The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 24, 2008 #3,306 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Provides Advice for Treating Children’s Feet

Planning a backyard barbecue or a camping trip? Make sure your child's wearing the right shoes. A recent University of Florida study found that 69 percent of pediatric foot and ankle burns happened when kids stepped on hot coals, ashes, or embers. Most were wearing open shoes, like sandals, or no shoes at all.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

Even smoldering sand or asphalt can injure a child's tender soles, says Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatrist in New York City. If your child's feet get burned or blistered, first check them for pus, swelling, or bleeding. If you see any of these, a doctor should treat your child’s feet.

If there are no signs of serious injury: 1. Wash your child's feet with gentle soap and water, or Epsom salts diluted in warm water. 2. If the blisters are closed, smooth on a thin layer of a burn cream like Silvadene twice daily, and bandage. 3. When the blisters open, put a triple-antibiotic cream and a Band-Aid on them twice daily for a few days.

Source: Laura Sullivan, Parenting.com [7/22/08]

APMA Set for 96th Annual Scientific Meeting

Nearly 3,500 podiatrists, medical support staff and family members from across the country will be attending the American Podiatric Medical Association's 96th Annual Scientific Meeting July 24-27 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Organizers said the annual convention is a significant learning and networking opportunity for the country's podiatrists. During the three-day conference, attendees will participate in a series of lectures including workshops on the latest developments in podiatric medicine, on topics such as diabetes and nail fungus. Attending physicians will earn continuing medical education (CME) credits necessary for licensure. Projected statewide spending among the meeting attendees is estimated to be more than $4.8 million, generating more than $468,000 in statewide tax revenue.

During opening ceremonies, a best walking city award will be presented to Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. The association has ranked Honolulu seventh in the nation on its list of best walking cities. In addition, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine's Golden Foot Award will be presented to the L.A. Galaxy's midfielder David Beckham for his outstanding contributions to children and sports.

Source: Honolulu Advertiser [7/19/08]

PA Podiatrist is Photo Archivist of the Oil Industry

What many perceive to be junk stuck out in the woods should actually be seen as treasure, believes an Oil City man who is intent on preserving that part of the region's oil heritage. "All these things are rusting and my worry is that part of our history is slowly but surely disappearing," said Richard J. Dunlap, a local podiatrist and history buff who has taken camera in hand to record the history. "These are valuable treasures of our past and they need to be preserved."

Dr. Richard J. Dunlap (Photo by Jerry Sowden)

Dunlap has photographed a wide variety of those artifacts scattered throughout the oil field landscape in Venango County. Dunlap's hobby comes quite naturally from a long association with the oil and gas industry. His father, John Dunlap, worked for 41 years at Pennzoil as an auditor and payroll supervisor and his father-in-law, Edward Simpson, worked for many years as a gauger for National Transit.

Dunlap, a self-described collector of "anything oil, from signs to cans and more," said he hopes his photographs stir up a bit of indignation. "It won't be long until these oil field relics are gone forever," Dunlap said. "It's a shame that the area that calls itself the Hub of Oildom is so neglectful of its heritage. There should be an effort to save and preserve a portion of these valuable treasures of our past (because)...if we don't act soon, it will be too late."

Source: Judith O. Etzel, The Derrick [7/22/08]

How to Shorten Phone Calls

If you find yourself talking too much on the phone, stand up during your next phone conversation. Don’t sit down until you hang up.

Source: The Service Edge

Query: Low-cost Electronic Claims

I am currently using PerSe Technologies for my electronic claims with Medisoft accounting software. I am pleased with their service and have no problems. I pay $59 / month flat rate; however, I am always looking for ways to cut fixed expenses due to increasing costs of business vs. decreased reimbursements. I have heard that there are other companies that are half the price. Any suggestions?

John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Hts, NJ

RE: To Biopsy or Not? (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Dr. Rosenblatt is exactly correct. Suspect lesions need to be investigated . If a person is not doing so because they are not aware of the potential dangers or are not confident in their technique, then they should search for a seminar and learn how.

There is certainly no call for guilt in mentioning practice management along with patient treatment. The point I was making about being reimbursed for the biopsy of a lesion is that it may sway the busy practitioner to perform it sooner. As an example, in the case of a borderline lesion, some may be inclined to put the biopsy off for a future date when they don’t anticipate being busy. This very well may be a patient and critical diagnosis lost. Some may also lull themselves into relying on the less acute patient to monitor and reschedule if the lesion changes.

Enticing someone to come to a hands-on workshop that provides clinical and reimbursement information as well as confidence in technique, is certainly more motivating that just saying “do it because it’s right.” Dr. Rosenblatt and I are on the same page with this so let’s provide every incentive we possibly can to get more podiatrists to biopsy.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, podiatrist@mindspring.com

RE: EMR Programs (Andrew L. Vincent, DPM)
From: Gerald Mauriello Jr., DPM, MA

My practice is currently using Chartmaker and Perfectcare. We are extremely happy. My advice, having had a very bad experience with another podiatry-specific EMR, is to ask for references from the company. These should include those happy with the software and those who have stopped using the software. If the EMR company will not do this, then I would be leery of signing any contracts/leases. Remember, these contracts/leases are extremely difficult to change.

This is a big decision, get as much info as you can before you commit.

Gerald Mauriello Jr., DPM, MA, Lakewood, NJ, mauriellodpm@gmail.com

RE: EMR and Red-Green Color Blindness (Name Withheld)
From: Carl Ganio, DPM

If all else fails, try an old trick. Get different colors of very thin plastic of acetate, and use as a film over your monitor screen. I am sure you can come up with some color that will catch your eye, and highlight what you are missing.

Carl Ganio, DPM, Vero Beach, FL, drcarlganio@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA

Coast to Coast Mobile Podiatry Group Seeks Podiatrist with Nursing Home contracts! Join our group and let us handle the back-breaking task of billing and managing your patients. This will equal great compensation for you. Please email us back at coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Podiatry Chairs - Midmark 117, Hill with surgical screen and 2 Boyd each $1,500. Multiple hand held podiatry instruments - both surgical and non-surgical available. Paraffin Bath $20, X cell unit 1993 works perfect, just $2000. Office equipment-desks, 4-line phone system, add on hold and more available too! Email: ahappyfoot@yahoo.com for more info.

ASSOCIATE WANTED IMMEDIATELY – NEW YORK

Part-time or Full-time for group practice Fast track to partnership. Located in Orange & Sullivan County, NY. Commute from adjoining counties to see how it fits. Monroe, NY office is only 1 hour from Manhattan. All phases of podiatric care. Call Dr Marc Hudes 845-807-8864. Check out our practice website

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

PODIATRIST POSITION – SOUTHERN CA

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 WANTED – NORTH EAST PA

A well-established academic solo multi-faceted podiatric practice wishing to expand surgical services by hiring another podiatrist with PSR 24/36. No competition, no foot fellows; diabetic limb salvage, plastic surgery techniques, strong surgical rear foot and ankle reconstruction needed. Plenty of future expansion capabilities for a bright, eager, dedicated and ethical doctor. Future buy-out. fgsddpm@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Well-established, two-office practice located in beautiful central Virginia. Completely automated hi-tech offices. Full scope of foot and ankle care. Board qualification/certification required. Hospital and surgery center privileges available. Base salary, incentive plan, and benefits. Submit letter of introduction and CV to jdisabato@vfasa.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

BIOMECHANICS FELLOWSHIP – NEW YORK

Neoteric Biomechanics (patent pending) Nine-Month Fellowship: At The Foot Typing Center® in New York City. Practice, Research, Publish and Credentialize Yourself In This New Paradigm. $36,000 Stipend. New York License Required.Fax Interest to: 212 288 3034 or apply to Dr. Shavelson @ drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON

Seeking podiatrist for immediate opening in well established podiatry clinic in Longview, WA. Typical podiatric practice, offering biomechanics, surgery, diabetic care, sports medicine. Excellent pay, with incentives for high performers. Malpractice, medical insurance, licensing, CME covered by employer. Please send resume and background references to Michele@nwfootankle.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

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

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

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