The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 01, 2010 #3,898 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Benoit Elected President of VPMA

Gifford podiatric surgeon Dr. Nicolas Benoit has been elected president of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Association, a professional organization for Vermont podiatrists and a state chapter of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Benoit’s appointment is a one-year position that will have him overseeing the group’s budget and other matters, and also possibly lobbying in Vermont and Washington, D.C. “I look forward to furthering interest, education, and professional excellence around podiatric medicine and health,” Dr. Benoit said.

Dr. Nicolas Benoit

Podiatrists are needed in Vermont. According to the national association’s listing, Vermont has just 21 affiliated podiatrists, four of whom are from Gifford. Gifford’s podiatrists work at health centers in Berlin, Randolph, and Sharon to try to meet a regional need for foot and ankle care. Gifford podiatrists Dr. Rob Rinaldi and Dr. Kevin McNamara have both served as past presidents of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: VermontBiz.com [6/29/10]

NWPF Presents Annual Awards

Dr. G Dock Dockery, Chairman of the Board, Northwest Podiatric Foundation for Education & Research, USA, presented the 2010 NWPF Awards to three outstanding podiatric physicians at the 40th Annual Seattle Residency Graduation Ceremony. The program was held at the World Trade Center Seattle following the NWPF Seattle Summer Seminar, June 19, 2010. The award winners were all voted on by the Swedish Podiatric Surgical Residents, the teaching faculty of the program and the members of the NWPF Board of Medical Advisors and Board of Directors. 

(L-R) Drs. Bouche', Christensen, and Schuberth

The Member of the Year Award was presented to Richard T. Bouche', DPM.
The Outstanding Teaching Award was presented to John M. Schuberth, DPM.
The National Service Award was presented to Jeffrey Christensen, DPM.

Amputation Prevention: There's an App for That - First Medical Consult Via iPhone

In what may be the first documented iPhone4 medical video consultation, University of Arizona surgeon David G. Armstrong, consulted with Los Angeles Surgeon Lee Rogers' patient who had undergone foot reconstruction at the University's Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA). "This really is a game changing tool," notes Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of SALSA.

Dr. David Armstrong (inset Dr. Lee Rogers)

"While the University of Arizona has had one of the world's top tele-health systems, the ability to communicate quickly with something that is an afterthought has the potential to alter how we work with our colleagues and patients. Just as with the iPod in music and the laptop in computing, it is not the change in technology, but the change in form factor and ubiquity that alters this landscape." Dr. Rogers was attending the American Diabetes Association meeting in Orlando, when he took the "FaceTime" call from Armstrong, who had returned from Orlando to his SALSA clinics a day earlier.

GA Podiatrist Arrested on Drug Charges

Police have arrested an Athens podiatrist on drug charges, including distribution. According to arrest reports, police arrested Dr. Kevin Scott Uren, 48, Athens, GA on Monday evening. Police charged Uren with distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance violation, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. He is out of the Limestone County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Source: Decatur Daily [6/29/10]

AAPPM Hold Their Own Successful Summit Conference in Canada

Among the leaders of the world at the G8/G20 Summit in Toronto, Canada, the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) this past weekend  hosted a two-day practice management conference in conjunction with the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM). "It was such a joy to teach practice management to our colleagues in Canada.  All of our speakers felt highly appreciated for their efforts, and it was so gratifying knowing how the attendees embraced concepts taught at this meeting," said Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman.

AAPPM Speakers and CFPM CEO Dr. Stephen Hartman (second from left, top) in Toronto.

Even though the payer system is much different in Canada, concepts presented taught improved patient care, efficiency, staff satisfaction, expanding services in the office, marketing, and how to enjoy each and every day as an expert of the lower extremity. "This was the best practice management education ever provided in Canada. Hal Ornstein and his team have proven that there really are no borders to podiatric education. The AAPPM's practice management program was definitely a home run!" said Stephen Hartman, DCh, BSc (Pod. Med.), CEO of CFPM. Plans are underway for an expanded CFPM/AAPPM practice management program next summer in downtown Toronto.

91 Percent of U.S. Physicians Practicing 'Defensive Medicine'

Most American doctors believe their colleagues order more patient tests and procedures than needed, to protect themselves against lawsuits, a new national survey shows.

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City queried 2,416 physicians and found that 91 percent think this type of "defensive medicine" is the norm. In addition, 90.7 percent of the respondents believe better protection against unwarranted malpractice suits is necessary to reduce the number of unnecessary medical tests.

Source: Bloomberg [6/28/10]

Query: TENS 
 
I am interested in dispensing TENS units through my office. I would like to know if podiatrists are having success with this DME product. 
 
Olga Luepschen, DPM, Sebring, FL

RE: Cross-Over 2nd Toe  (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I believe that the second and third metatarsals are long, relative to the other metatarsals, and are therefore overloading the 2nd and 3rd MTP joints, leading to the varus deviations. Soft tissue correction is warranted, but first and foremost, the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals need to be shortened to redistribute forefoot pressures.

John D. Gilfert, DPM, Enola, PA, gilfertzgg@comcast.net

This patient doesn't have metatarsus adductus. The bunion procedure shortened the 1st met which effectively and functionally lengthened the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals, leading to the instability causing the adductovarus 2nd/3rd toes.

Shortening 2/3 met osteotomies with MTPJ capsulotendon balancing procedures and K-wire fixation of the toes will fix the problem.  To avoid this problem in the future, measure the met profusion distance between the 1st/2nd mets, and if the 1st is inherently shorter than 2mm angle, your chevron bunion osteotomy from proximal/media to distal/lateral to avoid 1st met shortening and 2/3 met overload.

Randall Brower, DPM, Prescott, AZ, footdoctor33@yahoo.com

Performing Weil osteotomies on the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals with slight medial displacement of the head works extremely well in realigning the toes. The metatarsals appear long, and the shortening and medial displacement would be an ideal combination. You do not need to pin across the joints either. Simply bandage the toes into plantarflexion and abduction. Use a Darco splint with Velcro toe straps as a post-op splint. 
 
Neil B. Levin, DPM Sycamore, IL, drfeet1@aol.com

RE: PECOS Update June 2010
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

A report released today by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reveals that $1.2 billion in Medicare Part D prescription drug claims contained invalid prescriber identifiers in 2007.

This further clarifies the CMS  rationale to mandate PECOS enrollment in order for prescription drugs to be covered under Medicare Part D. This will further increase the pressure for the local Medicare carriers and providers to comply with this deadline.

Paul Kesselman, DPM Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Retail Custom Orthotics
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

With all due respect to all the fine orthotic companies out there, do you think for one minute that they would not love to have the market share and profits that Dr. Scholl's enjoys? Make no mistake, they are also in business for profit.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Loss of Medicaid for Podiatric Care
From: Gregory B. Nellis, DPM
 
The loss of Medicaid podiatric coverage in more and more states is disheartening. Podiatrists in New York have been discriminated against for years. The key here is to realize that the remedy to this problem is at the federal level, and not by attempting to fight each and every state. We need unity of effort to get the federal legislation passed that will require all states to recognize us as physicians.
 
Gregory B. Nellis, DPM, Gloversville, NY, gbndpm@yahoo.com

RE: Medicare Fee Reversal (Marc Bendeth, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

Dr. Bendeth asked, "When will we wake up?" My response is, perhaps never. The medical field, in general, after the abuses in the past from greedy doctors who overcharged and "milked down" the system, paved the way for what is going on in the present. No one cares as long as it is not hurting them personally. So, as an example, other than the Gulf of Mexico communities affected by BP's oil spill fiasco, I still see all of BP's gas stations with customers filling their tanks. Why? Because no one cares. Why do we get pay cuts? Because no one cares about the "rich doctors".
 
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.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

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 – MAINE

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

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 – 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.

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. NDFOOTDOC@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

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