The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

December 15, 2011 #4,332 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Wearing Heels Can Precipitate Foot Pain: NY Podiatrist

Dr. Johanna S. Youner, a podiatrist in Midtown, said her patients’ high heels led to broken feet, bunions, hammertoe and inflamed nerves — but no headaches.

Dr. Johanna Youner

Dr. Youner wondered why anyone would continue to wear heels if it seemed to precipitate such pain. “Heels can make you feel empowered,” she said. “But it’s another issue if it’s detrimental to your health.”

Source: The New York Times [12/13/11]

TX Podiatrist Donates 25K for Scholarship in Honor of Her Mentor

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine and its Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center are the recipients of a new scholarship. The “Bruce Werber Scholarship for Research in Podiatric Sports Medicine/Biomechanics” is made possible thanks to a donation of $25,000 from Dr. Marybeth Crane, class of 1994. 

Drs. Marybeth Crane and Bruce Werber

Crane established the scholarship in honor of her mentor, Dr. Bruce Werber, who is recognized among the nation’s foremost foot and ankle specialists. The funds will provide an annual $5,000 research award to one qualified podiatric medical student. Professors will choose students who submit worthy, publishable research in the area of podiatric sports medicine/biomechanics. In addition, students must demonstrate clinical excellence in podiatric sports medicine/biomechanics and demonstrate interest in pursuing a career specialty in this area.

OK Podiatrist Elected VP of OPMA

Dr. Bryan Blanck, an area physician, was recently elected Vice President of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA). Blanck specializes on feet and ankles and said he became involved in the practice because of family members’ battles with diabetes. Originally from Reading, PA, he has been involved with the OPMA since he moved to Oklahoma in 1997. Blanck’s practice is the Valley View Foot and Ankle Center.

Dr. Bryan Blanck

Blanck did a three-year surgical residency concentrating on wounds and trauma of the lower extremity, where he said he performed approximately 2,500 surgeries. He’s on the SoonerCare Durable Medical Equipment advisory panel for Oklahoma and runs the Chickasaw Nation’s foot wound care clinic.

Source: Justin Lofton, ADA News [12/12/11]

Podiatry Cuts Proposed by ME Governor

Even before Maine lawmakers begin their review of Medicaid cuts that could leave 65,000 people without coverage, the debate is heating up over Gov. Paul LePage's plan that's aimed at avoiding a $220 million state budget shortfall.

LePage is looking for budget changes to remove certain groups from Medicaid, including childless adults and 19- and 20-year-olds, and eliminate several services that aren't federally required, such as podiatry and adult family care. The governor hopes legislators will authorize the changes by the end of January so the cuts can take effect in April.

Source: Glenn Adams, Associated Press [12/13/11]

Hundreds Attend IEFS; WI Podiatrist Presented  Ilizarov Award

The 7th Annual IEFS attracted hundreds of national and international participants as well as podiatric surgical residents and fellows from academic centers across the United States. Next year’s symposium (December 6-8, 2012) is expected to continue to grow as we meet again in downtown San Antonio on the magnificent River Walk. 

Dr. Thomas S. Roukis is pictured on the first row (third from the left) along with distinguished international and national faculty members at the 7th Annual IEFS in San Antonio, TX.

Thomas S. Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACFAS was awarded the Ilizarov Award of Excellence at the 7th Annual International External Fixation Symposium (IEFS) sponsored by the University of Texas Health Science Center on December 9, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Roukis is an Attending Podiatric Surgeon within the Department of Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Sports Medicine at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA. He is the upcoming Secretary-Treasurer for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and holds Adjunct Clinical Professor Faculty positions at multiple colleges or universities of podiatric medicine throughout the country.

Query: 8 y/o with Abnormal Gait and Calcaneal Apophysis

This 8 year old boy has always walked and run “funny” according to his mother. He takes OT for his upper extremities (manual dexterity). He was a full-term birth, with uncomplicated delivery and no LE malposition. He started walking at 12-14 months. He complains of bilateral heel pain. The plantar heels are mildly painful to palpation. There are no inflammatory signs. His gait is slow, with mild pronation of both feet. Tip-toe maneuver was also done slowly.

8 y/o with Abnormal Gait and Calcaneal Apophysis

His radiographs show abnormal calcaneal apophyses. I have not seen them before. I feel his condition is not strictly biomechanical in nature. I’d appreciate input from my colleagues before referral.

Mark Aldrich, DPM, Antigo, WI

RE: Starting A Practice (Nicole Rubackin-Hayward, DPM)
Robert Bijak, DPM

Most of us "struggled" during our early years of practice. A few of us got into groups etc., and found it easier. Start off like most of us. Invest some of your savings in yourself and start off modestly with the idea of being a doctor first and a successful business person second. If you do the first correctly, the second will come. Don't become enamored with the hoopla of practice management seminars and magic pearls. Some, but very few MDs, need to go to these things, and they do well. If podiatry is really needed, you'll be okay.

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

RE: Allscripts Vendors are Not Created Equal (Scott Hughes, DPM)
From: Scott Hughes, DPM

I too have been using Myway for 10 months now, and it has been a challange. Dr. Hughes, I think I know the local vender you are talking about, and it has been a nightmare. Too many false promises and not enough acted on. The system is difficult to work with at first; many hours are needed to set it up for podiatry.

Training is difficult with staff. The support is good, and cases are dealt with in a timely fashion. However, as you get familiar with the system, it does improve productivity. I was not aware of COSTCO as a reseller.

Darryl J Martins, DPM, dmartins@temple.edu

RE: Removal of Accessory Ossicle (Anna Sanders)
From: Paul Busman DPM, RN

A reasonable person might think that removal of a sesamoid is "close enough" for billing the removal of an accessory ossicle, but reason has nothing to do with how these people think and act. If it's not actually and specifically a sesamoid, I'd hesitate to use a sesamoidectomy code. Exostectomy, if such a code exists, might be closer. 

Paul Busman DPM, RN, Clifton Park, NY, paul@busmanwhistles.com

RE: This Country is Going Broke (Barry Mullen, DPM)
From: Nancy A. Kaplan, DPM

Dr. Mullen’s comments have struck a chord with me. It’s comforting that someone else besides me has identified the source of our healthcare systems’ woes. The 1% in this country does not include doctors who have mostly hailed from middle class families, have worked their butts off and borrowed hundreds of thousands of dollars at usurious rates.

The insurance companies have conspired to keep reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, and all healthcare providers at ridiculously low rates and as slow (or not at all) as possible. The 1% does include insurance company executives though.

When the “talking heads” keep complaining about...

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

RE: MN Podiatrist Supports Statewide Single-Payer Health Insurance System (John Moglia, DPM)
From: Shari Lewis Kaminsky, DPM

We pay for the uninsured in the long run. We don't see it upfront nor do we get acknowledged for this "contribution" but we do pay for it. When uninsured people become ill, many wait too long to seek medical care. They end up in emergency rooms and the cost is absorbed by the hospitals. The hospitals recoup this by passing on the cost to us. The medical costs are higher if the patient is more ill because that person waited until their illness was life threatening before receiving care. Emergency room care is much more expensive than preventative care from a doctor in a private office.

The major reason for personal bankruptcy in this country is due to...

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where...you can see 0-50 patients daily * average 100 new patients monthly * have zero accounts receivable * gross $480K per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contactpistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SUPERPULSE 45 WATT PEAK POWER LASER (LUMIX2)

Superpulse 45 watt peak power Laser (lumix2) used once or twice. This is a real superpulse 910nw up to 100,000 HZ. Great Laser Used in the super bowl by the Green Bay Packer Why am I selling? I have too many lasers in my office now ( six) This is a great laser for plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Lightweight portable. easy to use, fully programmable Sold to first person under $$12,000 You will NEVER get a laser like this at this price. Enjoy. it I just have too many lasers. David Zuckerman DPMfootcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - LASERSCOPE LASER SYSTEM

Laserscope Model Lyra i YAG Laser system with 3 handpieces, eyewear sets, calibration unit, complete manual, foot control and video information, for fungus nails, vein therapy and hair removal. The unit has the attached cooling system and all accessories. flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. $160,000 base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to partnership for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be a PSR-24 or PM&S-36 trained. 100K start. Must be ethical, self-starter, hard worker ,team player. Willingness to learn / work as part of a team. Great ancillaries & surgery facility. Must be proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Email CV and recent cases to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Well established, expanding podiatric medical and surgical practice with multiple locations Northeast of Dallas, Texas. Modern offices with EHR, digital radiography, Padnet vascular studies and laser. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for a motivated, ethical, personable and well trained PSR/36 or board equivalent. This individual will also assist managing the residency program. Send resume (CV)to northtexaspodiatry@yahoo.com along with a letter of intent

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBANY/CAPITAL DISTRICT AREA

Immediate position available with generous salary, fringe benefits and percentage. All phases of Podiatry. For more information please contact Dawn at (518) 828-6516 or fax your resume to(518) 828-9510.

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - NORTHERN CINCINNATI, OHIO (FAIRFIELD)

Lead to partnership &/or buy practice. Well-established, reputable & successful (700K collection annual) 25+ year practice. Newer 2k sq.ft office condo & w/5 tx rooms, Aver.80 new patients monthly, full hospital privileges, DME, Padnet, digital x-rays. Inquires to email:gsherwood@cinci.rr.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Multi-office group seeks highly motivated, hard-working full-time associate. All phases of podiatry are performed (Surgery, Orthotics, NCV's, Vascular Examinations, DM Shoes, House Calls) in this well rounded practice. Competitive salary + malpractice insurance + bonus. Send CV to:bronxpodiatrist1@gmail.com

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

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 13,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 for a 50-word ad THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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