The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 03, 2011 #4,269 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TUSPM Podiatrist Discusses Prevention of Cold Weather Injuries

Now that October is here, it not too early to start thinking about cold weather injuries. Winter sports participants can take steps to reduce their risk for cold-related injuries by dressing warmly and appropriately. When the body feels cold, blood is drawn away from the extremities to keep the internal organs warm, increasing the risk for frostnip and frostbite. 

Dr. Howard Palamarchuk

Howard Palamarchuk, DPM, podiatrist with Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, says the toes and feet are very susceptible to cold injury. Many winter boots are made of rubber or some type of synthetic waterproof construction. If the feet sweat, or the socks get wet, the moisture can’t escape. The boots may not necessarily keep the cold away, so the socks (and toes and feet) can freeze. Palamarchuk recommends wearing socks that wick away moisture from the feet to keep them dry.

Source: Krisit Runyon, WTVQ-TV

Podiatric Community Rallies to Aid OCPM Student

Recently the students at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) in conjunction with the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) rallied to raise over $20,000 for a student who was diagnosed with cancer upon his arrival at OCPM. John Hall, now in his second year, underwent two surgeries, completed all of his chemotherapy. and is now doing well. During all of this, John never took a single day of medical leave and has excelled in all of his classes. 

(L-R) Christopher Schank (OCPM Class of 2014 President), Paula Pitts (Bako Labs), Chris Seat (Class of 2014 VP), John Hall, and Dr. Andrew Schneider (AAPPM).

The dollars raised covered about 80% of what John’s insurance did not.  Friend and roommate Chris Seat stated, “It was just so amazing to see how so many companies, podiatrists, students, and friends donated to the cause and how Bako Labs alone was able to donate $10,000 to help a future podiatrist. Dr. Hal Ornstein, chairman of AAPPM said, “When we saw a student in need like this, we immediately stepped up to help in any way we could.”

NJ Podiatrist Honored as Outstanding Volunteer Physician

Local podiatrist Dr. Martin J. Carey was honored as the 2011 Outstanding Volunteer Physician by Volunteers In Medicine of Cape May County at their annual Gala on Sept. 23 at The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. Carey, this year’s honoree, has been practicing in Cape May County since 2000 and has been a valued member of the VIM team of specialists since 2002. 

Dr. Martin Carey

In addition to his office practice, Carey provides foot care to residents in local long-term care facilities and makes house calls for those in need. When VIM calls to refer a patient, his staff says “send them over” without hesitating and without charging a dime.

Source: Cape May County Herald [9/29/11]

NJ Podiatrist Presents Program on Diabetic Foot Care

Dr. Elisa Robinson, podiatrist, recently presented a program on diabetes and foot care. The presentation included several slides depicting some dangerous foot conditions. Diabetics must learn to care for their feet and examine them daily for any sort of wound or abrasion. Proper shoes and foot care are essential for diabetics, she said.

Robinson is concerned with preventative care and education of the diabetic population. Once a foot has any break in the skin, infection can set in and eventually lead to a serious infection. If one notes an infection, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately, she said. A podiatrist should examine all diabetics' feet for any sign of deformity to assure proper fitting footwear.

Source: Ebba Liguori, South Jersey Local News [9/30/11]

Orthotic Holdings, Inc. (OHI) Completes the Acquisition of Arizona AFO

Orthotic Holdings, Inc., a leading lower extremity orthotic company, completed the acquisition of Arizona AFO. Arizona AFO represents the third franchise brand in the OHI family of companies, alongside The Orthotic Group and Langer Biomechanics. OHI first acquired The Orthotic Group and Langer Biomechanics in 2008 and added River Biomechanics last summer. Arizona AFO is the most respected brand name in Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) manufacturing and it is a perfect fit for the existing line of high quality companies under the OHI banner.  

Jason Kraus

Jason Kraus, Executive Vice President, will provide strategic and business development support to the Arizona management team. Kraus noted, “Arizona has everything going for it: high quality products, enthusiastic loyal customers, committed employees, and a focus on patient outcomes. These perfectly mirror the core values of the organization as a whole, and we are proud to add them to the OHI family.”

Cryotherapy vs. Salicylic Acid Treatment of Verrucae Equally Effective

For the treatment of verrucae, cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen and patient daily self-treatment with 50% salicylic acid appear to result in similar efficacy outcomes, although cryotherapy is more expensive, according to the findings of a new randomized trial conducted in the United Kingdom.

The project was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Program. The 50% salicylic acid (Verrugon) plasters and felt pads were provided to the University of York, free of charge, by the manufacturer William Ransom & Son Plc. BOC Cryospeed provided liquid nitrogen storage equipment at reduced cost. Neither company has had any input into the design, analysis, and reporting of the study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Source: Emma Hitt, PhD, Medscape [9/29/11]

Query: PrimeSource Healthcare
 
Does anyone have any experience with PrimeSource EMR, a podiatry-specific, web-based, free program?
 
Darryl Burns, DPM, Monterey, CA

RE: Is Podiatry Turning Its Back on Biomechanics (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Jason Kraus

The danger in writing an article like “Is Podiatry Turning its Back on Biomechanics?” is that authors tend to paint with broad brushes in order to make their point. I plead guilty. The teachers that Dr. Kass mentioned, and many others, are excellent. They have taught me as well. I have the upmost respect for them and their peers in other schools. However, in spite of these excellent educators, the biomechanical skills that our younger practitioners develop through their doctorate and post-doctorate training seem to have diminished over the past number of years.

These conclusions have been drawn from extensive interviews with students, residency directors, practitioners who have hired recent graduates, and from some of the most well-known thought leaders in the profession today. While I never intended to indict the excellent professors at our podiatric colleges, it may be the case that biomechanics, in general, may simply not receive the priority that it deserves in the curricula. As I pointed out, there are continuing research and advances in the field of lower extremity biomechanics, but unfortunately most of it is occurring outside of podiatry and is not part of today’s curricula.

If I offended anybody with my words, I apologize, as it certainly was not my intention. The goal of the article was to stimulate discussion about the direction the profession is moving. I stand by my statements and feel confident that many would agree with the conclusions that I have drawn. I believe it to be better to inspire productive debate than to have only a pedestrian interest in a subject as important as this.
 
Jason Kraus, Executive Vice President Langer Biomechanics, Jason.kraus@langerbiomechanics.com

RE: Medicare Foot Orthotic Billing (Tony Poggio, DPM)
From: Alan Silverstein, DPM

I know that the answer by Tony Poggio concerning orthotics and Medicare is well-accepted by everyone -- except Medicare. I submitted two claims through NGS, paired with the GY modifier. NGS rejected both claims with code CO- 4: the procedure code is inconsistent with the modifier used or a required modifier is missing. I spoke three separate times with NGS Medicare, but three different reps told me basically that this is the only denial the computer will dispense.

Upon submitting the same claims to DME-Medicare, the claims were denied as well because I do not have a DME supplier or an NPI DME number. Again, I explained to them that, supposedly, I do not need a supplier number or a DME NPI number when I am only looking for their rejection (to submit to a secondary payer). They explained to me that they will not process the claim without a DME NPI or a DME supplier number.

Alan Silverstein, DPM, New York, NY, alel@optonline.net

RE: OH Court Rules That Podiatrists Need ABPS Certification for Staff Privileges
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

This ruling places all podiatrists, not ABPS certified, in jeopardy. Plans often require an association with a hospital to be included on their panels. This decision could leave those without ABPS certification in the challenging world “out-of-network.”

Orthopedic surgeons, especially orthopedic foot surgeons, and therefore the AMA, would love to use this loophole to reduce the importance of podiatry in their hospitals, as we have chosen to be in direct competition for their piece of the pie, and they control the boards of most institutions.

This year, I did not renew my privileges at Beth Israel Medical Center NYC, where I am the former chief of podiatry. I am referring my patients in need of advanced wound care, medical and vascular admission, and those suffering surgical iatrogeny for care, expecting that they will replace the patients in my care when their problems once again require services at the level that I now deliver. The difference between non-ABPS DPMs and me is that I have done this by choice, as it was the next step in the evolution of my practice.

The question this legal decision raises in my mind for those of you without an ABPS Certification is:  How are you going to acculturate when you find yourself in the place of Dr. Blaine?

Dennis Shavelson, DPM,  NY,NY, drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

RE: Mrs. Malaprops Now Ready for Gambling

Our hospital regularly e-mails employees copies of thank-you notes that it has received from happy patients. Just the other day, I was amused to read one from a happy surgical patient who was thankful that the surgeon had "been able to save my Vegas nerve." 

Paul Busman DPM, RN, Clifton Park, NY

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ULTRASOUND, CRYO-PAC, FLOUROSCAN

Ultrasound w/printer, Cryo-Pac w/two probes, Flouroscan w/printer. There may be other surgical equipment as well. Please contact Jolene as young_jolene@yahoo.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 - MOUNT KISCO, NEW YORK

Great opportunity in well-established, turn-key practice (or buy in option available) near Northern Westchester Hospital. Updated office includes four treatment rooms, two private doctor's suites, large waiting room with option to buy co-op. Excellent opportunity for growth. Contactbbrick2@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. Great opportunity for husband/wife business team. DPM relocating out-of-state for family. Contact:nanetter@zoomtown.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION -  OCEAN COUNTY, NJ

Immediate opening for 8 year old established practice. Two offices and nursing homes. Surgical privileges at local hospitals available. FT/ PT or coverage doctor. Flexible days/hours. Close to the beach and boardwalks. Inquire at chirokid2@yahoo.com or call 216 401 7285.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH WEST FLORIDA

Full-time associate positions for an established group practice in Southwest Florida. Willing to train the right new graduates. Job will involved all aspects of podiatric care. You must be ambitious, hard-working and should have good people skills. Please e-mail your resume/CV to contactus@ankleandfoot.net

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Well-established, rapidly growing practice. Motivated, ethical and personable with well-trained PSR-24/36. Modern office with complete EMR, digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, and laser. Competitive salary/benefits package. If interested please email your CV, letter of intent and references to: NHFootDoc@yahoo.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a Well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and current photo to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Podiatrist needed in Nassau county to start immediately. Flexible hours 2 days a week. Please email pittpod@gmail.com with inquiries.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA/N.W. FLORIDA- TALLAHASSEE AREA

Home of Florida State University. Great university town! Well established full scope solo physician with busy practice. Looking for a full time associate leading to partnership in a short time. Great general practice with 2 locations. Staff privileges with 2 local hospitals and 2 surgery centers. Offering competitive salary, health insurance. Will need forefoot and rearfoot surgical competency. Friendly office with fun staff that’s easy to work with. Call/Text – 850-510-4371.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, DC
     
Well-established busy group practice is expanding and seeking a minimum PSR 24 trained podiatrist. Progressive practice with 2 office-based ASC's and hospital privileges. Opportunity toward partnership. Fax resume to 301-926-7787 or email mlmltm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Experienced, preferably board certified podiatrist, wanted for diversified growing practice located in Nassau County, New York. Energetic DPM. Please send CV to jobke@aol.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 - TEXAS (HOUSTON AREA)  

Become a “SUCCESS”! Multi-professional podiatric practice seeks personable, talented, enthusiastic physicians with expertise in any of these areas: 1. Biomechanics 2. Geriatrics  3. Pediatrics 4. Trauma. Send CV and letter of intent to: sierrajip@gmail.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CENTRAL NJ

Well established busy solo physician seeking a well trained podiatrist (PMS 36) to join our growing practice. Bilingual English Spanish a big +. Competitive salary/benefits package. Send CV to fax 732-520-6468 or send to fjr20032003@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Immediate position for busy surgery practice looking for BQ/BC by ABPS in RRA candidate for associate position. Bilingual a plus. Must be comfortable in complex reconstructive ankle and hindfoot cases. Ankle replacement certification a plus but not necessary. email CV and samples of RRA cases done recently to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking associate physician to join practice to cover nursing home facilities. Comprehensive package including Salary, Travel and Bonus benefits. Email cover letter and CV tomelissafoot@pol.net.

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,000 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. Write to bblock@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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