The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 22, 2009 #3,655 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice

Andrew Cassidy, DPM, podiatrist with Lone Star Podiatry in Austin, TX, says some women mistakenly believe that foot pain is normal because their grandmothers and mothers often complained of foot problems. But he emphasizes that foot pain is not normal and, wouldn’t occur if women made sensible shoe choices. Here are some things to consider when shopping for shoes:

Dr. Andrew Cassidy

Get the proper shoe size. Cassidy says many women underestimate their shoe size by one to one-and-a-half sizes. Don’t go by size alone because fit may differ between manufacturers. Measure both feet because one foot may be slightly wider or longer than the other; then choose a shoe that accommodates the larger foot. It’s important to have your feet measured regularly because feet tend to grow larger with age. In addition, shoe shop at the end of the day, when feet are swollen. 
 
Source: Carolyn Murray, WCDB-TV (Charleston, SC)[9/9/09]

NJ Podiatrist Remains Cautious About Stock Market

A year ago, Jacqueline Sutera of North Bergen, a 33-year-old podiatrist, could do no wrong. She traded stocks in between seeing patients and saw her portfolio rise sharply. After last fall's collapse, she took an eight-month sabbatical before jumping back in to the market in May. "I took a huge break. It just felt like the world was coming to an end for a while," she said.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

She said her approach these days is more cautious and she relies on a network of friends -- including her brother-in-law, who works in finance -- to alert her to any changes in her two biggest stocks: Google and Bank of America. "I definitely have feelers out there," Sutera said. "We help each other out when there's news, when something is going to drop or go up."

Source: Tanya Batallas, NJ.com [9/30/09]

Check the Time Before You Criticize

It’s not only what you say and how you say it that you must consider; it's also the time when you say it. You can praise an employee any time and it will always be welcome. But before you criticize, ask yourself: Is this the best time?

If an employee is up to his/her elbows in a complicated task, let him/her finish. If an employee is about to leave on a three-day weekend, wait until he/she gets back. You want the employee to accept the criticism and use it to improve performance. Yet, in each of the examples cited, your input will likely become a momentary distraction – and a lasting morale-killer. Choose a time when the employee can fully concentrate on what you have to say.

Source: Communication Solutions

Query: 2010 Medicare Cut?

There is  little more than three months before we start the new year of 2010 and Congress, the President, and the populous are bickering over the healthcare plan. What I haven't heard is how a possible national healthcare plan will affect the 21.5% cut we're due, and what will happen if a plan isn't approved and we keep the status quo? Most of us know a 21.5% cut will be a killer now that commercials also base their fees on Medicare rates.

I spoke personally to Sen. Schumer 2 years ago who promised me the flawed formula will be corrected. When?
 
Mark Levine, DPM, Middle Village, NY, MarkLevineDPM@verizon.net

RE: Alarming TENS Complication (Frank DiPalma, DPM)
From: Robert Boudreau, DPM

Dr. DePalma, I would suggest a psych consult for this patient. A  high psychological component is present with CRPS syndrome, and it sounds to me as if she is either manipulating you to see your response, (has anyone actually witnessed this occurring?) or is exhibiting schizophrenic symptoms. I cannot believe there would be any scientific reason for her to set off alarms leaving department stores unless she was either carrying metals on her person that are setting off the alarm, or she is a shoplifter! Psych consult is easily justifiable.
 
Robert Boudreau, DPM, Tyler, TX, rbftdoc@aol.com

RE: Implant Data (Charles Ross, DPM)
From: Michael Piccarelli, DPM

I have moved to using metatarsal head implants with success. The reason for this is that it maintains the FHB attachments for MPJ stability. That being said, I restrict the use of implants to a specific patient population, generally women with only moderate activity level.

Also, I recommend addressing any elevatus during the procedure to reduce jamming/stress on the implant as this is often the cause of the limitus/DJD.
 
Michael Piccarelli, DPM, Staten Island, NY, mcpdpm@verizon.net

RE: Social Networking and Podiatry (Nicholas Pagano, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

From a risk management standpoint, I would caution all against Internet social networking.
 
Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.com

The answer is quite simple as far as patients having access to "personal things." Just open a second Facebook account, call it something else and make it specific for your business. Only post pictures as they relate to the work you do, and only have conversations that are specific to podiatry. Keep the personal stuff on the other site.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com 

It is hard to separate social and professional lives these days, especially with the Internet. I would recommend setting up a Professional Facebook Page. You can become 'friends' with patients and can serve as a terrific marketing tool for your practice.
 
Jacob Fassman, DPM, Vineland, NJ, jfassma1@hotmail.com

RE: LocalPodiatry.com (Kyle J. Kinmon, MS, DPM)
From: Alan Mauser, DPM, Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM

Same story here.  I was charged for calls that had nothing to do with my practice, hang ups, etc. I only lost about $400.00. I canceled the service as quickly as I could. I was being charged $30.00 a call.  

Alan Mauser, DPM, Louisville, KY, afootdr@aol.com

Like any other form of marketing and advertising, one must take the bad with the good. Instead of jumping in with both feet, a full understanding of the parameters of the project is necessary. In the case of "Local Podiatry" (YEXT.com), I was contacted by them in February, 2009. The concept sounded interesting, and we placed our 12 locations on the system and received several written assurances on areas of concern.

Since that time, we averaged about 20 calls per month and do not pay for "wrong numbers", etc. Of the 20 calls per month, we average 6 patients per month or 33% success. The revenue of six new patients per month far exceeds the cost of the program, and our ROI is as good as it gets considering that no other investment is necessary other that monitoring all "recordings" to the practice. We have made a list of our best and worst recordings, and use it as a learning tool for both current and new operators in our calling center.

Bottom line: Monitor everything and complain if you don't get proper service. We have found YEXT to be very cooperative in their responses. Perhaps we have been lucky?
 
Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM, Des Plaines, IL, weil4feet@aol.com

RE: Reviewing EOBs (George Jacobson, DPM)
From: Hal Ornstein, DPM

I was happy to see  Dr. Jacobson's advice to review explanation of benefits (EOBs) regularly. I have professed this for years and in my twenty years of practice have reviewed every EOB we have received and also did this for a friend for ten years.  There are many benefits, mostly giving me a pulse of what insurers cover and what they do not. This is not to say that I do not trust my great office TEAM to keep me in the know. I surely do practice empowerment, but always like to know that I control my own destiny in critical areas. 

On each EOB, we use a message system so I see how the billing TEAM is dealing with write-offs, co-pays collected (or not) while patient is in the office, and the amount billed to the patient. Simply a #1 next to amount collected while in the office, a #2 if amount written off and a #3 if billed to the patient. After reviewing well over an estimated forty thousand EOBs (primary and secondary’s), I have learned countless lessons and have used this as a wonderful educational tool for our billing TEAM and new associates. For those who say that you are too busy to do this, I plead that you look at spending your time on key result areas that save or make you money and often times this is not seeing patients. Reviewing all EOBs in your practice is a prime example.
 
Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ, toetoe@optonline.net

RE: Obama’s Healthcare Plan (Pat Caputo, DPM)
From: Joe Boylan, DPM, Steve Bennett, DPM

I read Dr. Caputo's cogent remarks regarding the current Medicare system using a Ponzi scheme analysis. I almost was waiting for the punch line but it is unfortunately clear that his general analysis is accurate and difficult to challenge. I would add that some of the Medicare funds were not spent on claims submitted on the behalf of beneficiaries but were shunted toward other government programs by past Congresses; a true bipartisan accomplishment. It is abundantly clear we need to reform our current public and private system before considering new government plans,

So here's the punch line: We may be able to enlist some of our white collar crime inmates to run a new public option plan pro bono.

Joe Boylan, DPM , Ridgefield, NJ, Drb0327@aol.com

This is definitely a heated debate, but I just don't comprehend the anger over a government option. Looking at Dr Caputo's remarks, I am amazed that he doesn't see the flaw in his argument against the government plan. If one is to equate the government plan to a Ponzi trick, isn't then private insurance just the same (money from the healthy paying for the sick) but with one difference, the private company is profiting greatly and skimming off the top to pay dividends, perks, and high salaries.

Can the government mess things up? Absolutely. Does it stifle innovation? Possibly, but we are talking insurance here. Innovation in the insurance arena equates to either claim denial or fraud.  Medicare is a good insurance. One reason it is going broke is because it insures the sickest segment of our population but also because there is a shifting in the working pool, but this is not to say that the shift is permanent or its influence uncorrectable.

If there is a moral obligation to have affordable access to healthcare (and I am not sure there is), then let’s not mix that up with nationalistic rhetoric nor political yellow journalism.(and remember that the greatest thing our founding fathers gave us was democracy, not capitalism) If this is a moral obligation, then let us let morality guide us instead of fear, and let us modify our criminal laws to minimize abuse of the system by both the government and private sector.

Steve Bennett, DPM, NY, NY, drsteve5@verizon.net
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION-  SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Looking for board certified/board eligible ABPS associate to join a multi doctor practice with 2 offices. May lead to eventual buy-in and purchase. Must have minimum 2-year residency and comfortable with rearfoot procedures and diabetic care, ER call. Must be dependable, honest, ethical individual. Send cover letter and CV to familyfootcenter@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION (SURGICAL) – CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Surgical Group is seeking a Board-Certified podiatrist to add to our Surgical Podiatry division based in Central Connecticut. This podiatrist will provide all aspects of Podiatric care with a focus on wound and surgical care to a well-established patient base. We require PSR-36 training and board certification or eligibility, excellent surgical and wound care skills, a strong focus on providing compassionate care to our patients, and the ability to work as part of a team in a group practice setting. To apply please visit our website . EOE

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

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 POSITIONS - INDIANA/OHIO

PrimeSource Healthcare is a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created an immediate need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Indiana/Ohio. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to kwright@pshcs.com. Visit us at pshcs.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Well-established, state of the art medical-surgical podiatry practice seeking well-trained motivated individual to work full-time with future partnership possible. Will start with full schedule. PSR-24 a minimum. Email resume to Howard4624@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NYC

Expanding Joint Commission Accredited Surgical and state of art medical podiatry practice seeks part-time ABPS Qualified/Certified podiatric surgeon on two weekdays in Flushing, Queens and on Saturday's in Midtown, Manhattan. Email CV and cover letter to EcksteinDPM@AOL.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

LOCUM TENENS POSITION – PHOENIX, AZ

Locum Tenens position available in West Valley Phoenix office beginning September 15th. Salary negotiable. One to two days a week in a friendly and casual office. Please direct all inquiries to drlaurel@cox.net

EQUIPMENT 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 $8k. OBO! Please contact Jeff at Jhunt@psbank.net for further information, pictures.

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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON BAYS/LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

Growing Suffolk County podiatric practice seeking a part-time associate that could lead to a future partnership opportunity. The ideal candidate must be highly motivated, have excellent communication skills, be flexible and have exceptional clinical abilities. We are a 15+ year well-respected established practice. If you are interested, please fax your current resume in confidence to: Wendy at (718) 723-5627 or via e-mail: Wendymakarowitz@aol.com

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 – CENTRAL FLORIDA

Growing practice east coast of central Florida looking for full or part-time associate willing to buy into practice. PSR 24/36 Please contact: pfk4@yahoo.com.

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