The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 30, 2012 #4,626 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Popular UGGs Can be Problematic: NY Podiatrist

When worn on a regular basis, the uber-popular, sheepskin-lined boots may make feet miserable. UGGs may be ugly to your feet and ankles, causing discomfort to the knees, hips and back. The rich lining generates an ideal breeding ground for foot fungus infections. The bulky, hobbit-looking boots are so very comfy-cozy that fans hardly ever take them off, but they weren't created for long-distance walking. "UGGs have little to no arch support," explained Dr. Krista Archer, a podiatrist in Manhattan.

Dr. Krista Archer

Archer is primarily worried about the boot's roominess within the ankles and heels. Kids appear to shuffle about within," she noted. Skin ailments like athlete's foot and dermatitis also are usually a challenge with UGGs, Archer adds, due to the fact bare feet can sweat excessively inside the fur. She urges devotees to wear socks and spray the liner with an anti-fungal spray.

Source: International Business Hub [11/29/12]

UK Podiatrist to Study RA of Feet

Researchers at the University of Southampton are to undertake a new stage of a study aimed at improving the health and mobility of those suffering from the common complaint of 'walking on marbles' associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the feet. The exact cause of the inflamed bursae is not known and a cure is yet to be found, however, the team is now looking at identifying inflammatory and mechanical markers to find the best ways of treating this complication in people suffering with RA. They will evaluate foot health treatments, such as targeted steroid injections, as well as medical management through the use of new drugs (called biologics).

Lindsey Hooper

Podiatrist Lindsey Hooper adds: "This is an amazing opportunity to be involved in a study that is potentially life-changing for the many people suffering from this progressively debilitating condition. As I am maintaining my clinical role as a rheumatology podiatrist while also completing the research, it means the findings can be fed directly back into clinical practice, so that local patients receive the most up-to-date care options."

Source: Science Daily [11/27/12]

Not All Foot Problems Require Intervention: Indian Podiatrist

Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity, states Dr. Govind Singh Bisht, podiatry specialist. There are 33 joints in our foot and our entire body weight is supported by it. Ideally, no area of the foot should take extra weight, says Dr. Bisht.

Dr. Govind Singh Bisht

"When there is uneven distribution of weight, and uneven displacement of pressure on our feet, problems can occur such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, knee pain, and even back pain." Sometimes, the problems caused by uneven distribution of pressure manifests after 20 years. However, not all these problems require intervention, say specialists. Dr. Bisht adds, "...the right footwear, the correct gait, and an ideal weight help."

Source: Debarati S Sen, The Times of India [11/29/12]

Query: UBO4 Billing Course

We have recently become JACHO-certified as an office-based surgery center. UBO4 Billing is a different animal. Does anyone know of a manual or course that would help us with this? We have used outside billing in the past, and that was a major mistake.

Scott Shields, DPM, Enid, OK

RE: 1st MTPJ Fusion or Lapidus for Severe HAV (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

The utilization of a 1st MTPJ fusion for severe hallux abducto valgus deformities WITH the presence of pronounced degenerative joint disease in a young active patient with good bone stock certainly has a surgical indication. In many cases that I have seen, the indication for arthrodesis of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint is associated more with late Stage II or Stage III joint manifestations in hallux limitus pathology. With these deformities, the intermetatarsal angle deformities tend to be normal to near normal in measurement.

The indications for a Lapidus as a medial column stabilizing procedure is considered with any...

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

RE: 1st MTPJ Fusion or Lapidus for Severe HAV (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Edward Cohen, DPM

Fusing a pain-free, non-arthritic MPJ for a high and severe HAV deformity should rarely, if ever, be done as almost all of these bunions can be corrected with a reasonable functional  and cosmetic result.

Reverdin-Isham-Akin Bunionectomy

The Reverdin-Isham-Akin bunionectomy is an excellent procedure for correcting this problem, which will occasionally need a closing lateral base wedge osteotomy. The orthopedist from Spain, Carlos Pique Vidal, has a terrific video on his website illustrating this point.

Edward Cohen, DPM,  President of AAFAS, ecohen1344@aol.com

RE: Forensic Podiatry (Robert Brissett, DPM)
From: Barry Francis

I warmly recommend Forensic Podiatry by professor Wesley Vernon (published last year), which is packed with useful information.

Barry Francis, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, UK, barry-francis@hotmail.com

RE: Source for Accuzyme and Panafil (Jim Fisher, DPM)
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM, Jay Wenig, DPM

Accuzyme and Panafil are available in generic form from Bellevue pharmacy in St Louis. You may also add other agents to them if you wish (e.g., antibiotics, or other agents you wish to compound).

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

Both are off the market and have been off the market for about 3 years. Neither had shown evidence acceptable to the FDA that they are effective. No company was going to even try and do the research necessary to keep them on the market because both were available generically. Colchicine was going to be taken off the market for the same reason but a compnay did do the research to prove its effectiveness and now they have a new patent.
 
Santyl is the only available debriding agent now. 

Jay Wenig, DPM, Upper Marlboro MD, jaywenig@aol.com

RE: CMS to Now Cover Obesity Counseling (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

Once again, podiarists are tripping over their DPM and asking how to get trained in a general medical field they weren't taught in podiatry school. The answer to Dr. Roseblatt is: learn it in a medical school.  Podiatry continues to teach limited medicine. You can't teach all the broader subjects surrounding a disease in a one-day seminar.
 
Obesity requires knowledge of endocrinology, biochemistry, cardiac and other major systems. Don't tell me we learned some of this in school or rotating through as a resident. If we were competently taught, we should be allowed to take the USMLEs, but podiatry education is not recognized to do this.
 
Despite the majority of the profession clamoring for a general degree, the schools and the APMA want to keep the power and control for themselves. Despite their self-aggrandizement, they are frightened that getting  MD control of our education will put them back in the toenail cutting end of the profession instead of the glorified position given them by frightened students.  

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: 2013 Boy Scout National Jamboree
From: Edward D Williams, DPM

The 2013 Boy Scout National Jamboree will be held from July 15-24, 2013 at the new Summit Becktel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia. The Jamboree is two weeks in length, but a one-week commitment as a volunteer is acceptable. Please contact me at 505-690-0266, or email me if interested.

Edward D Williams, DPM, Santa Fe, NM, Edward.d.williams@comcast.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

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

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 - SOUTHWEST FL

Busy multi office practice with latest in technology EMR, digital x-rays. Looking for BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be able to handle rearfoot/ankle trauma and reconstructive cases. Paid vacation, health insurance and partnership available. New or experience practitioners welcomed. Email resume to: mny1029@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 - 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 - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rearfoot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual. Send CV to dpmkthomas@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 - 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.

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