The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 07, 2012 #4,632 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MI Podiatrist Provides Boot Buying Advice

Fashion or traction? Before you buy a new pair of boots this winter, ask this simple question: how will I be wearing these boots? If style is your first choice, then you’ll want to consider a fashion boot that offers a wide enough toe box for comfort, a firm heel for steady walking and traction to ensure stability on slippery surfaces.

Dr. Seth Felice

“Everything in moderation,” said Seth Felice, DPM at Fenton Foot Care, when asked about the impact of high heels on boots and a narrow toe. “Otherwise, you’ll risk having trouble with ingrown toenails, bunions or hammertoes.”

Source: Tri County Times, [12/5/12]

Bako Grants $50,000 to CPMA's Physician and Surgeon Joint Task Force

The California Podiatric Medical Association’s Physician and Surgeon Joint Task Force has received a grant for $50K from Bako Podiatric Pathology Services. Headquartered in Georgia, Bako is a physician-owned provider of a wide array of pathology services ranging from histopathologic examination of bone, soft tissue, skin/nail unit, to microbiology and epidermal nerve fiber density testing.

Dr. Jon Hultman

This historic task force is the result of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), the California Medical Association (CMA), and the California Orthopaedic Association (COA) working collaboratively on a variety of healthcare issues focused on the attainment of the highest quality patient care in the country. Through this process, CPMA has made the strong case that the education and training of doctors of podiatric medicine has evolved tremendously and has become increasingly similar to that of medical doctors,” said Jon Hultman, DPM, Executive Director of CPMA.

OPMA Elects Officers for 2013

The 2012 Ohio Podiatric Medical Association’s House of Delegates meeting was held in Columbus, OH on Saturday, December 1. Newly elected officers to lead the state organization in 2013 are:

Dr. Marc Greenberg

President – Marc Greenberg, DPM
First Vice President – Karen Kellogg, DPM
Second Vice President – Corey Russell, DPM
Secretary-Treasurer - Angelo Petrolla, DPM
Immediate Past President -  David Hintz, DPM, MPH, CPH

ME Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

A Portland, Maine podiatrist could face more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to providing phony prescriptions for oxycodone to drug traffickers in exchange for cocaine and cash. The Bangor Daily News reported that Dr. John. B. Perry pleaded guilty to nine of the 45 counts leveled against him in February of this year. Perry, under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration since 2010, pleaded guilty to charges that included conspiracy to distribute drugs, healthcare fraud, and illegal distribution of oxycodone.

Source: Mainebiz Daily [12/5/12]

CMS, ONC Propose Tweaks to EHR Regs

A proposed federal rule nips and tucks previously issued regulations governing the testing, certification, and use of electronic health-record systems. The proposed rule, issued jointly by the CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, tweaks several of the meaningful-use criteria that healthcare providers must meet to qualify for payment under the federal EHR incentive program.

Specifically, the proposed change will update what's called the data element catalogue, which identifies all of the data needed to calculate the clinical quality measures included among the federal EHR incentive payment program's meaningful-use requirements. Providers must demonstrate their meaningful use of certified EHR systems to qualify for incentive payments.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [12/5/12]

End-of-Year Tax Tips

Physicians could reap significant cost savings in 2013 by following a number of strategies when they file their 2012 tax returns. These tips could be particularly beneficial in the event Congress fails to take action to block several impending tax hikes. A new law slated to go into effect next year stipulates that married physicians who file their tax return jointly will pay an extra 0.9 percent if their wages, self-employment income, or other compensation tops $250,000, on top of the regular 1.45 percent Medicare tax. The payroll tax limit for single filers is $200,000. It thus pays for physicians to put more money into their retirement fund.

Making business-related equipment investments also can be advantageous. A physician can write off the full amount of any 2012 purchases up to $139,000, which can cut his or her 2012 tax bill significantly. The IRS' definition of "equipment" applies to commercially sold computer software, which may encourage physicians to add an electronic medical records system or upgrade an existing one. Furthermore, these tax breaks are added to any applicable government-funded incentives.

Source: Dennis Murray, Medscape [11/27/12] via Joseph Borreggine, DPM

Query: A1c and Elective Foot Surgery

If a patient with diabetes mellitus is to undergo totally ELECTIVE foot surgery (excluding toenail surgery), is ordering an A1c prior to surgery the standard of care? If so, what is the highest A1c that you would allow before postponing elective foot surgery?

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO

Query: Source for Urea Liquid or Gel

Does anyone know of a manufacturer who offers 40-50% urea liquid or gel, either prescription or to buy wholesale and sell? I'm told this is no longer sold via pharmacies.
 
Steve Block, DPM, Owensboro, KY

RE: Patient Access to X-Rays
From: Dwight L. Bates, DPM

A digital photograph of the x-ray film on a light box could be emailed to the patient who wants a copy.  

Dwight L. Bates, DPM,  Athens, TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

RE: Source for Dehydrated Alcohol (Ed Dosremedios, DPM)
From: Paul Galluzzo, DPM

I have been using Delta Pharma, Inc. located in Ripley, Mississippi. Usually, Cindy will answer the phone and is very helpful. She'll even call you back when she says she will. Their phone # is: 662-512-5191. 

Paul Galluzzo, DPM, Rockford, IL, FTSURG1@aol.com

RE: CMS to Now Cover Obesity Counseling (Robert Creighton, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Dr. Creighton's elegant articulation is important to understand.  Practicing inside the "box" of limited licensure does not necessitate thinking inside that same box. We are physicians and surgeons with a specialty in foot and ankle medicine. It is our duty not just to treat presenting foot and ankle pathology, but to deal with underlying issues to improve our outcome or prevent pathology before it occurs. To do this, we must address underlying causes of inflammation and degeneration. This proactive mechanistic approach will decrease inflammation and degeneration of the foot and ankle and at the same time (coincidentally) yield weight loss. 

It is a given that when your feet hurt you are not going to exercise. So our role in eliminating foot and ankle pain is critical to the health of our nation. Likewise, taking a functional medicine approach to foot and ankle pathology will optimize the overall health of our patients by decreasing inflammatory stress and assisting in improved metabolic function. Teaching your patients that an anti-inflammatory diet is directed to help resolve the chronic inflammation in their feet is well within our licensure. We are not practicing bariatrics, however; we are facilitating weight loss as a side-benefit of our protocol.

There is so much we can do for our patients as podiatrists. My strong opinion is that if we have a license to suppress the immune system, then we also have a license to support it. Let's stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: FL Podiatrist Uses SteriShoe to Prevent Fungal Re-infection
From: Andrew Shapiro, DPM

It's great to see Dr. Weinstein promote a complete protocol for addressing onychomychosis. Plenty of studies show that the shoe environment is contaminated and postulated to be the primary cause for re-infection. As doctors, when patients spend hundreds of dollars for a laser treatment, we need to advise them of the need to address the footwear. The SteriShoe sanitizer is the only product clinically tested on shoes, and its efficacy treating shoes has been proven to be effective (see the July/Aug issue of JAPMA 2012).

Throwing shoes away, using Lysol or other chemicals are not viable options as new shoes will become contaminated and there is no data on the efficacy of chemicals in shoes (not to mention other issues that could result from them). Dr. Weinstein spells out an effective protocol for mitigating recurrence of onychomychosis.

Disclaimer: I am a consultant to Shoe Care Innovations, makers of the SteriShoe sanitizer.
 
Andrew Shapiro, DPM, Valley Stream, NY, DrShapBark@aol.com

RE: 100% Cure for Warts

The Wartabater

I saw this ad in an inflight magazine. We should all purchase this, shouldn't we? 100% cure in only three minutes!

Submitted by Dr. Peter Bregman

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 - IMAGING

MinXray X-ray-Stationary Podiatry System with orthoposer. Excellent condition. Best offer. Fluroscan officemate. This Mini C-Arm has excellent resolution; it is totally automatic and comes in a 4” Field of View. This system includes a printer. Very good condition - $7000
Email Dr Cohen for details and photos. jr11231@yahoo.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 - MICHIGAN

Multi-doctor practice looking to add associate for two offices in Flint, MI. Partnership opportunity for right person. Needs to be proficient in forefoot surgery. Two docs already proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Competitive salary, paid vacation and seminars. Patient schedule available “now” from retiring associate. Email resume flintfootdocneeded@gmail.com

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 – WISCONSIN

Growing, innovative practice with multiple locations in South Eastern Wisconsin seeks an outgoing, team-focused podiatrist. Must be board certified/eligible, compassionate, professional, and flexible. Competitive salary and benefits, busy independent practice with large amount of new patients. Please send CV & letter of introduction to: Milwaukee.podiatrist@gmail.com

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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 PODIATRIST - NEW YORK CITY / BROOKLYN

Full time office locations. Excellent opportunity for a motivated, ethical and enthusiastic associate to join a successful, well established hospital affiliated practice. Must be residency trained PSR 24/36.Board eligible/certified by ABPS preferred. Must be competent in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Competitive salary with incentives. Email CV to DRSTEVEMENNA@GMAIL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, external fixation, and ankle replacement surgery. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.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

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