The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 19, 2012 #4,616 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OH Podiatrist Prepares for His "New Mission"

Dr. Brad Wenstrup may be an experienced surgeon and a tested war veteran. But he found himself at basic training this week, learning the fundamentals of his new trade: politics. The podiatrist-turned-politician from Cincinnati – who won a surprise victory over Rep. Jean Schmidt in March and then sailed to a general election victory last week – joined the nearly 80 other incoming freshmen lawmakers for orientation in Washington this week.

Dr. Brad Wenstrup

“We have had a complete overload of rules and regulations,” Wenstrup said in an interview Thursday. “I feel like I just got new orders and am on to a new mission.” Wenstrup said he hasn’t decided what committee seats he will seek. “I’d like to be able to use my 26 years in healthcare and 15 years in the military” in Congress, Wenstrup said. “I’ll definitely be a voice for those issues regardless of committee assignments.”

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer [11/17/12]

NY Podiatrist Offers HBOT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves having a patient lie down in a pressure chamber and breathe in 100 percent oxygen. The treatment assists with ailments like chronic bone infection, diabetic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, stroke, brain injuries, Alzheimer’s and other diseases and injuries. Originally located in Parkway Hospital, Dr. Mary Andrea had to move her practice after the hospital closed in 2008.

Dr. Mary Andrea

As one of the only facilities that offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the borough, Dr. Andrea wanted to ensure that her services remained available to the public. Dr. Andrea’s establishment is accredited by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.

Source: Mitchell Kirk, The Queens Courier [11/17/12]

CT Podiatrist Joins Hospital's Wound Care Center

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center in Torrington is celebrating a year serving the community and expanding its medical staff. Darren Winkler, DPM has been added to the medical staff at the wound care center. Locally based in Torrington, Dr. Winkler graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and is board qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Dr. Darren Winkler

Winkler will serve patients with the center’s medical director William Polito, MD, and Asma Qamar, MD. He specializes in treating foot wounds especially those related to diabetes, and will conduct appointments at the center during selected office hours.

Source: Litchfield County Times [11/16/12]

NJ Podiatrist Warns of Universal Life Insurance Danger

In the next few years, millions of savers are in for a surprise that could cost them tens of thousands of dollars now—or hundreds of thousands later. The reason: Universal-life insurance policies bought years ago when interest rates were high will face cancellation if policyholders don't pay more. Vincent Romeo, a 66-year-old retired podiatrist in Monroe, NJ, realized about a year or so ago that his universal-life insurance policy and another for his wife could run out of money within a few years unless they kicked in more money.

"Things were not the rosy picture that was painted" at the point of sale, he says. "It was a little bit of my fault. Buyer beware." Dr. Romeo ended up moving the policies' remaining cash to new policies that carry a guaranteed death benefit as long as the couple pays specified premiums.

Source: Linda Scism and Joe Light, Wall Street Journal [11/16/12]

9th Annual Desert Foot 2012 Attracts Record Attendance

The 9th Annual Desert Foot 2012 Conference attracted a record attendance of wound care experts from 6 countries and 48 US states. What began as a VA DPM-focused meeting has expanded into a multi-disciplinary conference including MDs, nurses, physical therapists, research PhDs, as well as many podiatry residents and students. 

(L-R) Dr. Giacomo Clerici accepts 3rd Annual Paul Brand Memorial Award from Dr. Robert Frykberg.

The conference's highlight came when Chairman Robert Frykberg, DPM, MPH presented the 3rd Annual Paul Brand Memorial Award to diabetic foot pioneer Dr. Ezio Faglia of Milan, Italy. The award was sponsored by Regenesis Biomedical. The memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. Faglia's colleague, international diabetic limb salvage specialist  Dr. Giacomo Clerici.

CMS Okays 2 More Loopholes for eRx Penalty, Sets Deadline

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved 2 more hardship exemptions for physicians who would otherwise owe a penalty next year in Medicare's e-prescribing incentive program. Physicians have until January 31 to qualify for either of the 2 exemptions, which were proposed this summer.

The approval of the new loopholes, announced November 1, represents an attempt to synchronize Medicare's program to promote electronic prescribing with the CMS program to promote meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Organized medicine has complained that the 2 programs, created by different laws, have duplicative reporting requirements that confuse physicians and burden them with extra work.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medcape News [11/15/12]

Query: Unauthorized Charge

I received a call from the collections department of “Online Local Yellow Pages” saying that I owed more than $600 for a “mini website.” When I asked the collections agent who authorized the site, he gave the name of my receptionist (who no longer works for me).  He played a recording of a conversation in which my receptionist was asked questions confirming my address, fax number, etc. He said this conversation was proof of authorization of a website. From what I gathered, this conversation did not give any authorization of a website by my receptionist.
 
I Googled “Online Yellow Pages” and I found what may pass as a website, with a picture of a monument in front of my office complex. The outfit purports that my receptionist gave authorization for a website. Is it legal for a receptionist to do this? Is there usually not a signed contract that is required? Do I have any recourse?

Name Withheld

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Under the legal agency doctrine respondeat superior, you are responsible for the actions of your employees when they act within the scope of employment. Whether you are liable or not depends on the transcript of the recording made.

Query: DME

Does anyone know where I can get an AFO repaired after 8 months of use? The additional padding on the vertical struts is ripped and torn. The lab that made the AFO wants $100 to glue on new padding, which I think is way overpriced. 

Joe Borden, Reseda, CA

RE: NYSPMA and Hurricane Sandy
From: Joe Sciandra, DPM

NYSPMA has initiated a large fund for monetary relief for members adversely affected by the storm. We have allocated a large amount of money from our reserves, and added an unrestricted $20,000 gifted from our union to be available for interest free loans to members and outright grants to those who were devastated and cannot practice. We are accepting matching funds from divisions, and have asked the APMA for a loan also.
 
I think this is newsworthy, as it is an unprecedented act by NYSPMA, and makes me proud to be a member.
 
Joe Sciandra, DPM, Vice-President, Buffalo, NY, SDRJOE@aol.com

RE: Shoe Recommendation (Ayne Furman, DPM)
From: Robert Wunderlich, DPM, Paula Pitts

The best source I've found for unusual shoe sizes is shoebuy.com. Click on 'advanced search', enter the size/width/etc. and it will show you what is available.  In a women's 12 narrow, there are 653 shoe styles available.  Shipping (and return shipping if necessary) is free.

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

Try Mar-Lou Shoes Cleveland, Ohio.  Go online to see their website.  You will be amazed. They have sizes up to 18!

Paula Pitts, Bako Pathology Services, pjpitts1@aol.com

RE: Minor Foot Problems Can Worsen if Unchecked: MD Podiatrist
From: Randall Brower, DPM

I hope the part of the article cited by PM News in CNN's Money magazine was not the view of the APMA or Dr. Christina. The article plugged our profession for only minor problems and chronic conditions "like hammertoes." The article plugged orthopedics for fractures and injuries when helping the reader decide whom they should choose for their foot and ankle care.

I pray that the last paragraph in that article was the opinion and viewpoint of the author, not Dr. Christina. Even so, it's sad that...

Editor's note: Dr. Brower's extended-length letter can be read here.

PEDORTHIST WANTED – NEW JERSEY
 
Certified pedorthist interested in part owning-working in a therapeutic shoe store in busy podiatrist's office. Please email to advancedfoot1@aol.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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON
 
Busy office with good steady referral sources looking to expand. Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with good personality and hard work ethic. New main and satellite offices. Email: office.pfac@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW JERSEY - PASSAIC COUNTY
 
Associate Position Available leading to Practice Purchase. 25 year old well established general, well rounded practice seeking residency trained, ABPS eligible/certified podiatrist. Must be able to perform general foot procedures/surgeries without assistance. Well equipped office with digital x-ray, ultrasound, Doppler, 3 treatment rooms. Hospital Privileges available. Must be logical, Ethical and hard working. Pay commensurate with performance. Call 201-986-1900.ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.Com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
 
Welcome to paradise! Immediate opening in a busy, multi-location practice. Six figure income potential possible for the motivated individual in the first year. Surgical training a plus. Hospital privileges available, depending on training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@gmail.com.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
 
Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA
 
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to: Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NC PIEDMONT
 
Excellent opportunity for highly motivated, ethical, and personable PSR 24/36. This well established, 3-physician practice has excellent rapport with physician community, multiple office locations, and hospital privileges. Intent is an associate leading to partnership for the right individual. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV to dpmassociatenc@gmail.com.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA
 
A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
 
Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to: Podiatryoffice@doctor.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MARYLAND (PART-TIME/FULL=TIME)

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNER - NJ HAMILTON SQ
 
Looking for a 2/3 year surgically trained podiatrist for a position in my well balanced practice. A full schedule of patients is waiting. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care and clinic, general podiatry and sportsmedicine. Starting salary is $90,000 plus bonus +health+401K+paid vacation and seminars+all dues. Starting immediately send resume to Drj4foot2012@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNER – CENTRAL VIRGINIA

(Richmond/ Charlottesville) Looking for a 2/3 year surgically trained podiatrist. Laser training is preferred but not required (CO2, Pulsed Dye, YAG, Multiplex). The practice incorporates surgery, laser-based procedures including cosmetic treatments, general podiatry. Starting salary is $90,000 plus bonus +health+paid vacation and seminars+all dues. Starting immediately send CV to DrChrisStewart@cvillefootankle.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD, AND NORTH HAVEN)
 
Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO
 
Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 year old hospital-based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of high risk diabetic foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.com.
 
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
 
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to : practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com.
 
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER
 
Still under warranty . New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net
 
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students
 
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