The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 11, 2009 #3,517 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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WA Podiatrist Honored as Temple University Fellow

Mary E. Crawford, DPM ‘88, FACFAS, an alumna of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM), recently became president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). In recognition of this distinction, the Temple University Alumni Association Board of Directors designated Dr. Crawford as a Temple University Alumni Fellow. 

(L to R) Mary E. Crawford, DPM) – Richard E. Adler, DPM, President TUSPM Alumni Assoc. – Ulrick P. Joseph, President TU Alumni Assoc.

The Temple University Alumni Association represents all 17 schools/colleges of Temple with 240,000 living alumni. The Alumni Fellows program was initiated in 1981 to invite prominent and outstanding alumni, who are recognized as leaders in their field, to return to their schools or colleges as guest speakers.

In her role as Alumni Fellow, Dr. Crawford visited TUSPM on April 3-4, 2009. On April 3, Dr. Crawford presented the 2009 George A. Sonneborn, MD Memorial Lecture at the Class of 2011’s Rite of Passage Ceremonies. On April 4th, she presented a two-hour CME program at TUSPM to an audience composed of students and alumni.

IL Podiatric Physicians Offer Free Pedometers to Encourage Walking

There are now three ways you can get a free pedometer and walking and fitness tips as part of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association’s “Keep Illinois Walking” campaign. Podiatric physicians from the IPMA will accept your calls, emails and “tweets” to encourage Illinois citizens to engage in a walking fitness program this spring as part of its statewide “Keep Illinois Walking” campaign to fight obesity. 

Dr. Paul Brezinski

“Podiatrists, like all healthcare professionals, see obesity as a significant public health problem,” said IPMA president Paul Brezinski, DPM, Arlington Heights, IL. “And, we’re doing our part this spring to encourage people to engage in low-impact, calorie burning exercise to stay fit.”

Brezinski and fellow podiatrists encourage a regular walking program but before engaging in a regular fitness program, proper preparation, warming up and stretching are recommended. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers walking tips for those interested in beginning a walking regimen.

Query:  Aldara for Plantar Verruca 
 
I am looking for information regarding the use of Aldara for plantar warts. Is it effective? If so, how often and for how long is it applied?
 
Gary Kantrowitz, DPM, New York, NY

RE: Moving Office and Corporation

I am looking into moving my practice to a new location a few blocks away. I would appreciate any advice on the recommended stepwise process for this change (IE changing corporation address with IRS, NPI information, Medicare applications for changes, DMERC application for changes, hospitals, private insurers, etc.). I figure the whole process can take 5-6 months for transition.

Ara Kelekian, DPM Montebello, CA

Editor's note: Dr. Paul Kesselman has written an article on this exact topic. It will appear in the June issue of Podiatry Management.

RE: Re-injury of Ruptured Tendons (Kevin Lam, DPM)
From: Randall Brower, DPM

I feel you may have missed deeper structural injury than just tendon ruptures.  Usually a proneal tendon rupture injury isn't an isolated event. The lateral ankle ligamentous complex is also damaged. To stabilize her ankle, a two-ligament lateral ankle stabilization repair using auto, in-situ, or allograft tendon would be very helpful. It won't solve the cavus problem, however it will help the lateral instability. I'd make a pronatory orthotic after the stabilization. This would do well as her foot is flexible and it would decrease inversion rotation at your stabilization site.
 
Randall Brower, DPM, Roswell, NM, randoman33@yahoo.com
 

RE: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Todd Lamster, DPM)
From: Juliet Burk, DPM

This is just a friendly reminder that not every answer needs to involve a knife. A Colorado or Arizona-type custom brace or other multi-plane controlling AFO may be really helpful with both of these cases. If these fail, then surgery is appropriate. Trying conservative bracing before surgery is not only better for the patient, but better for your practice income. Usually, the patient thanks you for trying to spare them surgery, and therefore your referral base grows as well.

Juliet Burk, DPM, Muskogee, OK, juliet-burk@cherokee.org
 

RE: Diabetic Shoes from a Drug Store (James Korponay, DPM)
From:  Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Richard Young, C.Ped
 
Pharmacies and DME companies right now are allowed to dispense diabetic shoes and inserts. Many mom and pop pharmacies do dispense diabetic shoes and have a display rack. Many DME companies employ CPED's who go to patients’ homes, make a foam box impression, obtain the certification statement and mail the shoes and inserts to the patient's house. The answer to this is for our podiatry schools to have a few classes on the DME program so they have knowledge on what the different products are and how to fit patients with the products including diabetic shoes and inserts. Most 4th year students could not tell you what DME stands for and it is an important part of many podiatry offices today. The other answer to those podiatrists in practice is to get a DME license (it is free to obtain) and dispense the diabetic shoes and inserts in your office because you are the expert in managing your patients' diabetic feet. From a practice management standpoint, dispensing is an excellent source of revenue for your practice. 
 
Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Lake Worth, FL, nailcutter@aol.com

First, bless Dr. Korponay for his wisdom on referring his patient to a knowledgeable, credentialed practitioner. His concern about the drug store shoe clerk is justified and, speaking as a certified pedorthist who also suffers from DM w/PN, this type of operation is what is causing C.Ped's and others who care about their patients to seriously consider leaving Medicare.

The accreditation requirement is probably a good thing. The surety bond requirement is onerous. And Medicare hiring bounty hunters to perform DME audits (they are paid based on the amount they recover from DME/HME suppliers) is downright scary. RAC's will potentially affect DPM's, PT's, CO's, CP's, C.Ped's, and anyone else dispensing diabetic- appropriate shoes and inserts under the Medicare TSB.

The obvious question concerning this particular Mom & Pop drugstore is, "what about the next person they fit with improperly-sized shoes?" This business, with shoe companies giving people a two-day training class for the fitting of diabetic-appropriate shoes, has got to stop! Sending these people out into the world with virtually no knowledge of the ramifications of what they are doing, could cause someone to lose a foot. 

It is time for DPM's and C.Ped's to come together on the issue of diabetic-appropriate shoes and find a way to protect our patients from those just out to make a buck off a government program.  At the same time, we must protect ourselves from a government bureaucracy that, by its own admission, does not know who is "qualified" to dispense shoes under the TSB. 

Richard Young, C.Ped, Fayetteville, GA, c_ped@bellsouth.net
 

RE: Denial of GraftJacket (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Dan Waldman, DPM, Steven Goldstein, DPM

Well said, Dr. Sullivan! I've only been in practice 16 years, but see the medical field being dictated to by the insurance companies.  Universal health care will be bad also. I don't believe the government is competent to tell me how to live my life. The patient signed up for apolicy and it is the patient's absolute responsibility to understand the policy. Let me be a doctor and give the best medical care. My fees could be much less if my office staff did not have to deal with uneducated insurance clerks! 
 
Dan Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, DPMcareer@aol.com

When you participate with insurance companies that may deny a service or product like GraftJacket, have  patients sign a ABN  to cover yourself. This way the patient pays. You can still try to appeal the denial, but if you finally get paid,  refund the monies the patient paid you initially.

Steven Goldstein, DPM, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Stevefootdr1@cs.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Join a solo surgeon in a two office private practice, modern facilities with EMR and digital x-ray, reconstructive and trauma surgery.  Excellent starting salary and benefits. Position leads to partnership. Submit letter of introduction and CV to jdisabato@vfasa.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS
 
Podiatrist needed to provide care for elderly population in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities. Must be ethical, hard-working, interested in geriatric care and willing to travel. e-mail resume to poddoc2328@hotmail.com

LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY?

Our practice continues to grow and we are in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York State. This is a great career opportunity for the right person(s), with an excellent compensation package available. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com

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

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 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FLPractice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE WANTED - FLORIDA

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Partnership opportunity for the right candidate. Preference given to a PSR 24+ resident completing their education this spring/summer, and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMO's. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family that is second to none. E-mail: kimvelez@tampabay.rr.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

TWO YEAR FELLOWSHIP IN RECONSTRUCTIVE FOOT SURGERY AND RESEARCH

2-year fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a primary teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. Fellows have clinic, perform complex reconstructive procedures (external fixation, flaps, Charcot reconstruction), and conduct clinical research (20%). Fellows train residents and receive appointment at Harvard Medical School faculty. Excellent salary/benefits. Program begins SEPTEMBER, 2009. Must have completed PSR-36 or similar. Submit applications to: Adam Landsman, DPM, PhD alandsma@bidmc.harvard.edu Include CV, letter describing goals and any research interests. Deadline: May 1, 2009.  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School are Equal Opportunity Employers. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HENDERSON, NEVADA

Associate wanted for thriving, well-mixed 3-doctor digital office, leading to partnership. Surgery, diabetic, pediatric, and general podiatry. Great office and location, fun area to live. Need 2+ years surgical residency. Must be energetic, self motivated, great patient skills. Salary plus bonuses. Email CV to gtorgesen@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

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