The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 29, 2010 #3,896 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2010- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

IN Podiatrist Prefers Ankle Implants Over Joint Fusion

Virginia broke her ankle eight years ago and has screws and a plate holding it together. She can walk, but it's very painful. She hopes she has found the solution with Mishawaka podiatrist, Dr. Jeff Niespodziany. Other doctors suggested fusion surgery, which often takes care of the pain. “Well I refused. I don't want to have my ankle fused. I don't want to loose my foot,” says Virginia.

Dr. Jeff Niespodziany

Fusing ankles can limit motion, so Dr. Niespodziany now performs what's called "INBONE Total Ankle System". He's the only doctor in the area using the technology, which basically has two main pieces and can be custom-fit to the patient, mimicking a real ankle. “This type of implant is the third generation. It has been the most advantageous to ankle joint replacement and it’s pretty new,” says Dr. Niespodziany. If all goes according to plan, Virginia will go home with a cast the day after surgery that she'll wear for six weeks.

Souuce: Maureen McFadden, WNDU.com

There are Fewer Injuries Because of Improved Running Shoes: FL Podiatrist

Dr. Richard Wilson learned about the need for podiatrists while running track in high school in the early 1970s. He still runs, and hopes one day to run a marathon. "That was when the running movement got big, and podiatry was at the forefront of that," he said. "I became interested in podiatry through the sports medicine connection." Things have changed since then, especially when it comes to athletic footwear, he said.

Dr. Richard Wilson

"Finally, in the 1970s, for the first time, there were actually shoes designed for runners. A lot of the running injuries we used to see, like shin splints, we don't see anymore because of the improved quality of the shoes," he said. Foot health is important when it comes to sports, but that's just one aspect of the specialty. There are more than 700 conditions treated in podiatry, including many related to keeping the elderly up and walking as long as possible, he said.

Source: George White, Florida Today [6/27/10]

CMS To Expand Medicare Preventive Services in 2011 

On Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would implement key provisions in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 that expand preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, improve payments for primary care services, and promote access to healthcare services in rural areas. The proposed policies would apply to payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for services furnished on or after January 1, 2011.

The proposed rule would implement provisions in the Affordable Care Act that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries for most preventive services, including the new annual wellness visit.  This visit augments the benefits of the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE or “Welcome to Medicare Visit”) with an annual wellness visit that allows the physician and patient to develop a personalized prevention plan that includes not only the preventive services generally available to the Medicare population, but additional services that may be appropriate because of the patient’s individual risk factors.

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

Bret Ribotsky: What do you suggest podiatrists should be doing to prepare for the changing healthcare environment ahead?

Dr. Donald Green

Donald Green: You need to stay current with the literature. One of the best things to do to be able to develop your practice is to produce papers. You get your name in the literature and people know you from all over the country; so publish. Do some research - do some things that can prove that what you are doing is correct. Everything is: can you prove that this works? Otherwise insurance carriers are not going to pay for it.

Dr. Paul R. Scherer

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features  Dr.  Paul R. Scherer, Clinical Professor at the College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Science and CEO of ProLab Orthotics  You can register for this event by clicking here

It's Midyear - Recommit to Success

You swept up all the confetti ages ago. However, the time still is ripe for making resolutions that will lead your team to success for the second half of this year. Bring your staff together for a progress meeting. Ask employees to think about the work-related resolutions they made early in the new year. Direct them to reflect on their progress toward those goals.

If they are satisfied with their progress, congratulate them. Then challenge them to raise the bar on their performance. What can they do to stretch themselves even further?

On the other hand, if they are not pleased with the progress they have made—or if they do not remember making resolutions—strongly recommend that they take time now to revisit their plans for reaching their goals. Challenge them to identify one thing they can do—today—to make this year a successful one.

Source: Communication Briefings

RE: The Future of Podiatry (Leonard Levy, DPM, Justin Jex, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

In the past several days, we have read letters from Drs. Leonard Levy and Justin Jex. Dr. Levy addresses the possibility of podiatry schools partnering with medical schools.  Dr. Jex reiterates what we all know - that there is no shortage of podiatrists in the United States. 
 
Putting these two views together might be an answer for podiatry. Learning next to medical students, as podiatric students do at the Des Moines College, can only improve the relationship  between podiatrists and our MD/DO colleagues. We would be able to make our graduating classes smaller. A medical  colleague of ours who taught for many years at OCPM used to say that the top 50% of the podiatry class was of the same caliber as the medical school class. What an ideal situation we would have. We need to graduate fewer podiatrists who would have an education on par with the medical students. These graduates wouldn't have to fight for a good residency, and would have wonderful opportunities to practice.  
 
It almost makes me want to start over.
 
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com

RE: Langer and Orthotics (Paul Liswood, DPM)
From: Keith Gurnick, DPM

I personally know Jason Kraus, who runs Langer, and have always found him to be upfront, honest, and reputable. I have used Langer Labs for orders in the past when they had a branch in California. I still use them infrequently for specialty items, where they do a very fine job producing a custom orthotic from their New York facility.  Maybe Langer labs is filling orders from a podiatrist or other "licensed" medical professional qualified to prescribe orthotics who might be working at, or affiliated with, the shoe store. If so, there is really little you can do about it.

If, however, the lab is filling orders from "just anyone" who is sending in foam foot impression orders to be filled, then I suggest that you find another lab to fill your patients' foot orthotic orders. Try to find out exactly what is going on first by either asking your patient or phoning the shoe store and asking to speak with the person or doctor who does the foot orthotics. Take time to actually visit the store, and/ or phone Langer Labs in NY. They may not be aware of what they are doing, and if notified, they could put a stop to filling such orders.

Personally, I will no longer voluntarily support any company that used podiatry when they needed us, and then branched out direct-to-the-public to increase sales, market share, and profits. I work for my patients and my patients' dollars pay my bills. Why spend your patients' dollars at an entity that supports your competition?

Keith Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, keithgrnk@aol.com

RE: Mystery Shoppers (Dwight Bates, DPM)
From: Alan Silverstein, DPM

Isn't life difficult enough as it is? What does Dr. Bates really accomplish by having a mystery shopper, one that is only making or changing an appointment, purposely be difficult on the phone?  You can rest assured that the receptionists and appointment desks in a quality allopathic medical office -- even the saints among them -- would more than likely quickly "disconnect" a difficult phone caller. 

Alan Silverstein, DPM, NY, NY, alel@optonline.net

RE: Armstrong Decries Loss of Medicaid for Podiatric Care in AZ
From: Alan Silverstein, DPM

Few current podiatrists can meet the well-deserved national acclaim of Dr. Armstrong in representing and advocating for podiatry. To Dr. Armstrong, I sadly say, welcome to reality. Podiatrists in New York have had two decades of being excluded from the Medicaid program.

Alan Silverstein, DPM, NY, NY, alel@optonline.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NORTH DAKOTA

Established practice grossing over $460,000. One doctor, 24 to 30 hours per week. Minimal surgery at present. Hospital privileges available. No nursing homes. No Medicaid. 22% Medicare; balance primarily BS/BC, private payers. Turn-key. Surgical patient base if buyer wishes to cultivate to readily augment income. EMR in Place. ndfoctdoc@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA

Practice Grossing over $500K yearly. Good mix of surgery, orthotics, DME, diabetic care, general podiatry. Commute < 5 miles to work. Friendly Midwest lakes area with arts, good schools, affordable living, restaurants, shopping. Option to purchase building. Will consider associate to buy-in/ buy-out. Midwestpractice@gmail.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRITISH COLUMBIA

Beautiful Victoria British Columbia, on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Interviews at APMA meeting in Seattle July 15-18 Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca or phone 250-516-7440.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Fredericks premier group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time 3-DPM group in South Bay of LA County. Minutes from best living in LA County. Practice is an excellent mix of surgery, general podiatry, diabetic care, and DME. Beautiful office with EMR, Digital X-ray and Orthoses, etc. Please e-mail cover letter, and resume to footcareone@verizon.net

PODIATRISTS NEEDED NATIONWIDE

Seeking a part-time or full-time podiatrists to provide podiatry house call and diabetic shoe fitting services to patients nationwide. We are a podiatry management company and have contracts with clients that have 1,000’s of established patients and all we need are hard-working good doctors to service them. We offer an excellent compensation package with benefits and the opportunity to build a fairly large practice very quickly. coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

25 year full scope in medical building, podiatrist friendly hospitals, appreciative and cooperative patients, excellent expansion potential, physician referrals. Wonderful place to raise a family. Retiring seller will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

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

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (SOUTH OF NASHVILLE)

Active, established practice with new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Turn-key operation with seamless transition. Grossed over $350K last year. Call 931-446-5724 or e-mail mchad500@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – COLORADO

Excellent opportunity to grow and expand a practice in the northern front range, Great compensation package with buy in potential. Desire individuals with motivation to succeed and grow professionally, Please fax CV and letter of interest to; 970-351-0940.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LOS ANGELES AREA

Busy podiatry practice in South Bay, Los Angeles area looking for associate podiatric physician. Part-time initially. Good opportunity for young or established physician looking for additional work, income. Well established practice, large patient base, competent staff. Please send CV, respond to berstein.david@gmail.com

MANHATTAN MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net

LIMB PRESERVATION RESEARCH AND SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP

Boston University Medical Center offers a unique fellowship position. Be part of this unique opportunity at a major internationally-known teaching medical center. During this time, he/she will become a knowledge expert who will contribute significantly to research, surgical procedures, teaching, and innovations in limb preservation and tissue repair. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Annual Salary: Year 1 $61,000, Year 2 $66,000 plus excellent benefits. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Erin Springhetti @ erin.springhetti@bmc.org and Dr Vickie Driver @ vickie.driver@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – TEXAS

Full-time podiatrist(s) needed in Austin or San Antonio. Current Texas license required. Unique mobile podiatry practice. Better pay, fine working conditions with excellent support staff. Check out our website www.footmobile.com. Reply to footcenter1@sbcglobal.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

• 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.