The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 01, 2009 #3,508 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Women’s Feet Pay a Painful Price for Fashion: KS Podiatrist

“Don’t sacrifice your feet for fashion,” says Dr. Benjamin W. Weaver – while smoking a cigar and lounging in a pair of conch-embellished flip-flops with a two-inch wedge.

Photo by Kevin Wildt

Of course, he only wore the heels to humor us as we photographed him In women’s shoes. Weaver was such a good sport, in fact, that he allowed his office team to paint his toenails with a bright red shade that complemented his suit. He did stop short of shaving his legs. (Whew!)

 “Let’s put it this way,” says Weaver, “Sex in the City was one of the best things to happen for podiatrists.” All those strappy Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos with the three-inch stilettos were good for business – but bad for fashion conscious feet. According to Weaver, a woman who wears heels every day is damaging her feet by not allowing the Achilles tendon to stretch. Eventually it will shorten and she will experience more foot pain, especially as she ages.

Source: Maylene Fletcher, WomensFocus.com [March 2009]

OPMA Announces 2009 Officers

The Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association has announced its officers for 2009. They are:

Dr. Bradley D. Beasley

President - Bradley D. Beasley, DPM
Vice President - M. Derek Smith, DPM
Secretary-Treasurer - Michael H. Martin, DPM
Past President - Charles D. Anderson, DPM
Directors: Darren Elenburg, DPM,  David C. Cavallaro, DPM, Scott L. Shields, DPM

FL Podiatrist is Part of Group That Loves to Eat and Drink

Let's see. You've got your Elks, your Rotarians, your Lions. Keep going down the list of benevolent organizations, and sooner or later you'll get to the Chaine des Rotisseurs. "We have two main goals," Chaine officer and podiatrist William Harr told me. "Eating and drinking."

Dr. William Harr

That's it? "Oh, once in a while we hold a fundraising dinner for a charitable organization," he conceded. "But pretty much they're just an excuse to eat and drink."

The organization began in France in 1248, when King Louis IX decided to set national standards for stuffed geese. Apparently, stuffed-geese standards were a big deal in France in 1248, sort of like air-travel safety is for us now. Or regulation of the finance industry. Anyway, the 50 or so members of today's Chaine have dedicated themselves to upholding 13th-century culinary standards, and to stuffing themselves instead of geese.

Source: Jim Giuliano, Coatesville Daily Local News (PA) [3/17/09]
 

Plans for New APMA Affiliate for Senior Members Announced  

Arthur Helfand, DPM, has announced a plan for a new APMA-affiliated organization, “The Senior Members Club.” Helfand is Professor Emeritus at Temple University, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the Temple University School of Medicine, and consultant to Temple University’s Institute on Aging. Helfand cited the need for such an organization at this time, highlighting the achievements of this segment of the podiatry family and expressed dismay at perceptions of older DPMs. Helfand pointed to the Young Members Program and other special interest organizations within the profession.

Dr.Arthur Helfand

“We need to have a more active role in the profession”, stated Al Takocker, DPM, 88 of Boca Raton, FL, who will serve as director of Podiatrists Elderly Establishment (PEE), with membership limited to those over 65 years of age. He called for “change” and stated his own plan:

1. Cooperation with and mentoring of youngster DPMs;
2. Larger print journals such as APMA News, Podiatry Management;
3. Mailed issues of PM News;
4. Lobbying for earlier, longer, and more frequent hall and bathroom breaks at podiatry meetings. {Yes, we’re doing the best we can.}
5. Acceptance of non-computer related technology and research;
6.  APMA assisted and supported bailouts for practices losing patients to young “whipper-snappers”; citing the vicissitudes of the economy to older DPMs.  

Source: April Fool’s News (Idea from Andrew Shapiro, DPM) [4/1/09]

Editor's note: In case you wondered, the stories preceding this one are actual stories!

Query: Frieberg's Infarction
 
I have a 16 y/o active male patient diagnosed by MRI with Frieberg's infarction of the 2nd metatarsal. The patient is in a significant amount of pain. He has been immobilized and given meds for pain control. Any further suggestions?
 
Mitchell Wayne, DPM, West Bloomfield, MI
 

Query: Coding the Topaz Procedure

A representative was in our office a few days ago with information on the Topaz coablation procedure. The postings I found in Codingline's Forum (archive) all seemed to be a few years old. Is there a current CPT code assigned for this procedure?

Aimee Judy, PMAC, Office of Brian Shwer, DPM, Bartlett, TN

Response: There still is no CPT code that reflects the Topaz coablation procedure. None is expected in the near future.

You would bill the coablation procedure with an unlisted code, CPT 28899 (foot/toe) or CPT 27899 (leg/ankle). You should attempt to get pre-authorization or coverage information prior to booking the procedure.

When you are ready to bill the unlisted code, be sure to include the op report and a letter of explanation.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Hyperuricemia Management (Dean Clement, DPM)
From: Eugene A. Batelli, DPM, Jon Purdy, DPM

I routinely will start patients on allopurinol and devise a diet to help control gout and hyperuricemia. I don't feel this is in any way out of scope of practice. We are physicians and should understand disease processes. If we don't correct problems directly related to our speciality, then we are no better than toe nail cutters. Why do podiatrists always feel they need for supervision from primary care physicans? 

I really cannot think of a disease process that directly relates to the foot that we should not treat. DVT? Admit them and start the heparin, get a vascular consult. You just saved their life. Infection? Start the empiric therapy based on your clinical expertise and what bugs are most prevalent. Fungal nails? Give them an oral antifungal. It's not just cosmetic!

We really need to raise the bar and start thinking like physicians.  I don't consider  podiatry to be a profession; it’s a specialty just like endocrinology, cardiology, and urology.
 
Eugene A. Batelli, DPM, Clifton, NJ, ebatelli2001@yahoo.com

Without getting into the scope of practice debate, I have always thought it prudent to manage acute and sub-acute problems, and leave long-term medications with as few doctors as possible. I think it’s in the patient’s best interest.

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

RE: Heel Pad Stabilization (Calvin Britton, DPM)
From: Juliet Burk, DPM

Have you tried a simple heel protective cup? It is a very low dollar item and serves to help keep the fat pad directly under the calcaneus. 

Heel Protective Cup

It may decrease the shear your patient is experiencing and consequently minimize symptoms.
 
Juliet Burk, DPM, Muskogee, OK, juliet-burk@cherokee.org

RE: Should I keep My DEA Number Active? (Name Withheld)
From: Jay Wenig, DPM

My only issue with giving up a DEA number has to do with your general license. If you keep your podiatry license active and decide to see any patient and try and write a prescription, the DEA number is needed. This includes non-scheduled substances like Pen-Lac. The insurance companies who are paying for 95% of all prescriptions are requiring a DEA number for EVERY prescription. The pharmacy computers are now checking to see if the DEA # is active and/or valid for every prescription. Basically, the pharmacist will be stopped by the software from filling a prescription without a valid DEA number.

I understand the fee part of the equation too. When I got my first DEA license in 1981, the fee was $20. While I do not know for certain the specifics of DEA, I suspect it is required by law to be self-supporting, much like my Maryland podiatry license, that until the early 1990's was $25 a year and is now $525. So, when the politicians are saying they are not raising your taxes but then they go and raise the fees, are they speaking with a forked tongue?

Jay Wenig, DPM, Dayton, OH, jaywenig@aol.com

RE: A Challenge to PICA/Proassurance and the Profession  (Ken Malkin, DPM)
From:  Andrew C. Schink, DPM

In addition to donating to the APMA Educational Foundation, it would be a good idea for each PICA member to send a portion of their proceeds to APMAPAC. Support of APMAPAC is always important, but more so this year than ever due to the plans to overhaul national healthcare by this August. APMAPAC needs all the resources it can get to protect the podiatric position in whatever new healthcare plan emerges. Now is the time to watch out for your profession and future income.
 
Andrew C. Schink, DPM, Eugene, OR schink@q.com

PART-TIME NON-SURGICAL PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH JERSEY    
 
23 yo practice recently relocated to a spectacular newly-constructed and equipped storefront next to a busy supermarket with ample parking and senior citizens in vibrant downtown. Accepting Medicare and Blues only with great potential. Perfect for expanding to full-time, a second office or new practitioner with means and office experience.  Priced to sell. Financing possible. E-mail interest with contact to Mikedup1215@yahoo.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Multi office practice needs doctor of podiatry for full time and/or part time for private office, clinics, and nursing homes. Great opportunity to grow with and unlimited income potential. Offices in Miami, Hialeah, Westchester, and Cutler Ridge. Email to feetdoctor@aol.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED- SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Well-established practice needs to replace a departing partner and is looking for a reliable, personable podiatrist to step into a busy practice. This is an outstanding opportunity with full benefits that may lead to partnership. Please contact dr.hughes@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHANDLER/GILBERT/PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Seeking a well-trained, ethical and hard working graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency to join our growing multi-location practice. This is a practice with a nice mix of 35% surgery/trauma, 20% diabetic/wounds, 25% biomechanics, 20% pediatric. ER Call. Opportunity for partnership at 2 surgery centers. Very modern offices with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing Machine. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. Board eligible/certified a plus. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to  FootAnkleAZ@aol.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI DADE FLORIDA

Partnership/buy out opportunity for the right candidate. Well-established modern practice. EMR , digital x-rays, gait scan etc. Excellent hospital privileges. SALARY...two options. $50,000 starting, 40% of everything you generate over $120,000, 50% over $200,000, 55% over 250,000 and 60% of everything you generate over $350,000. Want a fixed salary instead? $80,000 a year. I feed you patients and provide an excellent well-trained staff. Contact doctorinhialeah@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion; good insurance climate. 352-357-7499 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE-SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN-BRIGHTON

Great opportunity. Established 11 years. Excellent location. Large illuminated sign on busy main road. Mid to high income growth area.  Supplies, furniture, and equipment included: X-Cell X-Ray w Hope Autoprocessor, Pelton-Crane Autoclave, Parks Lab, Bircher, Burton Floor Light, OR with Lighting, bone instruments and power equipment, Midmark Chairs. Quality 1,350 sf build-out. convenient parking. Must sacrifice. Call (248) 565-5266. Docpod@aol.com

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI DADE FLORIDA

Partnership/buy out opportunity for the right candidate. Well-established modern practice. EMR , digital x-rays, gait scan etc. Excellent hospital privileges. SALARY...two options. $50,000 starting, 40% of everything you generate over $120,000, 50% over $200,000, 55% over 250,000 and 60% of everything you generate over $350,000. Want a fixed salary instead? $80,000 a year. I feed you patients and provide an excellent well-trained staff. Contact doctorinhialeah@aol.com

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