The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 16, 2009 #3,572 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IL Podiatrist Discusses Prevention and Treatment of Calluses

Calluses are a protective mechanism the skin invokes when it's rubbed repeatedly. To prevent this, avoid wearing backless or slingback shoes often, says Marlene Reid, a podiatrist in Naperville, Illinois. Once a week, soak feet in warm water and sea salt before sloughing soles with a wet pumice stone, the PedEgg, or a foot scrub.

Dr. Marlene Reid

Don't use a razor blade or let a pedicurist use one on you — it can cut and harm healthy skin under the thickened area. Hydrate feet nightly with a rich urea cream, which attracts moisture and gently dissolves dead skin. For really rough feet, Reid prescribes Hydro 40 Foam. If calluses are too severe for scrubs and creams, see a podiatrist to have them safely removed.

Source: Jolene Edgar, MSNBC [6/14/09]
 

Temple Podiatry Gait Lab Receives NIH Grant For Diabetes Education 
 
With diabetes rates steadily increasing, the issue is emerging as a major public health problem. At Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine, doctors have long stressed to their patients the need to check their feet and shoes, even if they can’t feel pain. But that’s not always enough.

Dr. Jinsup Song

“The fundamental challenge for doctors is that many diabetic patients lose the ability to feel pain and therefore fail to appreciate the urgency of daily foot care,” said Jinsup Song, director of the school’s Gait Study Center and assistant professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics.

Song is ready to meet this challenge head on. Armed with a four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health totaling up to $650,000, he and other researchers at Temple will test the effectiveness of a personalized, visual diabetic foot education strategy developed using information collected at the Gait Study Center.

Query: Chronic Pain, Edema, and Neuropathy 
 
22 y.o. white female developed foot, ankle, leg swelling in Mar 2008. She had pain in the anterior lateral leg distal to knee and dorsal lateral aspect of the foot and was diagnosed with stress fracture and given a surgical shoe. Meds: Imitrex, Fluoxetine, Omeprazole, Claritin, Nasonex, BCPs. 

Patient returned again 6/4/2009 with foot, leg and ankle more swollen and painful. There is increased redness with use or on dependency. She reports more pain when exposed to cold. Other than 1+ pitting edema dorsal lateral midfoot, there are no derm, vascular, or musculoskeletal changes or differences. Neuro: Decreased vibratory sensation with no plantar reflex compared to unaffected leg. 10 gm. monofilament absent only on plantar hallux. Any advice would be appreciated.

Steve Wolfington, DPM, Sheboygan, WI
 

Query: Diabetic Shoes for Odd-Sized Feet

Does any diabetic shoe company fit shoes based on each foot's size?  For example, if a patient has a size 9 right foot and a size 7 left foot, is there a company who will send a 7 and a 9, not just a pair of size 9? Or am I better off just sending patients for custom-molded shoes?

Jennifer Ryder, DPM, Rapid City, SD
 

Query: DME Accreditation & Surety Bond Requirements

I am applying to dispense DME after a 4 year hiatus. There is a great deal of language regarding "surety bonds" and "accreditation" in the application. I cannot, after much research, decipher whether I need to have one or both of these. If so, how would I obtain either one?

Michael Munson, DPM, Columbia, SC

Response: As of July 15, 2008, DPMs, recognized as physicians by CMS, are exempt from facility accreditation and surety bond requirements.

If you practice using a tax ID number, you must obtain a Type 2, organizational NPI number. After your DME supplier number has been obtained from National Government Services, you need an 835 CEDI form that will enable online viewing of electronic remittance notices and offer a way to set up for electronic direct deposits.

Josh White, DPM, CPed, New York, NY

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Platelet Rich Plasma injections (Neil B. Levin, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

I have used the Cascade Autologous Platelet System, distributed by MTF. I have not used it for plantar fasciitis, but have used it for certain midfoot and rearfoot fusions for diabetics or other types of compromised patients. Otherwise, there is no substitute for good AO fixation. 
 
As you will be using the patient’s own blood, either you or the anesthesiologist will have to draw off 10cc of blood first. This will then get spun down to a consistency appropriate for the procedure (thinner for injections, thicker for arthrodesis procedures). If you book this case at your local hospital and you do NOT intend to draw the blood yourself, make sure you inform the anesthesia department that you will be needing this and book the case accordingly. They hate surprises, and hate performing a task that will make them no extra money, increase the chance for infection and only put money in the pocket of the drug company - more money than they will probably make on the case.
 
Using a patient’s own blood in order to then use their own platelets as a source for growth factors to enhance osteoblastic proliferation is a great idea. But when there are other products on the market that don’t increase the risk of infection, you may want to weigh the risks, benefits and alternatives accordingly. 
 
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com
 

RE: Electronic Billing Company/Clearinghouse (David Zuckerman, DPM)
From: D. Klein, DPM

I use Cerner for my billing company and support of the Wisdom product.  They provide direct support for the product and any time I have problems with the software.
 
D. Klein, DPM, Fort Smith, AR, toefixer@aol.com
 

RE: Francine Schilardi-Deck, DPM
From: Multiple Respondents

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Shiraldi-Deck. She was an inspiring teacher during my time at NYCPM.  She always had a smile for everyone and was willing to go the extra mile for the students.  We had met a few years back at a conference and she told me she had been ill, but I still saw a determined , strong and energetic person with the same fire I had seen 20 years before as a student.  We have lost a true champion in our profession. I know she will be missed very much. My prayers go out to her family.

Francisco Jose Oliva, DPM, Coral Gables, FL

Francine will be missed.  Not only was she one of the unsung heroines in podiatric medicine, she also was a major advocate and leader in the movement to identify the very significant role that our profession has in the broad field of public health. She was a sincere, dedicated, and an all around outstanding human being. 

Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

I am saddened to hear of Francine's passing. She was an ardent advocate for podiatry and a woman ahead of her time. We worked together in New England at Region 1, at the APMA HOD, on the Educational Enhancement Project and shared stories, cab rides and issues with depth and angst. I will miss her spirit and commitment. 
 
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, Past President of the APMA

I would like to echo Dr. Robbins' thoughts about Francine. She was in the forefront for equality for women's rights, and was a leader for our profession. Francine worked tirelessy for our profession, and she will be sorely missed. Because Francine worked for our students, my contribution to the APMA Educational Foundation in her memory will be an everlasting tribute to her.

Harold  B. Glickman, DPM, Past President of the APMA
 

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

Monrovia, California. Applicant must be a licensed podiatrist and have completed a podiatric residency program. Monthly Stipend $4,000 to $5,000. Please email your curriculum vitae to victoriamanagers@gmail.com Thank you for your interest in our Program.

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

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

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

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 – 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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