The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 18, 2008 #3,301 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

WA Podiatrist Provides Advice on Calluses and Pedicures

“If a callus doesn’t come off easily, see a doctor,” said John McCord, a podiatrist with Western Washington Foot and Ankle Specialists in Centralia. And don’t use sharp objects when trying to remove a callus. Exfoliating products like pumice stones work well and aren’t likely to cause injuries. “If people are going to do surgery on themselves, they should get a second opinion,” McCord said.

Dr. John McCord

As far as getting pedicures, people shouldn’t go just anywhere, McCord cautioned. Cleanliness is important, and he suggested those with vascular problems or diabetes in particular should make sure an autoclave is used to sterilize instruments.

Source: Kathy Hall, The Centralia Chronicle [7/16/08]

Barry Begins Move into Center for Community Health and Minority Medicine

This week, faculty and staff from Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine and the Physician Assistant Program began moving into the Center for Community Health and Minority Medicine. The Center will serve more than 400 health professional students, including students from the College of Health Sciences. Working from a collaborative model, the Center will provide an enormous opportunity not only for the university but for the South Florida community it serves.

Barry's New Center for Community Health and Minority Medicine

With its three-phase development plan, the Center will house classroom, research and clinical facilities used to focus on diseases that adversely affect minority and underserved communities. It will also facilitate the development of educational programs for the prevention, treatment and management of these diseases.

Phase I of the center cost approximately $5 million with the total cost of constructing the Barry University Center for Community Health and Minority Medicine estimated at more than $18 million. It is anticipated that third- and fourth-year podiatric medical students will attend classes in the new facility in the fall 2008 semester, just 19 months after its groundbreaking in January of 2007.

MA Podiatrist Becomes First Podiatrist on Wellness Task Force

APMA member David B. Alper, DPM, has been appointed to the HealthyMass Disease Management and Wellness Task Force. HealthyMass is a new, multi-faceted initiative spearheaded by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth, Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, under direct order from Governor Deval Patrick. Dr. Alper is the only podiatric physician on the task force.

Dr. David B. Alper

Participation in the task force involves multiple state agencies, health and human service providers, and others working together to ensure access to high-quality and cost-effective care and to promote individual and community-wide wellness.

Dr. Alper is a past president of the Mass. Podiatric Medical Society (MPMS) and a past delegate to the APMA House of Delegates. He also is the newly appointed president of the Northeast Leadership Board of the American Diabetes Association, which is one reason he has been asked to join the HealthyMass Task Force. Dr. Alper is the first podiatric physician to hold this title.

Source: Belmont Citizen-Herald [7/15/08]

Tactful Responses to Blunt Remarks

What do you say when someone throws a rude comment in your face? To counter such comments, take these steps:

Agree with the facts. If someone says “You messed up,” say “Yes, I did make a mistake.” Respond only to what the person said, not to what the words imply.

Keep your cool. You probably can’t change that type of person. Don’t waste energy defending yourself or retaliating.

Source: Adapted from “How to Deal With Useless Criticism.”

Query: Post-op Pitting Edema

I performed an Austin bunionectomy (with an orthosorb pin) on a 45 year old female. The post-op x-rays are normal. She now has pitting edema. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Brian Quinn, DPM, NY, NY

Query: Used X-Ray Cassettes

Does anyone know of a source for good quality, used x-ray cassettes? With so many people switching to digital, I am having a difficult time I am having finding these.

Norm Wortzman DPM, North Quincy, MA

RE: Chronic Dryness and Cracking in Heels (Rick Burnell, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Consider pitted keratolysis caused by corynebacterium minitussimum. I see this in the summer with multiple punctate 'callus'-type lesions. It responds well to topical ATS 2% solution (erythromycin) twice a day, and oral erythromycin 500mg BID for one to two weeks.

Mark Miller, DPM, Bakersfield, CA, miller@wetreatyourfeet.com

I have made some patients very happy by suggesting daily use of a sports lubricant on their cracked heel skin. “Body Glide” seems to be the most popular/available. They have it at running stores. It’s about $10 for a stick and it comes in a stick container that looks like deodorant.

If that doesn’t work, there is another product called “Brave Soldier -Friction Zone” which is a little more expensive and harder to find, but seems a little more effective.

Eric Edelman, DPM, Syracuse, NY, ericedelman@gmail.com

Three rounds of failed anti-fungal therapy says enough. I would look at cellular fatty acid levels and the patient's level of hydration. Inadequate or inappropriate intake or utilization of fatty acids is often the culprit. I would suggest a RBC Fatty Acid Assay. Additionally, it has been my experience that a large segment of my patient population is simply dehydrated from either not drinking enough water or consuming too much caffeine. There are also other factors that may be responsible, but I would look here first.

Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Lake Success, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: Billing Training Service (Name Withheld)
From: Multiple Respondents

Our company, L C Medical Management, a podiatric billing service and practice management company located in San Antonio, TX offers podiatric billing training/education. Our phone number is 210-491-0057 or we can be contacted by email.

Lisa Schulze, LC Medical Management, lisa.schulze@yahoo.com

I recently also had a billing problem. I ended up hiring IPS (Integrated Physician Systems) out of Florida, i.e., I out-sourced my billing. I find them very professional, and they straightened out most of my previous billing problems, so now I have a steady cash flow. I would highly recommend them.

Stanton J. Cohen, DPM, Yuma, AZ, yumafeet@yahoo.com

Stable and efficient billing personnel is vital to your practice. When I hear about billing/collection woes from any of the many practitioners I speak to in any given day, I recommend Medical Practice and Consulting Group in KY (866-505-6724). A very successful podiatrist told me how he almost had to shut his doors for lack of collections. Within a year of hiring this service, he doubled his clinical staff, reduced his clerical payroll, moved in to a larger office, and hired an associate.

Most podiatrists say they were reluctant to hire a service due to the fees involved, but found the increase in reimbursements, reduction in unproductive payroll due hiring and training, and the steady cash flow is well worth the expense. There are many good billing services, but I suggest you get a referral from someone you trust before hiring.

Susan Boren, President Earthwalk Orthotics, eworthotics@neo.rr.com

RE: Podiatric Research Project?

I received a call from a patient whom had bilateral great toe implant arthoplasties several years ago. The patient told my receptionist that she is now dating a cop and wanted to know if it would be alright if he "tasered" her or if the shock would settle in the metal implants and cause any harm. I recommended against it due to the lack of FDA double-blinded, controlled-placebo studies.

Robert M. Przynosch, DPM, Ashevile, NC

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

1) 'Vintage' working x-ray machine, by X-Ray Manufacturing Corporation. Passed recent inspection and takes fine X-rays. It's on wheels, though too heavy to move from room to room. Also included is an auto-developer. Buyer responsible for pick-up in Baldwin, NY, as well as removal of developer (if desired). Excellent for new practitioner or satellite office. Price: $600 2) PDM motorized chair/table in excellent condition. Tan/gold color. Price: $600 Price of both together: $1,000 phone: 516 223 4026, email aikiman44@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTNERSHIP

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 plus bonus plan incentive, vacation, and health/mp insurances. Forward CV to prefprovider@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA

Atlanta area need a full-time or part-time associate for a 25 years old well-established practice ,well rounded surgery and routine, please email your CV to superrang@bellsouth.net

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

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

PRACTICES FOR SALE - BROOKLYN & QUEENS

Well-established practices grossing high $200's for sale with approximately 90% C & C and 10% SX. Great locations and visibility. Well-respected doctors and staff willing to stay. Ask about 90-125% financing options with little to nothing down. American Doctor Sales; 614-918-3000 or email us at sell_my_practice@yahoo.com. Please visit us our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA

Central Valley/Southern CA. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Surgery Center and hospital based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice. E-mail CV to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON, MA

Associate wanted, Full-time or part-time, for busy long time, well established, and well rounded practice. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Office will generate approximately 100+ surgical cases per year. Must have surgical background for this practice, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net

Medical group in Southern CA seeking a residency trained DPM. Practice includes general podiatry, biomechanics, wound care, surgery, diabetic feet, trauma. Part-time position available may lead to full-time. Excellent salary/benefits. Position available in mid July 2008. Please reply to E-mail: slowed2@yahoo.com; 4476 Tweedy Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Established practice in Ocean County seeks hardworking, ethical, energetic and well-trained (PSR 24/36) individual. Must be willing to do all aspects of podiatry! Base salary $100,000 to start plus benefits package. Hospital & surgical center privileges. E-mail CV to NJFeet@aol.com

• 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.