The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 10, 2011 #4,256 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PM News Now Reaches Over 13,000 Podiatrists

PM News' subscriber base has now topped the 13,000 level. We would also like to welcome the podiatric class of 2015. We hope that you will find the information and letters published in these daily newsletters useful to you as you enter your new career.  

We've just mailed the September 2011 issue of Podiatry Management. This 236-page special issue includes our cover story, "Is Podiatry Turning Away from Biomechanics?" by Jason Kraus . You'll also find a roundtable discussion, "Orthotics and Biomechanics", and an article by Dr. Leonard Levy titled "The Evolution of the Podiatric Physician", as well as an assortment of features, including our informative columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

September 2011 Podiatry Management

OH Podiatrist Named President of IAPME

Dr. Vincent J. Hetherington, OCPM Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, has been named President of the International Academy of Podiatric Medical Educators of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP). One of Dr. Hetherington's first official public tasks was to report at the FIP Annual General Meeting concerning the Academy. 

Dr. Vincent Hetherington

The FIP is an international not-for-profit association focused on global leadership and the development of podiatric medicine around the world. Working together collaboratively with leaders of the podiatry profession, the Federation enhances the podiatric profession through the sharing of knowledge, practice, and research among member countries.

Source: Footsteps

CA Podiatrist Lectures at Sports Medicine Injury Clinic

Berkeley-based Strawberry Canyon Track Club and its head coach Carl Rose organized the club’s first Injury Prevention and Functional Motion Screening Workshop on August 21 on the campus of UC Berkeley. One of the noted speakers was Dr. Amol Saxena, a renowned podiatrist in the department of Sports Medicine at the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. Dr. Saxena has a long history of working with runners and running groups including as a consultant to Alter-G Inc., USA Track & Field, and serving as official podiatrist of the Nike Oregon Project. 

Dr. Amol Saxena

In 2008, he had 31 patients in the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials with 14 athletes making the Olympic team. Dr. Saxena discusses a number of hot topics in the world of running. These include minimalist running shoes, and he overviews case studies including Shalane Flanagan’s foot surgery in which an accessory (extra) navicular bone was removed.

Source: Kevin Liao,  Spiked Up, Pysched Up & Fansided [9/7/11]

CA Podiatrist Named CEO of Hospital

Mercy Medical Group has announced that Dr. Gregory Cooper, a longtime Mercy medical leader, has been named CEO. For the last nine years, Cooper served as Mercy's chief medical officer, helping oversee the group's expansion from 93 to nearly 300 providers in the Sacramento region. More recently during his tenure, Mercy Medical Group acquired Cardiac Surgery West, a six-member cardiovascular surgery team in east Sacramento.

Dr. Gregory Cooper

The CEO position is newly created by the medical group's board. Cooper, a licensed podiatrist, will continue his former duties in "a newly expanded and elevated role" as CEO, said Mercy Medical Group spokeswoman Sandra Meyers.

Source: Sacramento Bee [8/9/11]

Obama Hints at Healthcare Cuts to Pay for Deficit and Jobs Bills

In a jobs speech Thursday night looking and sounding very much like a State of the Union address, President Barack Obama called for “making modest adjustments to healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” but lacked specific details on what those adjustments would entail.

“Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future,” Obama said to a joint session of Congress. “They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. But with an aging population and rising healthcare costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program,” he continued. “And if we don't gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won't be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it.”

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [9/9/11]

Query: Medicare & No Show Fees

Can a Medicare beneficiary be held responsible for failing to keep scheduled appointments?

We have a "no show" policy that I have all patients sign describing our fees for failing to keep an appointment without any notification of cancellation.

Tisha Ragsac, Office of James W. Clark, DPM, Salinas, CA

Response: CMS’s policy is to allow physicians and suppliers to charge Medicare beneficiaries for missed appointments, provided that they do not discriminate against Medicare beneficiaries, and also charge non-Medicare patients for missed appointments.

The charge for a missed appointment is not a charge for a service itself (to which the assignment and limiting charge provisions apply), but rather is a charge for a missed business opportunity. Therefore, if a physician’s or supplier’s missed appointment policy applies equally to all patients (Medicare and non-Medicare), then the Medicare law and regulations do not preclude the physician or supplier from charging the Medicare patient directly.

Source: CMS Transmittal 1279

Barry Block, DPM, JD, Forest Hills, NY

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RE: Cycling-specific Orthotics (Jeffrey A Petrinitz, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

Before going on a wild goose chase up to the low back, concentrate on the obvious. Of course the shoe is too narrow, and of course the patient wants the fit to be narrow, and of course the shoes are designed this way for a reason, especially if it is a road shoe.

To help with your diagnosis, a properly placed 1/2cc injection of carbocaine (be nice to your patient and not use lidocaine) to the dorsal nerve, wait 10 mins and then inject to the plantar if necessary. If your patient has mountain bike shoes,...

Editor's note: Dr. Steinberg's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Professional Attire (Alan Mauser, DPM)
From: David M. Schofield, DPM,  Frank Lattarulo, DPM

My opinion will probably be in the minority. We should not think of our attire in the office as being professional or not. It does not matter what you wear if you do not live your life as a professional. Being a professional doesn't stop at the office door. It means volunteering in your civic and medical communities. It means always being a good representative and advocate for our profession of podiatry. If you don't (and I am not inferring that any of this is about Dr Mauser) act professionally all of the time, it will not matter what you wear in your office. AND if you do act professionally all of the time, it will not matter what you wear in your office.

David M. Schofield, DPM, Sarasota, FL, Elmira, NY, david.schofield@yahoo.com

For the first 15 years in practice, shirt and tie was deemed by public opinion (as well as my father) to be "more professional" than anything else. The next five years, I wore slacks and a polo shirt. A white coat depended on the time of year and the temperature of the office.

The last five years have been strictly scrubs and a white coat. There are several factors leading into my decision. One was my dry cleaning bills. Another is the overall appearance of those dress clothes after a particularly busy day where several patients requiring casting...

Editor's note: Dr. Lattarulo's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Kudos for the Open Forum
From: Matthew B. Richins, DPM

It is clear that Dr. Block is strongly for the changing our degree to add MD or DO. I respectfully disagree. However, the purpose of writing is to thank PM News for publishing the other side of the argument, dispite Dr. Block's personal feelings. I wish all media outlets had that kind of journalistic integrity. Keep up the good work.
 
Matthew B. Richins, DPM, Joplin, MO,  mnmrichins@yahoo.com

RE: IL Podiatrist Co-Hosts Radio Show About Obesity and Children
From: Robert Weil, DPM

I wanted to let everyone know that "Kids Beating Obesity" is a on-demand podcast, available worldwide, not just on local radio. It can be accessed via wdcb.org. Click new media, and then click podcast.

Robert Weil, DPM, Aurora, IL, drrweilsportsdoctor@yahoo.com

RE: APMA Nixes MD/DO Referendum (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
The only fear that I ever had was that if we gave every podiatrist an MD or DO degree, what assurance would society have that there would be doctors around who would continue to  treat people with foot problems. I left the clergy as well as the pursuit of a career in biochemistry and entered podiatric medical school because I witnessed a podiatrist in my neighborhood treat my grandfather who had severe unrelenting foot pain. In two visits, he was able to remove the pain and restore his quality of life. We have all had similar experiences with our own patients.
 
It is now 2011, and since Dr. Block and others started the quest to change our degree from a DPM to an MD, there are many podiatrists who have obtained dual degrees. A survey should be made of every DPM who attained an MD or DO degree to determine how many with dual degrees remained practicing podiatrists and how many sought additional training and entered other medical specialties. I suspect that a good survey may render my original fears to be groundless.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

Editor's comment: Changing our degree does not change our specialty. Podiatrists who had DSC and PodD degrees were still podiatrists. Podiatrists who obtain MD or DO degrees will still be podiatrists. The major difference will be that we will save millions of dollars fighting exclusion from programs such as ERISA and Medicaid which are only limited to MDs and DOs. We can't worry about any practitioner who wishes to leave the profession to do something else. Every year, some DPMs do this anyway, even without an MD or DO degree. No one is forced to remain a podiatrist. The vast majority of podiatrists love this profession and will continue to practice what they were trained to do. Ask podiatrists in the military or the VA if they would rather have those magic initials after their names!

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

SUB LEASING TIME on MRI (NYC)

.31 tesla extremity MRI in state-of-the-art midtown Manhattan office location. Lease time on magnet in compliance with the Stark laws. This magnet is the only one that will be accepted by Medicare and all other insurance as of 2012. Why not bill out for your own MRI's??? Email today dri@myfcny.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER

I have a class four pain laser for sale. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargable and can be move from room to room or office to office. This isn't the cold laser that you see. It is a 10 watt laser. We have used this laser on NFL sports players. For those that understand a good laser. E-mail David Zuckerman, DPM for Details and pricing. footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is $130K on 2 half days per week. Asking $100K. Real estate available for purchase. Please call 800-983-4194, or e-mailcontactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ARKANSAS

Busy, well established practice of 13 years grosses 160K/year for the past 5 years, while working 3.5 days/week. Nursing homes available. 50% Medicare, average of 15 new patients/week. Doctor retiring. Please call 800-983-4194 for more details, or e-mailcontactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN OH

Busy, well-established, full-time home visit practice. 100% referral-based. Wound care, pain management, routine care & DME’s. Excellent income, low overhead. DPM relocating out-of-state for family. Contact: nanetter@zoomtown.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON AREA

8 miles north of Boston with sublease available in a modern medical building. Presently working 3 days/week, grossing $300,00 annually with easy potential for full-time. All office and podiatric equipment, instruments, digital x ray, furniture, etc. are included. Turn-key operation. Please e mail footdoc71@aol.com or call 781 279-2332.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH OF BOSTON

Seeking part-time podiatrist for both office and nursing home work. North Andover, MA (North of Boston) Could lead to possible partnership for the right person. jmclaughlin19@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. Extremely competitive base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Knoxville is consistently ranked in top 5 places in U.S. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume toddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON

Busy office with  good steady referral sources looking to expand.  Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with  good personality and hard work ethics. New main and satellite offices. mail: office.pfac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK
 
Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL PA

Martin Foot and Ankle, largest provider of foot and ankle care in South Central Pennsylvania, is seeking a full-time associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, in-office Physical Therapy, six appointment locations, in-office MRI, digital x-ray, PSSD and PVR testing, diagnostic ultrasound, and Electronic Medical Records. We are looking to hire candidates with a minimum of a three-year surgical residency. Experience in rear foot and forefoot reconstruction, including complex nerve releases of the foot and leg, Charcot arthropathy, and arthrodesis is helpful. E-mail CV to mfatrans@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OKLAHOMA

Looking for OK licensed podiatrist to take over half of a million dollar/year practice in Central Oklahoma. Transition for full takeover by Jan 1, 2012. Will interview in OKC Saturday Sept 3rd and in Tulsa , Saturday, Sept 10th. Great opportunity. Call (918) 931-1425.

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. Preferably a Spanish-speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Writetobblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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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