The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

December 24, 2010 #4,045 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Use Moderation and Common Sense When Wearing UGGs: TX Podiatrist

The wildly popular Australian UGG boots are everywhere these days--even worthy of "how to wear them" videos on Youtube. Forest Park Medical Center podiatrist Rachel Verville said that's probably a good idea because if not worn properly, the super-comfy boots can be a real pain in the feet. "The main thing is moderation," Dr. Verville said. "If you only wear them for a few hours every day you should be fine, but if you wear them for an extended period of time or for multiple days, you can develop pain."

Dr. Rachel Verville

Dr. Verville also owns a pair of UGG's and says many women wear theirs without socks which can turn the sheepskin lined boots into bacteria traps. "I suggest one should wear socks," Dr. Verville said. "Just a thin layer of sock inside the boots because if you sweat, moisture develops and athlete's foot and that kind of thing can develop." So with UGG's and other sensible shoes like them--use a little common sense. 
 
Source: KDAF-TV [12/22/10]

VA Podiatrists Team Up With Salvation Army for Shoes for the Homeless

Charlottesville foot doctors are teaming up with the Salvation Army to make sure no one's feet get cold this holiday season. Over the past 19 years, the "Shoes for the Homeless" drive has given away more than 80,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. Now, the drive is preparing to collect "used but usable" shoes from folks in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Drs. Bryan and Heather Snyder

Podiatrist Dr. Bryan Snyder said, "It seems in past years, the donations have gone down and the need has gone up. We see more people coming in. There are always plenty of shoes - thankfully, the area is great for that -- but we have noticed that there are a lot more people in need." Shoes will be collected throughout the month of January at podiatrist offices and shoe stores throughout the city.
 
Source: WNBC-29 TV [12/22/10]

OH Podiatrist is Expert in American Flag Etiquette

One of the hobbies of Dr. Michael Janning, a retired South Euclid podiatrist is the proper care and display of the American flag. “I was walking in Lyndhurst and a man was displaying in front of his house a flag from the American Revolution,” he said. “He didn’t have it displayed properly. He laid it flat on the ground.” Janning’s interest spread to studying the history of the American flag. He recently appeared at a South Euclid City Council meeting to discuss flag etiquette.

Dr. Michael Janning

At that meeting, Janning also spoke proudly of his son, Dan, 37, who is now stationed at the Pentagon and is about to be made an Air Force lieutenant colonel. Janning began his podiatry practice in 1968 in Lyndhurst and retired in 1995 due to a back problem. Today, Janning volunteers time with the Boy Scouts of America on a district level as a recording secretary, and also volunteers once per month at the Beaumont Scout Reservation.

Source:  Sun Star Courier [12/20/10]

AZ Podiatrist Ordered to Pay Government $175K for Medicare Fraud

Kent L. Peterson, DPM, a podiatrist practicing in Prescott, AZ has agreed to pay the federal government $175,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false bills to Medicare. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Dr. Peterson and his podiatry practice, Prescott Foot and Ankle Clinic, falsely billed Medicare for incision and drainage procedures that were not performed.

Source: Manny Tarango, Prescott News [12/22/10]

Electronic Health Records Incentives Registration Starts Jan. 3, 2011

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announced the availability of registration for the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. CMS and ONC encouraged broad participation and outlined online and in-person resources that are in place to assist eligible professionals and eligible hospitals who wish to participate. 

Beginning Jan. 3, 2011, registration will be available for eligible healthcare professionals and eligible hospitals who wish to participate in the Medicare EHR incentive program. On January 3, registration in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program will also be available in Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. In February, registration will open in California, Missouri, and North Dakota. Other states likely will launch their Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs during the spring and summer of 2011.

Source: CMS

Query: Plantar Plate Repair

I have seen some postings in PM News, and some journal articles about repairing plantar MPJ plates. I have my doubts that an active patient can maintain the integrity of such a repair. Are there special shoe modifications and/or orthoses that can help avoid a recurrence? Also, for every 10 repaired plates, how many will remain repaired, even in the short-term?
 
R.D. Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL

Query: Parts for Univeral X-Ray Machine

I have a 20+ year-old Universal x-ray unit that needs a new set screw for the upright travel brake; it just stripped out. Does anyone know where I could get parts or what company does repairs?.

Mark A. Aldrich, DPM, Antigo, WI

RE: Austin Complication (Multiple Respondents)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM, Gino Scartozzi, DPM 

I've already opined that the lateral side of the 1st metatarsal cortex always becomes the issue of transposition difficulty when divergent cuts are created from wrist position alteration during plantar osteotomy performance. I also strongly recommended the use of a guide wire to aid wrist position orientation, especially when one wishes to create a bi-planar transposition. However, if one needs an urgent, intra-operative contingency plan...

Editor's Note: Dr. Mullen's extended-length letter can be read here. 

I agree with Dr. Forman that the discussion of the Austin osteotomy is important since this is a "common" procedure in our podiatric practices. It is through venues such as PM News that we get to confer/debate with our colleagues. However, I have several points with both the doctors for academic discussion and debate.

Dr. Forman, states that the plantar "wing" of the osteotomy is the most stable and that it is...

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

RE: HIPAA-Compliant Website for Back-ups  (Daniel Vu, DPM)
From: Larry Kosova, DPM

Try this company remotedatabackups.com/. You can try their service for free for a month, and they have true 24/7 service with live person answering. They resell for the largest data back-up company that has the White House as their client. The owner, Dan Dugal, is a class act. Always test the "restore" function of any company. This company is HIPAA-compliant and has stellar protection and encryption. To get this level of service, there is cost involved, and they are not Mozy or Carbonite-types of companies. Their software is easy-to-use and they will have their own techs set up your computer via the Internet.

Larry Kosova, DPM, Chicago, IL, lkosova@yahoo.com

RE: X-Ray Comparison (R. Alex Dellinger, DPM)
From: Jordan Sheff, DPM, Pete Harvey, DPM

I've used the Naomi DR system in my office for the past four years. At the time, it cost $15K which included its own computer, monitor, and all licenses needed. I've been very happy with it, and it has already paid for itself.

Jordan Sheff, DPM, Newport, RI, jsheff@newportfootcare.com

RE: Tattoo to Camouflage Digital Syndactyly

Someone sent me this great picture of a tattoo used to camouflage a digital syndactyly, but I have forgotten who sent it.

Tattoo to Camouflage Digital Syndactyly

I would like to use the photo in the second edition of Lower Extremity Soft Tissue & Cutaneous Plastic Surgery. Would the person please drop me a note.
 
G Dock Dockery, DPM, gdockdockery@aolcom

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

CPME Board certified podiatrist wanted to join Orthopedic & Arthritis Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. The position is per diem, 2 days/ week. Interested candidates should send their CV to: Brenda Surowiec, Orthopedic & Arthritis Center, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. Or email to bsurowiec@partners.org

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 and current photo to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com. Applications due by Jan 31st.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

FT/PT Associate position available with busy multi-office podiatry group on Long Island. Our practice is state-of-the-art, and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. We welcome new practitioners, or someone who would be open to merging a smaller practice with ours, and benefitting from our practice management overlay. We also invite residents graduating in 2011 who want to practice on Long Island to apply for this position. Compensation includes competitive salary and bonuses. Vacation pay and malpractice insurance are also offered with a full time position. Please send your CV by fax (631) 293-5984 or e-mail to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAYREVILLE, NJ
 
Part time position for growing second office, 8 hours a week. Potential for growth and more days/hours. PSR/36 preferred. Can start immediately. E mail CV to advancedfoot1@aol.com

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate opening. Well-established multi-office practice with EMR, Digital x-ray, and more. Seeking full-time associate with PM and S-36 training. Independent and highly motivated. Must be BC/BS in rearfoot and ankle with confidence in complex reconstructive cases. Full benefits package, competitive salary. Email CV to: JLH459@aol.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED -  NYC/ QUEENS 
 
SPANISH SPEAKING Podiatrist. PSR-24 +. Experience in Current office billing,  interpersonal skills,  business and staff operational skills, knowledge of Ins. policies, ability to sell non-ins. covered products/treatments, well-trained and confident from basic RFC to Surgery, respectful & honest to  patients and staff all a must. Position includes non-paid training as well as paid office sessions. P/T with real potential for growth, full-time position/partnership. Multi-Office practice looking for help towards  growth and expansion. Please call 631-270-4724 and fax cover letter and C.V.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

Largest Practice in Delaware - well organized eight doctor multi-office practice. Seeking PM&S36+ trained podiatrist who wants to perform rear-foot surgery, EMR/Digital X-rays/PADnet/Ultra-sound/Surgery Center, etc. Associated with a PM&S36+ residency program. Call Chris Savage, DPM 302-658-1129.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN - (OAKLAND COUNTY)

Outstanding opportunity for associate in well-established practice, general & surgical podiatry forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full or part-time). Well-trained, responsible, motivated with good communication skills, ABPS qualified or better. Send CV & letter of interest to: PodiatristWanted@AOL.com. All replies kept strictly confidential

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Douglas Richie, DPM is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatric physician to join his two office practice located in North Orange County, California. Applicants must have completed a 3-year residency program and must have exceptional skills in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and podiatric biomechanics. This is a salaried position with a goal of long-term buy-in for equity ownership. Send letter of interest and CV to drichiejr@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO 

Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, IL (www.weil4feet.com) is seeking associate position in summer  2011. This 15 member podiatric medical and surgical group is internationally acclaimed. Twelve locations throughout Chicagoland, with a 3 operating room surgery center, MRI’s, computerized footprint analysis, orthotic and brace laboratory, radiofrequency coblation technology, extracorporeal shockwave devices, PRP and  clinical research program. Successful candidate will have completed a 3-year residency, experience in wound care, trauma, and sports medicine. Competitive salary, bonuses commensurate with experience and training. E-mail letter of interest and CV to Harriet Kass, HR, hkass@weil4feet.com 847-390-7666

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

40 year old updated practice with outstanding potential. Within 5 miles of Boston hospitals and 5 blocks from train station. Buy the practice, equipment and goodwill for a reasonable price. Excellent opportunity for resident or second location for practicing podiatrist. Multiple referral sources. Email vshdeep@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE SPACE TO SHARE - MANHATTAN

Lic. podiatrist with an active practice to share space in a State-Of-The-Art professional medical office in the Midtown area. Newly renovated, modern office with spacious Tx rooms with cherrywood cabinets and granite countertops. X-ray equipment on site. Please call Dr. Robert H. Singer @ 212-921-5775 to view space.

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