The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 18, 2010 #3,986 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY, NC Podiatrists Discuss Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

To reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis, wear supportive shoes or sandals with a contoured footbed at all times. Choose walking shoes that are not too flexible in the middle. "They should be bendable at the ball but provide stiffness and support at the arch," says Melinda Reiner, DPM, a podiatrist in Syracuse, NY and former vice president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.

Dr. Melinda Reiner

Off-the-shelf orthotic inserts (by Dr. Scholl's or Spenco, for example) or a custom-made pair can help absorb some of the impact of walking, especially on hard surfaces. Until you can walk pain-free, stick to flat, stable, giving paths (such as a level dirt road) and avoid pavement, sand, and uneven ground that might cause too much flexing at the arch, says Phillip Ward, DPM, a podiatrist in Florence, SC.

Source: Martica K. Heaner, Prevention

ACFAOM Leaders Invited to Join National Academies of Practice

Twenty-five percent of the invited nominees from podiatric medicine for election to the National Academies of Practice for induction in 2011 are directors of the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM).

Drs. Beth Jarrett and Kirk Geter

They are: Dr. Robert Christman, Chair of the ACFAOM Podiatric Imaging Council; Dr. Denise Freeman, former ACFAOM Treasurer; Dr. Kirk Geter, current ACFAOM President; and Dr. Beth Jarrett, ACFAOM’s Immediate Past President. They will join many other ACFAOM leaders who have been elected to NAP in the past, including Dr. V. Kathleen Satterfield, ACFAOM’s Vice President/President Elect, who was inducted in 2010.

Newspaper Endorses FL Podiatrist for Lee Hospital Board

A Lee County Economic Development Office study declared that Lee Memorial Health System became the area’s top employer in July, with 9,434 employees — just slightly exceeding the public school system. The health system runs four hospitals — Lee Memorial, Gulf Coast, HealthPark and Cape Coral — and controls 95 percent of the hospital beds in the county.

Dr. John C. Lawlor

The News-Press Editorial Board recommends candidates whose strong backgrounds in healthcare will help them deal with the challenges the Lee Memorial Health System faces, and be interested and educated participants in the process. "We recommend Dr. John C. Lawlor. Lawlor is a podiatrist and independent physician. His priorities are to increase efficiency to better treat chronic illnesses, create specialty clinics for uninsured patients, and make buildings more green and energy efficient."

Source: The News Press [10/16/10]

APMA Grants Seal of Approval to Hot and Cold Foot Massager

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently issued a series of recommendations for runners, including the use of a self-massager designed for post-athletic activities. Specifically, the association recommended Health Enterprises’ therapeutic hot and cold foot massager, a product that carries the APMA seal of approval.

Dr. Kathleen Stone

"Some of the most common running-related foot injuries that today’s podiatrists treat are arch pain, tendonitis and blisters," stated APMA president Kathleen Stone. “However, if runners can take just a few minutes to stretch properly pre-workout, select appropriate footwear and see a podiatrist immediately when foot pain occurs, many of these ailments can be avoided entirely.”

Source: Michael Johnsen, Drug Store News [10/15/10]

NJ Podiatrist Finds Calling at Community College

Dr. Jolie Master, a podiatrist and the newest member of the Science faculty at Atlantic Cape, just started at the Cape May County Campus this semester. Master received her doctorate from Temple University and did her residency in the Virtua Health System. She gave up her podiatry practice and began teaching over two years ago.

Atlantic Cape Community College

Master said she discovered a calling for teaching while assisting with training and lectures during her residency. After serving as an adjunct professor at a few classes at Salem and Burlington county colleges, she was hooked on teaching. “Teaching is kind of like medicine, you never know what students or patients will show up,” she said.

Source: Joe Hart, Cape May County Herald [10/12/10]

Labor-Related Tax Breaks Businesses Need To Know - Part 2

In this tough economy, every business could use a break. Here is a list of available tax credits to businesses who hire employees fitting in the following categories:

Unemployed: The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE) gives employers who hire an unemployed worker before January 1, 2011 a 6.2% payroll tax incentive, which basically exempts them from their share of Social Security taxes on wages paid to that worker. In addition, for each worker retained for at least a year, business can claim an additional general business tax credit of up to $1,000 per worker, when they file their 2011 taxes.

Disabled Workers: Not only can businesses who hire disabled workers qualify for WOTC but there are also tax breaks available for improving the work lives of those employees. Disability Access Tax Credits exist, including the Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction which gives employers up to $15,000 a year to improve entrances, walkways, etc. for persons with disabilities. 
 
Source: Jennifer Vander Sanden

Query: Cost-Effective Diagnostic Ultrasound Unit

I am looking to purchase a cost-efficient diagnostic ultrasound unit. I would appreciate some feedback as to which unit to buy. 
 
Payam Nikravesh, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

RE: Verapamil for Plantar Fibromatosis (Payam Nikravesh, DPM)
From: Peter Walimire, DPM

I just looked this information up the other day. There is a product compounded by PD Labs. It is Verapamil 15% gel; apply to area BID.  They claim a 55% reduction in pain after about three months of treatment. The size of the tumor will start to diminish around this mark as well, but the typical course of treatment is 6-12 months. I got my information from PD Labs website: pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatIsTvGel_plantar.html. 

Peter Walimire, DPM, Cape Coral, FL, pwalimire@gmail.com

RE: Billing Services for Medicare (Paul Stepanczuk, DPM)
From: Makabis Yousefpour, DPM

I have been practicing for five years and have gone through four billing services. I deal with Medicare mostly. I have recently switched to Hippocratic Solutions billing services. Although I do pay more (8%) compared to the rest of the services, they are really on top of this stuff. I have daily cash flow now. My billing is sent out within 24 hours of submission. I do not wait for weekly, bi-weekly payments as with other billing companies. I really recommend this company based on my experience.

Makabis Yousefpour, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, makdpm@yahoo.com

RE: Doctor (DPM) Doctor? (Vincent Mandraccia, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

Vincent Mandraccia, DPM, states, "Podiatry needs to expand scope of practice to be included as primary care providers. Our medical education is the same; so why waste it?"

Our medical education is the same? That simple statement is the crushing blow to his argument in the first place, that he should be able to evaluate an acute abdomen because nurses are doing wound care.

I have no objection to, and believe podiatrists are deserving of expanded scope within their education and training, but stating that podiatric medical school is the same as medical school, (and heaven forbid someone believes it), is the absolute worst thing we could do in its pursuit. Ditto for the physician assistant and nurse practitioner educational experiences. You can only get the scope of other professions by successfully completing their training requirements.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Is Parity Achievable? (Name Withheld)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

Perhaps a letter forwarded to the hospital's attorney may be helpful if there is no medical staff minutes documenting the need for an adoption of minimal screening criteria that does not recognize podiatric training. The hospital's attorney may possibly be more concerned with a hospital's medical staff enforcing its own bylaws and the risks of departing from such a standard. There should be a minimum number of times that ankle surgery should be performed as surgeon of record to be granted the privilege to independently perform this, and this criteria should be uniformly applied.

I believe that unless updated, any residency criteria eventually gets outdated and unrelated to current competence at performing the departmental criteria applied for.

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, podiatrist1@optonline.net

RE: Rules for Rewarding Patient Referrals (Peter Walimire, DPM)
From: Joel Lang, DPM

I was floored when I read Dr. Walimire's comments about advice given dentists and chiropractors to offer rewards, raffles, and vacations for referrals. Even if it were perfectly legal, it is crass and totally unprofessional.Instead, send a professional letter of appreciation to the referring party with the assurrance that the patient will get the best care you can provide. That will be much appreciated and will encourage further referrals. In addition, with the patient's permission, you can send the primary care physician, of every new patient, a report of your findings and your treatment plan, together with a reasonable prognosis. This will bring you more quality referrals than any raffle.

At the end of the year, for people (physicians, secretaries, etc.) who refer multiple patients, you might send a good quality pocket appointment book for the upcoming year with your name, logo, etc. in appreciation for their referrals. These are available in bulk with personalization. Nearly everyone can use a little appointment book or knows someone who can. It is low key, useful, and professional. This is a better way to go. I know from personal experience.

Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net

RE: Organized Medicine Stands Up Against Medicare Pay Cuts
From: Wm. Barry Turner, BSN

As I was reading this article, it struck me that reducing physician income by 23% will close the doors to the majority of Medicare-dependent practices -not just podiatry. This "cut" will cause an even more dramatic effect on geriatric, cardiac (surgical and non-surgical), internal medicine, and many other medical specialties. Cardiology is already seeing a decline in residency applications. The writing is on the wall. These specialists will be forced into bankruptcy, their practices will close, and their employees will be in line for unemployment benefits. This reduction will reduce the availability of these specialists to millions of Medicare recipients. In fact, I would feel comfortable estimating that over 60% of these specialist practices will fail, leaving our country without sufficient specialty providers to treat our elderly.

Now following this train of thought, how many of these specialists and their staff will be forced into bankruptcy, lose their homes, and expensive possessions? How many of these newly unemployed will be applying for unemployment compensation? How many new cars will not be purchased? How many new homes will not be built? And most important to me, who will I seek out for my heart condition? I recently read about Greece deciding it was cheaper to amputate limbs than furnish diabetic shoes...Is this where we are headed: do what is cheapest and just give up on providing quality healthcare? Is it easy to blame this on Obama? I am not one of his supporters- I think. I have been cheated and tricked out of payment by Medicare for at least three presidential regimes. Wake up America.

Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM, Royston, GA, claret32853@gmail.com

PART-TIME ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Growing practice in need of an outgoing, hard-working associate. House calls, nursing homes and a busy, well-established office setting. At least a PSR12 preferred. Fax CV to 732 699 1901.

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

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy Podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, homes, office etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com or call Terri at 323-353-8103.

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 / FULL-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

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

SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Surgical/Sports Fellowship Aug 1, 2011 thru July 31, 2012. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE. Responsibilities include assisting in all types of foot and ankle surgery (approximately 500 cases), seeing patients in the sports clinic and completing 2 papers/research projects. Benefits include salary of $56,500/yr, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. Interviews at the Midwest Podiatry Conference Mar 3-5, 2011 & ACFAS Mar 8-10, 2011, but on-site visit is preferred. Minimum 24-month surgical residency training pre-requisite. Send a letter of interest, CV and three letters of recommendation to: Amol Saxena, DPM. HeySax@AOL.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 - 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

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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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