The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

December 28, 2010 #4,048 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OCPM Students Avidly Rocking Cleveland's Youth

At OCPM, students are presented with an opportunity to take a break from the rigor of our studies and give back to the community by joining Students of Podiatry Avidly Rocking Cleveland's Youth (SPARCY). The program began three years ago as the joint effort of Patricia Henry, a guidance counselor at Anton Grdina Elementary School and Alison Durham, an OCPM student and founder of SPARCY.

OCPM Students of Podiatry Avidly Rocking Cleveland's Youth

The club established a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for children in 6th through 8th grade. In the words of the SPARCY mission statement, the group seeks, "to inspire, enlighten and uplift the future generation of Cleveland by promoting academic success, positive attitudes, and community pride."

Source: Ellen P. Bell, Footsteps [December 2010]

NY Podiatrist Featured in National TV Commercial

Perhaps while watching TV, you've noticed a familiar face. If so, it might be Dr. Edgard Nau who currently appears in a nationally televised AT&T commercial.   

Dr. Edgard Nau in AT&T Commercial

Nau has an extensive background in acting. He currently serves as treasurer, scientific chairman, and newsletter editor of the New York Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Asociation.

Resort Club Creator Went Awry from Business Plan, Says FL Podiatrist

It was to be a worldwide playground for the middle-class millionaire with nouveau riche vacation getaways for stunningly little outlay. Denver-based High Country Club and its creator, Christian Kirschner, were tenderfoots in the rising destination-resort industry, a high-flying sector that in 2005 seemingly couldn't miss. In the time it operated, the club went from one of the world's fastest-growing and most desirable companies to a debt-strapped shell operating out of a coffee shop.

Dr. William Scherer

"He really did have a clever idea and an excellent execution of it," said William Scherer, a Florida podiatrist who was among the first to join the club and traveled to most of its destinations. "But they got greedy, sloppy, and went awry of their business plan."

Source: David Migoya, The Denver Post [12/26/10]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: Do you routinely use antibiotics for bunion surgery?

Dr. Richard Moy

Richard Moy: We do typically give a gram of Ancef pre-operatively. We do not have patients take anything orally pre-operatively. The anesthesiologist will give a gram of Ancef approximately 30 minutes before the tourniquet goes on. We use antibiotic irrigation throughout the case; then post-operatively, we put the patient on a  three-day course of antibiotics. 

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment  will be in January. You can register for this event by clicking here

Three Words to Avoid

Refrain from saying “should,” “ought” and “don’t” when you give advice or instructions to others. You still can state your needs directly and politely; “Please” and “Thank you” can work wonders. Here are two more tips:

•  Phrase requests as questions to break down resistance. “Have you thought about doing _____?” is better than “You should do _____.”
•  Use “I” or “me” statements. “I find it works best when I …” and “I usually like to …” make it seem like you are offering a helpful perspective instead of a command.

Source: Adapted from “Important Communication Tips for Managers,” Andrew Schwartz via Communication Briefings

Query: Ethical Dilemma About Miscoding Routine Foot Care

After reading about recent podiatrists in the news regarding Medicare fraud, I have received many calls and spoken with colleagues on the subject. One thing is common to all of our stories. We are relatively young in private practice, less than 10 years. We have all been an associate with a seasoned podiatrist. We have seen and discussed with these seasoned vets regarding improper billing practices and improper charting of routine foot care patients who don't meet criteria. The response universally has been..."these patients need our help.  They can't reach their feet. I think Medicare is wrong in not covering these patients...." 

While their heart is in the right place, their billing and servicing is on the wrong side of the law. While we have since parted from these seasoned relationships, seeing the fraud charges levied against these guys has put guys in our position in  a quandary.  Do we notify state boards of this Medicare abuse and risk political backlash, or keep quiet and let Medicare try to find out themselves, while risking sanction from the board for not apprising them of unethical behavior and risk prosecution ourselves? We all feel caught in a catch-22.

Name Withheld

RE: Undiagnosed Diffuse Skin Lesions (Joe Agostinelli, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Two of our colleagues examined the  history and photo submitted by Dr. Agostinelli and diagnosed the condition as being  Howell-Evans syndrome, which would be a plausible diagnosis considering the history of an esophageal mass. Other colleagues said it might be scabies, mycosis fungoides, psoriasis, and maybe even a skin manifestation of AIDS. Since all of the comments were made by podiatrists who have had years of experience in evaluating pedal skin lesions, I wonder if taking multiple 2 mm punch biopsies from different parts of the lesions would enable a derm path lab to help make a definitive diagnosis which everyone would agree on.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

This is obviously a very compensated patient with multiple co-morbidities, a victim of his own lifestyle. Do not forget that the skin is the largest organ of elimination. This man's symptoms bespeak of a very toxic cellular environment. Between the alcohol consumption, a poor diet, stressful living conditions, etc., it is a given that his GI tract (the home of 70% of the immune system) is the target organ for treatment. This man is in dire need of health restoration, not drug therapy.

He is a patient who will not do well on drugs. Since he...

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

RE: Whom Do You Trust? (Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM)
From: Alan L. Bass, DPM
 
While I respect Dr. Steinberg’s opinion and I am discouraged by his experience with his local New Balance store, here in central New Jersey, I have had a great relationship with New Balance of Jersey Shore. The owner of the store is VERY respectful of what podiatrists offer and I send all my patients to her, and she works very closely to get my patients the proper shoes or sneakers. She also works very closely with all the podiatrists in central NJ. Again, I am sorry that Dr. Steinberg has had a bad experience with New Balance, but I find them to be a fantastic brand for my patients.

Alan L. Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: X-Ray Comparison (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Martin R. Taubman, DPM, MBA, Neil A Burrell, DPM

Regarding the use of digital x-rays in the office environment, Dr. Forman asked,  “But on a dollars and cents issue, I cannot understand how digital films are going to pay for themselves. Other than convenience, how will it increase our income? Please explain.” With all due respect to Dr. Forman, there are other considerations than just increasing our income when considering purchasing diagnostic equipment for our offices. I ask the questions: Is it an improvement over my existing diagnostic armamentarium? Will it help my patients? Will it at least pay for itself? If these answers are yes, then I consider the purchase to be worthy.

The answers to determine purchasing digital x-rays are no-brainers:  No more chemicals to change, no equipment to clean, no film, less time involved (cost savings). The imaging is vastly superior, enabling one to actually see individual trabeculae, manipulate the images, magnify, measure angles using the software, change contrast for bone and soft tissue visualization, make copies for the patient on diskettes. The average digital set-up is about $20,000. Chemicals, film, copying x-rays, and cleaning cost at least $1,200 a year; most of us take at least $4,000 worth of x-rays every year (these are just my estimates. Do the math. Go for it, Dr. Forman. You won’t regret it.

Martin R. Taubman, DPM, MBA, San Diego, CA, mtaubman@san.rr.com

We are saving a tremendous amount of money by using digital x-rays. We no longer have to buy film and chemicals. We added up how much we spend on film and chemicals per year and realized that our digital x-ray would pay for itself in 1 1/2 years. That is the money aspect. It is so easy to use, patients love the technology and we can play with the x-ray, such as magnifying it. 

Neil A Burrell, DPM, Beaumont, TX, nburrell@gt.rr.com

RE: Answer to Bunions

Anyone have a copy of this book? Sounds like it would solve the problem of getting the cuts right for the Austin.

Be Your Own Chiropodist

Marc S. Glovinsky, DPM, New Orleans, LA

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

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 - 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

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

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