The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 15, 2010 #3,984 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Provides Advice for Those Planning to Visit Nail Salons

Because nail salons are largely unregulated, instruments at some salons might be inadequately sterilized. If you have a scrape or cut, that can lead to infection, says Dallas podiatrist Richard C. Galperin. He suggests buying a good set of nail instruments to clean, keep at home and take with you to the salon.

Dr. Richard C. Galperin

If you have any cuts, postpone your appointment for another day. Diabetics should certainly take this precaution, because it is crucial for them to avoid any kind of infection.

Source: Daphne Howland, Dallas Morning News [10/5/10]

OCPM Third-Year Students Experience Rotation at Acor

In July 2010, Acor Orthopaedic, Inc. began hosting a clinical rotation at their northeastern Ohio facility for Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine students as part of their third-year clinical education. The educational goal of the full-day rotation is to provide the students with a view of the role and function of a modern pedorthic production and manufacturing facility.

(L-R) OCPM students Andy Knudsen and Zack Hart with Frank Zingales, Acor Director of Custom Production

The OCPM students are introduced to a wide range of techniques, from traditional custom shoe manufacturing to computer-designed foot orthotics. They are exposed to all aspects of production at the Acor facility, from the preparation and management of large rolls of materials to the production of prefabricated pediatric foot orthotics.

Barefoot Runners Need to Start Out Slowly: CT Podiatrist

Barefoot runners use a different stride that keeps the hip and knee flexed while landing on the forefoot instead of the heel. Running experts believe that this style of running can diminish injuries to hips, knees, and the lower back. Flexing a joint on impact will absorb more shock and avoid trauma to the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Dr. Jeffrey Kierstein

“The key to beginning a barefoot running program is to start slow on a level, natural surface,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kierstein, a podiatrist in Norwich. “Many runners don't realize that when using the barefoot technique, they are beginning to use different muscles. Starting out too hard and too fast will injure those muscles and cause stress fractures to the small bones of the foot.”

Source: Dr. Anthony Alessi, The Norwich Bulletin [10/12/10]

CT Podiatrist Pitches in to Revitalize His City

While the Cambridge House Brew Pub has closed its doors, most Torrington people feel very good about recent developments, because Torrington Downtown Partners, Inc. has emerged to purchase seven buildings in the center of town.

Dr. Robert Crovo

Podiatrist Rob Crovo, Torrington’s tax collector, last Friday pledged $10,000 toward the effort. Crovo said he could envision modern, upscale apartments or condos that would attract people who would like the conveniences of downtown living, where everything a person could need or want would be available within walking distance; a place where people could walk to beautiful Fuessenich Park on a summer night to watch a Titans game.

Source: Owen Canfield, The Register-Citizen [10/10/10]

DE Podiatrist to Join Orthopedic Practice

Claire Megan Capobianco, DPM, will start seeing patients at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware Monday, Nov. 1.  Capobianco is a podiatrist who recently completed a fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Claire Megan Capobianco

Capobianco earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, where she was a member of the Pi Delta national honors fraternity and the Stirling-Harford Anatomical Honor Society. In addition to her fellowship, she trained in the Swedish Podiatric Surgical Residency Program at Swedish Cherry Hill Hospital and First Hill Hospital in Seattle;  and KAT General Hospital in Athens, Greece, where she studied orthopaedic surgery and traumatology.

Source: Capegazette.com [10/12/10]

Bako Pathology Services Celebrates its Two Year Anniversary

"We've come a long way in two short years. Though we've worked hard, we attribute the lion's share of our progress to the cumulative efforts and loyalty of our physician clients," remarked Brad Bakotic, DPM, DO. “Two years ago, we set out to establish a true podiatric pathology lab which would partner with the podiatric profession, not simply another lab that markets to podiatrists."

Bako Lab Celebrates its Second Anniversary

73 Indicted in Largest-Ever Medicare Fraud Scheme

Seventy-three defendants, including a number of alleged members and associates of an Armenian-American organized crime enterprise, were charged in indictments unsealed today in five judicial districts with various health care fraud-related crimes involving more than $163 million in fraudulent billing, announced Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler, FBI Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division Kevin Perkins and Health and Human Services Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.
 
The defendants are charged with engaging in numerous fraud activities, including highly-organized, multi-million dollar schemes to defraud Medicare and insurance companies by submitting fraudulent bills for medically unnecessary treatments or treatments that were never performed. According to the indictments, the defendants allegedly stole the identities of doctors and thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and operated at least 118 different phony clinics in 25 states for the purposes of submitting Medicare reimbursements.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice [10/13/10] via Paul Kesselman, DPM

Medical Schools Make Gains in Minority Enrollment

U.S. medical schools made gains in their minority enrollment in 2010, with African-American, American Indian and Hispanic student enrollment up significantly over 2009 figures, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges. The number of freshman male medical students still outnumbered the number of female freshmen in 2010, however.

The numbers, according to the data, broke down as follows: Black student enrollment grew by 2.9%; American-Indian student enrollment increased nearly 25%; and Hispanic student enrollment was up by 9%. Women made up 47% and men 53% of the incoming 2010 medical class.

Source: Shawn Rhea, Modern Physician [10/13/10]

Checking a ‘Hugger’

Social hugging is on the rise in the work world, with colleagues hugging one another as a means of greeting and taking leave. That’s fine, as long as all parties are comfortable with social touching. What should you do, though, if you are not comfortable with being hugged on the job?

Key: Rebuff the hug without rebuffing the hugger. You don’t want the other person to feel slighted, so do it tactfully and apply your no-hug policy across the board. Instead of a hug, grasp the other person’s upper arm as you greet. Combined with a handshake, a right-arm squeeze can be an acceptably professional greeting, making the other person feel acknowledged and connected without too much body contact.

Source: Adapted from The Power of Body Language, Tonya Reiman, Pocket Books via Communication Briefings

RE: PECOS for DME Suppliers
From: Paul Kesselman DPM

Recently, the enrolling agency for DME suppliers, the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC), announced that they were transferring their enrollment data base to the PECOS system.

As with medical providers, the enrollment data for DME suppliers will reside in the Provider Enrollment Chain of Ownership database, aka. PECOS. This data can be modified via a paper process or the Internet in a similar (but not identical) manner as your medical enrollment.

The big difference between PECOS for suppliers and that of medical providers is that there is currently no deadline for enrolling your DME data into PECOS. That deadline only exists for medical providers to enroll their Medicare profile with their local MAC.

The only reason to perform a PECOS enrollment of your DME enrollment is if you are modifying your data (e.g. you moved), are being asked to re-enroll by NSC, or you are initially enrolling as a DME supplier.

This does not in any way affect the January 2011 deadline for PECOS enrollment for medical providers, and whether or not CMS changes this deadline is still uncertain. Anyone who has not currently enrolled in PECOS or does not have an application in the ”cue” and pending at their local MAC, risks losing a significant percentage of reimbursement come January 2011.

From: Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Is Parity Achievable? (Name Withheld)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

There you have it in a nutshell. A podiatrist who soared and hit our professional ceiling. The line of podiatry intersected and met the line of MD training, but no joy. The resultant vector for him is zero. It's obvious to me that podiatry has no further future without a degree change. On another note, I am so envious of his training and can imagine his frustration to find out that a limited license, even with unlimited training, is still a professional blind alley. At least he can be a big fish in the podiatric pond. So what's the value of project 2015? 

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

Associate needed for a dynamic group practice in Northern New Mexico. We are looking for a well-trained 3-year surgical resident to help us build our practice leading to partnership. In New Mexico we have a leg law. Besides a great professional experience, we have the mountains for skiing, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Ideal for an experienced podiatrist looking for a location change. Please send a resume to FootandAnkleAssociates@comcast.net

ASSOCIATESHIP - MARYLAND

A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest of a well established, diversified practice in Maryland. 2-year residency needed, EHR, ultrasound, ASC, hospital close by with wound care center. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Well-established group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MO

Leading group practice looking to add one podiatrist to established location. Group's podiatrists enjoy incentive compensation plan (production and sharing group profits), benefits including health and malpractice, and supported with integrated practice management and EMR systems. Perfect opportunity for solo practitioner to join group setting. Could also be part time opportunity for the right individual. Please forward CV to StlPodGroup@gmail.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume and photo to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. Fax CV to 631-369-6570.

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to  f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

FT/PT Associate position available with busy multi-office podiatry group on Long Island. Our practice is state-of-the-art, and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. We welcome new practitioners, or someone who would be open to merging a smaller practice with ours, and benefitting from our practice management overlay. We also invite residents graduating in 2011 who want to practice on Long Island to apply for this position. Compensation includes competitive salary and bonuses. Vacation pay and malpractice insurance are also offered with a full time position. Please send your CV by fax (631) 293-3462 or e-mail to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: PADNET SYSTEM BY BIOMEDIX

Less than 1 yr old. Two computer laptops included to allow flexibility of testing in 2 offices. Training by Biomedix included in price. Willing to sell for remainder of balance on lease. Contact by email at hassenfratz@hotmail.com

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2011. Fellowship to include advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center,  1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927,  bolsen@broadlawns.org 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SW LOUISIANA

Only full-time podiatrist in city of 30,000. Great economic base of oil refineries and numerous petrochemical companies as well as riverboat casinos. Located in sportsman’s paradise. Practice comes with 2600 sq. ft. office building and all supplies. 7 area hospitals. Reasonably priced. Contact peshdpm@pol.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE  - MARYLAND, DC SUBURB

Great opportunity. Retiring after 38 years in practice at the same location. Practice is fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, computer network, orthotic scanner and state licensed ambulatory surgical center that is fully equipped. Owner will stay on as needed for easy transition. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER - PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NJ

Privileges available in a new 2 ORs. New certified multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center in Fairlawn, NJ - 8 minutes to the George Washington bridge. Specializing in podiatric surgery. Center will pick up and return patient home. Syndication is available. Center will accommodate doctors in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and long Island. Will assist in getting NJ License. Call for information (516)476-1815 e-mail podo2345@aol.com. To view center, go to FAIRLAWNASC.SHUTTERFLY.COM

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