The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 07, 2009 #3,695 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Diabetics Need Regular Foot Care: NY Podiatrist

“People in general don’t pay attention to their feet,” said Dr. Andrew Rubin, a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC). “This is detrimental if you’re diabetic. You may have a wound that you are unaware of, and if left untreated can lead to greater complications.”

Dr. Andrew Rubin

Rubin added, “Regular visits to the podiatrist and daily foot inspections are encouraged.” He also said that simple practices such as washing your feet daily, keeping your feet warm and dry, and checking your feet for blisters or cuts is recommended for those with diabetes.

Source: Alexa Mae Asperin, Queens Courier [11/3/09]

IPMA Elects New Officers

In action taken during the 84th Annual Indiana Podiatric Medical Association Convention, conducted at Indianapolis IPMA elected new officers to lead the organization of foot and ankle surgeons in 2010. There are now 220 members in the state.

Dr. Andrew J. Rader

Delegates and alternates to the American Podiatric Medical Association were also elected: Drs. Marc S. Bruell, Patricia A. Moore, Andrew J. Rader, and Jane A. Koch (alternate).

CA Podiatrist Warns Teens of Dangers of Distracted Driving

Local teens and parents on Wednesday were given a sobering look at issues involving teenage driving. Podiatrist David Sabet spoke movingly of his daughter Gillian, a JSerra High School student who, along with her boyfriend, died on her way to a high school dance in Newport Beach in 2005. Her best friend was driving and lost control of the SUV while distracted.

Dr. David Sabet

Since then, his family has formed JourneySafe; he educates teens and families throughout the region on distracted driving. Sabet said 6,000 teens are killed each year on the road. “The No. 1 killer of teens is their friends,” Sabet said. “The vast majority of teen fatalities are passengers. It’s not drugs and alcohol; it’s inexperience and distraction.”

Source: Candice Baker, Daily Pilot [11/4/09]

Query: Pre-Fab Heel Stabilizer

I've used Myron corrective heel seats as pre-fabricated pediatric heel stabilizers/orthotics, and I think that they're great. Unfortunately, our office stock is running out of them, and we can't seem to find them to purchase. Does anyone have a source for inexpensive pre-fab heel stabilizer/kid orthotics for young children with hindfoot valgus?

Eric M. Hart, DPM Bismarck, ND

Query: PECOS Registration Searchable Database?

Is there an online searchable database of ordering/referring providers already registered in PECOS?

This would be helpful to avoid pestering multiple primary care physician offices and/or our DME carrier each time we are requested to supply diabetic shoes. An online database can also confirm a referring doctor is truly registered. Like many, I have already received warning messages that such claims will begin rejecting in January if the primary care physician/referring doctor is not PECOS registered.

Ronald Van Vliet, DPM, Sugar Land, TX

Response: At this point, there is NO website that you can log into to see if a provider is enrolled with PECOS. This is something they are hoping to roll out prior to January, but at this time there is no ETA on when or if this will be done.

Keep in mind that claims containing a referring doctor who is not enrolled in PECOS will reject after January 1, as far as we understand it.

Elizabeth Menduke, Torrance, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Podiatrists and Flu Shots
From: Elliott Udell

NY governor Patterson issued an executive order allowing podiatrists, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives to give H1N1 vaccinations at specific locations.
 
For years, I have been pushing for podiatrists to be allowed to give season flu shots. We give far more complex injections many times a day, and since we see elderly people, we may be in a position to render a great public service in general by making flu shots available to people who might not get them from their primary care doctors. We need to push for legislation allowing this. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Tightrope Complication (Lowell Weil, Sr., DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

I find it extremely interesting, and somewhat contradictory that one of our most renowned colleagues, who has consistently preached the rendering of podiatric services based on the strict adherence to evidence-based medical protocols, is now extolling the virtues of bunion surgery provision as "more of an art form than a science." While I do believe that Dr. Weil's comments are somewhat accurate and transcend the entire gamut of medical service provision, I also feel...

Editor's Note: Dr. Mullen's extended-length note appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=30243&start=1

RE: Does EMTALA Prohibit Podiatrists From Taking ER Call? (Richard W. Boone, Sr.)
From: Multiple Respondents

Several years ago, the SDPMA sought to add into state law the inclusion as podiatrist as "physicians." Because of several mitigating circumstances, the SD State House voted to change the classification in our favor. We had, at that time, very good relations with a well-known legislator who was an orthopedic surgeon, and great personal relations with the attorney general of SD, and two of the brightest and best speakers to address the assembly. We prevailed overwhelmingly!
 
It sounds as if the opinion from the hospital's counsel likely relates to the Virginia state laws that may not classify podiatrists as "physicians", thus an uphill battle for the well-qualified doctor in your offering.
 
Give a read to the Podiatric Codified Law for Virginia podiatrists; then go from there. If there is mention relating podiatrists as physicians within the statute, you may have a mitigating argument for your client. If not, the VPMA should adopt this challenge, and yes, it is a challenge, to re-word the Codified Law pertaining to podiatrists and "physicians" in the state.

Todd Monroe, DPM, Aberdeen, SD, the1docholiday@hotmail.com

I've been available for ER call for the past 4 or 5 years in San Antonio, and no one has ever mentioned EMTALA as being a problem for podiatrists. There are six DPMs on a rotating ER call schedule at my primary facility, and the ER physicians are very thankful that we're available. As I see it, we're simply consultants who have made ourselves available 24/7.  Every patient in the ER is first seen by one of the emergency physicians (an MD), and a specialist is called if needed. The only 'issue' I've encountered is having to provide care to non-insured patients, which happens about once every 6 months or so. I consider it a worthwhile donation of my time.

Robert Wunderlich, DPM, San Antonio, TX, rwunder@gmail.com

The hospital I worked at in Corpus Christi had the most innovative way of dealing with the “should podiatrists be allowed to take call at the ER?” question I’ve ever run across. What they did is give ALL pods a spot on the ER roster (including those who did NO time in the ER during their residency and the couple of guys in town who never did a residency of any kind) and…….make sure the beeper never went off. Brilliant!! Defuse the fight before it begins and no one can possibly complain that they were “denied ER call privileges.” I know this doesn’t help your doctor’s situation, but at least he’s in the fight and not derailed by the orthopods from the start.

David Secord, DPM, Houston, TX, secord@medscape.com
 

RE: Danger at TSA Check Points (John Mozena, DPM)
From: Peter Smith, DPM

Until a better system exists, I am all for removing shoes at the airport. Sure, it is a pain in the neck, but I don't think the public health risk of a stubbed toe is greater than the risk of an explosive or weapon hidden in a shoe. I think that for podiatry, as a profession, to take a public stand on that would make us seem a little egocentric. Besides, doesn't the neuropathic, HIV infected traveler have ANY responsibility to be extra careful to protect himself and the public around him? How about a little personal accountability?

Peter Smith, DPM, Stony Brook, NY, ps84@bc.edu

RE: Digital Cameras (Charles F. Ross, DPM)
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM

In practical terms, digital pictures can be a blessing as well as a curse. Imagine sitting in a court room, images of the worse of foot infection, with tendons and bone exposed. The patient goes on to miraculously heal, but the prosecuting attorney blows up those gory pictures which are left there for the duration of a trial. Do you believe that a jury, primarily composed of non-medical background individuals, will listen to the medical facts and base their judgment on the medicine? Or do you think the jury will be significantly influenced by the photos? Has anyone seen a picture of a good-looking post-op infection? Having said that, don't ask me why, but I still use digital photography and have for the last 10 years.

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

RE: Compression Socks/Stockings (Tamara Allen, DPM)
From: Ken Jacoby, DPM

I utilize the World Softest Sock Co. for OTC compression socks. They cost  about $4.00 per pr.

Ken Jacoby, DPM, Elgin, IL, gkjaco@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI

Expanding multi-location practice seeks motivated individual to contribute to growth. Practice enjoys strong reputation and name recognition. Prefer candidates with interest in partnership opportunity. Established locations available for PSR 24+ and includes incentive comp with benefits/coverage. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com or call John Murray at 314.842.3875.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MINNESOTA

Well-established podiatry clinic located in the Twin Cities area has an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist. The clinic is located just minutes from a surgery center as well as 2 major hospitals. Associate position is also open for partnership or purchase. Please email CV and inquires to rmccoy@associatedpodiatrists.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW IOWA (SIOUX CITY AREA)

Well-established, diverse, growing practice. Excellent referral base. Seeking an ethical, hardworking, motivated, caring podiatrist to fill a full-time position. Multiple hospital affiliations. Generous income with room for growth, leading to partnership for the right candidate. See our community www.siouxlandchamber.com. Fax CV, resume, three references to 712-258-9977.

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - INDIANA/OHIO

PrimeSource Healthcare is a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created an immediate need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Indiana/Ohio. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to kwright@pshcs.com. Visit us at pshcs.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE- SEATTLE, WA

Beautiful office for sale in the heart of Seattle, WA. Newly renovated, 2,500 sf, new digital x-ray, vascular lab, state of the art physical therapy equipment, paper-less system, all new podiatric furniture and equipment, popular podiatric products store and beautiful diabetic shoe display. Office is located in the medical building and open 3 days a week. Great opportunity for expansion to full-time. Please send us a letter of interest to the: podiatrygroup@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Office and diagnostic equipment state-of-the-art. Full benefit package included. If interested, please fax your curriculum vitae to 847.352.0270 or email to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHOENIX, ARIZONA 
Part Time/Full Time well-trained, ethical and hard working graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency to join our growing multi-location practice. Good mix of Surgery/Pediatric/General Podiatry. ER/Hospital Call a must. Very modern offices with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. Base salary, bonus structure, benefits. Current AZ License a Must. Please e-mail CV and references to azpodiatrists@hotmail.com

DIABETIC RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM - FLORIDA AND GEORGIA

Seeking DPM to join our program due to a high demand for Podiatric Care to off-site settings in SNF, ALFs and House Calls. Applicants must be willing to travel and must have experience. Current State License, Medicare and Medicaid numbers required. Seeking highly motivated individuals who can be team players, yet work independently. Must have strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. APPLY: Fax CV to: 866-258-9993 include 3 professional references. Please provide the geographic area where you can provide services. Further information call 800-779-8551 or email: info@DROPInternational.org. Visit our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION – RESEDA, CA

Podiatrist needed in Reseda, CA office 2-3 days/wk, 6hrs/day @ $375/day to senior community. Please have an active Medicare #. Position starts immediately. Please email CVs to coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering full or part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care to the elderly in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your c.v. to drhprosen@comcast.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY

Busy medical office in Brooklyn seeking part-time podiatrist. Good conditions. (718) 259-6666 phone (718)259-7000 fax, email zg0109@yahoo.com

PODIATRISTS CHICAGO/NW IND/BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone-773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INLAND EMPIRE

2-office multi-doctor practice looking for ethical, dependable doctor to work 3-4 days per week. State-of-the-art, long established practice. Needs a team player which may lead to buy-in for the right doctor. Must be ABPS BC/BE. High surgical volume. Send cover letter and CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 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

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.