The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 14, 2011 #4,279 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Podiatrists Take Early Advantage of EHR Stimulus Payments 

A disproportionate number of those receiving the first batch of incentive payments to install electronic health records are podiatrists, an iWatch News analysis suggests. Of the 188 different practices and chains that received the first batch of payments in May, 23 were podiatry practices, or about 12 percent — even though podiatrists make up only about 1.5 percent of Medicare physicians and practitioners. 

Dr. James Christina

Those numbers are no accident, according to Dr. James Christina, himself a doctor of podiatric medicine and director of scientific affairs for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the national professional association for podiatrists. The APMA, Christina noted, has made a “very directed effort” to educate its members about both health information technology generally and how to meet requirements that providers demonstrate “meaningful use” of health IT in order to receive the incentive payments.

Source: Josh Israel and Kimberly Leonard, iWatch News [10/12/11]

BUSPM Conducts 6th Annual Residency Fair

Recently, students from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine’s (BUSPM) class of 2013 held the 6th annual residency fair. Forty-one residency programs from across the nation came to Barry to represent their programs and provide the students with crucial information to help them to select their residency. This presented students with an opportunity to gain more information and build early relationships with the programs of their choice. 

BUSPM Students at 6th Annual Residency Fair

The residency fair is an important event, helping the students to find the program which fit their needs. This year, the fair was phenomenal because of the many residency programs in attendance from Michigan, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois.

IL Podiatric Surgeon Lectures at Chinese Orthopedic Forum

Lowell Weil, Jr., DPM, MBA, Fellowship Director at the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, was recently an invited speaker at the 2011 Shanghai International Foot & Ankle Surgery Forum. Other speakers on the program included Lowell Weil, Sr, DPM and orthopedic surgeons Tom Lee, MD; Lew Schon. MD; Keith Wapner, MD; and sports medicine specialist Tom Clanton, MD (personal orthopedic surgeon to Yao Ming). 

Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr. at the 2011 Shanghai International Foot & Ankle Surgery Forum

This meeting was attended by more than 500 orthopedic foot & ankle surgeons from the "Sinosphere." Weil Jr. presented his ACFAS research-funded work on "Anatomical repair of the plantar plate in conjunction with the Weil Osteotomy through a dorsal approach" and "The Diagnosis, Conservative, and Invasive Treatments of Plantar Fasciitis." Weil noted that although plantar fasciitis was thought to be a condition suffered, to a great extent, in an overweight population, the Chinese orthopedic specialists stated that "plantar fasciitis is a very common problem in the 'very fit' Chinese people.

 MI Podiatrist Runs for School Board Position

Dr. Murray Kahn believes Farmington Public Schools board members aren't paying close enough attention to what's happening with the district's ranking in a recently released statewide report. "I think they've become complacent," said Kahn, who is running against non-profit CEO David Sampson for a four-year term on the board. 

Dr. Murray Kahn

A podiatric surgeon and division head of podiatry with Henry Ford Health System, Kahn said he has seen firsthand how a good non-profit organization is operated. He said physicians are told that "patients are not your patients, they're your customers." If they're not treated well, they'll find another healthcare facility.

Source:Joni Hubred-Golden, Farmington Hills Patch [10/12/11]

Query: Plantar Fibromas

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best treatment of plantar fibromas?

David Stoller, DPM, Mission Viejo, CA

Query: Money-Back Guarantee for Orthotics

Does anyone know of an orthotics company which offers a money-back guarantee for orthotics?

Charles Perry, DPM, Cambridge, OH

RE: Plating System for 5th Metatarsal Fracture
From: Dan Michaels, DPM, MS, Gino Scartozzi, DPM

I recommend two crutches and a CAM walker (NWB) for one month. Then x-ray, one crutch and a CAM walker for another month (partial weight- bearing). X-ray, then CAM walker for one month. X-ray, and if healed, go to tennis shoes for a fourth month. Consider exogen bone stimulator immediately, and then do the above.

If patients smoke, they have to be smoke-free one month prior to surgery. This fracture looks like it could heal without surgery. I like the Bauerfind Wedge shoe to off-weight the forefoot if a CAM Walker is out of financial reach of the patient.

Dan Michaels, DPM, MS, Frederick/Hagerstown, MD, danieldm@pol.net

I am wondering why this patient would make an ideal surgical patient? Here are some of the underlying issues as revealed by the clinician that can compromise the post-operative recovery of this patient: diabetes with a neuropathic state (with no revelation of glycemic control), who smokes and has an inability to modify his work activities in any post-operative recovery period.

The fracture that is presented is of the fifth metatarsal distal metaphyseal-diaphyseal region. It is noted that with the lateral-oblique projection and dorsal-plantar projection, the fifth metatarsal capital fragment is dorsiflexed. The extent of the dorsiflexion of the fifth metatarsal capital fragment cannot be determined since a lateral projection is not available in this case discussion. These fractures, although they may look "horrible" on x-ray, ...

Editor's Note: Dr. Scartozzi's extended-length letter can be read here

RE: Painful 1st MTPJ (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

As a profession, I think we tend to over-fuse/over-implant degenerative joint disease of the 1st MTP. While a 1st MTP fusion would be definitive for eliminating pain, it certainly is not the best procedure choice that maximizes function in an active, otherwise healthy 50 year old male.
 
Ultimately, the medical decision to fuse or implant, versus joint preservation in the presence of 1st MTP DJD depends upon its severity. There have been many cases where relaxing the joint space via osteotomy and cheilectomy offered excellent results in the presence of modest intra-articular 1st MPJ damage. I generally proceed with hallux limitus cases with a mindset of joint preservation as long as I have properly prepared the patient that what I see on the OR table dictates what I feel is most appropriate.

In addition, I educate each patient that there is a risk that increasing motion for a joint that is damaged could leave them with residual pain in that joint during motion knowing that a fusion or implant is available to resolve that issue. That's not a mind set and outcome that I enjoy (2 surgical interventions), but I'd rather err on giving the patient a chance at maximal function and joint ROM preservation as opposed to a definitive, last resort fusion. Sometimes, it comes down to a philosophical approach. This is where sitting down and discussing all these issues with the patient grossly influences our decision-making.

Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@al.com

RE: Pass/Fail for the First Three Semesters of Podiatry School (Al Musella, DPM)
From: Jack A. Reingold, DPM

Dr. Al Musella brought up a very good point about "grades" in podiatry school and that this system may be a hindrance to true learning.  I remember how disappointed I was 30 years ago, when I was in school, that this "antiquated" system was still in place. This system has possibly stayed longer in podiatry schools than allopathic ones due to the lack of quality podiatric residencies and the resultant competitiveness. 

At the end of our training, we all need to be competent in our area of expertise. Although a 70 may be passing, we cannot get 70% of a prescription or a procedure correct. Hopefully, with the transition to competency-based curriculum, grades will be replaced by a better system.

Jack A. Reingold, DPM, Solana Beach, CA, footdoc@san.rr.com

RE: Medisoft Clinical (Mark K Johnson, DPM)
From: Marjorie Miller-Khawam, DPM

I have worked with Medisoft systems since 2001, and have been very happy with the billing program until the last few years. I updated the billing program last year (I paid over $2,500 for the advanced version for multiple computers/users) in anticipation of purchasing the EMR system to go with it. The updated billing system did not network with my computer network, and there were many internal problems (the old billing program was much better). 

I reviewed the EMR side, and found many problems as well. I chose Practice Fusion after reviewing approximately 25 EMR systems, and found it is superior to many out there, and it is free. You can try it for six months or a year, and if you are dissatisfied, that at least gives you time to review other programs to purchase. In fact, every EMR system is required to deliver your information in a format that is compatible with another EMR system.

Marjorie Miller-Khawam, DPM, Long Beach, CA, footssy@aol.com

RE: OH Court Rules That Podiatrists Need ABPS Certification for Staff Privileges (Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

No one has addressed this issue as well and to the point as Dr. Markinson did in his last post. Kudos to you Dr. Markinson for telling it like it is.

Unfortunately, the nature of most of society is to discriminate and commit fratricide in one way or another in many aspects of work and life. It is what it is. I just hope that our profession does not implode some day (MD degree anyone?)
 
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.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 - 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 - 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 – IOWA CITY AREA

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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to potential partnership available for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be a PSR 24 or PM&S 36 graduate. Salary with bonus. Email CV and samples recent 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 to melissafoot@pol.net.

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 - 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

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

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

2 lightly used Microvas units (2010) for sale at $7000 each plus shipping. Paid $1600 for each machine. Great way to add therapy modality to your practice. Contact: klamdpm@hotmail.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/LEASE - NORTHERN, NJ

Part-time practice for sale or lease. Flexible terms, will consider lease with option for sale. Structured for a fast sale, first option on real estate. Great opportunity for a start-up or satellite with immediate income. Call 201-573-0555 or 551-574-0776 billfeet@aol.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-mail contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.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 - 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. Contact bbrick2@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
 
Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where...you can see 0-50 patients daily * average 100 new patients monthly * have zero accounts receivable * gross $480 M per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contact pistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

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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