The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 07, 2011 #4,273 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We've just mailed the October 2011 issue of Podiatry Management. This 236-page special issue includes our cover story, "Innovation & Imitation: A Decade of Changes and Trends in Footwear" by Mel Cheskin, CPed . You'll also find a special section of articles about podiatry and footwear as well as an assortment of features, including our informative columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

October Podiatry Management

Obesity Leads to Foot Problems: Bahamas Podiatrist

According to podiatrist Dr. Monique Mitchell, there is a definite link between obesity and foot problems both in America where millions of people are overweight or obese, and in the Bahamas where more than 70 per cent of the population is overweight or obese. "As a podiatrist, one of the common things that I see every day is heel pain, and one of the things that relates to the heel pain is weight gain. When patients say they've started to experience heel pain in the last couple of months, I ask what has changed in that time, and they usually say, 'Oh, I've put on some weight'," Dr. Mitchell said.

Dr. Monique Mitchell

According to Dr. Mitchell, some of the most common foot problems that podiatrists see are the result of patients being overweight, for example, heel pain and posterior tibial tendonitis where the arch of the foot collapses and the foot becomes very flat. Other common foot conditions related to obesity include ingrown toenails, swelling, venous insufficiency, and even arterial problems.

Source: The BahamasTribune [10/4/11]

ACFAOM to Honor PM Editor with a Lifetime Achievement Award Roast

The American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM) will honor Podiatry Management (PM) Editor-in-Chief Barry Block, DPM, JD on Friday October 28th at its 2011 Annual Clinical Conference in Orlando, FL. Block started PM in 1982 and and PM News in 1994. 

Dr. Barry Block

ACFAOM plans to turn the tables on Block, who hosts the annual PM Podiatry Hall of Fame, by "roasting" him during the President's reception. The emcee for the event will be "Meet the Masters" host Dr. Bret Ribotsky and will include many podiatric luminaries as roasters. For information on how to attend the roast, contact ACFAOM at 1-800-265-8263 or info@acfaom.org.

FL Podiatrist is Co-Developer of Energy Drink

Altamonte Springs-based Drink Chia!™ has developed an all natural, plant-sourced, Omega-3 health drink that is only 40 calories and contains only 4 grams of sugar per 8-ounce bottle. 

(L-R) Dr. Gideon Lewis, Chandra Davis, and Mark Theisen

Drink Chia! developers Chandra Davis, Mark Theisen, and Dr. Gideon J. Lewis have incorporated the chia seed into an alternative drink that test groups agreed is a better tasting, healthier alternative to more widely-used, sugar-laden drinks for adults and children as a way to refresh while sustaining energy levels.

Source: Orlando Medical News [August 2011]

Motivation the Key to Implementing EMR: NE Podiatrist  

Jon Goldsmith, DPM recently received his stimulus check from Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The $18,000 is the reward for fulfilling the required steps for the government's Meaningful Use (MU) incentive program. The process requires a ninety-day recording period followed by attestation. Paramount to the program is the use of electronic medical records (EMR). 

Dr. Jon Goldsmith

Dr. Goldsmith credits his accomplishment to assistance of his EMR Professional Services firm: Integrated Physician Services (IPS). "With such a big undertaking, the entire office must be a part of this team effort. IPS gave the office the tools to complete the MU program, and it is incumbent upon the practice to see it through," says Dr. Goldsmith. "In the end, it comes down to the physician being motivated to make the necessary changes to pass the requirements and attestation."

Feds Crack Down on Fraud, but Should Share Info With Carriers

A joint effort between HHS and the Dept. of Justice launched in 2009 is taking a bite out of fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. But some health plan investigators interviewed by HPW say federal and state investigators could do a better job of sharing information that could help identify fraud on the commercial side. And commercial carriers could become more attractive targets as the feds crack down on fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.

Lee Arian, a former federal prosecutor who heads WellPoint, Inc.’s fraud and abuse unit, says people who commit fraud are just as likely to target commercial carriers as Medicare and Medicaid. He adds that state and federal agencies could do a better job of sharing information with commercial carriers. Government agencies “are paying more attention to the commercial side, but there are reasonable concerns about how much information they can share [with commercial carriers]. They don’t want to jeopardize an investigation,” Arian tells HPW. While he says government agencies are getting better about sharing information with insurers, “I don’t think we’ll ever have a two-way street where we share information freely.”

Source: Steven Davis, Health Plan Week [9/26/11]

RE: Painful 1st MTPJ (Name Withheld)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

Without a lateral x-ray, it's hard to give an opinion, but it certainly sounds and looks like (AP view) hallux limitus stage 2. If the first met head just needs a few millimeters to reach the second (as you do first ray ROM comparing the first and second met), I have had very good success with Fred Youngwick's modification of Austin, which plantarflexes the head. I usually do a moderate dorsal chylectomy in conjunction, but not as dramatic as Dr. Mann advocates. That assumes that the hypermobile first ray is controllable with orthoses. If the first ray is NOT, then after explaining this as well as I could with pros and cons (considering this patient's relative young age and activity level), I would consider a first ray stabilization procedure--of which there are many.

I have learned through trial and error that...

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

RE: Outstanding Women Podiatrists
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
 
I would like to commend the editor for some of the "positive" stories such as the ones printed in the October 6th issue of PM News; namely that of Dr. Regina Flippin on her breast cancer recovery and starting a charity, as well as Dr. Marcy MacDonald swimming the English Channel. I found it uplifting to read about these remarkable women in our profession.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Is Podiatry Turning Away from Biomechanics? (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

Again, Dr. Bijak is thinking from the absurd. To suggest that we should give away biomechanics to CPeds is "treasonous." If podiatrists do not possess the knowledge and skills to take a plaster impression and write an Rx for an orthotic, then I suggest that they do not possess the biomechanical knowledge to do foot surgery. Dr. Bijak is way off base here, and plays into the hand of those who are trying to market chiropractors, PTs, and C.Peds as foot doctors. Forget about it.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com

RE: CO Podiatrist Repairs Ankle Ligaments Arthroscopically
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

To those podiatrists who continue the mantra that MD's don't know anything about the foot, let Dr. Wehrli's experience of learning from an orthopedic surgeon demonstrate our origins and where we are returning to. 

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY rbijak@aol.com

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

This is just another example of how our profession continues to fail itself. Do we aspire to be a profession of a minority of board-certified "elite" surgeons or a profession whose majority can achieve board certification? Are we to be controlled by the ABPS requirements, or is it the urgent responsibility of this profession to redefine what appropriate skills and knowledge are required to become board certified? The reason we have other boards certifying podiatrists is because we are graduating residents who have not had experience performing the variety of procedures required by ABPS. Does that mean that they are incompetent surgeons? The elite in this profession believe that...
 
Editor's note: Dr. Kornfeld's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Courtesy of Lindsey Tanner, Medical Assistant

Source: Submitted by Dr. Patrick Caputo, Holmdel, NJ

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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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.

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 tocontactus@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.

SEEKING ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN DETROIT

ABPS certified podiatrist with several years experience seeking part-time position in suburban Detroit. On staff at area hospitals. Excellent clinical, surgical, and practice management skills. Please respond to michpod@hotmail.com

SELL OR MERGE YOUR PRACTICE - SOUTH FLORIDA

Looking for an exit strategy? If you would like to discuss options such as phasing out, selling your practice, or merging with a larger group in South Florida, please email your interest and contact info to foot369@yahoo.comSPACE 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

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

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 - 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 

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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. Write tobblock@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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