The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 22, 2011 #4,213 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Wearing High Heels Can Necessitate Foot Surgery: MD Podiatrist

The beautifying benefits of heels come at a price. Dr. Alison Garten, co-vice president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, said she sees a wide range of conditions caused by high heels. “The list begins in the toe area, from hammertoes to bunions to blisters and corns; and working our way up the body we see a lot of additional problems,” she said. “If someone is wearing high heels for an excessive period of years, the Achilles tendon tends to get shortened and tighter. We have a lot of studies that show that women tend to get osteoarthritis in the knee more than men, and we’re attributing that to high-heeled shoes.”

Dr. Alison Garten

And wearing the wrong footwear can necessitate invasive procedures that might otherwise be avoided. “If someone has a hammertoe, the toes are curled up as a result of wearing high-heeled shoes,” Garten said. “You make an incision on the skin and literally remove part of the bone and shorten the toe, but this puts people at risk for infection.” Garten advises patients to purchase heels that are two inches or lower “Stilettos are the No. 1 high heel that causes problems, more than any other high-heeled shoes,” she said.

Source: Erin Clements, Huffington Post [7/20/11]

Diabetics Must Inspect Feet Daily: Austrailian Podiatrist  

“The diabetic foot is something that I am very passionate about,” podiatrist Tim Morris said. “Forty - 75 per cent of a podiatrist’s work load is diabetes-related. At first, I hadn’t realized that, but I do now.” When Queensland University of Technology did a study of 180 amputations, 53.2 per cent of the patients had type-2 diabetes. “I can’t stress enough the importance of checking your feet visually every day,” said Morris.

Tim Morris Presents PowerPoint on Diabetes

There are tricks for keeping a step ahead, Mr. Morris said. If you can’t bend much, you can put a mirror on the end of a length of string to look at the soles of your feet. “If you step on something, you might not feel it. By checking, at least you will know. Use your own eyes or someone else’s eyes,” he said.

Source: Michelle Barkley, The Wellington Times [7/18/11]

Father & Daughter Podiatrists Now at IL Hospital

Ottawa Regional Hospital (IL) recently welcomed a new podiatrist to its medical staff — one with a familiar face and a family history of medicine. Dr. Brittany Crowhurst, daughter of Ottawa Regional podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Crowhurst, completed her training and teamed up with her father to offer expanded foot care to the Ottawa community. Having worked in the front office as a receptionist for her father's practice while she was in high school and college, Brittany is no stranger to the profession.

Drs. Jeffrey and Brittany Crowhurst

Brittany completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois. From there, she attended the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, receiving her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. She completed her residency in foot and ankle surgery through Loyola University Medical Center. She also completed her fellowship training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery through the American Health Network in Indianapolis.

Source: The Times [7/20/11]

ME Podiatrist Publishes Book on Innovators

Most of us are familiar with Julius Caesar's reputation as a world-class general, statesman, and author.  Given this background, can Caesar serve as a model for inventors and entrepreneurs? According to author Dr. Todd O’Brien, we can and should learn from Caesar’s example. In his new book, Caesar's Guide For Innovators, O’Brien explores episodes taken from Caesar’s life, seeking those especially effective traits and behaviors that allowed him to succeed in the face of daunting challenges. “He was quite simply one of the most effective and innovative men of his age.” O’Brien says. “My contention is that we can take the best Caesar has to offer and use it in pursuit of our entrepreneurial goals.”

Dr. Todd O'Brien with New Book

O’Brien came to this realization after thoroughly researching his subject. He had been a student of classical antiquity since his college days but more recently focused exclusively on Caesar. “After two years of studying Caesar, I came to the conclusion that he’s a natural fit for entrepreneurs. We see him as not only one of the most intelligent risk-takers in history but also someone who could analyze situations quickly and come up with innovative solutions for the short and long-term.”

Associations Hail Deficit Plan's ‘Doc Fix'

A proposed deficit deal introduced this week by the so-called Gang of Six senators won the praise of representatives of over 750,000 physicians for its inclusion of a 10-year “doc fix” in Medicare payments. The bipartisan agreement that would slash deficits by up to $3.7 trillion over the next decade includes a 10-year, $298 billion suspension of Medicare's sustainable growth-rate formula.

The agreement, released Tuesday by the senators who have been negotiating for months, called for spending Medicare and Medicaid funds “more efficiently” without disrupting “the basic structure of these critical programs” but offered few specifics about what that means. The physician advocates, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians, praised the agreement and urged senators to go even further by fully repealing the SGR.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [7/20/11]

Query: Where Did the Peroneus Go?

I have recently started teaching at a local college and saw something odd in a textbook. Is anyone else aware that in at least two of the current textbooks for college anatomy and physiology, the peroneal muscles/tendons are listed as "fibularis"? As in fibularis longus, fibularis brevis, and fibularis tertius. How exactly does one go about changing the names of muscles and tendons, and more importantly, who decided this? Isn't there a potential for errors among people using different terms for the same thing?

Duane Dumm, DPM, Ebensburg, PA

Query: SOAPWARE EMR

Is anyone using SOAPWARE? If so, what has your experience been? What are the strengths and weaknesses? How is customer service? Would you recommend this program?

Steven Repitor,DPM  Waterford, MI

RE: Proposed Medicare Deductible Changes
From: Chet Vahovius, DPM

I recently received notice that Congress is considering a change in Medicare where the Part B deductible will be raised to $550 (protectmedigap.org). It is my opinion that it will be in my practice's best interest to ensure that all patients have a credit card or checking account on file to cover this potential deductible.  

I am well aware that many doctors try to hold Medicare claims for several months with the hope that the senior will meet the deductible with another provider. If this change goes through, are you willing to wait until June to file your claims with Medicare?  Furthermore, Medicare beneficiaries are starting to choose Medigap plans such as N and high deductible Plan F's that do not completely cover the 20% that Medicare does not pay.

I suggest that you start getting serious about guaranteeing your payment from the patients now so that the transition is less painful. We are very pleased with the positive effect that having a CC on file has done for our AR. The system also saves us postage as we don't have to send as many bills.

Chet Vahovius, DPM, Ozark, AL, chet.vahovius@eastleestreet.com

RE: Medicare Number and Moving (Mike Piccarelli, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

Moving your office is a huge issue now with Medicare and many other carriers.

NPI factors are but only one problem. Others include local Medicare, supplier, and PECOS issues which have ballooned to such an extent that average or even seasoned practitioners are often confused about how to fill out the application. Adding to the problem is the fact that there are no longer local Medicare provider offices. The country is now divided into fourteen regions, and provider relations offices are not obligated to take direct phone calls from the practitioner. Many cases of solo practitioners and just about all multi-physician and multi-specialty offices will require some level of assistance with their Medicare applications.

My advice is...

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

RE: EMR Incentive Check? (Mario Dickens, DPM)
From: James Christina, DPM,

In regard to Dr. Dickens’ question about whether any podiatrists have received their CMS incentive payments, the short answer is yes. The longer answer is that the CMS incentive programs are fairly complicated in terms of their timing and requirements. APMA has a wealth of information on the incentive programs available on its website. Members may access this information or contact APMA if they have questions about their specific situation.

James R. Christina, DPM, APMA Director of Scientific Affairs, Bethesda, MD, JRChristina@apma.org

RE: Woman Grows Full Size Nipple On Foot
From: Randall Brower, DPM

While there are MOUNDS of cases regarding accessory nipples AROUND the world, this case definitely PERKED my interest and is quite TITILLATING. This case was seen in CLEAVELAND, I believe. The patient complained of a leg-length discrepancy in cold weather.

Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ

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

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 516 476-1815PODO2345@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.

RESIDENCY OPPORTUNITY - MASSACHUSETTS

Mount Auburn Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School (HMS), Cambridge, MA is immediately seeking candidates for a new CPME approved three-year residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) with additional Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle (RRA) credentialing. The emphasis of this PMSR-RRA well-rounded high volume program includes surgery (particularly complex reconstructive forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery, sports medicine, and trauma), academics, and research. Interested applicants should immediately contact Emily A. Cook, DPM, MPH, CPH atMAH.Residency@gmail.com. Candidates must: start October 1, 2011, have completed a podiatric doctorate, passed parts 1 & 2 of the NBPME.

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.

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 - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. E-Mail CV to jermaire@aol.com

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 - 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 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

 PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 for a 50-word ad 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.