The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 20, 2012 #4,519 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Discusses Athlete's Foot

You don’t have to be a basketball star to catch athlete’s foot, the itchy ailment also known as tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist places, making summer prime time to contract the highly contagious fungus. “You can get athlete’s foot from sharing a bath mat, walking barefoot in a gym, swimming in the pool, showering in a public place or visiting a nail salon,” Dr. Jacqeline Sutera said. Instead of avoiding public pools or leaving toenails unkempt, the podiatrist, who has offices in New Jersey and Manhattan, recommends wearing water shoes and flip-flops when using a public pool or shower (including those in hotels), and bringing your own tools to the nail salon. Spraying closed shoes, like sneakers, with an anti-fungal spray also can help guard against infection after a long day of walking. If you suspect you’ve contracted athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist immediately for treatment — and don’t always rely on over-the-counter creams, Dr. Sutera warned.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

“The most common mistake with anti-fungal creams is that people stop using them too early,” she said, explaining, “Skin has a lot of different layers to it, and though the top layer of the skin may improve right away, athlete’s foot can still live underneath.” Dr. Sutera advises using the cream for at least six weeks under the supervision of a podiatrist and notes that oral anti-fungal medications may be necessary for treating stubborn cases.

Source: Keely Mohin, Staten Island Advance [7/16/12]

Flip-Flops Not for Everyday Use: CA Podiatrist

Shoes should flex where your foot bends, said Dr. Noreen Oswell, a podiatrist at The Foot Center at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers in Los Angeles. But the rubber soles of most flip-flops just bend all over the place, while the stiff soles of some stylish varieties may not bend at all, she said. Oswell said wearing flip-flops can be seriously detrimental for people whose feet are already at risk: For people with diabetes, who often have poor circulation and feeling in their feet, wearing flip-flops can expose them not only to injury but to infection.

Dr. Noreen Oswell

Those with balance issues may find it hard to feel secure when wearing rubbery flip-flops. And for those suffering from obesity, sporting the unstructured shoe can add strain to feet that are already stressed with carrying extra weight. The real problem is that people are wearing flip-flops while doing everything from skateboarding to gardening to running errands, Oswell said.

Source: Marina Csomor, CNN [7/18/12]

NJ Podiatrist to Re-Run for School Board Seat

Four residents will run for three three-year seats on the Freehold Borough K-8 School District Board of Education in November. The candidates are Dr. Michael Lichardi, Maureen MacCutcheon, Susan Greitz, and Michael McKeon. Lichardi, MacCutcheon, and Greitz are current members of the board.

Dr. Michael Lichardi

Lichardi, 44, has lived in the borough since 1998. He is a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, and is a physician associate in orthopedic trauma and anesthesiology. He has three children, ages 4, 7 and 13. Two of his children attend borough schools.

Source: Jack Murtha and Clare Marie Celano, Freehold New Transcript [7/17/12]

Dr. Jill's Foot Pads Expands to Service VA and Federal Agencies

GSA Applications  has announced that Dr. Jill's Foot Pads, Inc. has been awarded a GSA Schedule 65 IIA contract and is now certified to provide foot pads and padding supplies to all agencies of the federal government. Dr. Jill's Foot Pads has placed their extensive foot pad inventory of felts, foams, moleskin, gels, insoles, and more on the government's electronic ordering system, GSA Advantage!®.

Dr. Jill Scheur

Dr. Jill Scheur worked within the VA Medical system from 1993 through 1998. Her hands-on experience uncovered a true need for an affordable, domestically produced foot pad line. Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads was established in 2001 and has long outgrown their original facility. Dr. Jill's Foot Pads is the only company in the USA that specializes in this product line and goes directly to the medical professionals with 99% of their products proudly "Made in the USA."

Source: Miami Herald

Lawmakers Urged to Consider SGR Alternatives

Lawmakers should consider patient-centered medical homes, value-based payments and incentives to coordinate patient care as Congress explores how to change the way Medicare reimburses physicians, a panel of experts testified Wednesday. As physicians face a cut of around 30% to their Medicare payments in five months, House Republicans hosted the first of two hearings in a week to learn from the private sector about effective payment strategies. On Wednesday, lawmakers and witnesses at the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing started with the premise that the current system—the contentious sustainable growth-rate formula—is unworkable.

Dr. David Bronson, a physician at the Cleveland Clinic and president of the American College of Physicians, said that the ACP strongly recommends that the Medicare program broadly adopt the patient-centered medical home model, and that Congress should enact payment policies to accelerate the adoption of the medical home neighborhood model. The neighborhood concept, Bronson testified, is essential to the success of the medical home because it recognizes that specialties, sub-specialties, hospitals, and other entities that provide treatment should receive incentives for engaging in patient-centered practices.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [7/18/12]

Query: Xiaflex for Plantar Fibromas

Has anyone used Xiaflex (collagenase) injections for plantar fibromas?  If so, how much does it cost? I know it has been FDA-cleared for Dupuytren's in the hand, and appears to be a viable option for plantar fibromatosis.

David Weiss, DPM, Richmond, VA

Query: Best Laser for Onychomycosis 

I would like feedback from anyone using lasers for treatment of onychomycosis. Are you happy with the results? Are your patients happy with the results? What is the best laser for the treatment?

Greg Teles, DPM, Torrance, CA

RE: Botox for Over-active Tibialis Posterior (Sean S. Ravaei, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

Dr. Ravaei states, "I would like to inject the muscle with Botox so he can walk better." May I suggest a diagnosis before attempting a treatment you have not performed before? If the foot is plantarflexing and inverting, perhaps the peroneals and/or extensors are weak and not that the other muscles are hyperactive. A nerve conduction study and/or MRI of the lower back (L-5,S-1) is indicated.

Any abnormalities around the common peroneal at the fibular head? A second opinion from a totally independent and different neurologist may be corrobative. Dr. Ravaei didn't give the patient's age or history. Is he hyper- hypo-reflexic, is there clonus, a positive Babinski, any loss of sensation? A stroke, brain tumor, or spinal cord compression are some of the more serious differential diagnoses to be considered.

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: Botox for Over-active Tibialis Posterior (Sean S. Ravaei, DPM)
From: Ayne Furman, DPM
 
I assume that Dr. Ravaei feels that the tibialis posterior and Achilles are over-active because of what he is observing on gait analysis: inversion with plantarflexion of the foot during swing phase, with possible increased lateral heel wear of the patient's right shoe. 

This could also be a symptom of a weakness of the peroneal muscles. I would not give up on your initial gut feeling that the issue is neurologically-based. Check the eversion muscle strength vs. inversion strength. Rule out some type of peroneal nerve or sciatic entrapment, or radiculopathy. Have the patient consult a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist for another opinion.
 
Ayne Furman, DPM, Alexandria, VA, l_foot_r@hotmail.com

RE: Flip-flops Offer limited Protection from Melanoma Danger: NY Podiatrist
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

Before PM News readers get bent out of shape, the news tidbit printed yesterday from the Saturday Evening Post intimated that I stated that foot melanoma is on the rise in my patients. This, of course, is inaccurate and out of context. The original interview was about flip-flops, and I did turn the conversation away from the obvious mechanical issues to the fact that sunburn on the feet is an issue, and that sun burning on the foot was more prevalent in flip-flop wearers. This led to the discussion about skin cancer, but I never got into actual epidemiological aspects.
 
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

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 - NEW ROCHELLE, NY

Flexible terms. Stable location, medical co-op, 24 year practice with a stable established patient base. Great opportunity for a self motivated podiatrist wanting immediate income and future stability. Call 551-574-0776 for details.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to: Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NJ

Immediate opening for full-time or 2 part-time DPMs for diversified practice that features most all phases of podiatric medicine and surgery. Full-time candidate must be ABPS Board Certified in Foot Surgery or PSR 24/36 Bd Qualified in RRF. Competitive salary and bonus. Great working conditions and area. Realistic Partnership opportunity. Send resume to:  MonmouthDPM@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Well-established successful Park Avenue podiatry practice is recruiting skilled and well trained DPM with a minimum of 3 years of experience.  Must be experienced in rear and forefoot reconstruction. Must be self- motivated, and great with patients. State-of-the-art practice facilities and technologies  which include: in-office physical therapy, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and electronic medical records. MRI, and private operating room. All interested candidate email CV to elautin@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977

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, and other Medicaid plans. Contact me at: Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to:Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KY

Immediate position for established practice in excellent location with option to buy. All phases of podiatry with good mix of patients. Two local residency programs with foot and ankle and trauma privileges. Office has EMR qualifying for meaningful use in the first year. PADnet vascular testing. Send resume to: samuel10530@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 5 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST, FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in rearfoot and ankle reconstructive cases but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

HOUSE CALL PODIATRIST NEEDED - BRONX, NY

Immediate opportunity for a hardworking and motivated podiatrist to make house calls in the Bronx, part-time. Perfect opportunity for young practitioner just starting out, or experienced podiatrist looking to downsize from private practice. Make your own hours and schedule patients at your convenience. Excellent compensation. We will provide for you all that is required including instruments (if needed), and supplies, EMR charting, billing, and scheduling. 914.584.1434 Email information to Podiodoc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YONKERS, NEW YORK

Immediate part time associate position now available. Appx: 3 1/2 days per week with room to grow. Practice is a good balance of all aspects of podiatric foot care, including surgery. Perfect opportunity for new graduate, or experienced podiatrist. Looking for the right person to transition into vacancy that will be left by current associate leaving the area and you will have an immediate, full schedule of patients. Over 25 year well-established practice with large referral base, and both hospital and surgery center privileges available. Interested persons please forward CV and brief summary of surgical log to:Podiodoc@gmail.com914.584.1434

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Immediate opening. Strong established group practice. 30-40 office patients per day to start. Surgery available, but not required. Base salary, production bonus, benefit package, relocation assistance. Aggressive work ethic a must. Email resume and cover letter to: dwh101@bellsouth.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

IMMEDIATE OPENING: Office and hospital-based podiatry group in Bakersfield, CA seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer surgeon with trauma and Charcot reconstructive experience. Staff privileges with 5 local hospitals. Offering health insurance, CME allowance and competitive salary. Must be PSR 24/36 trained, ethical and thoughtful when treating patients. Please forward CV and letter of intent to modpm@aol.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PODIATRIC LASERS

Great price, great outcome. Stop wasting money on expense lasers. Personally owned and used few hours in my office,. 10 and 30 watts lasers. Two handpieces in one. First one for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, pain, inflammation. 2nd handpiece for surgical ablation and fungus toenail conditions. Portable fast and very cost-effective.footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

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