The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

August 30, 2012 #4,552 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Congratulations to: Dr. Vera Stern of Richardson, TX , winner of a copy of A Podiatric Practitioner's Biomechanic and Surgical Guide by Thomas E. Sgarlato, DPM (Value $120). We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this confidential survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2013 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes.

SugarMill Suites, Tobago, WI

This week's prize is a six night stay for up to four persons in an upper floor of a 2-bedroom bungalow with hot tub at the SugarMill Suites in Tobago, the West Indies (value $1,680)

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

Canadian Podiatrist Relates Story About His Most Memorable Patient

The Toronto Star recently asked podiatrist Dr. Robert Chelin, "Who was your most memorable patient?" "There was one young lady who wanted to get married on the beach. She had brachymetatarsia: her fourth toes didn’t form properly, so they looked like mini toes, and she was embarrassed to take off her shoes in public.

Dr. Robert Chelin

We fixed it using a procedure where you break the toe and then put on a contraption that looks like a stretching unit. You tighten the screws on a quarter turn every day so that, as the fracture tried to heal on its own, you pull it apart again. We made the toe grow about one and a half centimeters. She had her beach wedding and sent me the pictures."

Source: Alyshah Hasham, Toronto Star [8/28/12]

IL Podiatrist Aims to Treat Without "Breaking the Bank"

A young podiatrist brings new technology and affordable footcare to the Lansing community. Dr. Louis Santangelo (aka Dr. Lou), 31, opened his office in August 2011. He said through the use of newer and innovative technology, he will treat foot problems in a way that won’t “break the bank.” Dr. Lou, a Chicago area native, said he first got interested in podiatry when he was 15, after watching his father, Dr. Louis M. Santangelo, perform in-office surgery on a clubfoot patient. Dr. Lou has worked side-by-side with his father, a 33-year veteran of the field, as well as his uncle, Dr. Paul Santangelo, who has worked as a foot doctor since 1991.

Dr. Louis Santangelo

“I’m constantly looking for and using new ways to treat patients and keep them on their feet and doing what they love to do. My goal is to give all patients access to the best care available, regardless of their insurance plans or socioeconomic status,” Dr. Lou said.

Source: Shopper Source Online [8/29/12]

PA Podiatrist to Exhibit Art

Dr. Doug Farrell might not fancy himself as an artist, but the many who took home one of the signed prints of his simplistic painting done in 2011 titled, “Leaving the Beach” might beg to differ. The image struck a chord with friends and neighbors, not to mention patrons at the Longport Historical Society Art Show. He offered prints of his painting of Longport Beach Patrol Headquarters at 30th and Atlantic avenues at the art show over the 2011 Labor Day weekend, and the result was several thousand dollars raised that Farrell then donated to the International Myeloma Foundation.

Dr. Doug Farrell (Photo: Suzanne Marino)

Farrell, a retired podiatrist originally from Philadelphia, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2006. He decided he was going to put his energy into raising money to fund research for a cure. In the off-season, Farrell picked up his paints and brushes once again with the plan of creating something with a Longport feel about it that he would offer for sale at the end of the summer art show. “In honor of the centennial of the Longport Fire Department, I decided to do something to honor their efforts,” said Farrell.

Source: Suzanne Marino, Shore News Today [8/28/12]

ONC Looks to Update Model Privacy Notice

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is redesigning a boilerplate health IT company privacy notice it issued a year ago. The proposal to redesign the model notice of privacy practices was recently announced on the Office of the Federal Register's website.

The ONC first released the notice for covered healthcare entities in September 2011 to post as a standard label similar to other industries' mandated consumer labels—for example, the food industry's nutrition facts label. the ONC's OFR notice stated, "if patients cannot adequately understand the notice because of its length or complexity, then the use and disclosure of their health information is not open and transparent."

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [8/27/12]

Query: Source for Pumice Stones?

I had a supplier for pumice stones which I dispense, however they went out of business. Does anyone know a source for natural pumice stones which can be bought wholesale?

Michael DiGiacomo, DPM, Oakland, CA

RE: Hammertoe Pain in a Smoker (Phillip Graham, DPM)
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD

An arthroplasty with extensor tenotomy would not be effective in relieving this patient's callus sub- 5th metatarsal head. If it did, you should then immediately go out and buy a lottery ticket because the gods are looking favorably on you. But seriously, there is clearly an angulation of the 5th metatarsal distally as seen on the radiograph. You can do the aforementioned arthroplasty, etc., but you have to correct the 5th metatarsal deformity with a displacement osteotomy (not a Weil). A 5th metatarsal head resection would be effective as well, but not as functionally appropriate.
 
Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD, Clifton, NJ, TGrazi6236@aol.com

RE: Checking Medicare Pending Claims (Margaret Portela, DPM)
From: Lisa Marie Calderón

Medicare has an IVR- Inveractive Voice Response system where you can check status of claim, member eligibility, and find out what claims they have paid and how many are pending. This has not been de-activated.

Lisa Marie Calderón, Practice Manager, William A. Harr, DPM, Indian Harbour Beach, FL, harr.practicemanager@cfl.rr.com

RE: Bullying in Podiatry School (Name Withheld)
From: Name Witheld

Having recently graduated from podiatry school, I can relate to this. Bullying in podiatry school continues to be a problem. Kudos to UCLA for setting up a department and then publishing the results. If you report abuse from an attending faculty, resident, or even co-students in the class, many podiatry schools will hush you up and won't take things seriously to avoid a bad reputation. But looking at the bigger picture, bullying, verbal, and sometimes physical abuse becomes a much bigger issue during residency. Again kudos to UCLA and hopefully APMA/CPME will follow with a similar department for podiatry students and residents.

Name Witheld

RE: Compensation in a Wound Care Center (Ed Dosremedios, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

As a point of reference:

CPT 11042 is done at our wound institute here in New York: $66.92 approved to pay.
CPT 11042 is done in my private office: $125.33 approved to pay. We then get reimbursed 80% of that of course.

The difference goes to the facility for their expenses, which they also bill and get far more than the $66.92 I receive. Of course, we don't pay for supplies, staff, instrumentation, etc. at the hospital wound center.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, doclatt@aol.com

RE: Microphone for Dragon Medical 11 (David Kahan, DPM)
From: Larry Kosova, DPM
 
I have read with interest the opinions of what Microphones work well with Dragon Medical 11. 95% accuracy is very poor. Dragon 12 (just released, but not in medical version) should be 98%-99% right out of the box. Also the Parrot microphone is not a very accurate or noise-canceling microphone. For a little more money, there are much better options.
 
The speechware 3-in-1 microphone was specifically made for Dragon 11 Medical in mind. I used it daily with few errors. This is a table-based microphone that I can dictate from 14-20 inches away. Others have had a hard time getting used to this. 
 
As far as wireless is concerned, Bluetooth's range is about 30 feet, but most will get it to work best at 15 feet consistantly. UHF or VHF wireless range would work for just about any office. There are many of these made for speech recognition in the marketplace. Samson 77 Airline is one such microphone with excellent accuracy and noise cancellation.
 
Search out speech recognition dealers, not eBay or your local big box. They will not have microphones that will work well with speech. Yes, there is a difference between just okay and great when it comes to speech microphones, and most great ones are not that much more expensive.

Larry Kosova, DPM, Chicago, IL, lkosova@yahoo.com

RE: Mrs. Malaprops is a Hospital Scheduler

My office scheduled a surgery at the hospital for "Excision of os peroneum." A few days later, I received a phone call from administration saying that I did not have privileges for the procedure. After discussing the details of the procedure, the administrator laughed, and said the scheduling staff at the hospital entered "excision of perineum!"

David T. Weiss, DPM, Richmond, VA

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: MIDMARK MODEL 646 PODIATRY CHAIR

This blue chair is in excellent condition. Purchased only 14 months ago. Foot pedal is included. Pictures upon request. This chair sells new for around $5,200 (retails for $7,500) Asking $2,900. Seller to pay shipping or local pick-up. Jack Ressler DPM Lauderhill, FL. (954) 650-8637 redwingcrzy@aol.com

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

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

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 - NEW YORK

Located in New York, Capital District (Albany, Schenectady, Troy). Grossing 500k+ consistently with less than 10% surgery. 100% EHR Compliant and steady growth. Great opportunity for a doctor or doctors. Will help in the transition process, long-term lease is available. Please email serious inquiries to: PodiatristDoctor@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW ROCHELLE, NY

Flexible terms. Stable location, medical co-op, 24 year practice with a stable established patient base. Great opportunity for a self motivated podiatrist wanting immediate income and future stability. Call 551-574-0776 for details.

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 PODO2345@AOL.COM   516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SUFFOLK COUNTY, LI

Well-rounded podiatry practice. A business-oriented, mature board eligible/certified podiatrist who is not just looking for a job, but a secure future. Equity position possible. 2 hospitals available. No nursing homes. Competitive package. Please send CV to 631-581-0857.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A busy practice with three offices in Huntington Park, Ontario and San Bernardino is looking to expand and bring on a part-time or full-time podiatrist. Spanish speaking is helpful, but not imperative. For full-time position, a six figured starting salary with benefits and bonuses is offered. Primarily office work. NO NURSING HOMES, HOWEVER! If interested, please send CV to scpodgroup@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, NY

Full-time associate position in well-established multi-office practice. Modern facilities, fully equipped with fluoroscopy, ultrasound, digital x-rays, and vascular testing. Great salary. Must have flexibility with schedule and be comfortable with all aspects of foot care.   Send CV to: Tess038@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

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 - 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 - 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 - CHARLOTTE, NC

Charlotte, NC practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a podiatric surgeon. Looking for an associate with partnership potential to join our team serving 5 offices located in Charlotte metro area. Please send resume to Charpodiatry@gmail.com.

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 – 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 or email to: ifanelli.hms@verizon.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 - SACRAMENTO, CA

Associate position available immediately. Full or Part time. Opportunity for buy-in and full partnership. Full scope of practice with hospital and surgical privileges available. Please call 310.854.0203 or fax 916.732.2280.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPMs and Students

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