The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 24, 2009 #3,657 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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VA Podiatrist Discusses Barefoot Running

A mini-movement of barefoot runners has taken shape over the better part of the decade and appears to be gaining ground. One driving force behind it is this underground theory that the expensive running shoes everyone is wearing could actually be contributing to jogging injuries. "Obviously, it's resonating with people," said Dr. A. Ben Pearl, a podiatrist in Arlington, VA, who has spoken on barefoot running. "It's become a culture of its own."

Dr. A. Ben Pearl

Pearl said there isn't enough data to know whether barefoot running is safe - or even if it prevents injuries. He says people in good shape shouldn't be afraid to try it, but they must start slowly. The bottoms of their feet need to develop calluses. The rest of the body has to adapt. When barefoot, Pearl said, a runner touches more lightly on the heel and lands more on the ball of the foot, which is different than the way a runner in standard shoes tends to strike the ground. This takes getting used to.

Source: Stephanie Desmon, Baltimore Sun [9/22/09]

NYCPM Welcomes Class of 2013 with Annual White Coat Ceremony

On Tuesday, September 15, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) welcomed the 92 students of its Class of 2013 with the College’s annual White Coat Ceremony, in which the future doctors of podiatric medicine symbolically don their white coats and together recite the Hippocratic Oath.

Dr. Eliot J. Lazar, MD (R) received an engraved crystal plaque from NYCPM Dean Michael Trepal and NYCPM President Louis L. Levine

Eliot J. Lazar, MD, delivered the keynote address to the assembled College community and guests. Dr. Lazar is Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, and is also a practicing cardiologist at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center. He is currently associate clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Dr. Lazar is also Associate Dean, Healthcare System, at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center.  
 
Michael J. Trepal, DPM, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean urged the students to wear their white coats with pride and honor, maintain their humility, and reflect on the relief of suffering and the amount of good they would do in the course of their careers.

OR Podiatrist Discusses Cross-Training

"Hip extensors and flexors are strong in long-distance runners while the abductors and adductors are underdeveloped," says Dr. James Holdermann, a Medford podiatrist and himself a competitive runner, bicyclist, and cross-country skier. Something as simple as changing a training route can make a big difference. "Trail runners have more developed, well-rounded abductors/adductors than road runners," Holdermann says.

The best single cross-training sport, says Dr. Holdermann, is cross-country skiing.

Holdermann has developed unique ideas for cross training.  The two best cross-training sports for runners and bikers are Ultimate Frisbee and soccer. These are sports that require lateral movement (of the lower body)," Holdermann says. The best single cross-training sport, says Holdermann, is cross-country skiing. "Skiing gives a more rounded fitness. You're using a multitude of muscle groups. It's also a good winter cross-training sport for runners," Holdermann says.

Source: Daniel Newberry, Oregon Healthy Living [9/22/09]

Rep. Hoyer Wants Permanent Fix for SGR formula  

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) in a meeting with reporters called for a permanent fix to Medicare's physician payment problem, and asserted that a government-run public option provision “would not be thrown out” of House healthcare reform legislation. The one-year solution that the Senate Finance Committee's reform bill contains for fixing the physician payment formula is inadequate, Hoyer said. “A one-year fix makes (the situation) look better but it's a façade of looking better,” Hoyer said, adding, “What we ought to do is fix it permanently.”

Medicare physicians are paid under the sustainable-growth rate, or SGR, formula, which is tied to the health of the economy and has been threatening payment cuts for at least six years. Unless Congress intervenes as it has so many times in the past to stop these cuts, doctors face a 21% reduction to their payments in 2010.

The House bill, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act, does contain a permanent solution for fixing the payment formula. A permanent fix is estimated to cost about $245 billion, he said. Whether or not such a fix is addressed in healthcare reform or some other legislative avenue doesn't matter, Hoyer continued. The bottom line is compensating physicians adequately so they won't drop Medicare patients, he said.

Source: Jennifer Lubell, Modern Healthcare [9/22/09]

Stop Hanging out With Psychic Vampires

Psychic vampires are the people who drain your life force and who break you down with their negativity. You know exactly who they are: the folks at work who NEVER have a good day, the ones who always tell you that things are too busy or too slow. They're the ones who always seem to notice what's wrong, but roll their eyes if anyone dares to mention what's right. Aren't they fun to work with?

Make no bones about it: These psychic vampires are draining your inspiration. Commit to minimizing contact with them, or at the very least, tune them out to the best of your ability. Remember the old myths about vampires: A vampire can't enter your home unless you invite him in. That's the secret! Stop inviting vampires into your "house"! Seek out peers who laugh easily (not at someone else's expense), who always seem to make the best of things, and who are the first to step up when someone needs help. It is amazing how these people can share their light with you.

Source: Rich Bluni, RN, Inspired Nurse, Fire Starter Publishing.

Portable Printing

If you travel much, eventually you need to print while on the road.  There are lots of options. One is go to the hotel business center, where they likely will charge you $1.00 to $2.00 per page. Another is to find a local Kinko’s or office supply superstore - cheaper, but still a lot more than it costs to print at home or at the office.

Canon iP90v

But what if you want to print your boarding passes in the comfort of your hotel room? I suggest a lightweight Canon ip90v. When I really want to save space/weight, I can power it off my iGo universal power brick instead of taking its already small brick. My only complaint is that the printer cartridges are relatively small, so I carry a spare black and color cartridge.  

Source: Adapted from Gregg Marshall, CPMR, CSP

Query: Blisters on Fifth Toe

This patient spent 2 months traveling in Thailand, Philippines, and Korea. He developed blisters on the fifth toe. A line slowly formed over the last two months, now ending at the base of the second toe. It looks like cutaneous larva migrans.

Blisters on Fitfh Toe

Can anyone suggest some treatment options?

Steven Miller, DPM, Chicago, IL

Query: Accounting Systems

I have a general accounting practice question. What types of programs are people using to log checks when they come into the office? I am still in the dark ages and want to convert to some format that will log the insurance company, check number, date and amount received. The program should have the capability of searching for a check by check number to ensure it was received. I am sure this is a basic request but do not know much about computer software programs. Any recommendations? 
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

RE: LocalPodiatry.com (Lowell Weil Sr., DPM)
From: Marc Hudes, DPM

I would like to echo the statements made by Lowell Weil Sr., regarding this organization. Our practice which has 6 offices in New York, and has used the Yext system for about six months. It does require a little bit of time on the doctor's side to listen (and now since 9/15 you can read the conversations) and determine if they are billable to you. The Yext responses to you are within 48 hours, and there is no problem receiving credit.

As with anything new, there is a minimal learning curve but the return for the $30.00 per contact is definitely worth it and only takes you a few minutes per week to oversee it. In addition, just as important, when you are a busy practitioner, you really don't get a chance to listen to your office staff's phone skills. This certainly opens your eyes and can save you big time. It is a tremendous teaching tool on what should and should not be done on the phone. I receive no compensation and am not a director or owner of Yext.
 
Marc Hudes, DPM, Monticello, NY, LHMO@aol.com

RE: Obama’s Healthcare Plan (Stephen Bennett, DPM)
From: Marc Garfield, DPM

I am extremely disappointed to hear that Dr. Bennett and others fail to grasp the differences between Government run and private health insurance. Private insurers are required (by the government they must compete against) to keep reserves of money available to cover claims. So,…

Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA, mgarfield1@cox.net

Editor's note: Dr. Garfield's Extended-length note can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=29068&start=1

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- ARTOSCAN EXTEMITY MRI

In excellent cosmetic and working condition. Originally an A model, upgraded to a model D. Looking to sell the MRI because additional space is needed in the office. Price to sell. Picture can be seen at by clicking here  Contact baileymeans@yahoo.com for any inquiries

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.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - AMFIT ORTHOTIC MANUFACTURING MACHINE

Includes digitizer, fabricating mill, new updates have been added and enough supplies to pay for the machine in the long run. At $200 per pair = about $28,000. Selling FOR $25,000, O.B.O, F.O.B. americanfoot@email.com or 405-733-2783.

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 - 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

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

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