The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 14, 2012 #4,638 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Honored By LA City Council

Council President Herb Wesson recently accorded City Hall honors to Dr. Oliver Foster for "his service to the community and his long and distinguished career as a podiatrist." Foster is a graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and has been practicing since 1962. He served as president of the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Association, and president of the California Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Oliver Foster (C) Receives Award From LA City Council

Foster also worked to improve opportunities for minority podiatrists while serving as president of the National Podiatric Medical Association. “Our community owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Oliver Foster for his many contributions and his leadership in our community,” said Wesson.  “His remarkable career reminds us that a truly committed individual can make a difference.”

Source: LA Sentinel [12/12/12]

NJ Podiatrist Selected as "Readers Choice Best of the Best" Recipient

Dr. Alison DeWaters of Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center LLP, was selected by the Asbury Park Press as one of the Best Podiatrists in Monmouth County in the 15th annual “Readers Choice Best of the Best Awards.” The winners in each category were selected by the readers of the Asbury Park Press through ballots on their website, APP.com.

Dr. Alison DeWaters

Dr. DeWaters graduated from the Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a four-year surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in foot and ankle trauma as well as reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.

Aussie Practitioner Named Rotary Podiatrist of the Year

A podiatrist passionate about improving the health of Aboriginal patients is the Rotary Allied Health Podiatrist of the Year. Jo Scheepers works with Moorditj Djena offering foot care and diabetes education to Aboriginal people in such suburbs as Girrawheen, Joondalup, Wanneroo, and Clarkson. Moorditj Djena means ‘strong feet’ and Ms. Scheepers runs the program set up to address recommendations in a high-risk foot model of care, through permanent and mobile clinics in the northern suburbs.

Jo Scheepers

The Health Department sponsored her emigration to Australia in 2006 after a working holiday in 2004. She works for the North Metropolitan Health Service. “The Moorditj Djena program is absolutely essential to help Aboriginal people who might not have previously had access to this sort of care,” she said.

Source: Wanneroo Weekender [12/11/12]

TX Podiatrist Named to LocateADoc Medical Advisory Board

LocateADoc.com, a premier online physician directory has announced the appointment of 15 new members to its Medical Advisory Board. The LocateADoc Medical Advisory Board is compiled of a small group of elite medical industry professionals in the fields of plastic & cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, infertility (IVF), anti-aging, weight loss, ophthalmology, podiatry, chiropractic care, and acupuncture from around the country. Jeffrey Radack, DPM was named as the podiatry representative.

Dr. Jeffrey Radack

Dr. Radack is a podiatric surgeon and medical director at Texas Foot & Ankle Clinics in the Dallas/Fort worth area. Dr. Radack earned his professional degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and competed a residency in foot and ankle surgery at West Houston Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Radack is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He specializes in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, sports injuries and diabetic limb salvage.

Source: Hollywood Industry [12/12/12]

CA Podiatrist Arrested in Child-Porn Investigation

A doctor was arrested Tuesday after investigators found more than 1,000 images of child pornography on his computer, police said. The investigation into Dr. Pete Thomas, 58, of Coastline Podiatry began after a technician reported discovering pornographic images on the company's computers in late October, police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. Detectives said there is no indication that Thomas met any of the children but indicated that the investigation is still open.

Source: Sean Emery, Orange County Register [12/11/12}

Researchers: More doctors Using More-Sophisticated EHRs

Three federal researchers Wednesday shone a brighter light on last week's already positive assessment of national trends in electronic health-record system adoption. A growing number of office-based physicians are using more-robust EHRs that have higher-level functions needed to help the doctors qualify for federal EHR incentive payments and assist them in providing better, safer care for patients, the researchers reported.

Nearly three-quarters—73%—of physicians surveyed said their EHRs could write prescriptions electronically, while 68% could keep a list of a patient's medication allergies. Two other EHR functions necessary under meaningful-use requirements, the ability to provide patients with a copy of a clinical summary and the capacity to aid a clinician with at least one clinical decision-support rule, were available in 56% and 50% of the EHRs of physicians surveyed, respectively.

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

RE: Adding a Pedorthist to a Podiatry Office (Hal Ornstein, DPM)
From: Sarah Goldberg, CPed

I am responding to Dr. Ornstein's query as a pedorthist who works in a retail environment (Eneslow, the Foot Comfort Center in New York City) and enjoys a strong relationship with many referring podiatrists. If your practice is expanding/has expanded to offer shoes, ready-made orthotics, a greater number of custom made orthotics, and adjustments and modifications to custom made orthotics and shoes, having a pedorthist on staff would be very helpful to your practice.

When I take NYCPM students on their pedorthic rotations, I emphasize to them that pedorthists are like pharmacists to podiatrists and that our services are designed to complement your services. If you are able to invest in sufficient inventory,  adding a pedorthist can turn your office into a convenient one-stop place for your patients' footwear and footcare needs.
 
Sarah Goldberg, CPed, New York, NY, sarah@eneslow.com

Query: Efficacy of "Pain" Creams

It seems to me that in my geographical area, there has been a big push to market specifically compounded topical creams for arthritis and/or neuropathy. The first pain cream that I can remember years ago was topical capsasin which was marketed as Zostrix HP. I have never been a big supporter of topical pain cream (especially for neuropathy). In my experience, the effectiveness of topical creams is arbitrary, effective for some and not for others. I have not been able to distinguish which cohort of patients will get significant benefit of symptomatic relief and who will not.

In most cases, specifically neuropathy, I find it difficult to  justify skin biopsy and other tests that burden the system and the patient with unnecessary expense and risk without commensurate benefit. I suspect that topical compounded medications  will, like many things that I have seen over the years, be a relatively short-lived fad. I think it is driven mostly by the mighty dollar vs. real efficacy. I was wondering if this trend is occurring in other geographical locations and would appreciate comments on the efficacy of these fairly expensive creams.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

RE: Non-Participation and Healthcare Fraud
From: Lawrence F. Kobak, DPM, JD

With all due respect, if the non-participating provider is paid, and the insurance company determines that the service was paid in error, they can and do demand the payment back from the provider. The provider cannot ask to be paid twice by the patient. The provider can ask for the patient to indemnify him or her.

Of even greater note, the provider is still subject to all the provisions of the Federal False Claims Act whether or not they are participating in the insurance plan or not. All of these comments are general in nature and in no way mean to claim any knowledge of what Dr. Kornfeld does or does not do. I am sure he is a fine, ethical provider.

Lawrence F. Kobak, DPM, JD, Garden City, NY, lfkobak@gmail.com

RE: How the 'Fiscal Cliff' Affects Healthcare
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Congress and the president continue to play politics with monies hard working Americans have been forced to put into Medicare over a lifetime. Seniors have to sit and watch as their future “investment” in their health and well-being is used as leverage in the governmental power game. It also leaves the senior with virtually no options to choose something better in securing proper medical care. Doctors spend, what would have been income, funding this same compulsory Ponzi scheme for themselves and their employees. At the same time, they face another compulsory health insurance scheme to fund employees' immediate healthcare needs. Doctors then give more of their income to lobbyists to fight this madness.

The voice of the American doctor will pale in comparison to the ever increasing numbers of potential and current Medicare recipients. It is getting to the point where the idiocy in Washington needs to run its course so we can all get back to reasonableness. I say let the 27% cut go through and heap on some additional cuts and money grabbing mandates. Within one year, you will see a large percentage of physicians discontinue practicing as some take early retirement and others drop out to pursue other means of income. In addition, a large majority of remaining physicians will no longer accept public health insurance. Medicare beneficiaries who can no longer find a physician will make a very quick and effective base to boot out the idiots in Washington playing around with an open checkbook that does not belong to them.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, Podiatrist@mindspring.com

RE: Deliver Holiday Gifts to Referrers in January (Hal Ornstein, DPM)
From: Chuck Ross, DPM

I had, for many years, personally delivered a variety of different gifts baskets to many of the physicians in my community. One day, while at rounds in the hospital, one of my most frequent referring physicians made the following comment: "Chuck, we do appreciate your generosity, but please refrain from future gifts. We refer patients to you because we know they will receive the best care possible and that is all the gift we need."
 
Since then, my referrals have never changed, and have even increased over the years. This is not meant to discourage others from taking Dr. Ornstein's advice; it's just another side to the story. I always preferred to send treats to the front office staff. They are the real decision influencers. 

Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA, cross12@nycap.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Full-Time or part-time. Looking for a highly motivated, surgical trained podiatrist in Orange County, NY (West Point). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. A busy practice that covers hospital in-patients, wound center, and ER calls. Must be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. 1 hour car ride from NYC and close to hiking, fishing, skiing and state parks. Email CV and contact info to: clsp4@yahoo.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley.  Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video   (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (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 - 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 - 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

POSITIONS AVAILABLE- NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, BUFFALO, CONNECTICUT, BOSTON

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Positions in Buffalo to be filled immediately with other locations made available for the right candidate. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@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 - NYC & QUEENS

P/T position available for PSR-3 MIN. Must have winning personality, highly skilled , ambitious and EXCELLENT work ethic. Hourly salary with % of net revenues generated. Possible F/T and partnership opportunity.
Email cover letter & resume to hansfeet@aol.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 - NEW JERSEY

Associate wanted for well respected diverse podiatric practice. Requires professional who would like to develop his/her own practice within practice. Great opportunity for doctor looking for secure future financially and professionally. Send inquires and resume to: tgrazi6236@aol.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 - 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 - 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 - FLORIDA

Busy Central Florida 4 office Practice. Full time position available for a podiatrist with 3 years surgical training. E-mail your CV to: Atlanticfootfl@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

Do you want to practice in a fast paced office environment? Do you like all aspects of podiatric medicine? Very busy 2 office practice looking for associate to add to our group of 5. If you are a forward thinking, surgically trained podiatrist send your CV to giacalone@faant.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 o training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

EQUIPMENT WANTED - LASER, DIGITAL X-RAY

We are looking to buy a used Pinpointe laser for our facility. We are also interested in buying a used direct digital x-ray, possibly a 20/20 Imaging. If you have either of these equipments available, please contact us at info@somasurgerycenter.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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