The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 19, 2013 #4,800 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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HI Podiatrist Invents "Energy Positive" Military Boots

A new type of combat boot designed by a Maui physician is claimed to be one of the first “energy positive” shoes that can also withstand up to 10 times the impact force of regular military boots. The inventor, Dr. Steven King, 44, quotes a Department of Defense document in which a test found that the “GUS” (gravity utilization system) was virtually inflammable, 25% lighter than standard issue boots, puncture-resistant, and more likely to prevent injuries such as stress fractures.

Dr. Steven King

The GUS has a spring-action sole – unlike most gel or foam-padded shoes – that absorbs step impact and reverses the energy back into the leg, making it “energy positive.” Most footwear, King says, is “energy negative” and takes away energy from the wearer with each step. The rest of the boot is made up of advanced composites such as carbon fiber and Kevlar to protect the feet from punctures and flame.

Source: David Kvasnicka, Maui Now [6/14/13]

AAPPM's First Graduation Class Creates Career Momentum

The Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM) is the first medical school in the country to offer practice management as part of its core medical curriculum. The first graduating class of these podiatric leaders were conferred to their degrees on May 16, 2013. Vincent J. Hetherington, DPM, KSUCPM's Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, teamed with AAPPM's Chair, Dr. Hal Ornstein to create a unique curriculum for the school's medical students.

Drs. Vincent Hetherington and Hal Ornstein

Ornstein is very proud of the first graduating class. This collaboration has led to a successful amplification to the podiatric medical student's core prospectus. "The practice management curriculum is an indispensable part of what makes these graduates from Kent State uniquely qualified and will enhance their success as podiatric medical practitioners and leaders," he said.

Source: Footsteps [June 2013]

A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of ProAssurance Corporation and PICA

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “aa-” from “a+” of the subsidiaries of ProAssurance Corporation (PRA) (NYSE:PRA): ProAssurance Casualty Company (Okemos, MI), ProAssurance Indemnity Company, Inc. and ProAssurance Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.

In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of “a” of Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA) and the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of “a-“ of PACO Assurance Company, Inc. (PACO) (both domiciled in Springfield, IL), also subsidiaries of PRA. The outlook for these ratings remains stable. The upgrading of the ratings of ProAssurance reflects its superior capital strength, excellent long-term trend of favorable operating performance, and strong business profile.

Source: Reuters [6/17/13]

OH Podiatrist Pens Children's Book

Dr. Aaron Chokan, President of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine Alumni Association, recently wrote a children's book called Lai-Lai Meets Chub-Chub. The book is about a preschool-age girl who struggles to find the "perfect" name for her new puppy. Chokan said he mirrored the story of his 3-year-old daughter Calais' naming of the family's new mini golden doodle puppy. "It's a story told through a toddler's imagination," explained Dr. Chokan.

Dr. Aaron Chokan and his new book

Dr. Chokan said he has a second book in the works featuring Lai-Lai and her adventures with her new pet. Other members of his large family will be story characters as well. "I'm bringing the whole family in," he said.

Source: FootSteps [June 2013]

ASPS Holds Inaugural Surgical Conference

On June 7-8, ASPS held its Inaugural Surgical Conference, which was deemed a success by conference attendees and faculty. The conference featured great attendance and innovative, surgically-focused educational lectures and workshops. This 14-CECH conference covered topics such as Charcot, Flatfoot Reconstruction, Advancements in Foot & Ankle Surgery, and ICD-10. Workshop topics covered included hands-on forefoot/midfoot procedures and ankle arthroscopy.  All conference attendees received a flash-drive with the conference presentations and materials on them at no additional cost.    

(L-R) Drs. Kyle Pearson ASPS Resident Liaison, Brandon Gumbiner Treasurer, ASPS; Patrick Burns ASPS board member, Steven Palmer, Vice Chair; David Yeager, Chair ASPS, and Andrew Bellis board member ASPS.

“The quality of educational material is indicative of the ASPS membership. We have some of the most highly-skilled surgeons within our membership, and we strive to provide them with education that is on-par with their skill level. On the other hand, the education we provide members is as top-notch as it is because it comes from within our membership, since they’re the ones who provide our lectures. Collaborating with UPMC only emphasized that,” said ASPS Education Committee Chair and Course Director for the Inaugural ASPS Surgical Conference, Stephen Palmer, DPM.

Bret Ribotsky: How does the Union compare to the APMA in terms of buying power?

Dr. Michael Wodka

Michael Wodka: Statistically, the National Blues (Blue Cross & Blue Shield) represent 30% of organized labor, and that is significant buying power. APMA is very small relative to that, and could not get anywhere near the leverage the Union can give us.

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Query: Persistent Interstitial Tearing of the Peroneus Longus Tendon

My patient is a 55 year old female who fell off of a curb in October 2011. The emergency room at the time diagnosed her injury as a mild “sprain.” She has had continued pain and inability to bear weight since her injury. There is severe pain on active as well as passive supination-pronation about the STJ axis. She can only bear weight in a BK walker, but only with considerable pain. A recent MRI showed “persistent interstitial tearing of the peroneus longus tendon.”

The patient has porphyria and had recent uneventful, successful shoulder surgery. I am sending her for physical therapy to include tissue mobilization, ROM, and ultrasound. What conservative treatment alternatives are left? Are there surgical alternatives?

Query: Medicare Denying Multiple Billing of CPT 11730

I billed CPT 11730-TA-59 and CPT 11730-T5-59 with a diagnosis code, ICD-9 681.10. Both procedures were denied by Medicare as "information submitted does not support this many services."

Medicare used to pay for these with no problem (of course, cutting the reimbursement for the second procedure in half). Twice in the past month, however, they have denied these procedures. My first denial is now in review. Any suggestions?

Eugene Carr, DPM, Naples, FL

Response: Try billing CPT 11732 (avulsion of nail plate, partial or complete, simple; each additional nail plate [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure] [add-on code]) for the additional nails.

Mark Stempler, DPM, Staten Island, NY

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RE: Time for EBM Study on Custom Orthotics (Carl Solomon, DPM)
From: Roy Lidtke, DPM

This is a big problem but it is also a big project. There have been several projects funded by APMA, PFOLA and even physical therapy, but obviously we have not seen any great change in our research portfolio on the "pro" side of the argument. It is expensive to do any substantial research. Research projects like this will not get done until someone pays for it.

As funds are limited by the government, and industry isn't stepping up, I suggest we set up a crowd source funding website and invite the "experts" to submit proposals with all of us voting on the best. Maybe then something will get done.

Roy Lidtke, DPM, Marion, IA, Roy.Lidtke@dmu.edu

RE: Time for EBM Study on Custom Orthotics (Richard A. Simmons, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

Dr. Simmons, please, we do not need to turn this into rocket science. For years and years, I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of patients for plantar fasciitis. A great many of them had tried, not one, but two or three different OTC devices. Because they did not help, they sought me out. I do plaster casts, in STJ neutral, with the bisection of the calcaneus marked, and an Rx for the appropriate modifications to treat the underlying biomechanical defect and deformity. And because I do not go off on half-baked biomechanical theories, my biomechanical exams are quite "standardized."

I am quite sure I have plenty of company, i.e., colleagues who practice real, hands-on (not having someone else do it) exams, and personally do the STJ neutral casts, that they do not push off on an unqualified office assistant. So, we do have plenty to show for our expertise!

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Scholl Professor Sues Associate Dean for Defamation
From: Stanley W. Blondek, DPM, MD

As a Clinical Professor in Pediatrics at the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, Pennsylvania and a private practitioner, I would like to state that most, if not all, medical schools employ part-time faculty. You want those on the outside sharing their knowledge and practice experience with students. This does not seem to be the case with Scholl college.

I have been a visiting lecturer at Scholl College for the past 17 years in pediatrics and neonatology under Dr. Hrywnak in his medicine course. This situation about removing part-time faculty is to suppress academic freedom of speech. Dr. Hrywnak has always come to the aid of students and to promote podiatry. His salary is always donated back and his connections to medical rotations in Chicago have proven beneficial to podiatric medical students. His practice management course is unsurpassed by any other, preparing students for the reality of practice. I will miss coming to Chicago and  teaching the Scholl students.

This lawsuit is long overdue. Since when does a PhD in embryology run a podiatric medical school? Are there no DPMs qualified? I write this post in hope that both sides can work out their differences and that Dr. Hrywnak can return to do what he does best, promoting podiatry and preparing the students for private practice. The changes in healthcare are upon us. Podiatry needs those willing to help and lead and not be suppressed by politics and selfish financial motives. It's not ethically and morally right not to keep students informed.

Stanley W. Blondek, DPM, MD, Scranton, PA, lackpeds@aol.com

RE: Scholl Professor Sues Associate Dean for Defamation (Jon Purdy, DPM)
From: Lloyd S. Smith, DPM

Dr. Purdy is mixing multiple issues when he comments about the residency crisis, politics, and colleges of podiatric medicine. The inherent concepts are vastly too complex to summarize in a simple post. They have occupied our best and brightest DPMs and every one of our institutions since I was a student in the early 1970s. The colleges promise to educate and produce a graduate ready for residency training. The profession has worked so very hard to produce training programs to deliver these residents ready to practice in the new world of medicine. The bar keeps moving. The business model changes almost daily. ACOs, EHRs, ICD-10, and so much more never existed 10 years ago. Can we change fast enough? Who is to blame? No one. This is the U.S. healthcare system at work regardless of our politics or profession.

Sending short and simplistic messages that put blame on anyone or any entity is foolhardy and minimizes the challenging issues we all face. 

I deeply respect our institutions and their respective leadership.  Putting our best efforts into the institutions that educated us and the APMA and its state components that fought for our survival as a profession is the best we can all do. Doing anything less allows the current problems to persist for years to come. Offering criticism without working for solutions is the role of the disaffected.
 
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placement Currently Stands at 92 (Lawrence Kansky, DPM, JD)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Recently, a DPM/JD suggested that a large law firm would be able to sustain a class action lawsuit against various defendants regarding the damages to the 92 DPM graduates who will not be able to qualify for state licensure due to no residency position for them.

There is an "automatic" and naïve assumption from the potential defendants that this will be impossible because new graduates are poor and cannot afford representation. But this a fallacy. There are large investment firms that...

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

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 - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $548,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

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 - 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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER
 
This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

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

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.

PODIATRIST WANTED – NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
Podiatrist for SNF practice throughout California. Northern California need currently concentrated in the Bakersfield area but can be expanded. Other opportunities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Practice is professionally managed. Send CV with interest to: ZbubblesZ@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 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 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 - 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

POSITION AVAILABLE - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Two doctor practice looking for an associate to take retiring doctor's position with partnership opportunity for the right person. Competitive salary, health insurance and incentives. Two offices serving a diverse number of routine, surgical and wound care patients. Two years surgical residency training and FL license required. If interested in this great opportunity please e-mail CV, surgical log and references to toesrus7@yahoo.com.

POSITION AVAILABLE– CHICAGO

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago-metropolitan area and suburbs and is recruiting qualified podiatric surgeons. A three-year residency is required and a podiatric fellowship is preferable. Current practicing podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area are also welcome to join our rapidly expanding practice that numbers 16 DPMs, a neurologist surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact info@weilfeet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO, at (847)390-7666.

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 - 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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. 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.

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