The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 15, 2011 #4,280 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Z-Coil Shoes Seem Promising, But Not for Running: NY Podiatrist

These futuristic-looking kicks claim to ease back, legs and foot pain by absorbing shock and reducing impact. The sneakers, sandals, even cowboy boots, look normal except for the visible spring in the heel, which purportedly blocks pain from everything from bunions to arthritis. But are they worth the often steep (up to $300) price? 

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

Manhattan podiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera says the wide, high toe box, and rocker-bottom sole seem promising, but their "somewhat dorky" appearance may put people off. She notes that springy shoes should only be worn while walking — they may be too unstable for running, increasing your chances of injury.

Source: Spry Magazine (NAT) [10/12/11]

Scholl Students and Alumni Volunteer at Chicago Marathon

Students and graduates from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine joined the corps of volunteers that provided medical services to the 45,000 runners of the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9th. Volunteers from Scholl College arrived on site at 5 A.M. and worked tirelessly until 3 P.M., seeing countless athletes who needed medical attention for anything from blisters to tendonitis to more serious conditions. 

Students and alumni from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

More than 900 medical professionals were available at 21 locations throughout the marathon course, including 20 aid stations and one medical tent in the final mile of the course.

Bako Pathology Mini-Fellowship Provides Dermatology/Pathology Training

One of the highlights of Bako Podiatric Pathology Services has been the success of the Bako Pathology Mini-Fellowship program in dermatology/pathology. The mini-fellowship has become the premier pathology rotation program offered to this country's podiatric residents and consists of a fully funded two-week rotation where residents sit one-on-one with Bako’s dermatopathologists and experience lectures regarding podiatric dermatology and non-dermatology cases, and review basic lab operations, from grossing to slide preparation.  

Nooshin Zolfaghari, DPM (PGY III-Memorial Regional Hospital South) and Erigena Baze, DPM (PGY III-Heritage Valley Health System) during their rotation.

Fellows also spend time in mycology and bacteriology, where they follow specimens from receipt to plating, and ultimately organism identification with state of the art mass spectometry. Additionally, specialized testing techniques, such as epidermal nerve fiber density and immunohistochemistry are stressed. Dr. Brad Bakotic also conducts a biopsy workshop for fellows.

NY Podiatrists Create Nail Polish

Just when you think there is nothing new in nail polish beyond the amazing array of new colors in every shade, Dr.'s REMEDY appears, created by two doctors "who truly care." The brain-child of two New York-based, board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.’s REMEDY proves quintessentially perfect for anyone looking to better the condition of her skin and nails. 

(L-R) Drs. William Spielfogel and Adam Cirlincione

"When working with chemists, we stressed the importance of adding naturally occurring anti-fungals as well as strengthening agents like vitamins and protein, because we know the needs of our patients and the direct effects of the harsh chemicals contained in many commercial nail polishes," explains Dr. Spielfogel.

Source: Jackie Silver, NY Beauty Products Examiner, [10/12/11]

MO Podiatrist Joins Foot Healers™ Group

Foot Healers™ has announced that Magdala LaFontant, DPM has joined their team of doctors, working with patients at the St. Peters/O’Fallon location.  Dr. LaFontant will serve as the primary doctor and work with patients to identify and address foot ailments and develop treatment plans that will lead to successful recoveries. 

Dr. Magdala LaFontant

Dr. LaFontant is a native of Chicago and a graduate of Loyola University. She received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York and completed her three-year residency at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Source: stltoday.com [10/12/11]

Query: Mini-TightRope for Hallux Valgus

How does one minimize complications like 2nd metatarsal stress fracture or device removal when using Mini-TightRope for hallux valgus? The literature only has case reports on the subject. I would appreciate opinions from surgeons who have a lot of experience with the proximal and/or distal procedures.

Michael B. DeBrule, DPM, Marshall, MN

Query: Suture Removal

I saw a patient in my office who had sutures placed by the hospital ED. I removed the sutures in the office. I had no involvement in her initial ED visit. What code do I use for suture removal?

Ron Werter, DPM, New York, NY

Response: This is included in the level of E/M service you meet.

The only code that exists for suture removal requires anesthesia (not local) - which is not the case here.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Plantar Fibromas (David Stoller, DPM)
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

Over the years, I have treated plantar fibromas in several ways, but the most successful conservative treatment is injecting them with 1cc of lidocaine/marcaine and, after it is numb, injecting with long-acting steroid directly into the mass. I will see the patient in three weeks and if it is still present, I will re-inject. Most patients respond with a single injection. Most of the time the long-term response is good. Occasionally, I will re-inject a year or more later, and non-responsive ones get excised.
 
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

My first line of treatment is Verapamil 15% gel compounded. They are to apply BID. This is not covered by insurance, and runs $25 for a 30 gram tube. Pain is the first symptom to go away within several weeks. Many times, the lesion gets smaller. If no relief, I offer steroid injection 0.5cc into the fibroma. If continued pain, I perform surgery.
 
David L. Nielson, DPM, Roanoke, VA, pampantla@hotmail.com

RE: Hallux Limitus
From: Howard Dananberg, DPM

With all the surgical discussion, there has been little said for conservative care. In my practice, the most common associated finding when hallux limitus is present is peroneal inhibition. A role of muscle is to protect the joints about which they function. When normal sequential muscle action of facilitation and inhibition is disrupted, an inhibited (weakened) state may exist for sufficient time to cause injury to the joint it supports.  

Surprisingly, once normal muscle facilitation is restored via ankle manipulation, pain - even in moderate to severe DJD - can markedly decrease or even resolve. Additional orthotic modifications with 1st ray c/o are an excellent adjunct to long-term care. This manipulation technique can be viewed here.  
 
Howard Dananberg, DPM, Bedford, NH, howiedbpg@aol.com

RE: Money-Back Guarantee for Orthotics (Charles Perry, DPM)
From: David Nielson, DPM

I have only heard of practices making it a policy whether they want to offer a money-back guarantee or not. The closest company I have found is Everfeet out of North Carolina. They make some of the best orthotics I have found. They offer six months where you can return the orthotics for free modifications.

David Nielson, DPM, Roanoke, VA, pampantla@hotmail.com

The Foothelpers Lab offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee on its orthotics. The thought is that podiatrists can then offer the same guarantee to patients, causing a greater acceptance rate in practice. We give back the money in about one in 35 cases.

Disclaimer: I am the President of FootHelpers. 

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

RE:  Insurance Company Did Not Discriminate by Paying Podiatrists Lower Fees: CT Court
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM

The law reads that insurance companies cannot discriminate against a group or individual healthcare provider based on a specialty.  Podiatrists are reimbursed for their services, so the courts denied the claim. The courts also held on to the argument that contributes to indirect discrimination against any group that doesn’t have the right to collective bargaining. The concept is simple - a reimbursement schedule is presented, you accept the fee schedule, and you execute a contract. The contract defines a set of fees - you either take it or leave it. In a healthcare environment that is primarily managed care in all its iterations, “take it or leave it” can be viewed in two ways: 1) from the insurance company’s perspective, it is market driven 2) from a podiatrist's perspective it is discrimination. 

The solution which is impractical and improbable is a legal form of collective bargaining. That’s what the concept of single specialty mega groups like Village Podiatry is partially about. Even that solution has its challenges. As to collective bargaining, the legal system won’t let us play on an even playing field. Do not misunderstand my statement to imply that collective bargaining means unionization. That’s a topic for another discussion.

Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

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-mailcontactus@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.

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 tomelissafoot@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)

Don't refer out $$ when they can go into your pocket. Beautiful state-of-the-art 5th Avenue medical office is offering lease time on a .31 tesla Esaote extremity MRI, complaint with Stark laws. This particular magnet is the only one accepted by insurances and Medicare as of 2012.  For more information email dri@myfcny.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

2 lightly used Microvas units (2010) for sale at $7,000 each plus shipping. Paid $16,000 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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students

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