The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 23, 2011 #4,188 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Diabetics Should Avoid Pedicures: PA Podiatrist

“Many of my patients say if your foot hurts, then you hurt all over,” said Dr. Mark Pinker, podiatrist with Pinker & Associates in South Middleton Twp. However, diabetics and those without normal circulation in the feet cannot feel when their feet are injured. 

Dr. Mark Pinker

“Diabetics suffer from diabetic neuropathy,” Pinker said. “They lose the protective feeling of pain. So they might go for five, six days without knowing they cut themselves.” Pinker recommends that diabetics avoid pedicures. “I’ve seen too many people getting in trouble with that.”

Source: Julia Hatmaker, The Patriot-News [6/21/11]

NY Podiatrist Named President Of Honorary Police Surgeons

Dr. Nicholas G. Camarinos has been named the new president of the Society of Honorary Police Surgeons of the City of New York. The society is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteer doctors appointed for their expertise in their respective fields by the NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to serve New York’s Finest. While there are full-time police surgeons staffed by the NYPD, the honorary police surgeons serve a vital role in treating cops in their most vulnerable time of need, when they are injured in the line of duty. Most notably, honorary police surgeons assisted in the identification of remains of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack. 

(L-R); NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, NYPD Supervising Chief Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleinman and Dr. Nicholas Camarinos

Camarinos is a product of the Astoria community, born and raised in Astoria, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Saint John’s University in 1963, and became a licensed pharmacist in 1964. He supported himself as a pharmacist while working on his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree which he obtained in 1968 from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He is board-certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot Surgeons.

Source: The Queens Gazette [6/15/11]

MT Podiatrist Addresses Students at Her Alma Mater

A 1998 graduate of Susquehanna Community High School who went on to become a podiatrist returned to her alma mater Saturday morning to encourage the 2011 class. Dr. Esther Barnes encouraged the graduates to do everything they could to master whatever they decided to do in life. 

Dr. Esther Barnes

"Working hard and being good at what you do leads to success," Dr. Barnes said, also noting that it's important to treat people the way you want to be treated. The importance of interacting with people by being truly interested in what they do and who they are also was stressed. Dr. Barnes encouraged the graduates to reach beyond their immediate goals as they strive to meet their life's ambitions and ultimate success.

Source: Helen Foster, The Times-Tribune [6/12/11]

AZ Podiatrist to Receive 2011 ADA Roger Pecoraro Lecture Award

The American Diabetes Association, the nation's leading voluntary health organization in the fight to Stop Diabetes has announced that Robert G. Frykberg, DPM, MPH of Phoenix, AZ will be presented with the Roger Pecoraro Lecture Award. The award is named in honor of Roger Pecoraro, who died in 1991. Pecoraro’s early work paved the way toward understanding the causes of limb-threatening wounds and infections and how to treat and prevent them. The Pecoraro Award is considered the highest honor in the world of the diabetic foot and wound healing. 

Dr. Robert Frykberg

Dr. Frykberg is Chief of the Podiatry Section in the Department of Surgery at Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix, and is Adjunct Professor in Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ.

AMA Calls for Amending Health-Reform Law

A resolution that originally called for the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was approved by the American Medical Association House of Delegates on Monday—but only after the word "repeal" was changed to "amend" and several other changes were made.

The resolution calls on the AMA to advocate for the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board and the enactment of comprehensive medical liability reform, long-term Medicare physician payment reform (including allowing Medicare patients to privately contract with physicians without penalty), and anti-trust reform so that independent physicians can collectively negotiate with insurance companies.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Physician [6/21/11]

Query: Antibiotic Bone Penetration

Does anyone know, currently, which oral antibiotic has the best bone penetration which covers gram positive organisms?

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

Query: Waterproof Custom-Orthotic Sandals

Does anyone know of a lab that manufactures waterproof custom orthotic sandals?

Jennifer B. Ryder, DPM, Rapid City, SD

RE: Clinical Success with Poor Radiological Result (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Conforti, DPM

It appears that the distance or space between the metatarsal heads 1 and 2 has not decreased. It appears that Dr. Sullivan performed a Lapidus but did not really reduce the IM angle (the line in the 1st Met in the post-op x-ray does not really bisect the 1st Met to give a realistic post-op IM angle). My opinion is that the choice of procedure was correct, but the execution of the surgical procedure was not optimal. 

Whenever I perform a bunion procedure, I load the forefoot and see if the hallux touches the 2nd toe. If it does, I believe an Akin procedure is mandatory to have an acceptable outcome. This must be done, even if an Akin was not planned. Remember, when you move the 1st metatarsal laterally or the 1st metatarsal head with an Austin laterally, the hallus will move laterally also and push the lesser digits laterally, crowding them and causing the problem he sees in his x-ray. 

In my consent, I always just put planned procedure as "bunionectomy and correction of foot deformity".  This gives me leeway to do whatever is necessary to correct the deformity. To sum up my thoughts, the problem is not decreasing the IM angle and not doing an Akin.
 
Jeffrey Conforti, DPM, Ridgewood, NJ, jconfortiusa@yahoo.com

RE: Recruiting Podiatry Students (Barry Block, DPM, JD)
From: Jack M. Davis, DPM, MS, PhD

In the June/July Podiatry Management, Dr. Block pleads for more applicants to podiatry schools. Simply, in a (somewhat) free market, people purchase products that are of value to them. MD/DO schools' applications are up. Applications to Doctor of Nurse Practice programs are up. Even dental schools are thriving. A significant majority of podiatrists want full MD-equivalent degrees for new students plus pathways for current DPMs to obtain such qualifications. With MD or equivalent degrees, we can effectively compete for applicants. It is evident that what podiatry offers is not selling.

Jack M. Davis, DPM, MS, PhD,  Farr West, UT, jack.davis@nellis.af.mil

RE: Free EMR Programs: You Usually Get What You Pay For (Michael Brody, DPM)
From: Carlos A. Rojas, DPM

In regard to Dr. Brody’s article in the June/July Issue of Podiatry Management, a correction is necessary since Practice Fusion (PF) became certified as a complete EHR on June 02, 2011. Every PF user knew about it months in advance. Early this year PF had announced that full certification would be obtained this summer.

In regard to “getting what you pay for”, I have gotten incalculable benefits with PF, based on the fact that it is totally free and no additional modules or any additional software are necessary to run this program. I recently had the opportunity to compare highly priced EHR software from different vendors, and the clean and intuitive user interface of PF is ostensible superior. PF software is not perfect, but neither are the other highly priced software programs; in addition, PF’s customer service is highly professional, attentive, and effective.

Disclosure: I have no association with Practice Fusion.

Carlos A. Rojas, DPM. Miami, FL, crojavec@yahoo.com

RE: AMA Says Claims Errors Cost $17 Billion
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, said that insurers and providers share the responsibility of improving claims payment accuracy and efficiency. "At the same time, more work needs to be done to reduce the number of claims submitted to health plans that are duplicative, inaccurate, or delayed." I read the article which contained the above quote. The world of insurance claims processing is so complex and convoluted, it’s amazing claims get paid at all. I laughed at the fact that this spokesman tried to lay blame on providers. Neither patients nor doctors have an easy time figuring out the EOB, and it appears as if ...

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

Re: FL Podiatrist Sees Home Visits as the Next Big Thing
From: Barry Mullen, DPM
 
Home visits are completely off the charts for one professional function only - generation of community good will! Time spent away from one's office and associated travel expenses make for a money-losing proposition relative to income generated by servicing patients in one's office. However, the occasional referral from a home visit patient and the local VNA servicing that community, in conjunction with that good will, more than offset a 1/2 day of income loss. I've performed home visits since day one in private practice. Those patients are genuinely gratified when seen in their homes. I'm confident that gratification validates one's "ticket to heaven."

Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Modern practice seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) associate. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, hardworking individual with strong surgical and medical skills. Solid referral network and 13 years of growth. Come live in the Iowa City area and enjoy the quality of life and stability of a Big Ten University community. Competitive salary and benefit package available. If interested, fax CV to 319-354-1014 or e-mail to dave@341foot.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Seeking associate for busy, growing practice located in Toms River, Ocean County. Looking for PSR 24/36, board eligible doctor. Basic podiatry a must. Practice has a up-to-date EMR and practice management program. Digital x-rays, ultrasound, laser, vascular studies. Excellent opportunity for highly motivated and ethical DPM. Send CV to toesec@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 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/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 - 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

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 - 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

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSOURI

Well established, but still growing. Grossed over $300,000 last year. Located in a thriving medical community. Good payer mix. All aspects of podiatry needed in the area. Do not let this opportunity to own your own practice pass you by. Contact footdoc2002@yahoo.com for more information.

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 - 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 - 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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

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