The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 24, 2012 #4,621 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Warns of Risks of Cosmetic Foot Surgery

Austin Regional Clinic podiatrist, Dr. Vikas Godhania says what some doctors are doing is similar to what he does for people with hammertoes. "There's three bones in the toe," Godhania said pointing to a skeleton. These are "the ones where they talk about removing portions of the toe usually, the middle phalanx. Sometimes they'll take the middle and a portion of the next bone as well."

Dr. Vikas Godhania

He only treats people who are in pain, but patients do ask for the procedure for cosmetic reasons. "We get requests sort of daily," Godhania said. Godhania says there are severe complications when it comes to altering your toes if you don't need it. "When you take a straight toe that's long and you shorten it, now there are concerns of that toe being floppy and losing its structural integrity which is a known complication," Godhania said.

Source: Noelle Newton, KTBC (FOX 7) [11/21/12]

FL Podiatrist Describes Test for Proprioception

Why does spraining an ankle once increase the likelihood of a future sprain? Depending upon the severity, an ankle sprain can damage muscles, ligaments and proprioceptors (specialized nerves that control your balance and sense of position.

Dr. Brian Fullem

Are your proprioceptors functioning properly? Dr. Brian Fullem (podiatrist and 14:25 5K runner) suggests, "Try this: Stand up, balance on one foot and close your eyes. If you must immediately put your foot down or hands out to prevent falling, then your proprioceptors are not functioning properly. Balance training to improve proprioception is usually a part of the treatment plan when you sprain an ankle, but it really should be a part of every runner's program."

Source: Bennett Cohen and Gail Gould, Runners Web [11/20/12]

ID Podiatrist Speaks at Mexican Orthopedic Congress

Stephen Isham, DPM, MD, a world recognized expert on minimally invasive foot surgery, was invited to speak and to participate at the Orthopedic Congress held in Mazatlan, Mexico November 6th through 10th. Dr. Isham, who is the international director and a past president and  scientific chairman of the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, lectured on minimally invasive foot surgical procedures. Several of the procedures discussed, including the Reverdin Isham bunionectomy, were developed by Dr. Isham.

Dr. Stephen Isham

Over 1.600 orthopedic surgeons from a dozen countries in Latin America attended the Congress, which was sponsored by the Mexican Federation of Orthopedic Colleges. The Congress dedicated one and a half days to MIS foot and ankle surgical lectures.

PA Podiatrist Dresses Black Friday Shoppers

To some, Black Friday is a day to snag one desirable item at a great price. Others wake up smiling with the knowledge that millions of exhausted shoppers are just getting home. But to diehards, it's a long day of planning, camaraderie, savings, and, madness. Friends Jessica Wrubel, Danielle Stair, and Christina Brown fall into that last group. And they have the specially made T-shirts to prove it.

This year Brown's boss and a fellow Black Friday fanatic, Dallas (PA) podiatrist Dr. Shelly Levulis, gave the three custom green team T-shirts with "Black Friday 2012" on the front and the motto "neither sleet, nor rain or hail will keep us away from our Black Friday sale" on the back.

Source: Andrew M. Seder, The Times Leader [11/22/12]

Top Concerns Prompting Physicians to Consider Employment

Several issues are persuading doctors to think seriously about leaving independent practice. Accenture researchers surveyed 204 specialty and primary care physicians in May to identify the most pressing concerns.

87% cited business expenses.
61% named the prevalence of managed care.
53% were concerned about EHR requirements.
53% mentioned maintaining and managing staff.
39% cited the number of patients required to break even.

Source: “Clinical Transformation: New Business Models for a New Era in Healthcare,” Accenture, Oct. 31  vIa aMednews

What’s on Deck for the ACA in 2013

Although most of the coverage expansions and insurance reforms under the Affordable Care Act don’t kick in until 2014, several key ACA provisions are scheduled to take effect next year, including:

• Medicaid payments to primary care physicians for primary care services will increase to 100% of Medicare rates for two years.
   
• States that offer Medicaid coverage with no patient cost-sharing for recommended preventive services will receive a one percentage point increase in federal matching payments.
   
• Medicare will test bundled payments for physician services, acute inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and post-acute care services for a patient’s episode of care.
   
• The federal government will impose an excise tax of 2.3% on the sale of taxable medical devices.
   
• Reductions will begin on disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicare and Medicaid.
   
• Non-profit, member-run health insurance companies known as Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs) will launch.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation Health Reform Implementation Timeline via aMednews [11/19/12]

RE: Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort
From: Billie Bondar, DPM

I was talking with a friend here in New Hampshire and found out that she was headed to NJ with a truck to bring water and blankets  to the homeless last weekend. On Monday, I said to myself that I could give it the ole why not try to get a sock collection for her as well. A few phone calls to local podiatrists, shoe stores, the VFW auxillary president, and business condo owners provided 589 pairs of socks in 24 hours! 

My friend came by to pick up the socks and saw the medium size box in my office filled, and said good job. I said wait a minute, that is the tip of the iceberg. I then took her to my car and opened the truck which was stuffed with the rest of the sock collection. She was speechless and just simply said people can be so kind indeed. A hug and off she went to NJ. Give a little time and energy into a project..try it ...just think if I had been given a week! Come on, everybody, let's collect some fresh new socks for the thousands of newly homeless folks. You can just imagine what some homeless have on their feet these days.

Billie Bondar, DPM, Rochester, NH, hrcbillie@aol.com

RE: EMR Auditing (James Breedlove, DPM)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

In one document, CMS suggests that we "hire" a security firm or appoint someone a "security officer" (this actually has to be in print). Many offices can't hire a security firm, etc. due to finances. This suggestion is just that, a suggestion. Furthermore, nothing prevents a podiatrist from signing off that s(he) is the security officer, so long as the podiatrist performs all the functions a security officer performs.

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgwood, NY, podiatrist12@verizon.net

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - SOUTH FLORIDA

Busy multi office practice needs 3 year surgically trained Podiatrist to join five doctor practice. Benefits include Salary, Bonus, Health Insurance, Pension Plan and CME. Digital x-Ray and EMR in all offices. If interested please send a CV and letter of interest to alvatore1@gmail.com.

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 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 – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA

We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial to join our growing practice. Must have great people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Send your CV and cover letter to: cvpodiatrist@gmail.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

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

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