The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 21, 2011 #4,186 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Provides Summer Foot Care Advice

Dr. Jeffrey Hagen, podiatrist for Adventist Health in Hanford, said the main concerns with feet during the summer are heat, dryness or too much humidity, depending on what you're wearing. "When it comes to sandals, we see a lot of people who choose to wear them every day and come in complaining of cracked heels," Hagen said.

Drs. Jeffrey Hagen

"I usually recommend that if they are going to continue wearing sandals every day, then they should shower in the evening, and after they dry off, rub either Bag Balm [normally used for dry, chapped cow udders; available at vitamin or drug stores], Vapor Rub, or Vaseline on their feet. "The rub will help heal and moisturize the feet. This can also be done as a preventive measure, by doing the rub before the heels start to crack," he said.

Source: Brandon Santiago, Hanford Sentinel [6/17/11]

GA Podiatrists Treat Athletes at Special Olympics

Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia and Piedmont Podiatry recently provided free evaluations and treatment recommendations for the talented and dedicated athletes of the 41st Annual Special Olympics held at Emory University. "We were honored to be invited by the health leadership team of the Special Olympics to provide our expertise to the Olympians," Dr. Gregory Alvarez said. 

Drs. Gregory Alvarez and Ketan Patel

Led by staff podiatrists Drs. Ketan Patel and Gregory Alvarez, their team of 16 staff members were able to conduct over 50 full evaluations and consultations. Deformities such as flat feet, lower leg misalignments, bunions, hammertoes, and various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, diabetes, Achilles tendon disorders, and sports overuse syndromes were addressed with the athletes. Where necessary, treatment plans were instituted with referrals for follow-up care.

CT Podiatrist to Receive Unsung Hero Award

The Waterbury Regional Chamber Health Care Council will recognize Dr. Robert Matusz’ years of work June 22 at the 6th annual Members’ Breakfast and Awards Ceremony in Southbury. Matusz will receive the Unsung Hero Award. Matusz has volunteered at the Chase Clinic since 1978, the same year he opened his own podiatry practice on Meadow Street.

Dr. Robert Matusz

At the free clinic, Matusz sees diabetic patients and others with common foot problems and infections, but have little or no health insurance. Some of those underinsured patients also see him at his practice, Naugatuck Podiatry Associates. “It’s something I’ve done for years. It’s a give-back to the community. I take care of patients no matter what kind of insurance they have,” Matusz said.
 
Source: Laraine Weschler, Citizen's News

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: If everything that Project 2015 envisioned came true, would we now have parity with MDs?
 
King: From what we have been told from the medical community at large - yes, we would have the educational parity, but would we have the political parity? That's the big question. 

Dr. Michael King

Bret Ribotsky: If we are trained for parity with the MDs, and we are looking for equivalence with the MDs, then why not just have the MD degree?

Michael King: That's a very interesting point and a great discussion. This is going to sound bad coming from the APMA president, but I'm going to put the cards on the table. Would everyone in podiatry be a podiatrist with a DPM if they could have the MD degree? I don't think so. Is that a slam at our profession, not at all.

Dr. Lee Sanders

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment will feature diabetes expert Dr. Lee Sanders . You can register for this event by clicking here

Query: Medicare Regulation of Physical Therapy

Recently my Medicare consultant told me that she could no longer determine how Medicare was going to regulate physical therapy in the office. Physical therapy has always been a large part of my practice for the last twenty eight years, and I would hate to lose this modality in my office. Can anyone provide some insight?

Gary A. Lieber, DPM  Delray Beach, FL

RE:  Clinical Success with Poor Radiological Result (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Jordan Sheff, DPM, Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM

Remember the axiom, "treat the patient, not the x-ray." If the patient is happy, that's all that matters.

Jordan Sheff, DPM, Newport, RI, jsheff@newportfootcare.necoxmail.com

I think that Dr. Sullivan may find that by evaluating and addressing the PASA, via Reverdin/Laird, as well as removing the fibular sesamoid, the radiographic presentation would improve. The tracking would improve as would the patient's satisfaction at year 2 and beyond.

Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, basewedge@yahoo.com

RE: Pathology Report for All Surgical Cases? (Darryl J Martins, DPM)
From: Gregory Eirich, DPM

You need to send whatever you take from a body, not because you would not swear what it was, but just so the pathologist would swear what it IS!  In this environment of trying to cut cost, we need to cover our own butts first. Then, the cost may be our concern.

Gregory Eirich, DPM , Tustin, CA, geirich@cox.net

RE: Attestation Fraud
From: JM Cortez, DPM

My wife works closely with the physicians in her hospital for the IS department. Just yesterday, she informed me about one of her physicians, an MD, bragging about receiving his $18,000 check. I found out that he does not have an EMR system implemented in his practice. I asked her how could he do that, and she guessed he entered false data. I hope this catches up to him sooner or later, but in the meantime, he is laughing all the way to the bank.

Is this the bad apple that will ruin it for the rest of us? I wonder how many more doctors will do the same thing? When I read about fellow podiatrists being arrested and sent to jail, I say to myself, not all of us are like that. True - some people in general are just greedy and some might be in a tough spot, but obviously temptation transcends across many professions. Just because you are educated does not mean you are a good person.

JM Cortez, DPM, Simi Valley, CA, jmcdoc@roadrunner.com

RE: EHR and Productivity (Juliet Burk, DPM)
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM

Meaningful Use has a set of priorities. They are:

1) Having patients engaged in their healthcare. This involves better education of our patients and providing them with more information about their health.
2) Improved safety in the care we provide.
3) More efficient care and decreased costs.
4} Reduction of disparities in the quality of care provided to different racial and ethnic groups.
5) Improved collaboration among care givers.
6) Improved population health.

In reference to Dr. Burk's concerns: We are collecting...

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

RE: MicroVas Therapy Coding (Larry Cohen, DPM)
From: Victor LaRosa

This system was not purchased from a physician, and the term "hot" was used correctly in this instance in describing its origin. The purchasing physician also did not want to verify the serial number with us. To your point, systems purchased legitimately on the secondary market can be placed under warranty for a fee, as you suggest, and the physician then will be gladly supported by us, which also was not the case.  This has happened, and the physicians subsequently bought additional systems, a testament to our service.  

Can you buy a name brand computer from a garage sale, several years old, and then call the manufacturer for free support and service?  When people comment about something they know nothing about, poor comments are written, which was why I was prompted to respond in the first place, in defense of the many who do pay for new or demo systems, and are supported daily.

Victor LaRosa, VP neuroVasix, victor@neurovasix.com

RE: CPMA Works With CMA and COA to Achieve M.D. License Parity
From: Howard J. Bonenberger, DPM

I would like to comment on the CPMA's proposed cooperation with the California Medical and Orthopedic associations. We have heard from some MDs that one of the problems with podiatry and privileges is that no one (outside of podiatry) really knows what it is that we learn in school. Podiatry school is like a black box, a mystery.

Now comes an organization that has battled with other non-MDs (chiropractors) and another sister organization that has a long history of battling with podiatrists. We are told that they will now get a chance to peek...

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

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is $130K on 2 half days per week. Practice is expandable to full time with increasing hours and marketing. Real estate available for purchase. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.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 $760K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity. Located at Mission Regional Hospital. Sale price $205,000 including supplies. Gross income 2010 was $340,000. Gross income 2011 estimate $420,000. Approximately 1200 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. A/R available at 50% discount. 949-702-1052. David Stoller, DPM (Family Footcare) david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WASHINGTON STATE - SUBURBAN SEATTLE

16 year established part time practice. Includes Midmark 417 (4 position keypad), Excel X-ray, processor, Ritter M9, instruments, bandaids, etc. 1 Day/week $50K gross. Professional Business appraisal at $48K. Asking $35K. Shared office with 2 FP's. Easily expandable. Reply: practiceforsale18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Opportunity of a Lifetime. Are you the one-in-a-million podiatrist I’m searching for? Do you aspire to greatness? If you have a great smile, great attitude, take initiative, then you should consider this exceptional opportunity. I am seeking a smart, residency-trained podiatrist with great surgical skills to become an associate in one of the top practices in the country. Don’t miss out on this outstanding opportunity! Please email your CV to institutebeaute@aol.com with “Attn: Sophia Johnson” in the subject line.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES

Excellent opportunity for an energetic, compassionate, hardworking individual with superior surgical and medical proficiency. Recent graduate or experienced practitioner. Excellent salary, benefits and partner-buy in offered, full admit privileges and surgical scope. Fax CV to Ecpodiatry@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION/PART TIME - ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA

Experienced podiatrist - 2-3 days/week, two office locations in beautiful south Orange County California. Exceptional opportunity for seasoned semi-retired practitioner. Fax or e-mail Resume and LOI to 949-488-0868 Info@feetfixer.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS 

Group practice looking for podiatrist to join group and solely take over one location. Group's podiatrists enjoy incentive compensation plan (personal production and sharing group profits), benefits including health and malpractice. Perfect opportunity for solo practitioner to join group setting. Please forward CV to StlPodGroup@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS: NW INDIANA & CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Well-established, busy podiatric practice is seeking highly motivated, well-trained and personable associate for full-time position. Competitive Salary and Benefits, Buy-in Opportunity. Interested persons must be actively pursuing or have NC license. Send resume and letter of intent to gpagpa530@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California practice looking for highly motivated podiatrist for very busy, two location practice. Excellent salary and benefits offered. Please email resume to mrsmcmackin@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with at least 2 yrs of 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 POSITIONS – TEXAS AND FLORIDA

Looking for podiatrists to see patients in nursing facilities in Texas and Florida. Please contact me at doconcall02@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual for a growing, well-rounded practice with potential for partnership. Must be PSR 24-36 trained. Competitive salary, incentive and benefits. Email CV to orin915@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WA (KIRKLAND, SEATTLE, EVERETT, AND REDMOND)

Join one of the fastest growing podiatry practices in Washington state. Must be motivated to grow practice. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information go to seattlefootdoctor.com. Send resume to seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

STORE FRONT OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE - NASSAU COUNTY NEW YORK

Office Space available for sublet or long-term lease. Nassau County established podiatry location for over 30 years. Fully equipped, and no investment required. Excellent Opportunity!!! Reply to: rrranch7@yahoo.com 

TURN-KEY PODIATRIC OFFICE - CALIFORNIA

Fully equipped modern suite with built-ins at Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission Viejo CA. Four treatment rooms, New Midmark chairs, x-ray/processor, phone system & much more. $45,000/assume lease. Call Jackie, 949-493-8020.

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

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