The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 14, 2011 #4,206 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Podiatrists are Primary Physicians and Specialists: IPMA President

It's all too easy to take healthy feet for granted — they take you where you want to go without complaint and don't ask for much in return. But, over time, those puppies can really start barking due to corns, calluses, bunions, and other assorted ailments. But you don't have to suffer alone. You — and your feet — need an ally. That's where a podiatrist comes in.

Dr. Marlene Reid

"We're primary physicians and specialists for the foot and ankle," says Dr. Marlene Reid, president of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association. "That's all we do, which means it's best to go to a podiatrist for any foot or ankle condition, large or small."      

Source: Chicago Tribune [7/12/11]

Five NYCPM Students Inducted into Pi Delta National Podiatry Honor Society

At a pinning ceremony held recently at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM), five members of the Class of 2012 – Amarjit Chhatwal, Sari Goldman, Oendrila Kamal, Lonny Nodelman, and Devin Poonai  were inducted into the Pi Delta National Podiatry Honor Society, Gamma Chapter. Khurram Khan, DPM, Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine, and Faculty Advisor to the Gamma Chapter, served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing Louis L. Levine, President and CEO of NYCPM, who spoke about how the future of the profession of podiatry depends upon people like the inductees. 

Dr. Michael J. Trepal, NYCPM, VP for Academic Affairs & Dean, administers the Oath to the Class of 2012 Pi Delta (Gamma Chapter) Inductees.

Michael J. Trepal, DPM, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, congratulated the inductees, saying they had worked hard and consistently for this honor. Following his remarks, Dr. Trepal led the inductees in reciting the Oath. Lonny Nodelman, Pi Delta National Podiatry Honor Society President, offered closing remarks, thanking Dr. Khan for having put together an outstanding series of lectures during the year.

CA Podiatrist Collects Shoes for Summer Homeless Mission

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission's “Love Van” will deliver bottled water, long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen, and shoes to homeless people around the Coachella Valley today. The distribution is part of the mission's “90 Days of Summer Relief” campaign and “Water for the Homeless” outreach.

Dr. Harvey Danciger

Palm Desert podiatrist Dr, Harvey Danciger offered his office as a collection point for used shoes. For the past two years, Danciger has collected shoes and given them to the mission for distribution.“I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to our valley's needy by asking my patients to give shoes to the needy,” he said.

Source: The Desert Sun [7/12/11]

Lawmakers Express Concerns About IPAB

Four members of Congress testified Wednesday in the week's second congressional hearing to examine the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and Republicans aren't the only ones who favor repealing this provision in the healthcare reform law.

Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN.), a physician, and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)—both of whom have introduced legislation to repeal the IPAB—testified on the first panel of witnesses with Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and George Miller (D-CA) before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Similar to what the House Budget Committee did at its Tuesday hearing, the health subcommittee explored the purpose of the IPAB, a board of 15 non-elected officials who will have the responsibility of recommending ways to reduce Medicare costs.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [7/13/11]

Anonymous Posts: Liberating or Unprofessional?

Some stressed-out physicians are seeking the seeming safety of anonymity to blog and tweet about the travails of their lives in medicine. The results can be funny, provocative, and revealing; but to some eyes, these anonymous accounts veer from physician professionalism.

One person who tweets anonymously is @BurbDoc, who describes himself as a suburban physician in the United States. He has garnered widespread notoriety and nearly 3,000 Twitter followers among physicians, health professionals, and others for his acrid, vulgar tweets. @BurbDoc, who did not respond to an interview request made through Twitter, frequently insults patients who ask what he considers stupid questions, make unsuitable requests, or don't comply with his medical advice.

Source: Kevin B. O'Reilly, amednews [7/11/11]

Decode Patients’ Body Language

Learn to recognize and act on your patients’ physical signals. Nationally-recognized sales trainer and motivational speaker John Boe offers these guidelines when proposing a procedure:

•  Placing a thumb under the chin indicates critical judgment and a negative attitude. Entice patients to drop that gesture—and loosen up— by handing them something such as a brochure.
•  Rubbing the chin reveals that the patient is in a decision-making frame of mind. When you see that gesture, avoid the temptation to interrupt. If the gestures that follow chin-stroking are positive, schedule the procedure.
•  Rubbing the nose indicates that they don’t like the subject. Probe with open-ended questions to draw them out. Example: “What concerns do you have?”
•  Touching eyeglasses to their lips signals that they’re stalling or delaying a decision. If they put their glasses back on, it’s a positive signal. If they put them away, you have more work to do.
•  Rubbing eyes, rubbing ears, and avoiding direct eye contact are associated with lying. If you see those signs, you might not be able to salvage the session, so suggest something more conservative.

Source: Adapted from “Sit Up Straight and Pay Attention,” John Boe, The American Salesman Magazine Online via Communication Briefings

Query: Tenosynovitis, Posterior Tibial Tendon
 
I have a 78 year old female patient who has complained of heel pain when walking or standing, for many years. She has seen many doctors and has a few pairs of orthotics and has received two cortisone injections plantarly. I determined the pain was not plantar fasciitis, but the pain emanated from the Achilles insertion area. I have tried numerous treatment modalities including ultrasound, laser, electromagnetic energy, ESWT, Achilles night splints, but she has had no relief.  

The ultrasound results are as follows: 5mm calcification Achilles right, calcification posterior tibial tendon 2mm right, sheath fluid seen at the medial maleolus level with mild edema, tenosynovitis posterior tibial tendon. Any treatment suggestions?.
 
Hartley Miltchin DPM, Toronto, Canada

Query: Faster Alternative to Surscripts?

Surescripts is VERY slow. Has anyone found a more efficient eprescribe software?

Steven Block, DPM, Owensboro, KY

RE: Post-operative Complication (David Weiss, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

The first metatarsal capital segment from the Austin osteotomy procedure has healed with the first metatarsal cartilagenous surface in a medial and adducted position. Correction of this complication can be accomplished with a reverse Reverdin-Green osteotomy of the first metatarsal. The apex of this osteotomy is centered at the medial aspect of the first metatarsal metaphysis. An abductory wedge is removed with the distal cut paralleling the articular surface of the first metatarsal cartilagenous surface, and the proximal cut made perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal bone. Fixation of the osteotomy can be accomplished with staple or crossed Kirschner wire fixation, and the patient should be non-weight-bearing 6-8 weeks. The utilization of bone stimulator should be considered.

An alternative to the above procedure would be an...

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

RE: Silastic Implant Complication
From: Robert Gelles, DPM

When I took my surgical boards, one of the oral questions involved a diabetic with neuropathy who had an implant inserted. Swelling developed. Was it a Charcot-type reaction or osteomyelitis? The correct response was remove the implant and do a bone biopsy. However, the moral of the story was not to put an implant in a diabetic with neuropathy.

Robert Gelles, DPM, Palos Heights, IL, gelles16@comcast.net

RE: Attesting with Practice Fusion (Joseph Marzzacco, DPM)
From: Carlos A. Rojas, DPM

Technically, you CANNOT attest using Practice Fusion yet; you will need to have met meaningful use for a consecutive 90-day reporting period using a certified EHR. Practice Fusion became certified on June 2, 2011. In the meantime, you can register and start the attestation process.  

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER

I have a class four pain laser for sale. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargable and can be move from room to room or office to office. This isn't the cold laser that you see. It is a 10 watt laser. We have used this laser on NFL sports players. For those that understand a good laser. E-mail David Zuckerman, DPM for Details and pricing. footcare@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana. 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 - 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 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Busy multi-office practice in L.A./Inland Empire areas in need of full-time or part-time associate for a well paid position. NO Nursing homes! Must have CA license. Medicare and DME numbers are helpful. Please send CV and contact information to scpodgroup@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY – SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Searching for the “perfect” associate for our busy and rapidly growing practice; EMR, ultrasound, vascular studies, and DME. We have advanced surgical and admitting privileging at multiple teaching hospitals. You must bring strong medical and surgical skills to a practice that is sincere about teaching you success in private practice. Hardworking and personable doctors only! Partnership track. If we sound like your “perfect” practice, email CV, letter of recommendation, personal introduction of yourself, why you are passionate about podiatry (like us) and want to live in Southern New Jersey to doctor@sjfootdrs.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN DIEGO

Well-established practice is seeking an associate with the opportunity for a future partnership position. Great location and medical environment. Must have a California license and an interest in the full range of podiatric services. Please email resume and cover letter to ethuen@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Busy, well-established for 35 years, multi-site practice in upstate New York looking for licensed podiatrist who is ready for a thriving practice. Must be highly motivated, personable and great with patients. Competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV or letter of interest to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

San Antonio, Texas. Prefer an experienced practitioner in all phases of podiatry; will consider PSR36 trained resident, with good people skills. This opportunity will lead to full partnership for the right person. Good starting salary and benefits in modern office in Northeast Medical Center. Fax CV to 210-495-6484 or email footcenter1@sbcglobal.net

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.

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

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 - NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where... you can see 0-50 patients daily .. .average 100 new patients monthly have zero accounts receivable ... gross $480 M per year .... live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contact pistone@telus.net or 250-754-4192.

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.

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

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