Podiatry Management Online

Highlights from
Current Issue

Highlights from
Recent Issues

Diabetes/Wound
Management

Practice Management

Biomechanics/Footwear
Sports Podiatry

Clinical Innovations

Profiles and
The Clinical Forum

Buyers' Guide

Annual Survey Report

New Products & Services

PMNews

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Current and Back Issues
Classified Ads | Advertise

Browse PMNews Issues

Previous Issue | Next Issue

PM News

The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 18, 2012 #4,491 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

APMA NEWS

APMA & AACP Establish Surgical Foot & Ankle Coder Certification

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) in cooperation with the American Podiatric Medical Association has developed the Certified Surgical Foot & Ankle Coder (CSFAC) exam. This new certification provides a means for professional coders, podiatrists, orthopedists, and billing staff to demonstarte their expertise in coding medical services and surgical procedures performed on the foot and ankle.

The initial exam will be given in the afternoon of August 21, 2012 (following the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting) at the Greenbrier Hotel and Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. A Pre-Exam Coding Workshop will be given on August 20, 2012. All exam registrants wishing to register for the Greenbrier Coding Practice Management Workshop will receive a special rate of $125.

AT THE COLLEGES

New Research Scholarship in Neuropathy Prevention at Barry University

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine Dean, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen along with his wife Celia, donated $25,000 to establish the “Dr. Robert Warriner III Scholarship for Research in Neuropathy Prevention” at the Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center. The scholarship, pledged over five years, will be used to provide research scholarships to Barry podiatric medical students researching neuropathy prevention. This is the fifth research scholarship established at the Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center. The scholarship is named to honor Jensen’s colleague, Warriner. Dr. Warriner is recognized among the nation’s foremost physicians and researchers in hyperbaric medicine, wound management, and continuous quality improvement in medical care. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer of Diversified Clinical Services, the largest provider of wound care services in the United States.

Dr. Robert Warriner III

The new scholarship will provide one annual $2,500 research scholarship to a qualified podiatric medical student at Barry judged by the faculty to have submitted the best publishable paper based on research with a Barry faculty member in the area of neuropathy prevention. The additional $2,500 of the gift will be used by the School of Podiatric Medicine to fund research costs.

INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

Lack of Support in Summer Shoes is Problematic: Canadian Podiatrist

Summer can be tough on your feet. The warm weather invites the need for more open and light-weight shoes, and our feet lack the support necessary to stay pain-free and in good condition during the summer months. Our feet are often the target for pain, discomfort, and many unpleasant but common nuisances. They become more prone to dryness, calluses, cracked heels, blisters, and other problems.

Dr. Hartley Miltchin

Dr. Hartley Miltchin, podiatrist at the Toronto clinic Accent on Feet, explains why our feet are often the victims. “Most people are born with a genetic imbalance in their feet called overpronation,” explains Dr. Miltchin. “That’s what a lot of people wear prescription orthotics for, to maintain proper balance in their feet.” But when wearing flip flops, sandals, or no shoes at all, this imbalance isn’t being corrected by proper shoes or orthotics.

Source: Amanda Stancati, Plaid Magazine [6/11/12]

STATE PODIATRY NEWS

IL Limits Podiatry Medicaid Coverage to Diabetics Only

A $1.6 billion Medicaid spending cut that Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Thursday takes a bite out of a relatively generous program and will leave the state with a level of services already familiar elsewhere in the nation.

Podiatry will be covered only for patients with diabetes. Eight states don’t cover podiatry at all and another 33 states strictly limit coverage.

Source: Carla Johnson, Pantagraph [6/14/12]

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

Integrate New Employees Quickly

Maximize your investment in hiring new employees by boosting their performance and retention. Provide new hires with proper information and resources from the start and they will become valuable team members.

Create a checklist that includes these elements:

Welcome new employees by providing a fully stocked and functional work area.
Describe the practice's culture, both the written polices and unwritten rules.
Outline the metrics used to evaluate employees. Let them know from the start how you will be measuring their performance.

Source: Adapted from “How to Get New Employees on Board,” Darren Dahl, OPEN Forum via Communications Briefings

QUERIES - CLINICAL

Query: Is This MTPJ Salvageable?

This 56 year old female with long standing HAV would like to fit in shoes comfortably and have her foot look better. I am considering CBWO and a fusion of the 1st MTPJ. I do not think there is enough room for the metatarsal to move at the base to allow closing the IM without metatarsal work. Am I wrong?

Is this 1st MTPJ salvageable?

Some colleagues are recommending other procedures to "save the joint". My concern is finding cartilage that is healthy.

Alan Berman, DPM, Carmel, NY

QUERIES - NON-CLINICAL

Query: Snap Fixation Pins

The Sgarlato "Snap Fixation Pins" are no longer available. I have been using this easy 20 mm. threaded K-wire for years for Austin fixation. Does anyone know of any similar device that is available?

Mark H. Sugar, DPM, Hyattsville, MD

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1

RE: Chronic Calcaneal Apophysitis (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)

From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, Ron Raducanu, DPM

Is there any limb-length descrepency in this case?

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

The pain seems somehow out of proportion with what is usually seen with the run-of-the-mill calcaneal apophysitis. Any temperature differences between the limbs? Swelling on one side? Discoloration of one foot over the other? Complaint of tightness to the foot?

I've seen several patients with similar presentations that were eventually revealed to have pediatric CRPS. If the child would tolerate it, perhaps perform a popliteal block to see if the symptoms resolve or lessen. I would also consider a referral to a pediatric neurologist for evaluation, just to be sure.

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

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 2

RE: Bilateral Pain Sub 2nd Mets (Susan Bartos)

From: Robert Bijak, DPM

I am dismayed that Susan Bartos, an orthotic lab owner (BS in Education, 1976), is advising podiatrists about MRI readings, the use of steroids, and surgical techniques to treat this lesion. How do we look to the MDs when they read non-DPMs giving US clinical opinions? With the large number of posts on the confused state of our education in podiatry school and residency, and Dr. Ribtosky's accurate description of physician extenders, we need an immediate conclave and vote mandating a universal definition and direction (continuation?) of podiatry.

The APMA should drop their Bandaid plans for continuing podiatry's flawed paradigm of trying to be THE ONLY specialist of one anatomic area in medicine with a limited license. Without an MD or plenary DPM, the nurse practitioners, etc. are "barking at our heels", and the profession will continue running scared (with or without minimalist shoes! We can't even agree on that).

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL)

RE: Restrictive Covenant (Ron Raducanu, DPM)

From: Name Withheld

I am a 1st year practicing podiatrist, and as I read Dr. Raducanu's letter, I was wondering if he was speaking of the doctor I am working for. That letter is almost my exact situation. It's sad and very frustrating. I exited residency with such different expectations, and maybe I was a little naive, but why would anyone want to stay in that current work situation? I know I'm not. I will be leaving my current practice and starting somewhere else.

I empathize with others going through this situation. I've worked too hard in school, residency, and becoming board qualified to be treated as his "assistant", not even his associate. I don't expect anything to be handed to me, as I've marketed myself and the practice by visiting with other physicians, health fairs, etc. But when the staff is told to only give me the new diabetic patients calling for routine care, or unless a patient specifically asks to be seen by me, and all potential surgical patients go to him, I can't win in terms of building myself within the practice. This situation is very real. Remember people will only do what you allow them to do. I'm grateful that I can leave and go elsewhere to accomplish my professional goals.

Name Withheld

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON- CLINICAL)

RE: "Unified" Post-Graduate Training

From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD

I think that most of the issues and infighting we have in our profession have nothing to do with the level of training that podiatrists have at the present time. It has to do with our age as a profession. We are a "relatively" young profession, developed out of a need to care for a neglected part of the human anatomy by mainstream medicine.

Think about the time our fathers in medicine have been involved in the complex diagnostic and treatment protocols caring for patients with severe and disabling conditions. This, before there were the sophisticated technical advances that we all enjoy today to aid in our diagnostic prowess. In fact, a great deal of the biomechanics involved in the dynamics of gait have been published in the orthopedic literature long before we as a profession laid claim to it.

Of course, the old traditional guard of medicine and orthopedics will...

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

MEETING NOTICES - PART 1

RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES)

RE: Lawmakers Rip Waste in Anti-fraud Programs

From: David E. Gurvis, DPM

Is it possible that: 1. There is less fraud in the system than the government would like us to believe? That is to say, we doctors are not all out to gouge and defraud the government? or 2. Ironically enough, perhaps the private for-profit recovery units are defrauding the government. I like this thought. It would serve them all "right".

David E. Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN deg1@comcast.net

MEETING NOTICES - PART 2

CLASSIFIED ADS

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Podiatrist licensed in FL to work in practice in central Florida with buy-in option. Practice in building built for podiatry. Excellent opportunity for new or experienced podiatrist to work, purchase practice, lease, or purchase building in great area to live and grow. CV to footsailor@earthlink.net

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 WANTED - BRONX, NY

Part time Position Available Bronx New York for busy, growing office. All aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Excellent salary with incentives. E-mail CV and letter of intent to Dr. Barry Finkelstein at bf1818@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 - NEW JERSEY

Busy, two office practice with a good mix of patients is seeking a very personable, highly motivated full-time associate with good clinical/surgical skills to fill an immediate position. Competitive salary with early partnership opportunity for the right individual. Please email CV to afsdocs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Divine foot care center will be glad to have you as part of our podiatry care team for house calls and for our walk-in patients as well. If you are enterprising, have people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and good behavior, come on board. Texas podiatry license is required. salary and other benefits very attractive. forward your CV to divinefootcarecenter@yahoo.com. Contact Joe Duru at ph= 972-790-2800: fax= 972-790-2803: cell = 469-766-4658.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Podiatry office in Central NJ- Looking for a three year surgically trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit for a very busy office. You will see new patients and have the potential to become board certified in two years. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter." Please fax your CV to: 732-968-8821.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time/Part-time, motivated, outgoing associate wanted for immediate job opening. Multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County, is looking for hard-working individual to treat wide range of patients. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish speaking a definite advantage. Email your CV to: ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com

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 BORO

Podiatrist needed for NYC practice. Must be on Health First, Health Plus, GHI, Affinity, or, most of these plans. All phases of podiatry. Excellent opportunity. E-mail resume to include current employment.rrranch7@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE- LONG ISLAND part-time. Inquiries rranch7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Looking for an extremely hard working podiatry associate for part-time work, opportunity for full time. Busy and expanding podiatry practice in the Merrimack Valley. Will work in both office and nursing home setting. In office, we have laser technology, electronic medical records, diagnostic ultrasound, x-rays, etc. Please email us at resumesent11@comcast.net if you have interest in this position. If we find the right person, this opportunity could lead to partnership. Looking forward to hearing from you.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST AUGUSTINE, FL

A well-established, solo-physician in St Augustine, FL; is seeking a full-time associate. Applicant should be well-trained with sound surgical skills, applicant must 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. E-mail resume to drfootwound@gmail.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 - GEORGIA

Podiatrist needed in the State of Georgia to start ASAP. At least one year post residency experience preferred. Contact Dr. Azuka Nwaedozie at (404) 908 9042 or email me at anwaedozie@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- WASHINGTON

A well-established practice with 4 locations in and around Seattle is seeking a full time/part-time associate podiatrist. Position involves clinical, nursing homes, laser therapy. Applicant should be well trained physician and a motivated, energetic self-starter, completed minimum a 24-month residency. Please send inquiries to isbinc2006@gmail.com

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 - BRONX, NY

Full-time highly motivated, ethical, hard-working associate wanted for multiple office locations commencing 8/2012. All phases of podiatric medicine (Surgery, Biomechanics, DME, Palliative Care). Competitive base salary, malpractice insurance, bonus structure. Please email resumes to:bronxpodiatrist1@gmail.com

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 - 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

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

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 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.

Disclaimers

Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.

THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.

If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.

DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be either timely or free of viruses.

Guidelines

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.

Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue