The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 15, 2011 #4,260 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Congratulations to Carroll Kratzer, DPM of Raleigh, NC, winner of a free registration to the 2012 Greenbrier Coding & Practice Management Workshop to be held August 20-22, 2012 (Immediately following the APMA Annual Meeting).

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Information and registration for this meeting is now open at www.podiatrym.com/greenbrier. We recommend that you register early and save.

IL Podiatrist Discusses Flat Feet in Children

Though flat feet can cause problems for some younger patients, children with the condition don't necessarily require treatment," says Dr. Mary DeGroot, a podiatrist at the DeGroot Foot and Ankle Clinic in New Lenox. Also, children younger than 6 often can wait for treatment –– so long as the problem is not severe. The arch in the foot typically is not fully developed until around that age, Dr. DeGroot noted. DeGroot said she normally waits –– when possible –– to treat pediatric patients for flat feet until after age 6. 

Dr. Mary DeGroot

In cases where treatment is necessary, a custom-fit orthotic shoe insert often does the trick. A good shoe also helps. "Most kids tend to grow out of it," DeGroot said, adding that a lot of children can be asymptomatic and not require any form of treatment. However, she warned that leaving a flat foot unchecked could lead to more severe problems ––such as arthritis or a stiffer foot –– later in life.

Source: Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune [9/14/11]

FL Podiatrists Honored on Yucatan Program's 15th Anniversary

The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project at the School’s  Rite of Passage Ceremony. On July 4, 1996, Dr. Charles Southerland, Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Biomechanics, led a team of podiatric physicians on the first mercy mission to Merida, Mexico to perform surgery on disadvantaged crippled children from the Yucatan Peninsula. Since then, Dr. Southerland and Dr. Keith Kashuk, co-directors, have coordinated more than 70 trips, rendering treatment to more than 7,400 crippled children.

(L-R) Drs. Keith Kashuk and Charles Southerland

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, Dean and Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery presented Dr. Southerland and Dr. Kashuk with a recognition plaque for 15 years of dedicated service to Barry’s Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project.

GA Podiatrist Hopes Forum will Help Curb Macon Violence

A local podiatrist and television-show host is hoping that a community forum on violence will help curb the recent outbreak of shootings in Macon. Dr. Rondrick Williamson, a Macon podiatrist who hosts a local community-oriented TV program called “Perspectives” at 12:30 p.m. Saturdays on WPGA, is organizing a forum to be held at the Douglass Theatre on Oct. 11. Williams said that guests will include elected officials, former NBA player Sharone Wright, and rap artist Sonny Spoon. 

Dr. Rondrick Williamson (Photo: Woody Marshall)

“In light of everything that’s going on, I wanted to do something that would get the community involved to see what can be done,” Williams said. “It’s not pointing the finger at anybody, but coming up with ways we can prevent more violence.” Williams is co-sponsoring the event with the Mentor’s Project of Bibb County.

Source: Phillip Ramati, Macon.com [9/14/11]

IL Podiatrist Holds Annual Shoe Drive

Podiatrist Dr. Todd Snoeyink is once again taking action for Home Sweet Home Ministries by sponsoring the OSF Shoe Drive. People can donate new or gently used men's, women's and children's shoes through Friday, September 16th at five twin cities locations. 

Dr. Todd C. Snoeyink

Shoes collected are given to people living at Home Sweet Home, and any remaining shoes will go to local social service agencies. 

Source: WMBD/WYZZ [9/13/11]

National Doc Database Removed from Public View

The national database that tracks malpractice payments and physician sanctions—but doesn't publicly list the physicians' names—has made its data file inaccessible to the public out of concern that the pieces of information being disclosed were being "triangulated" with other publicly accessible data sources to determine the identities of doctors listed. "The National Practitioner Data Bank was never meant to be a public file," said Martin Kramer, a spokesman for the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. "By statute, it's not a public file."

The file, which lists sanctions against physicians by state medical boards, hospitals, medical societies and the Drug Enforcement Administration and has historically been updated four times a year, "is designed to provide data for statistical analysis only," according to the NPDB section on the HRSA website. The names of physicians identified in the reports are available only to state medical boards and hospital and healthcare organizations to which doctors may apply for employment, a medical staff appointment, or clinical privileges.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Physician [9/14/11]

Query: Back-up Companies for EMR

Which off-site back-up companies are people using to satisfy meaningful use for CMS? Reasonable price would also be helpful.   Are you having the back-up company sign a business associate agreement?
 
Laura R Lefkowitz, DPM, Beverly Hills, CA

RE: MTPJ Stabilization with AVN (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

I am sorry if I misled anyone regarding this patient's problem. Her problem is that her second and third toes are deviated laterally and cause problem and pain in normal shoegear. My statements regarding the pain in the joint were intended to relay the fact that the third MTPJ does not seem to be a source of pain, even though it looks bad  radiographically. I would agree with the general sentiment: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Digital X-Ray Processors (Rhonda Eichenberger, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I use the ICR3600SF digital x-ray processor. FYI, the particular unit can be purchased through many different distributors, not just the one you mentioned. I very much like my unit and do highly recommend it. The unit is compatible with different software, and I do not believe mine came with Tigerview.

After purchasing such a unit, there are support fees for the software. You can feel free to contact me personally, and pick my brains for any information you need in helping with your decision.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Posting Cases On-Line (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Nat Chotechuang, DPM, Barry Mullen, DPM

Thank you, Dr. Sullivan for pointing out the need to use tact when formulating responses to others' queries. Queries on this particular forum end up in print form, and I have found my own responses from a decade previous during Google searches. The last thing any of us want is to have a patient Google our name and find a query in which a colleague referred to us as "laughable" or "dead wrong."  I'm sure some of us have refrained from posting our more challenging patient care problems here due to the risk of being eternally flamed.

Nat Chotechuang, DPM, Bend, OR, natchot@hotmail.com

To set any records that need setting straight, I never slammed "the forum." I have a great deal of respect for PM News and its editor who creates unique opportunities for podiatric idea exchange. My response was specifically directed to those posts regarding the desire for a degree designation change, and my thoughts related to what must take place within the podiatric education process and school and residency curriculum in order for the powers that be to acknowledge our expertise to ratify that degree designation change.
 
The comments Dr. Sullivan eludes to are just generic examples, exactly why that curriculum needs adjusting! I have no issue with anyone posting an opinion provided they validate their opinion with documented EBM.

But, when a podiatric colleague opines how "they treat" specific conditions that those who do know understand the necessity for multidisciplinary specialist involvement, what that tells me is they have absolutely no clue of the magnitude of what that condition is, nor what is required to resolve it. As such, those individuals are not educationally positioned to render such opinions and become quite dangerous to the general public, especially when they attempt to single handedly try and resolve the problem. CRPS is the perfect example. You don't know what you don't know. If you don't know it, refer. When you don't, you pose the single largest threat to the integrity of our profession's reputation...not to mention raise all of your colleague's malpractice premiums. It's in that light, relative to the degree designation change and our current podiatric medical school and residency curriculum that those comments were made.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

RE: Professional Attire (Alan Mauser, DPM)
From: Carl Solomon, DPM

While the subject of professional attire in the office is still alive, what about attire OUTSIDE of the office? I’m referring to wearing of scrubs, specifically at eating establishments, particularly at nice restaurants for dinner meetings.

OSHA has very specific guidelines regarding attire that is exposed to bloodborne pathogens. It may be up for discussion whether scrubs fit into the category of “Personal Protective Equipment”, which can’t even be laundered without following special procedures. But I have to assume that by the end of a typical day in our practices, scrubs are contaminated.

I suppose it’s considered cool and impressive to go out and be seen wearing your “doctor costume.” But I regard it to be in poor taste, particularly at an establishment where food is served. What do others think?

Carl Solomon, DPM, Dallas, TX, cdsol@BaylorHealth.edu

RE: APMA Nixes MD/DO Referendum
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

We should stop the semantics game that only MDs go to "medical school." We are also a medical field, a specialty, and we also attend a medical school.

If Medicare, and eventually all insurance companies, is requiring of ALL of us to participate in the implementation of an EHR system that must include core competencies to be met by all participants alike, then we have the right to be reimbursed like ALL participants, MDs and DOs alike. In this issue is where we should be concentrating our efforts and indeed is where the APMA should be involved as well! A degree change would only cannibalize podiatry.

How come we are not following in the footsteps of osteopathic medicine whose DO degree eventually got recognized nationally and is now integrated in mainstream medical care? Be proud of who you are, what our degree stands for, and how hard you worked to get it! All of us need to be proactive and educate the public and the lawmakers!

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

Editor's comment: Unfortunately, we can't follow in the footsteps of osteopathic medicine because osteopaths hold a general umbrella degree, which encompasses many sub-specialties. Podiatry is a sub-specialty, which rightfully belongs under a general medical degree.

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. Priced for quick sale. 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 - NORTH DALLAS, TX

Great opportunity; 26 year old solo practice, reasonably priced. General practice consisting of hospital surgery, office surgery, orthotics, children, adults, geriatrics. Turn-key office located in medical building inside Loop 635. Will consider owner finance with down-payment.dallasfootdr@yahoo.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

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 to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Experienced podiatrist wanted – Position available for per diem podiatrist (weekly and vacation coverage) in Park Avenue office. Seeking experienced, kind and well-trained podiatrist with out-of-network capability. Starting at $50/hour. Please fax CV to 212-889-6150.

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 - LONG ISLAND, NY

Immediate Position Available for motivated individual in well established,  diverse office. South Shore of Long Island. New Graduates will be considered. Send CV to dsmith4177@gmail.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (LEHIGH VALLEY)

Well-established, rapidly growing practice with multiple offices. Motivated, ethical and personable with well-trained PSR-24/36. Modern office’s with complete EMR, digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, and laser. Competitive salary/benefits package with partnership opportunity. If interested please fax your CV, letter of intent and references to: 610-432-4887.

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 - CANADA 

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

OFFICE TO SHARE - NYC (GRAMERCY)

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