The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

August 15, 2012 #4,540 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Coins Term Stiletto Foot

Love those heels? Wear them all the time? Stiletto Foot - it’s a term coined by Dr. Oliver Zong of NYC Footcare in Manhattan. “It refers to a foot that has begun to take on the shape of a stiletto heel. The forefoot becomes triangular in shape just like the front portion of the heels,” says Dr. Zong.

Dr. Oliver Zong, Stiletto Foot

With Stiletto foot, there is almost always the presence of a significant bunion deformity, hammertoes (usually all of them), and often a tender-to-the-touch tailor's bunion which Dr. Zong affectionately calls the pinky toe bunion. “That area (pinky toe bunion) often appears red, inflamed, and can be quite painful in shoes along with the pinky toe,” states Dr. Zong.

WesternU Holds White Coat Ceremony

From the keynote speaker to new students to proud parents, the message of inspiration, commitment, and camaraderie rang loud and clear at Western University of Health Sciences’ convocation and white coat ceremonies. The ceremonies, held Aug. 11, 2012 at Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., ushered nearly 1,200 new students into the start of their health professions careers. State Sen. Ed Hernandez, OD, an adjunct professor with WesternU’s College of Optometry, introduced the guest speaker. 

Dean Lawrence Harkless, DPM, is introduced at Western University of Health Sciences’ Convocation ceremony

Keynote speaker Diana S. Dooley, Secretary of Health and Human Services for the state of California, told the Convocation audience that WesternU’s philosophy provides an ideal template for national healthcare as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) comes into full flower in the coming years. Many WesternU students have already formed bonds with their classmates and college staff and faculty. First-year College of Podiatric Medicine student Manish Bahri said he has already met College of Podiatric Medicine Dean Lawrence Harkless, DPM, and other faculty members. “They really make you feel like you can approach them,” he said. “They’re really available. They do a great job making sure you know there’s a support system.”

CA Podiatrist Attends Olympics With 14 Athletes

(L-R) Dr. Amol Saxena with with Olympic coach Alberto Salazar.

Amol Saxena, DPM, author and editor of the Springer texts International Advances in Foot & Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy of the Foot & Ankle, and Special Procedures in Foot & Ankle Surgery attended the 2012 Olympics, where he had 14 patients compete, including two who won gold and silver medals.

GA Podiatrist Joins Archibold Medical Center

Podiatrist Dr. Vietanh Vu recently joined the medical staff at Archbold Medical Center and has opened Thomasville Foot and Ankle Center, a podiatry practice where she will treat patients of all ages for disorders of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Vietahn Vu

Vu earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health with a minor in business administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She earned a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. She then completed a residency in podiatry at Pinnacle Health Hospital in Harrisburg, PA.

Source: Thomasville Times-Enterprise {8/11/12]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: What is an example of successful internal marketing you have done?

Dr. Marshall Solomon

Marshall Solomon: We had a program where every month or every other month, we would highlight a service that we would provide, like vascular examinations or computerized gait analysis or orthotic fabrication, or shoes for diabetics. We would send out letters geared towards patients with those specific problems. If they had bunion problems or metatarsalgia or heel pain, then we would send out a specific letter or a newsletter to them regarding orthotic care for the specific problem. For those patients who were diabetics, we would talk about diabetic care and education and diabetic shoes. 

Dr. Robert Mendicino

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is podiatric surgeon and residency director Dr. Robert Mendicino. You can register for future events by clicking here

Check Sources

Don’t accept “facts” or rules attributed to some anonymous source. Ask the other person for the source of the information. Even when the source appears to be credible, ask how current it is.

Be ready to back up your positions with specific, credible sources as well.

Source: Adapted from “Cite Your Sources and Ask for Those of Others,” Dianna Booher, Booher Banter via Communication Briefings

Query: Practice Broker

I am interested in selling my podiatry practice in Texas and was hoping someone may know a good broker or selling agent that I could work with. If anyone has experience with someone, please list their name and contact info.

Name Withheld

Query: Surgical Revision: K-Wire Fixation

We performed an arthroplasty of the left second toe on a patient in the beginning of July. She did not follow her post-op instructions and ended up knocking that toe out of alignment. We had to go back in and perform a revisional K-wire fixation. How should this be coded?

Kathy Jagger, Office of Mark Goldberg, DPM, Chestertown, MD

Response: I would use CPT 20650 - insertion of wire or pin with application of skeletal traction, including removal (separate procedure). Because this was an unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the post-operative period, the return procedure requires modifier "-78".

David J. Freedman DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: MIS Surgery 18 Years Post-Op
From: Ed Cohen, DPM

I received these bunion x-rays which show a nice surgical correction using MIS surgery, along with an eight year post-op x-ray. This MIS bunion surgery, which has stood the test of time, was performed by Dr. Stephen Isham. 

(L-R) Pre-op, Post-op, and Post-op (8 years) of Isham-Reverdin Bunionectomy

After performing traditional bunion surgery, Dr. Isham developed an MIS surgical procedure by modifying and improving this surgery. There are some excellent MIS bunion procedures, but this Reverdin Isham surgery is my favorite. 

Ed Cohen, DPM, President, The Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, ECohen1344@aol.com

RE: Verruca Treatment in an Immunocompromised Patient (Catherine Wu, DPM)
From: Stephen Musser, DPM

After three years, you need to biopsy the lesion to be certain that you are still dealing with a verruca. Once the diagnosis is established (by pathology), there are a variety of treatment modalities available. First, address the hyperhydrosis, if that is an issue. Second, conservatively, you may want to use sal. acid to be applied in the AM, followed by application of Efudex cream at night, and cover with a bandage. Check the drug interaction of Efudex with his current meds.

Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH, ly2drmusser@gmail.com

RE: Verruca Treatment in an Immunocompromised Patient (Catherine Wu, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
 
First of all, make sure it's a wart. As a transplant patient who is on many of the same meds as your patient, I have some experience with this, and I also recently had surgery. Basically, you do nothing different. These patients are at greater risk for infection, so you need to take greater care with sterility, antisepsis, and technique. If s/he gets an infection, the patient will need to contact their transplant nephrologist who will adjust their meds while the infection is treated with antibiotics. It's a delicate balance between fighting the infection and not rejecting the transplanted organ.
 
That being said, cimetidine in a 53 year old is usually not very successful, although I understand using it, as there is nothing to lose. I exclusively use canthranone (cantharadin). It is quite strong and quite effective. Be careful if using it for the first time as it very caustic, but it works. In kids or adults with very tender skin, use less. Have them back every 10 days for debridement and re-application, if necessary. There are other options (laser, bleomycin, etc.) but I will let others comment on those as I do not use them.
 
Tell your patient that these types of lesions, when left untreated for many years, can change into carcinomas. He just might decide to take off from work for a few days. Even with the topical meds, if he has a reaction to them, he may need to take time off anyway.
 
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: The Green Hornet Strikes Again

And she wonders why her hallux is painful!

Source: Submitted by Daniel Pollack, NY, NY

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ

Part-time or-full time. This position can and will lead to purchase of practice if so desired. Well-equipped modern office. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, etc. Individual must be well-trained and be ABPS Qualified/Certified. Must be competent in general foot care and be able to do routine foot surgery without help. Call: 201-986-1900.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC

Prominent two office (3 practitioner) podiatric medical group seeking well rounded, personable individual with good medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, board qualified or certified foot and ankle surgeon. Salary with benefits package. Serious inquiries to ponyrunner66@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to:Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YONKERS, NY

Immediate part-time associate position now available. Appx: 3 1/2 days per week with room to grow. Practice is a good balance of all aspects of podiatric foot care, including surgery. Perfect opportunity for new graduate, or experienced podiatrist. Looking for the right person to transition into vacancy that will be left by current associate leaving the area and you will have an immediate, full schedule of patients. Over 25 year well-established practice with large referral base, and both hospital and surgery center privileges available. Interested persons please forward CV and brief summary of surgical log to:  Podiodoc@gmail.com 914.584.1434

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to: Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/BAY AREA

We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial who can help grow our practice. Must have great people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and positive demeanor. California license required. Send your CV and cover letter to cvpodiatrist@gmail.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, and other Medicaid plans. Contact me at: podocare123@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

A well-established, solo-physician practice seeking a Full-Time Associate Podiatrist. Applicant should be: well trained physician, personable and motivated individual with sound surgical skills. Applicant must have completed a 24-36 month residency. Practice offers a state-of-the-art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary and benefits. Partnership opportunities available. E-mail your letter of interest with resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311. 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KY

Immediate position for established practice in excellent location with option to buy. All phases of podiatry with good mix of patients. Two local residency programs with foot and ankle and trauma privileges. Office has EMR qualifying for meaningful use in the first year. PADnet vascular testing. Send resume to: samuel10530@yahoo.com.

EQUIPMENT WANTED - DIGITAL X-RAY MACHINE

We are looking to buy a used digital x-ray machine- Please contact me atHowardBeachPod@aol.com or call (646) 401-3563 Preferred Unit: Fujifilm, FCR XL-2 Lite w/Genesis Viewing Software for 2 licenses.

EQUIPMENT WANTED - MUSCULAR SKELETAL ULTRASOUND MACHINE

We are looking to buy a used muscular skeletal ultrasound machine. Please contactmeatrmattsson@flfootandankle.com or call (863) 299-4551 ext 170. 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PINPOINTE LASER

PinPointe Laser for sale. All accessories included. In service since 2008. Service policy in place, fully transferable. $35,000. tatarb@verizon.net.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PODIATRIC LASERS

Great price, great outcome. Stop wasting money on expense lasers. Personally owned and used few hours in my office,. 10 and 30 watts lasers. Two handpieces in one. First one for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, pain, inflammation. 2nd handpiece for surgical ablation and fungus toenail conditions. Portable fast and very cost-effective:footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET

Rarely used - excellent condition. Padnet for sale. Asking $10,000. Contact us at 516-220-8258.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.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.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. 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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