The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,900 Podiatrists Daily

June 24, 2008 #3,280 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Painful Feet are Never the Norm: NJ Podiatrist

"Painful, achy feet should never be the norm," says Keith Rosenthal, D.P.M., a podiatrist on staff at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood. "When patients experience foot pain that impacts their mobility or quality of life, it's an indicator that something is wrong and needs to be addressed, and the sooner the better," he adds. "Foot or heel pain affects the way you carry yourself and walk, which, if not treated, can result in further injury or pain that develops in your knees, hips and back." There are many factors that can cause foot pain; however, overuse and poorly-fitted shoes are often the leading culprits.

Dr. Keith Rosenthal

"Athletes and people who are on their feet for long periods of time often suffer from painful corns, calluses and blisters," says Dr. Rosenthal. While they can be uncomfortable, these conditions, which are caused by friction or pressure on the feet, are rarely cause for concern, unless you're a diabetic.

"Diabetics are prone to a host of serious foot problems, including ulcers and infections that can start with something as small as a cut, scratch or blister on the foot, and ultimately can lead to amputation," he explains. "Never pop blisters or trim corns or calluses on your own," he stresses, "particularly if you're a diabetic, because that can lead to serious infections."

Source: Howell Times [6/20/08]

TN Podiatrist Widens Foot Care Services for Homeless

As Earlene Roshell Baker had lotion rubbed on her feet at Chattanooga Community Kitchen earlier this week, she practically cooed. Ms. Baker was one of 11 homeless clients that day of the agency’s weekly foot-care ministry. The ministry was started more than five years ago and continues to be run by Brother Ron Fender, a member of the Episcopal Brotherhood of St. Gregory and the Community Kitchen’s outreach case manager.

Dr. Chris Segler

Now, Chattanooga podiatrist Dr. Chris Segler, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga nursing instructor Lisa Muirhead and UTC nursing students will partner in the duties each week, offering the same human touch but also medical care and referrals for those clients with more serious issues. “There’s a great need (of assistance) for people that need care for their feet,” said Dr. Segler, “particularly people who walk all day long oftentimes in ill-fitting or completely worn-out shoes.”

The podiatrist, a Chattanooga native, first began volunteering at the agency about two years ago after hearing a presentation by Mr. Fender at Church of the Good Shepherd-Episcopal. He recently changed his practice hours at the Ankle & Foot Center of Chattanooga to accommodate the additional treatment. Dr. Segler, who worked with homeless populations in Houston and San Francisco during his medical training, said foot care is often neglected by homeless people.

Source: Clint Cooper Chattanooga Times-Free Press, [6/21/08]

TX Podiatrists Offer Public Free Book on Foot Care

A new book, created by podiatrists who practice here in North Texas, is being offered for free to local residents who are suffering from foot pain. “We see patients every day who suffer from foot and ankle pain,” reports Dana Giacalone, DPM of Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT). “Our patients typically are suffering from painful heels that ache or throb, or pain in the balls of their feet, bunions, hammertoes, or many other symptoms such as a burning sensation, rashes, dry cracked skin or even open sores. They have trouble putting weight on their feet or they limp, and even just wearing shoes is painful.”

Dr. Dana Giacalone

“Many of these new patients have put off seeing a podiatrist for a variety of reasons: they are worried about losing time off from work, they are concerned that the condition might be more serious than they realize, they are worried about costs, and they worry that they may have to wear uncomfortable braces or unattractive shoes, just to name a few,” reports Adriana Karpati, DPM.

Dr. Adriana Karpati

Source: Grapevine Sun [6/21/08]

Send Your Staff on a Shopping Spree

Everyone likes a cash bonus, but too many employees deposit the money in their bank accounts, use it to pay their monthly bills, and soon forget about it. At no additional cost, you can make a cash bonus even more meaningful by sending your staff on a shopping spree.

The owner of a successful dental practice did just that when he closed his office for two hours one Friday afternoon and took his entire staff to a local shopping mall. He handed each of them an envelope containing $200 in cash. The Catch: They’d have to return any money not spent in the allotted time. The employees spend the next hour dashing wildly from store to store, yelling back and forth about the treasures they’d found.

Bonus: By adding the aura of unexpected excitement to the presentation of the bonus money, the doctor was able to create a special team-building opportunity for his staff. The trip gave his staff the chance to interact with each other in a social situation completely separate from the normal working environment.

Source: Adapted from “Having Fun With Reward and Recognition” by Matt Weinstein

Query: In-office Venipuncture and Lamisil

I have recently completed my residency and I am about to start my own practice. I would like to know if there are any DPM's out there or their medical assistants who draw blood in office when prescribing oral Lamisil. If so, are there any legal considerations that I should know about.

Lawann Scott, DPM, Louisville, KY

Query: Helping Flood Victims

At the most recent meeting of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society Board of Trustees, there were inquiries about colleagues that may have been impacted by the recent flooding. Do we have podiatrists in need and how can we help?

Bob Warkala, DPM, Sewell, NJ

Editor’s comment: Podiatrists are a close-knit community. PM News is proud of the role we played after Hurricane Katrina in helping displaced podiatrists secure employment. We stand ready to act in a similar fashion for any of the victims of the recent floods in the Midwest and elsewhere. We urge any podiatrists in need of such assistance to contact us at bblock@podiatrym.com

RE: High Quality Korex or Rubber Butter Orthotic
From: Greg Caringi, DPM

I have used Levy + Rappel in Saddle Brook, NJ, for many years and have always been very satisfied with their products and service. Although I still perform a thorough biomechanical exam, measurements, and plaster impressions for my functional orthotics, I have found that L+R's Korex and latex mold accommodative orthotics to be the perfect device for my aging patients. I use them now more than ever.

Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA, DrGregC@msn.com

RE: Non-Diabetic Orthopedic Shoes (Joan E. Schiller, DPM)
From: Robert Gaynor, DPM

A couple of the podiatric shoe companies sell lines of shoes that are name-brand but also Medicare-approved for diabetics. The New Balance line represents a tremendous opportunity to sell your patients a quality walking, running, or cross-trainer shoe. You can offer the New Balance line when you dispense a pair of orthotics to a patient. This adds to your bottom line and at the same time provides a good service. Several companies offer the New Balance line, including Dia-Foot and Safe Step.

Robert Gaynor, DPM, President, Dia-Foot, Nailcutter@aol.com

RE: Refusing To See Patients
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

There are a number of legitimate reasons why a physician might refuse a patient. A patient of mine many years ago stole a check from me by signing my name to the insurance re-imbursement and went to Hawaii on the money. I was really poor then. It hurt a lot. He had the audaciity to return to see me 15 years later. He had never returned for any post-operative visits and removed the sutures himself (apparently).

Not surprisingly, I refused to see him. The reason I gave was that he had “abandoned me” and had not come in for post-operative care. I said nothing about the fee or my forged signature. I felt like strangling him, but said nothing. I had my technical assistant tell him that I would not see him, and why, but avoided any comments about my fee.

There are other reasons why a physician might refuse a prescription refill. Kaiser Foundation will not refill antibiotic prescriptions for colds or flu without first examining the patient. They have a policy against prescribing antibiotics for colds, including many respiratory infections.

I think it is possible to fully justify refusing to see a patient on a number of grounds, excluding late or defaulted fee payments. Most of those patients are not compliant anyway. You and your patient have a partnership to help them secure good foot and ankle health. I think it is important for you to explain this to your patients, even the ones you don’t operate on.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1@prodigy.net

ASSOCIATE WANTED IMMEDIATELY – NEW YORK

Part-time or Full-time for group practice Fast track to partnership. Located in Orange & Sullivan County, NY. Commute from adjoining counties to see how it fits. Monroe, NY office is only 1 hour from Manhattan. All phases of podiatric care. Call Dr Marc Hudes 845-807-8864. Check out our practice website

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – CALIFORNIA

Coast to Coast Mobile Podiatry Group, California's premier provider of mobile on-site health-care services is seeking hardworking, caring Associates to provide excellent health-care to the greater Los Angeles areas, Organge County, San Bernadino County, Riverside, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. Salary and benefits available. Please email you CV and salary request to coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

Seeking surgically trained individual competent in all phases of podiatric care. Outstanding salary and benefits. F/Tor P/T contact email rsher18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

Busy Wantagh, NY office. Motivated, preferably board certified, hard working, experienced in all phases of Podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242 7540 or Fax Resume 516 826 9036 or email jobke@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA PRIME LAKES AREA

Great place to live and raise a family. 400+K yearly gross with continued growth and potential. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Hospital privileges available. Fully computerized, electronic notes with capability to go completely paperless. Recently remodeled office, 5 tx/procedure rooms, well-equipped in owner occupied building (for sale or lease). 260 402-7490.

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING – CHATTANOOGA, TN

Excellent opportunity for a young well-trained personable podiatrist to join a rapidly growing practice. $100,000 salary. PSR-36 minimum required. Live, work and play in a beautiful area with many recreational opportunities including rock climbing, hang-gliding, whitewater paddling, fishing, boating, etc. Option for partnership/ownership track. No nursing homes. No weekends. E-mail cover letter and CV to drsegler@anklecenter.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Seeking three-year trained resident for associateship, hopefully leading to partnership. Competent in all phases of podiatry particularly reconstructive rearfoot surgery. Outstanding opportunity for the right individual. Reply to Richard Pollak at 210-692-0279, or fax resume to 210-692-0028 or e-mail drpllk@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTNERSHIP NY/PA

Group practice located on NY-PA border with excellent growth in the area’s industrial, retail, and college campuses. Surgical privileges in medical centers in NY and PA. This position will involve rotating through multiple office locations, and wound care centers. Local insurance reimbursement involves mostly private pay PPO models. We are looking for an ABPS Board Qualified podiatrist to join our team. Candidates would need to obtain licenses in NY and PA, and become ABPS certified to maintain hospital privileges. Base salary starting at 85,000.00 with bonus plan incentive, vacation, and health/mp insurances. Forward CV to prefprovider@hotmail.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 full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in the Chicago land and Northwest Indiana area. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to d-kitchens@footexperts.com

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