The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

August 12, 2010 #3,929 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We've just mailed the August 2010 issue of Podiatry Management.  This special wound management issue includes over a dozen artilcles on this timely topic .  In addition, you'll  find our usual assortment of features, including our columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

August 2010 Podiatry Management

Surgery by ND Podiatrist Saves Diabetic's Infected Foot

It might be easy for some people to overlook a cut or small wound. But for diabetics, ignoring something so small could become very dangerous. Shirley Ihla has been taking care of her diabetes since she was 7 years old. She`s used to monitoring her sugars and paying attention, but she didn`t recognize the seriousness of calluses on her foot right away.

Dr. Eric Hart

"When we looked at it, we could see it was a severe wound. While it didn`t look infected from the outside, it actually extended down very close to the bone," said Dr. Eric Hart, Mid Dakota Clinic podiatrist. Luckily, Ihla`s case was caught early. Thanks to surgery and Hart`s treatment, Ihla`s still walking, but she still needs to take care of her feet everyday. Hart referred to a recent study from the American Podiatric Medical Association that shows that diabetics who see a podiatrist before there is a problem significantly reduce their risks of amputation or hospitalization.

Source: Julie McDonald, KFYR-TV [8/10/10]

WesternU Holds White Coat Ceremony

The College of Podiatric Medicine white coat ceremony featured several prominent guests, including American Podiatric Medical Association President Kathleen Stone, DPM, and California Podiatric Medical Association President Michael Cornelison, DPM. Keynote speaker Hienvu C. Nguyen, DPM, told students that the white coat symbolizes the humanistic values inherent in providing patient care. “It’s a reminder to students and faculty that we’re are all here to help others,” Nguyen said. “It all begins today.”

WesternU Students at White Coat Ceremony

He also made a point to call the students future podiatric physicians rather than future podiatrists. These students are receiving training comparable to MDs and DOs, he said. “We’re the profession that keeps people walking,” Nguyen said. “We don’t just look at their feet. We look at their entire body, their medical history and their personal history. The podiatric profession is an important member of the multidisciplinary team.”

MN Podiatrist Receives Congressional Recognition for VA Service

On July 28, Rep. Betty McCollum  of Minnesota recognized Dr. Kenneth Canter for his lifetime of service. In her remarks, McCollum said,  “Dr. Canter cared for Minnesota veterans with compassion and respect, always taking additional care to render the finest and most effective treatments. Aside from treating his patients, he authored scientific articles and mentored podiatrists who came to the VA for post-graduate training. Dr. Canter’s dedication to outstanding medical care and sincere concern for our nation’s veterans are the qualities of a truly great VA doctor, and I am proud that he is a resident of my Congressional District.”

Dr. Kenneth Canter

Canter received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and his medical degree from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA in 1972. He began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis in 1977 as one of the first 35 podiatrists hired to treat our veterans. For 32 years, he worked at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, retiring as Chief of Podiatry in June 2010.

Obama Signs Medicaid Measure   

The House used a rare recess session on Tuesday to pass legislation—247-161—extending enhanced federal Medicaid payments through mid-2011. President Barack Obama later signed the measure only hours after it cleared the House, according to the Associated Press.

The federal government since last year has been paying 6.2% more of its share of Medicaid as a means to help individual states stave off the effects of a sluggish economy. Under the bill, the enhanced payments would phase down over two quarters in 2011, first to 3.2% and finally to 1.2% through June. 

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare [8/10/10]

Become a One-on-One Boss

Employees frequently cite “face time” with employers as one major motivating factor at work. Although personal meetings should be easy to schedule, many doctors have trouble following through on their plans to deliver one-on-one attention.

The problem: Even if such a meeting makes it onto a doctor’s schedule, it usually is the first thing that the doctor cancels or postpones when the day becomes busy. That sends a demotivating message: “You are not as important as _____.”

You can stand out as a motivating boss when you understand the benefits of one-on-one time and resolve to put that at the top of your priority list instead of at the bottom. Build a reputation as someone who understands that employees come first. Commit to your employees and your own success in the workplace, and start scheduling one-on-one meetings with every employee.

Source: Adapted from The Pied Piper Principle: Lead, and They Will Follow, Trudy Jean Evans, Hats Off Books via Communication Briefings

Query: Botox for RSD?

Does anyone have any experience treating RSD with Botox?

Joan Schiller, DPM, Euclid, OH

Query: Appointment Reminder Calling Services

I would like to know from my colleagues who are utilizing an appointment reminder service. I am interested in the positive and negative results. I am a sole practitioner and my staff currently places the appointment reminder telephone calls. The calls are placed 48 hours ahead of time, and patients are reminded of the no-show fees that will be incurred. I am still having more no-shows than I would prefer and am looking for a way to improve that situation. With regard to the calling service, I am mainly interested in whether it is cost-effective, helps with no-shows, and if there are positive recommendations for any particular company. 

Timothy B. Maclin, DPM, Tulsa, OK

RE: Growths on 2nd Digit (Patrick Barnes, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Dr. Barnes' patient with the digital lesions looks like neurofibromatosis, but a biopsy is needed to be certain. Treatment is dependent on biopsy results, and a graft may be needed. 

Steve Berlin, DPM, Baltimore, MD, drstevenberlin@yahoo.com

Any soft tissue growth like this should be biopsied. Absolutely and positively. I have seen similar lesions, and have excised them. They have come back as verrucae. However, I strongly recommend a biopsy. If the patient refuses, I would I would have them sign off that you are recommending it and they are refusing it, understanding their potential risks by not having it done.

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD, drbkas@att.net

I have two patients with similar but much worse conditions, and on ALL toes and legs. It looks like lymphedema. Check for other swelling in the extremities. My patients are miserable, getting their feet and legs wrapped constantly to control this. I’m not sure of any other treatments.

Scott Schulman, DPM, Noblesville, IN, scottldpm@yahoo.com

RE: Plantar Fasciitis and Ultrasound Guidance (Henry Slomowitz, DPM )
From: Bob Kelsey, DPM

I have read with interest the discussion regarding injections for plantar fasciitis and the appropriateness of ultrasound guidance. I find it interesting that few podiatrists seem to discuss if the practice is in the best interest of the patient. There is considerable discussion regarding insurance reimbursement and insurance company profits but is it really better for the patient?    Isn't that what we should be discussing?

Bob Kelsey, DPM, Dubuque, IA, bkelsey@q.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE NEEDED FREDERICK/HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC needs full-time DPM at least PMS 36 to join premier group in Frederick/Hagerstown, MD. ASC, EMR, DR-digital radiography and ultrasound, Vascular/nerve testing, DME, retail store, strong hospital affiliations, salary, bonus and benefits. Respond to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MASSACHUSETTS

Solo Practice Grossing over $700K yearly 4 days a week. Mostly surgical with heavy emphasis on peripheral nerve patients and pediatrics. General bread and butter podiatry as well. No Medicaid very little Medicare. Very modern office. 30 minutes north of Boston. Modern new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network. Website included. Option to buy the condo 3500sq ft. Have PICA practice evaluation to show you. Call 978-944-7789 for details.

PRACTICE AVAILABLE - WESTERN WASHINGTON

General Podiatry practice in Port Townsend, WA. Nice community, 25+ year old practice, busy 3 days a week with growth potential. Owner leaving area, needs someone to take over the practice, lease and equipment. Contact Jessica at ptpod@yahoo.com or 925-519-0624.

PODIATRY ON CALL - MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD COUNTIES, FLORIDA

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 or fax 607-723-1567.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WEST VIRGINIA

Parkersburg orthopedic group seeks established podiatrist or a 24-36 surgically-trained physician. Group offers stability, autonomy and a collaborative environment. Comprehensive benefits and competitive salary starting at $105K with production bonus. Send CV to Mary-MOR@columbus.rr.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857.

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

PRACTICE & STATE LICENSED ASC FOR SALE (MARYLAND, DC SUBURB)

38 yr old general podiatry practice grossing over $550K. Fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, 2 orthotic scanners, computer network and well-equipped surgical suite. Retiring owner will stay on as needed. Email - dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE NEEDED FREDERICK/HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC needs full-time DPM at least PMS 36 to join premier group in Frederick/Hagerstown, MD. ASC, EMR, DR-digital radiography and ultrasound, Vascular/nerve testing, DME, retail store, strong hospital affiliations, salary, bonus and benefits. Respond to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

MANHATTAN MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (LAWRENCE COUNTY)

Active, established practice includes office building and property ( appraised at 110k) with all equipment and shelf stock included. Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Patients on schedule 1 day/ week grossed over 250k last year. 125k OBO Call 931-446-5724 or email mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY - JERSEY SHORE REGION

Part-time associate wanted. Looking for a motivated and ethical practitioner. Competitive salary with incentives. Tuesday AM - Thursday PM - 2 Saturdays/month. Please respond to: NJSHOREFOOTDOC@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Fredericks premier group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS, TX

Prestigious North Dallas location; 24 year old practice; excellent mix of hospital surgery, office surgery, orthotics, general podiatry, web site, electronic claim submission. Retiring owner will stay for transition. Owner financing available. dallasfootdr@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA

Golf, Boating and Beaches - Great opportunity to join a well established Podiatry Practice. Excellent mix office/surgery, motivated experienced staff. Seeking full time Associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits, early buy-in for the right hard-working, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA AREA

Full-time associate with opportunity for partnership with group practice. Candidate must be trained in all phases of podiatry including wound care, surgery, and routine podiatric care. Candidate must have a positive and energetic attitude with a desire to grow in our practice. If interested please email your CV to BergD@readinghospital.org

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