The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 11, 2011 #4,304 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Craig Gastwirth, DPM

The entire podiatric profession mourns the loss of Dr. Craig Gastwirth who passed away on November 10th, 2011 at the age of 61. Craig graduated NYCPM in 1976 and completed a surgical residency at Kern Hospital. He served as a long-time delegate to the APMA House of Delegates and received the Meritorious Service Citation in 2006 and the APMA Award of Excellence in 2001.  Craig was a nationally recognized coding expert and served as an expert panelist on Codingline. 

Dr. Craig Gastwirth

Craig was active in the public health arena and served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Public Health and the Michigan Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. His brothers Glenn and Bart Gastwirth are also noted podiatrists. The funeral will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Dorfman Chapel, 30440 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. PM News extends its condolences to his wife Cheryl, daughter Stacy, son Andrew, and the entire family.

FL Podiatrist Discusses Arthritic Foot Pain

According to the Arthritis Foundation, close to half of people in their sixties and seventies suffer from arthritis foot pain. In fact, the damage starts even sooner: Beginning in your forties, your feet begin to show wear and tear, explains Dennis Frisch, DPM, a Boca Raton, FL-based podiatrist.

Dr. Dennis Frisch

If you have (or suspect you have) foot arthritis, have your feet checked by a rheumatologist or podiatrist at least once a year, Frisch says. “We recommend yearly visits to be sure there aren’t any changes in your feet and to see whether any devices you may have been given, such as braces or orthotics, are working appropriately. And if you’re having pain, don’t wait for your yearly visit. See your doctor right away.”

Source: Beth W. Orenstein, Everyday Health [11/1/11]

Pedinol Pharmacal® OCPM Scholars Announced

Two OCPM students in the Class of 2013 have been named as Pedinol 2011 Pharmacal® Scholars by Ed Pitlak, Area Business Manager – Area A at Pedinol, Pharmacal®, Inc. Joshua Miller and Evan Bridges were selected as the OCPM essay winners responding to: How do you envision changes in the profession that may impact your success in practice? 

(L-R) Joshua Miller and Evan Bridges

The company was impressed with all the finalists and the essay submissions for consideration. “The choice was difficult as the topic chosen really brought out their unique vision of podiatry over the next 50 years,” Pitlak stated.

Small Running Shoes Can Cause Stress Fractures: PA Podiatrist

Dr. Lynne J. Haubelt, a podiatrist with Pittsburgh-based Associates in Podiatry, said one of the most common problems she treats is a stress fracture. The cause of most fractures, she said, had to do with running in shoes that are too small.

Dr. Lynne J. Haubelt

"No one has ever gotten in trouble with a shoe too big, but everyone gets in trouble when their shoe is too small," she said. "Our foot uses up to 26 bones, so putting the wrong type of pressure can ultimately cost you. When in doubt, go bigger."

Source: Edgar Ramirez, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [10/23/11]

Senator  Not Satisfied After Public Access to Doc Discipline Database is Restored

HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration has reposted the public-use file of its National Practitioner Data Bank, but it has done so with conditions that one critic doubts will work and another calls "unacceptable." The data bank's public use file contains de-identified information on disciplinary actions against physicians and, in a statement posted on the databank's website, HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield touts this data as being available for statistical analysis and reports on malpractice trends.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who has been crusading for the restoration of the public use file, was not satisfied with terms of the data use agreement. “It's also hard to see how HRSA has the resources to require the return of supposedly misused data or how that would even work,” Grassley said in a news release. “It seems the agency's time would be better used in making sure the database is up to date and as useful as possible.”

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare [11/9/11]

IA Podiatrist Receives Probation

The Iowa Board of Podiatry has placed Dr. John Redenius on probation for five years after inspections earlier this year found numerous infractions in his Waterloo and Iowa Falls office. He was cited for violations of a regulation or law which relates to the practice of the profession, betrayal of professional confidence, and failure to comply with the terms of a board order.

Under the probation terms, Redenius must have his office professionally inspected for mold or other environmental hazards, undergo random follow-up investigations, obtain a practice monitor who he will meet with throughout his probation, and complete additional continuing education hours

Source: Globe Gazette [11/10/11]

Query: Chronic Wound in Type 1 Diabetic

This 45 year old Type 1 diabetic with neuropathy has had an open wound over the styloid process area of the left 5th metatarsal for six months before seeing me on 8/15/11. I've been treating the wound with sharp debridement and topical agents, with marginal improvement noted. The wound is not infected and has 'proud' tissue protruding centrally.

Chronic wound over the styloid process area of the left 5th metatarsal

I would like to take him to the OR for bone resection, radical debridement, and possible primary wound closure, if possible. What are your thoughts/suggestions?
 
Name Withheld

RE: American Council of Certified Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons
From: Brent Ray, DPM  

A friend of mine in another state is having surgery to correct a bunion. She asked me if I knew the surgeon performing the surgery and sent me a link to the website. The website bio lists the podiatrist as being board-certified by the American Council of Certified Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons. I had to admit to my friend that I was unfamiliar with ACCPPS. Is ACCPPS still around or defunct?

Editor's comment: ACCPPS is no longer in existence. A new organization, the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery (ABLES.ORG), has taken its place.

Query: Diabetic Patient Check-Ups

Is there a special code to use when seeing diabetic patients for a routine check-up every 6 months or once a year?

Karen, Office of Lawrence Kaminsky, DPM, Laguna Woods, CA
 
Response: There is no code for a routine diabetic check-up. Any service rendered must be 1) a plan benefit and 2) medically necessary and reasonable.

Having a patient, even one who may be 'at risk', return to the office on a periodic basis for an examination without a specific complaint may be deemed a screening, and therefore may not be covered unless it is a covered benefit under the patient's plan - i.e., a preventive service.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
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RE: The Passing of Craig Gastwirth, DPM

I am truly saddened to learn of Craig Gastwirth's passing. I will always fondly remember him sitting in his "assigned" front row seat at the APMA HOD Resolutions Committee. We have lost a great contributor and friend of the profession.

Ross E. Taubman, DPM

June and I are saddened with the passing of Craig Gastwirth, DPM.  He was a gentleman, a confidant and a friend who will be sorely missed my me and anyone who knew him. Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family.
 
H. F. “Bunny” Brown, III, DPM

RE: 1st MPJ Arthrodesis (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM
 
Simply stated, the surface area of fixation is smaller at the point where the two screws cross each other, so if that happens at the joint level, there is a greater chance for rotatory motion on the frontal plane, hence the risk of a possible non-union.
 
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Brewer's Yeast for Hyperhydrosis (David Alper, DPM)
From: Cynthia S. Ferrelli, DPM

I do not know of a connection between the two, but it made me think of a patient recently who has a rather unique connection re: tinea pedis and food. He has a relatively CLEAN diet, albeit a recalcitrant case of tinea pedis. He has noted that his flare-ups of tinea occur when he eats cereal for breakfast, granola specifically, which is wheat-based. The scaliness on the plantar feet manifests 10-fold. When he goes back to his more ordinary breakfast of say quinoa (non-wheat based grain), it resolves.

Many of us may realize that when patients have tinea or onychomycosis, the fungus/yeast feeds off of the high carbohydrate diet. I tell my patients to limit their carbs (white sugar, flour, white rice, alcohol) to less than 25% a day. This of course is great advice for virtually any of us since it leads us to eating more real food like vegetables! What a concept.

Cynthia S. Ferrelli, DPM, NMD, Buffalo, NY, cyncity5@gmail.com

RE: No Comment Necessary
From: Art Hatfield, DPM

I can't resist making a comment. This appears to be a typical case of phallus rigidus.

Art Hatfield, DPM, Long Beach, CA

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 $480K per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contactpistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE
 
30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. $160,000 base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com  

Well established, expanding podiatric medical and surgical practice with multiple locations Northeast of Dallas, Texas. Modern offices with EHR, digital radiography, Padnet vascular studies and laser. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for a motivated, ethical, personable and well trained PSR/36 or board equivalent. This individual will also assist managing the residency program. Send resume (CV) to northtexaspodiatry@yahoo.com along with a letter of intent

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY/ LONG ISLAND

Seeking an ethical, competent, and responsible associate with a minimum of board qualification, who is proficient in all facets of podiatric medicine, surgery, and biomechanics for a multi-doctor and interdisciplinary medical practice in NYC with suburban NJ/NY satellite offices. Must be able to practice independently with excellent management skills. PT/FT with potential for partnership. ambulatewell@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Multi-office group seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer person with frame and trauma experience. Our practice is state-of-the-art and has all modalities: EMR, PadNnet, on-site billing, diagnostic US, PRP, digital x-ray, etc. Excellent salary, bonus structure and benefits with partnership available. Please forward CV and letter of intent to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS PERMANENT P/T

Podiatrist needed for Medinah Spine/Rehab/Podiatry. Upper middle class suburb multi-disciplinary established office seeks perm P/T podiatrist to service established podiatry practice. Please call SueL 630-529-0077 or fax resume to: 630-529-0087.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

Fully equipped podiatry office in North Gate area of Seattle. Office located in medical professional building near I-5. Office has 3 treatment rooms, 3 physical therapy rooms, direct digital x-ray, PAD- net, NCV testing equipment, physical therapy equipment. Please contact us: website Tel. 425-643-8901 isbinc2006@gmail.com

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

SPACE AVAILABLE IN MULTI-DISCIPLINE WELLNESS CENTER- WHITE PLAINS, NY

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 - SUPERPULSE 45 WATT PEAK POWER LASER ( LUMIX2) Bill

Superpulse 45 watt peak power Laser ( lumix2) used once or twice. This is a real superpulse 910nw up to 100,000 HZ. Great Laser Used in the super bowl by the Green Bay Packer Why am I selling? I have too many lasers in my office now ( six) This is a great laser for plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Lightweight portable. easy to use, fully programmable Sold to first person under $$12,000 You will NEVER get a laser like this at this price. Enjoy. it I just have too many lasers. David Zuckerman DPM footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - (2) MICRO-VAS UNITS
 
Less than one year old. Barely used and in excellent condition. We have seen remarkable improvement in Diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, fibromyalgias, and atypical neuropathies. Also works great to reduce limb edema. Can be used for acute & chronic conditions. Selling $10K each, or both for $17.5K. Contact: coastalmgr@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER- USED K-LASERS

I have used K-laser for sale. Still in Warranty. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargeable 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

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

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