The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,601 Podiatrists Daily

August 10, 2013 #4,845 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We encourage you to participate in this year's important annual survey podiatrym.com/survey Completing this anonymous survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2014 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes. Enter by completing this confidential survey. The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win.

Lower Extremity Biomechanics

This week's prize is a copy of  Lower Extremity Biomechanics by Drs. Stephen F. Albert and Sarah A. Curran  (Value - $110)..

This is also your opportunity to vote for the next DPM and Non-DPM inductees into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

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Quick Poll
How much of your practice involves bone surgery?
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Scholl Podiatrists Participate in Lollapalooza Health Fair

Kids 1st has grown into the Lollapalooza of back-to-school health fairs, offering immunizations, health information, and head-to-foot medical screenings for 1,000 low-income Lake County youngsters in a single day. About 400 volunteers flooded the school in shifts, including nurses, dentists, doctors, a dietitian and other medical personnel, plus a small army of clerical workers who performed intake and data collection.

Dr. David Kibrit

Podiatric physicians, supplied by Rosalind Franklin University, also screened young patients, including one child, about age 10, who appeared to have an issue with “in-toeing” or an inward-turn of the legs and feet, a condition that can cause falls and pose problems with walking and running — and also invite teasing by peers,” said podiatrist Dr. David Kibrit, an instructor at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.

Source: Judy Masterson, Lake County News-Sun [8/8/13]

High Heels Affect More Than Feet: NY Podiatrist

High heels may look good, but what they’re doing to women’s feet is anything but pretty. “High heels can cause stress fractures, tendonitis, all types of bone spurs, and encourage bunion and hammertoe formation,” said Manhattan podiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

Heels can also affect other parts of the body. “When the body weight goes to the ball of your foot, the whole skeleton really has to compensate. So the knees and hips jet forward and then your back has to hyperextend backwards. This completely malaligns not just your foot, but the entire skeleton,” Sutera explained.

Source: Holly Firfer, CNN [8/8/13]

Turning Hospital Into ACF Will Hurt Community: NY Podiatrist

Doctors at Glen Cove Hospital met Thursday night to discuss the impact on the community of the decision by administrators to eliminate inpatient beds and turn the hospital into an ambulatory care facility. Dr. Beth Silverstein, 32, a neurologist at the hospital, said that while "ambulatory centers are the wave of the future," Glen Cove needs a hospital. "This town has a large population, and it's going to affect not only us but the community as well," she said.

Dr. Lawrence Ostroff

Dr. Lawrence Ostroff, a podiatrist at the hospital, agreed. "North Shore-LIJ, like most large corporations, makes decisions based on profit or monetary gains, but to our community, it will be devastating," he said. North Shore-LIJ said it would find jobs for the hospital's 1,200 employees, some of whom will stay at Glen Cove, including those in the emergency department and family practice center. Some programs will be moved -- along with their staff -- including orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation, brain injury rehabilitation, and psychiatry.

Source: Ridgely Ochs and Ted Phillips, Newsday [8/8/13]

Newspaper Columnist Has High Praise for GA Podiatrist

It was my lucky day when I first heard of Dr. Stephen Byrne. He is a podiatrist in Canton. I overheard someone say her mother-in-law loved Dr. Byrne. She went to him for relief from her bunions, troublesome toenails, etc. It was another lucky day when I first hobbled into Dr. Byrne’s office and crawled up on the table. Soon afterward, he fixed my ingrown toenails — all three of them.

Dr. Stephen Byrne

I soon understood why my friend’s mother-in-law was so smitten with him. Upbeat, friendly, gentle, and compassionate, he has a down-to-earth way of explaining your problems and the remedies. Last week, I saw Dr. Bryne for a cortisone shot for my heel spur. Although I thought it would be painful, it barely burned. So I have decided Dr. Steven Byrne is not just a specialist in foot and ankle care. He is a specialist in giving painless shots in the foot, too.

Source: Marguerite Cline, Cherokee Tribune [8/8/13]

Query: Conservative Care for Subluxing Peroneals

Does anyone have some tips for treating non-painful subluxing peroneal tendons in an eight year old child?
 
Susan Papp-Mlodzienski, DPM, Philadelphia, PA

Query: Diindolylmethane for Verrucae

Do any of my colleagues have experience using diindolylmethane (DIM) for recalcitrant verrucae? If so, is it effective? Do you use it alone or as an adjunct treatment? How long is the prescribed treatment course? What is the effective dose?

Todd Lamster, DPM, Scottsdale, AZ

Query: Visit After Arthroplasty Surgery

I know the global is 90 days post-op for an arthroplasy. If, however, the patient comes in 2 weeks later with a different problem, can that encounter be billed? We used a different diagnosis with a "-25" modifier appended to the E/M code and received an error message from Medicare. Do we need a "-24" or "-58" modifier?

Marilyn Henderson, DPM, Lancaster, PA

Response: The correct modifier to append your evaluation/management code would be "-24" - unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician during a post-operative period.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

Codingline subscription information can be found here

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RE: Staged Procedures for Digital Deformities
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

I see nothing wrong with staging complex procedures. I am currently staging a cavus foot reconstruction, completing the rearfoot and midfoot work, then following complete healing proceeding with repair of the contracted digits (which will require some sort of flapping technique to get enough skin). Some cases, such as this staging, are a necessity, and it would be wrong NOT to stage it. In other cases, it is a choice that should be explored in collaboration with patients with an effort to give them the risk/benefit from a medical/surgical side, allowing them to give you the risk/benefit from a personal side—both are important.

I have had patients tell me that they have been to see other podiatrists who flatly refuse to do bilateral bunionectomies under any circumstance. It is very difficult for me to tell them that the only reason that any doctor would make a blanket statement like that and refuse to do bilateral procedures in the appropriate patient is financial. That is an inappropriate example of how some of our cohorts use “staging.”
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Diagnostic Ultrasound (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Andrew Cassidy DPM, MS

I am wondering why some of our colleagues are against making more money while at the same time ensuring that the injection they are giving (blind if not using ultrasound) is in the proper location. Ultrasound is a wonderful tool that I use for much more than plantar fascial injections. I have used it to find foreign bodies that do not show up on x-ray, evaluate soft tissue tumors, and to evaluate the healing of fractures, which is often better than x-rays which lag behind compared to ultrasound. Increased revenue and decreased liability are all good things. How do you know that the medial fascial band doesn't have a partial tear? Do you really want to inject a partial tear and try to defend it later in court without an ultrasound study to support your reasoning for an injection?

I think that in our current medical environment, we should not be worried about using a valid modality to help ensure we give accurate care to our patients. The last time I checked, insurance companies were not going out of their way to increase our reimbursements. This is a wonderful diagnostic tool, and the patients like the technology. Patients will actually be engrossed in watching the screen on the ultrasound and not dwell on the pain of the injection. Use the ultrasound, inject the patient, and bill it out! It is good for you and the patient.

Andrew Cassidy DPM, MS, Austin, TX, andy@lonestarpodiatry.com

RE: NY Podiatrist Discusses Melanomas on Feet
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

The statement "Skin cancer found on the foot is 50% fatal," in this news story is outrageous. Not only is it not true, but the term "skin cancer" is meaningless. Even if referring only to melanoma, the statement is false. But we do not know what the term is referring to. There are other skin cancers that can occur on feet that are not so ominous or even fatal. Some that are fatal can take 30 years to kill you.

I understand that in these interviews, the eventual written article takes twists and turns, but there should be some editorial review to prevent podiatric medicine from appearing ill-informed and putting forth frightening untruths. If this article appears in Dr. Hogan's hometown newspaper, he ought to right this immediately.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Cherry Bondage, Anyone?

Source: Subnmitted by Dr. Paul Scherer

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - NEXUS LASER

Nexus 10W laser for sale, 1 year old still under warranty with option to extend. Portable with battery, excellent condition. Has soft tissue ablation head and bio-stimulation head. Built-in protocols. Best offer e-mail tmacklin.podiatrygroupofga@live.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.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH CAROLINA

Rapidly growing start up practice in rapidly growing college town in Eastern North Carolina. Excellent teaching hospital nearby with privileges available. Must sell due to health reasons. Serious inquires only. Reply to drcivatte@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MAINE

30 year, full service practice in Bangor, Maine. Cooperative and appreciative patients. A wonderful community to practice in and recreate during your free time. Owner is semi-retired, now ready to fully retire but will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HUNTINGTON PARK, CA

46 years same location. Unsurpassed visibility on corner of major intersection. 3 fully equipped treatment rooms. Perfect opportunity to build a strong practice. Must retire due to age. Selling price $30,000 firm. (323) 588-1179 MTWF. evaonofre@hotmail.com

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 - STAMFORD, CONENCTICUT

Well rounded general and surgical podiatry practice in beautiful Stamford, CT. 35 years. Walk to the hospital and OR. $350k gross / 4 days per week. May lease present office space. Super office manager. Practice offered @ $100k. jefre1@msn.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC METRO AREA  

Must participate with HealthFirst, Affinity, Fidelis health plans (2 of 3 OK). Preferably on staff at Bronx or Manhattan hospitals or surgicenters. Excellent opportunity for quick partnership. email CV to rrranch7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA

We’re seeking a podiatrist to join multi-office practice. Must have great people skills, great bedside manner, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Prefer private practice experience. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com

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 TEXAS- NORTH DALLAS AREA.

Great opportunity for the right individual. Seeking well trained (PSR 24+), ethical, hard working, motivated individual. Full scope of podiatry including office, hospital and surgery center work.  Partnership opportunity available for the right individual. Well rounded practice with competitive salary/benefits package. Seeking an individual with superior surgical and personal skills to join our two location, two doctor practice. Please send letter of intent and CV to DPMopening@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Looking for an associate with 3-year residency training for a practice in Connecticut. Interested in all aspects of podiatry including  foot/ankle surgery and wound care. Hospital located close by with appointment to staff readily available. Will lead to partnership Please send CV to:dsharnoff@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on the Ocean, fast growing area, Associate for Multi-office full scope practice Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Immediate opening, full or part-time position. Established private practice, strong referral base. Hospital and surgery center privileges. Two locations with modern offices. ABPS qualified or certified. Competitive compensation package. To apply, please email a letter of intent and CV to Practice Administrator at: vaposition@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Associate wanted for multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Full Time, Self-motivated, highly skilled team player with surgical, wound care and palliative skills. Offices in Northern California Coast, CA License necessary, salary negotiable with possibility of partnership in future. Send CV and letter to: srfctysc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for an established 25 year old practice. PSR24 or 36 would be preferred. Excellent opportunity. Please send CV or letter to bafamt@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA

Looking for an associate with 3-year surgical residency. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, and foot and ankle surgery. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for right person. To apply, please email, letter of intent and CV to stringernyc@hotmail.com

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 - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Seeking a quality-oriented, patient-focused PSR trained associate for a fast paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. This is a secure, long-term position. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care.  Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. Partnership possibility for the right individual. If you are highly motivated, ethical and have good communication and clinical skill, please forward you C.V. to:cfsdr@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to: 123bunion@gmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Medical Center. Full-time career opportunity: surgery, diabetic foot care, wound care, general podiatry, resident training & research. Split position: (90%) on-site BMC and (10%) off-site health center clinics Boston University School of Medicine Academic appointment. Requirements: Completion of 24-36 month surgical residency. Please forward CV and letter of interest to: Erin.walker@bmc.org

OFFICE AVAILABLE - TACOMA, WA

Podiatry clinic available for podiatrist one or two days a week. Current doctor does no bone surgery. Perfect for someone wishing to supplement a current office or a new practitioner looking to get his foot in the door in the Puget Sound area. Email CV and cover letter to 4MYFEET@sbcglobal.net.

NEW PRECEPTORSHIP POSITION NOW OPEN

Philadelphia based multi-doctor practice offering preceptorship. Unique practice blending ‘traditional’ podiatric services with acupuncture, sports medicine and podiatric pain management. Individual must be motivated, personable and have strong computer skills. Please respond by email with resume and  CASPR application. Selection process will be completed quickly, so please respond timely if you are interested. ediamond7@comcast.net

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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