity in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area. Both hospital and office based training.  Please email inquiries to poddoc3890@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Busy, established practice in Redding California seeking surgically trained podiatrist for associate position leading into a partnership. All phases of podiatry, PSR-36 preferred. Two office locations, hospital and surgical center privileges. Please forward cover letter and CV to tjsong01@hotmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Dynamic, busy practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist, PSR-36 preferred. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, who is motivated to work hard. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA

Busy multi office practice looking for highly motivated PSR 24/36 podiatrist. This well established 39 yo 2- physician practice has excellent rapport with physician community. Intent is an associate leading to partnership after the first year. Competitive salary &benefits. Email CV to Footdocpa@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION WITH OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY- WISCONSIN

Immediate need for talented surgeon with professional, caring and compassionate bedside manner to effectively treat, manage, and expand a booming patient population in multi-location practice with self sustained surgery center (with opportunity for investment and ownership). Practice located within driving distance to Chicago. Please send CV and letter giving insight into your personal treatment style including immediate and future goals to: associatematch@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED: NYC/QUEENS IMMEDIATE OPENING!

P/T Leading to full-time and partnership. PSR-36+ Min. Three office locations; NYC, ASTORIA & SUNNYSIDE QUEENS. All phases of podiatry; including Med., Forefoot, Rearfoot & Ankle SURGERY. Modern offices with all the Hi-Tech. equipment available. Candidate MUST have the skills & knowledge expected, ambitious, hard-working, ethical, detail-oriented and organized. A vibrant patient and staff-friendly personality a MUST! Good base salary, malpractice and % bonus incentive. You should easily surpass your bonus %. Reply with cover letter and C.V. to hansfeet@aol.com.

WANTED: ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST  - ILLINOIS

4 Days per Week Chicago Practice - will perform all phases of podiatric medicine Accredited JCAHO Surgical Suite. Benefits will cover Malpractice and Health Insurance. Six Figure Base Salary. Inquiries Contact:  Dr. J. B. Jenkins - 773-374-5300

ASSOCIATE WANTED - MANHATTAN AND NORTHERN NJ

For group practice. Excellent opportunity to be the first podiatrist to join our team! PT/full-time negotiable. Convenient on-site surgical center. Current licensure in NJ and/or NY required. Call Gina 212-223-0716 or email CV to gina@premiersurgicalpavilion.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to 123bunion@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

Office and hospital-based podiatry group seeking a highly trained surgical associate to compliment our 3-doctor group. Minimum PSR-36 trained with rear-foot reconstructive experience required. Must have CA license and x-ray and fluoroscopy license. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please forward cover letter and CV to modpm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP  MIAMI/KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY

Immediate opening in beautiful Southern Kentucky with 8-provider group with excellent reputation, full-time physical therapy, MRI, CPED/CO on staff along with a full schedule awaiting.  Wonderful place to raise a family, excellent schools and phenomenal quality and cost of living. Excellent compensation package, full benefits, and buy-in opportunity after 2 years. Email a letter of interest and CV: jonkim12000@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, ME

Portland Foot and Ankle is seeking a highly motivated, ethical and well-trained podiatrist/foot and ankle surgeon. Highly respected and well-established practice with a progressive high class office; complete with EMR and digital x-ray. Phenomenal location with high quality of life and easy access to outdoors (ocean/mountains). Competitive salary with incentives and full benefits, commensurate with experience and training. Partnership is anticipated. Email letter and CV to info@portlandfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

Want to live and practice in the "It City" Nashville, TN? ISO  well-trained (PSR-36) individual. Located in suburb of Nashville. Hospital and Surgery Center privileges. Rearfoot and Ankle allowed. Base pay, bonus incentives, and benefits. Send resume to Mendozadpm@comcast.net. $1,000 finder's fee paid to referring individual with hiring.

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN CHICAGO

Full- or part-time to do house calls; make your own schedule; logistical support provided. Contact dpms2@hotmail.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. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CHICAGO

Three-office practice; newly furnished; all offices are within 20-30 min of driving; great for one Dr. coverage; well-rounded surgical/diabetic/sport medicine practice; grossing up to $500K/year; can be purchased with real estate or separately. only serious inquiry to dpms2@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ARIZONA

TERRIFIC Opportunity in Southern Arizona!! Profitable podiatry practice with outstanding growth potential. Located within a medical/professional office complex. New EMR system with 3 computer stations. Meaningful use met thru Stage II. Very reasonably priced. Will remain through transition period. Contact 520-304-2443 in evenings (PST) for serious buyers only reflisa@centurylink.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE AVAILABLE FOR QUICK AND IMMEDIATE SALE - ILLINOIS

40 year-old podiatry practice, owner retiring. Currently working part-time. 2012 gross income $265,000. Formerly one million dollar practice revenue. Can be purchased for price of equipment, furnishings, and supplies plus. Owner will assist in transfer. The right individual can re-establish former practice while maintaining established current income and patient flow.  Contact Jack at (847) 337-0166 for information and viewing. (Waukegan, Illinois) caraddict59@att.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

  Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E- mail wpbfootdrs@gmail.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT/OFFICE FURNISHINGS FOR SALE - ILLINOIS

Liquidating two large podiatry offices.  Medical and surgical equipment available including Stryker electric power set, X-Cel X-ray units, X-ray developers, OEC 6600 mini C-arm, A-O and endoscopic sets, autoclaves, physical therapy units, surgical instruments and lights, office equipment and furnishings, and medical supplies.  Priced for quick sale. Waukegan, Illinois, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Call Jack @ (847) 337-0166. Delivery available. caraddict59@att.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - OPAL-RAD DIGITAL X-RAY UNIT

20/20 Opal-Rad digital X-ray unit 3 years old.  X-rays obtained by X-ray company showed that the unit is performing optimally when dismantled for storage and shipping.  $18,000 OBO. DrRhodes2@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students

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