The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,502 Podiatrists Daily

July 24, 2013 #4,830 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Diabetic Neuropathy is Insidious: IL Podiatrist

Dr. Aaron Albers, podiatrist at Trinity Health, said that foot issues for people with diabetes are a huge problem and about 50 percent of the people who come in to see him have diabetes. He also said they amputate limbs quite a bit, but they do their best to save them. Amputations happen more so with people in the end stages of diabetes, Albers added.

Dr. Alan Albers (Photo: Jill Hambek)

People with diabetes can end up losing feeling in their feet. It slowly creeps up, so the person can lose sensation without realizing it, Albers said. One issue that can arise is losing sensation in the feet and developing pressure sores or ulcers that can cause bigger problems over time, he said.

Source: Jill Hambek, Minot Daily News [7/22/13]

APMA  National Opens in Las Vegas

The 2013 National APMA Annual Scientific Meeting is well underway. This year's program began Sunday with a variety of pre-conference workshops. Monday's program featured numerous breakfast and lunch symposiums in addition to multiple tracks on wound care,  trauma, radiology, EBM, and dermatology.

Attendees at Dr. G. "Dock" Dockery's Dermatology Presentation

In the afternoon, Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders and comedian Tom Cotter entertained attendees prior to the opening of the exhibit hall.

SAS Awarded “Company of the Year” By APMSA

The American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association (APMSA)—the only national organization representing 2,500 students enrolled at the nine colleges of podiatric medicine—has selected San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) as their “2013 Company of the Year” for their meritorious service and support to the APMSA. It is the national association’s highest honor. The award will be presented on July 23rd at the 2013 American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas.

Nancy Richardson, San Antonio Shoemaker's CEO says of the honor, “In our 37 years, we have had a close partnership with the podiatric field and this award re-affirms our commitment to fit, function, and quality for all types of feet.”

EndoVascular Conference Held in Chicago

The Third Annual Chicago EndoVascular Conference was held at the Swisshotel, July 9-13, 2013 in Chicago. The Podiatry Section Chair, Dr. Jondelle B. Jenkins, assembled noted podiatric physicians including Drs. Desmond Bell, John Grady, and APMA President, Dr. Matthew Garoufalis. Section topics dealt with foot and ankle wounds and discussed "Value of Negative Pressure Therapy", "Why Wounds Won't Heal", "Wound Care Clinic Dynamics", and "Endovascular Surgeries Used to Advance Wound Care.

Dr. Jondelle Jenkins

There was also a special venous track which specifically addressed venous stasis ulcers and treatment modalities. The Conference was well attended with representatives from all medical disciplines including cardiology, podiatry, radiology, and internal medicine. The Fourth Annual meeting is set for July 9-11, 2014 in Chicago.

Bret Ribotsky: What happened to the medical residency model? Should every podiatrist be a surgeon?

Dr. Charles Lombardi

Charles Lombardi: It was ABPS that wanted to keep a medicine model, as not everyone should be a surgeon. It was the APMA House of Delegates in 2002 that voted to eliminate the medical track, and forced the combination of medicine and surgery into the PMSR-24 and PMSR-36 models. This caused me to change from having 59 residency slots (RPRs, PMR, PSR-12 and PSR-24) to 24 positions, as I needed to combine medical and surgical programs. Everyone except ABPS applauded this.

This week's show will not be held so those attending the APMA meeting will not have scheduling conflicts. You can register for future events by clicking here

Query: Fusion of IPJ and MPJ

I'll be fusing the IPJ and MPJ of the hallux together on a patient. Typically, I use a plate with screws for the 1st MPJ. The last one I did worked great with 2 crossed screws, which I think I like better. Do any of our colleagues fuse both simultaneously, and if so, does anyone do it by driving a screw down the center from distal to proximal across both joints into the 1st met? I realize you wouldn't be able to go very far into the met because we are fusing with the hallux at an angle and by going too far, the screw would come out of the met plantarly.

Stephen S Pirotta, DPM, Bentonville, AR

Query: Source for Accu-Mold Substitute

Accu-Mold has been discontinued. Does anyone have a good substitute for it?

Joan E. Schiller, DPM, Euclid, OH

Query: Source For Football Cleat

Are any readers aware of a football cleat that comes with a straight last and a rounded toe box?

Howard J. Bonenberger, DPM, Nashua, NH

RE: Discontinuing Diabetic Shoe Program
From: Neil H Hecht, DPM

After more than 15 years, I have suspended my optional involvement with the diabetic therapeutic shoe program. The inordinate paperwork and inappropriate need for PMD notes regarding pedal pathology has encouraged this decision. I am aware that APMA is working on a legislation to reverse this arbitrary requirement. My patients are not happy either. However, if I am unable to comply with the legal requirements of the government, I would be uncomfortable in the face of any potential audit.

My questions for the readership are: how many other podiatrists have suspended their program, and if not, how are they adequately complying with the current requirements? My referring MDs refer their patients to me because they don’t evaluate and treat podiatric pathology, nor do they make specific notes regarding deformities or footwear needs. I believe, rightly, that the MD defers these evaluations to “us”.  Therefore, my compliance with Medicare diabetic shoe paperwork requirements is impossible.

Neil H Hecht, DPM, Tarzana, CA, drhecht@drneilhecht.com

RE: ICD-10 Preparation Courses (Philip Graham, DPM)
From: Harry Goldsmith, DPM

Codingline will be including 2-2.5 hours of ICD-10 coding preparation at both its Oakland Foot & Ankle Coding Seminar (October 19, 2013; codingline.com/events-ca.htm) for doctors and staff, and at the 2014 Codingline-NYSPMA Foot & Ankle Seminar (the day before the New York  Clinical Conference; inquires: hgoldsmith@codingline.com).

APMA will be hosting workshops on ICD-10 throughout the remainder of 2013 and 2014. Contact slhaag@apma.org for information on scheduled presentations.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, CEO, Codingline, Cerritos, CA, hgoldsmith@codingline.com

RE: Charles Lombardi, DPMs' Discussion on "Meet the Masters"(Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I would like to expound on comments made by Dr. Ribotsky regarding the residency crisis. You are correct that many of us are frustrated. We are frustrated for many reasons. Not only the fact 80+ didn't acquire a program but that many of us do not understand what is being done to solve the problem or who are responsible to solve the problem.

Dr. Wolf came forward explaining to us his attempts through the residency genesis program. I understand this has helped create some slots, but there are so many still without programs. This issue is not going to go away. It will create a domino effect and cause a jam-up next year when the same thing will happen again.

It is unacceptable that this crisis is as much a crisis now as it was 6 months ago. At this point in time, I think it would be more constructive implementing solutions rather than blaming each other.  What next? What is the plan? Do we have one? Or is Dr. Wolf's residency genesis the only thing we have?

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86 (Unmatched Podiatric Graduate)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

I hope while everyone from the APMA is whooping-it-up in Party Town USA, that someone grabs a microphone and demands answers. Give the APMA the foot, if need be.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86 (Unmatched Podiatric Graduate)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

I am quite amazed at Unmatched Podiatric Graduate's "polite restraint" when, in fact, there is certainly cause for outright rage. Instead of going on medication to deal with the stress of being "left out in the cold", this thoughtful and centered DPM should be in a residency program. Am I surprised that administrators have turned their back on this and all of the other unmatched DPMs? Absolutely not. I have been in podiatry my entire life (my father was a 1950 graduate of NYCPM).

I am a 1980 graduate of NYCPM. My experience in podiatry has been excellent personally (because...

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DEBARY, FLORIDA

Turn-key operation; 1,200 sq. ft. Suite, $56,000 for immediate sale due to illness in family; everything included; aggressive young podiatrist can triple gross income; www.DeBaryFamilyFootCare.com ; Email sweisman@cfl.rr.com 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - PHILADELPHIA

Established podiatry practice in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. Fully equipped office with 3 treatment rooms. Currently part-time with great growth potential to expand to full-time. Contact dgvc88a@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER

This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base.  Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SF BAY AREA

East SF Bay Area associate wanted for 3-office practice. CA License and PSR-24 minimum. All aspects of podiatry. Need to be highly motivated, a self-starter and be able to start Aug. 1, 2013. Salary BOE. Send CV to drscivally@sbcglobal.net
 
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 - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED: CHICAGO

4 Days per Week Chicago Practice - will perform all phases of podiatric medicine Accredited JCAHO Surgical Suite. Benefits will cover Malpractice and Health Insurance. Six Figure Base Salary. Inquiries:  email your CV to Dr. J. B. Jenkins - yanagandb@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Unique opportunity for the right person! We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM. Please forward cover letter with CV to healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Associate position for podiatry office on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Certified ambulatory surgery center on-site.  Will consider preceptor. Please fax letter and CV to 410-749-6807

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY NY

Part time position in busy practice leading to f/t. Looking for well trained minimum PSR-12 with great technique and people skills for part time leading to f/t position in fast growing practice. Competitive salary with huge growth potential. Send cover letter, CV and work experience to: PodassociateNY@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rear foot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual.  Will consider preceptor. Send CV to dpmkthomas@gmail.com

BUSINESS FOR SALE: TOE-FOOD CHOCOLATES & CANDY

Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy (www.toefood.com) is an established candy company specializing in creative foot-themed chocolates that has supported the podiatric community for over 30 years. Ideal opportunity for family member to run in house. Serious inquiries only please. Email: MwolpaFootDoc@yahoo.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,500 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 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

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