The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 01, 2009 #3,637 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Congratulations to Arthur Gudeon, DPM of Rego Park, NY, winner of an Insight scale (Value $79.95).

We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this anonymous survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2010 issue of PM. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes. Enter by sending Question #43 (no answer necessary) to bblock@podiatrym.com along with your name and address.

This week's prize is  PictZar® Digital Planimetry Software - Wound Measurement on Digital Photographs

BioVisual Technologies, LLC, the leader in digital photo-planimetry software offers the latest version of PictZar-CDM, now with the PUSH Tool™ for tracking pressure ulcers. Medical photography software developed as a measurement and documentation tool for wound care specialists. Non-invasive, no-contact measurement of wounds easily accomplished on digital photographs.  Captures wound area, length, width, circumference, and volume. Monitor changes in wounds by tissue type. Wound specialists of all types are using PictZar® software to track healing and changes in wound size over time. Accurate, reproducible, and consistent measurements directly on digital wound photographs. Uses your present digital camera and computer (Value $850).

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

MA Podiatrist Receives FIP Lifetime Achievement Award

Each year the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) awards its International Lifetime Achievement award to a podiatrist who has had an impact on our profession, globally. This year’s recipient is an American podiatrist who has been dedicated to the internationalization of podiatry. Dr. Joseph Addante has been a gentleman and a statesman who has been closely involved with the development of podiatric surgery for the profession in the United Kingdom and in Italy.

Dr. Joseph Addante

Dr. Addante continues to go to Italy to assist in the education of Italian podiatrists, at the La Sapienza University situated within the confines of the American Hospital of Rome. Addante is past president of the American Podiatric Medical Writers Association (APMWA) and recipient of The Golden Quill Award, APMWA’s highest honor.

MI Podiatrist Offers Children's Shoe-Buying Advice

With the new school year just around the corner, parents and kids are back-to-school shopping with a “must buy” list that likely includes new shoes.

Dr. Marshall Solomon

Buying shoes with good cushioning, arch support, and stability is important. Marshall Solomon, DPM, a Botsford Hospital podiatrist, says, “Shoes need to be flexible and be able to sustain extreme activity. They should also provide support and cushioning and be breathable to allow heat and moisture to escape.”

Solomon recommends getting your child a second pair of shoes and rotating them every day. This will allow the shoes to last as long as three pairs.

Source: HometimeLife.com [8/23/09]

TN Podiatrist is Skeptical of Obama's Plan to Rebuild Gulf Coast

During his weekly radio address, President Barack Obama pledged more federal aid to help residents on the Gulf Coast recover. "I have also made it clear," the President said, "that we will not tolerate red tape that stands in the way of progress or the waste that can drive up the bill. Government must be a partner, not an opponent, in getting those things done." But after watching their city rot and decay for four years now, Dr. Tyrone Davis, a podiatrist who set up a successful practice in the Mid-South, remains skeptical.

Dr. Tyrone Davis

"That's a place I call home," says Dr. Davis, "but it's not the same. Never will be the same. Nor do I expect it to be the same."  He hasn't forgotten the images of Katrina. In fact, he still has nightmares about waking up surrounded by water. He and his family decided to stay in Memphis instead of moving back to New Orleans. "I knew that this would be home," he says, "because I got such a warm reception initially when my family and I came up."

Source: Joyce Peterson, Eyewitness News (Memphis) [8/30/09]

Query: Dealing With Depressed Patient

During a recent visit, I had a patient display obvious signs of depression (crying, expressing feelings of inadequacy, and feeling as if life "did not matter"). This patient denied any hx of depression or a desire to commit suicide, but I was obviously quite concerned. All my attempts to refer this patient for help were refused. In the end, I gave this patient the 1-800 number for the suicide prevention hotline, called the next day to see how the patient was doing and called the primary care doctor and related the incident as part of my consult follow-up. My question is: are there any guidelines on how to handle this type of situation?

Donna M Alfieri, DPM, NY, NY

Query: Podiatric Surgeons and Generalists

When I completed residency training almost 30 years ago, a common goal among my colleagues was to have a "nice, well-rounded, surgically-oriented" podiatry practice...a "nice busy office, and to be in the OR a few times a week. " Today, if I needed surgery on myself, or on a member of my family, I would want it done by a surgeon known for that specific type of surgery, who might do many hundreds of that type of surgery/procedure a year. I think, in fairness to patients, it is time to change our paradigm for podiatric surgery and have fewer "surgeons" with more intense surgical practices who would not do general podiatric medicine, and have more general podiatrists, who would not do complicated foot and ankle surgery. In essence, this is the model in dentistry?  What do PM News readers think?

Arden Smith,  DPM, Great Neck, NY

RE: Ascending Cellulitis and Antibiotics (Vilayvanh Sysounthone, DPM)
From: Alan J. Cantor, DPM

If it is indeed a true ascension, considering all of the structures, compartments, and planes, I would love to hear what the "one dose" miracle drug was. I would hope that an oral antifungal was administered systemically, as well.
 
It never ceases to amaze me to see a patient walk into our wound center with a limb-threatening infection and  white cell count of 27, on Z-Pak, or Keflex from "my doctor."

As for the patient in query, was that patient re-seen? Were bloods taken, etc.? Drugs are a magnificent way of masking symptoms!

Alan J. Cantor, DPM, Long Island, NY, ajcdpm@gmail.com

RE: DME Surety Bond Scam (Rick Burnell, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

Dr. Burnell is accurate in that any physicians (MD/DO, DPM OD) providing DME to their own patients (not as owners of shoe or DME companies) are not required either to  be accredited or to purchase a surety bond. This also applies to other select healthcare professionals such as occupational and physical therapists, but not pedorthists.

I have already reported this issue to an official at CMS who has passed this information on to a higher level supervisor. They have promised to respond shortly with an action plan. Anyone who has been harassed by any company high pressuring them to purchase a surety bond or to become accredited, should hold on to the information. Once I have the appropriate information, I will pass it on to the APMA DME subcommittee, and an appropriate course of action for our membership will be formulated.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Doctors Must Provide Every Relevant Alternative and Risk (Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Raymond Posa, Daniel Chaskin, DPM
 
One of the best ways to provide detailed information on all alternative treatments and risk associated with them is through the use of “informed consent” videos. The videos make sure that you are delivering to the patient complete and verifiable information each and every time. The video can de delivered to the patient in the treatment room and you have them sign a consent form acknowledging they viewed the video; the video can also be delivered via a kiosk in the waiting room or patient counseling room with an electronic signature collected at the end of the video; and finally, the video can be delivered to the patient via the practice's website, again collecting an electronic signature acknowledging the video.

Many other medical disciplines already use this methodology to provide informed consent information to patients. This may be a project for PICA and other insurers to look at and have all the videos reviewed by council to provide complete legal coverage.

Raymond Posa , The Mantra Group, rposa@themantagroup.com

I believe you can document a good faith attempt to provide an informed consent by setting up on your website a section explaining relevant alternatives and risks for podiatric medical procedures. Before patients come to your office, make sure they sign a form that says they reviewed all the information on your website, including every relevant alternative and risk that is listed on your website regarding all podiatric medical treatments and podiatric surgical treatments.

This form should be signed again, right before every time such a podiatric treatment, medical or surgical, is performed. For example, on some of my websites, I have disclaimers and I specify that there are no guarantees.

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, podiatrist1@optonline.net
 

RE: Remembering Ted Kennedy and Podiatry
From: Lloyd S. Smith, DPM
 
As I watch and reflect on the tributes to Senator Kennedy the past few days, I am reminded of the day as APMA President, I was privileged to meet the Senator in a wonderful room just adjacent to the Senate floor. In a meeting set up the Guild, APMA and MPMS were advocating that he sign on to our Medicaid bill, and he promptly and grinningly removed his shoes and showed me his orthotics. He stated, and I paraphrase, "I am with you guys, I know what you do and your orthotics keep me walking." 

(L-R) Dr. Lloyd S. Smith (past APMA president), Sen. Ted Kennedy, Dr. Glenn B. Gastwirth (APMA Exec Dir.), and Dr. Peter C. Paicos (Past president MPMS) on Capitol Hill.

I will always have those memories on this sad day and will always reflect on the many things he did for those of us who live in our wonderful country. He signed on to our bill.

 Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com
 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Established successful practice in Central New Jersey seeking PT/FT Associate. PSR 24/36. Please forward CV to rpg145@gmail.com or fax 908 753-0199.

ASSOCIATE POSITION WANTED- METRO NEW YORK AREA

Associate position wanted for full-time or part time. Diverse practice to include general podiatry, as well as surgery. Hospital privileges available. E-mail CV along with cover letter to rrranch7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON, MA

Associate wanted, Full-time or part-time, for busy long time, well established, and well-rounded practice. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Office will generate approximately 100+ surgical cases per year. Must have surgical background, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO, IL

Hard-working, personable, motivated associate is needed for full or part-time position to work in well established 2-office practice in Chicago and NW suburb. Competitive compensation. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Send CV to: anthony.spitz@gmail.com or call 847-971-5926.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA

Seeking well-trained ABPS board certified/qualified foot surgeon for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group. Excellent salary/benefits. E-mail CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA

Very busy practice in Western North Carolina, seeking Full-time Associate with hospital and surgical training. If interested please fax resume to 828-252-2272 or e-mail to mfas828@aol.com

EQIPMENT FOR SALE - ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Amfit Orthotic Insole Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer- For Sale Machine, Laptop, rolling bag, small inventory of shoes, insoles, all cords, parts and hardware Asking $10k.OBO! Please contact Jeff at Jhunt@psbank.net for further information, pictures.

Full time, hard-working, happy and personable Foot Surgeon needed for busy and growing practice in Frederick and Hagerstown Maryland. PM&S-36 or more required. We have a well-rounded, high tech practice with all types of pathology encountered in our two offices and in two local hospitals as well as our on-site accredited and certified ASC. Very competitive compensation. Please send your CV to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write to  bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.