The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 22, 2012 #4,495 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist Provides Training Advice for Runners

Before beginning any exercise regimen, get cleared by your physician, says Cary M. Zinkin, doctor of podiatric medicine and former spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Concentrate on walking first. 

Dr. Cary Zinkin

When you're acclimated to running, shop for appropriate shoes. Expect to pay $75 or up to $150 for well-made running shoes, says Dr. Zinkin, who also advises getting running socks in a cotton/dry-fit blend that helps whisk away moisture from your body. If you're overweight, don't opt for a light shoe.

Source: Bev Bennett, Quad-Cities Online [6/18/12]

In Oregon, It Pays to be a Podiatrist

Podiatrists in Oregon can expect to earn more than actuaries, judges, physicists and most all other workers in the state. The doctors who specialize in caring for feet bring home the highest average annual salary in the state, according to the Oregon Employment Department’s new 2012 wage survey.

Top 10 average annual wages in Oregon, by occupation
Podiatrists: $134,297
Engineering managers: $131,321
Audiologists: $128,583
Physicists: $114,894
Pharmacists: $114,235
Judges and magistrates: $113,241
Computer and information systems managers: $110,867
Actuaries: $110,143
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists: $107,852
Financial managers: $105,235

Source: Molly Young, The Oregonian [6/19/12]

PA Podiatrist Says the Claim that Ghanian Expatriot is "King" is Bogus

Easton, PA plans a "royal homecoming" this month for a former Palmer Township man who became a king of the Ga people in Ghana, a small country on the west coast of Africa. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. hailed the return of the king, 1998 Easton Area High School graduate John Quartey, at a news conference last week, gushing about the visit of such a high-level dignitary. It sounds exceptional — except for one thing: Ghana's ambassador to the United States and a prominent Ghanaian ex-patriot said Quartey's claim of kingship is bogus. 

Dr. Samuel Quartey

Dr. Samuel Quartey, a Philadelphia podiatrist and a leader of the Ga in the United States, said John Quartey was elected, or "enstooled," by a council of elders. The elders made him chief of a region called Gua near Accra, but he should not be calling himself a king, Samuel Quartey said. "There are no kings of the Ga," the doctor said.

Source: JD Malone, The Morning Call [6/19/12]

PA Podiatrist Indicted for Healthcare Fraud

A podiatrist who once practiced in Harrisburg and Elizabethtown is facing federal charges of healthcare fraud. Dr. Michael C. Karason, 43, has been charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud healthcare benefits programs, according to a grand jury indictment that was unsealed Tuesday.

The indictment alleges that Karason caused claims to be submitted to healthcare benefits programs for services purportedly provided in Dauphin County and Lancaster County when, in fact, he did not perform the services, according to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith. Karason was arrested in California by federal agents on May 25. His trial is scheduled for August 6. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, Smith said.

Source: Myles Snyder, WHTM, [6/19/12]

Query: Source for Local Anesthetics

Moore Medical does not have any lidocaine or bupivicaine, and does not expect any until 2013. Does anyone have a vendor who is currently supplying any of these locals?

Peter Smith, DPM, Stony Brook, NY

RE: Non-Surgical Approach to Plantar Fibromas (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM

I have had excellent clinical results with 15% verapamil with 6% diclofenac and 1% bupivacaine applied each morning and evening. Given the significant rate of dissatisfaction with surgical excision of these lesions due to recurrence, fibrosis, scarring, and nerve injury, this together with splinting at night to stretch the plantar fascia, as well as accommodative inserts, is a reliable alternative to surgery.

My personal experience includes MRI reduction in fibroma size together with diminished pain with the above regimen. Injectables including collagenase and the off-label use of injectables utilized for palmar fibromatosis may also be considered, although I have personally not found this to be necessary.

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthe pod@sbcglobal.net

RE: Is This MTPJ Salvageable? (Alan Berman, DPM)
From: Richard Gosnay, DPM

This is obviously a complex breakdown of the forefoot that requires several considerations if Dr. Berman and the patient are to expect a successful outcome. Those are quite impressive periarticular erosions! I believe a rheumatology consult is in order.

The second ray must be corrected. As noted previously, the plantar plate is almost certainly disrupted. The second metatarsal is quite long, so I suggest a Weil osteotomy, a second toe arthrodesis, dorsal capsulotomy with extensor tenotomy, and a Girdlestone tendon transfer.

Although hypermobility of the first metatarsal was not noted, such transverse plane deviation and second ray degradation usually indicates that...

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

RE: Bilateral Pain Sub 2nd Mets (Susan Bartos)
From: Robert M. Victor, DPM

Dr. Bijak shouldn't be too dismayed, nor should Dr. Scartozzi be too impressed with the clinical comments made by orthotic lab owner, Susan Bartos, since nearly the entire original comment was copied out of the prestigious medical resource, Wikipedia ("Plantar Fibromatosis", Treatment).

Robert M. Victor, DPM, Paradise, CA, robertvictordpm@yahoo.com

Editor's note: This topic is now closed

RE: My Retirement from Pedinol Pharmacal
From: Richard Strauss, RPh

After 43 years of being associated with Pedinol Pharmacal Inc. as its Chief Executive Officer, President and consultant, I will be retiring in July. As some of you may know, in April, Pedinol was sold to Valeant Pharmaceuticals. While this was a difficult decision to make, I am confident, that it will allow Pedinol to continue to thrive as a leader in podiatric pharmaceuticals. Valeant Pharmaceuticals is committed to the podiatric profession and will continue in Pedinol’s tradition of supporting podiatry and bringing useful products to podiatrists and their patients. 

Richard Strauss

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the podiatric profession. During my 43 years at Pedinol, I have had...

Editor's note: Richard Strauss' extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: E-Prescribing (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: Dusky Farmer, DPM
 
To get credit for e-Rx and not face the penalty in 2013, you must submit 10 e-Rx codes by June 30th of this year. The G8553 code must be sent with an office visit code (99213, etc.) This code is reported by sending it with you office visit code when you bill it out. Procedure codes do not count. The patient also needs to be on standard Medicare. The Medicare advantage plans don't count towards the credit. 
 
The prescription must be sent electronically. You cannot fax the prescription to the pharmacy for it to count. Some states allow you to electronically send controlled prescriptions. Our state is one that does not allow that. Calling prescriptions in to the pharmacy does not count either. I am not aware of any tracking on the patient picking up the prescription. So I don't think that matters.
 
 
Dusky Farmer, DPM, Evansville, IN, farmerdusky@gmail.com

RE: Restrictive Covenant (Ron Raducanu, DPM)
From: Jeff Mennuti, DPM

1. Being fresh out of residency and having a little track record for income, it is nearly impossible to get a loan. Bundle that with a breathtaking student loan burden (mine was in excess of $275K, podiatry school only, no undergrad).

2. Getting on board with insurances will take an excess of time, and since there is no/low cash paying patients, it would take nearly six months by the time income was seen.

3. What one is then left with is...

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

RE: Barefoot Running More Efficient (Kevin Kirby, DPM)
From: Lloyd S. Smith, DPM

I admire Dr. Kirby, his research, his perspective, and his posts. His intellectual curiousity and integrity seems unquestioned. I have worked for many shoe companies and currently consult for New Balance. Am I conflicted? I guess so. My work for the various companies has always enhanced my knowledge about the shoes they made, their value to my patients, and my understanding of the biomechanical goals of the respective shoes. 

Our knowledge of minimalist vs. structured shoes is fascinating. It is also quite limited. Does anyone remember the ill-fated Nike Tailwind? I do. Obviously, there are advantages of each shoe design and the goal of a treating sports DPM is to find and advise our patients on the best choices for their needs.

There are many claims being made and some may result in legal jeopardy for the involved companies. Simply review the toning shoe settlements recently publicized for a perspective on this issue. As DPMs, we need to determine the best options for our patients and make the appropriate recommendations. Certainly more research is needed and our scientific curiousity must be paramount so that our opinions are meaningful. 
 
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION TUCSON - SOUTHERN ARIZONA
 
Accepting applications for an associate position. Applicant must have completed surgical residency and be Board Qualified/Certified. Our practice involves multiple office locations and looking to expand. We offer all aspects of foot and ankle medical and surgical care. Hospital and Surgery Centers privileges.  Competitive salary and benefits.  Partnership opportunities available. email resume to: drdafac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Podiatry office in Central NJ- Looking for a three year surgically trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit for a very busy office. You will see new patients and have the potential to become board certified in two years. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter." Please fax your CV to: 732-968-8821.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time/Part-time, motivated, outgoing associate wanted for immediate job opening. Multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County, is looking for hard-working individual to treat wide range of patients. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish speaking a definite advantage. Email your CV to: ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Seeking motivated PSR 24/36 trained Podiatrist for busy established practice; EMR established; Good surgical opportunity; Competitive salary and benefits. Send CV to:podreply@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Looking for an extremely hard working podiatry associate for part-time work, opportunity for full time. Busy and expanding podiatry practice in the Merrimack Valley. Will work in both office and nursing home setting. In office, we have laser technology, electronic medical records, diagnostic ultrasound, x-rays, etc. Please email us at: resumesent11@comcast.net if you have interest in this position. If we find the right person, this opportunity could lead to partnership. Looking forward to hearing from you.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST AUGUSTINE, FL

A well-established, solo-physician in St Augustine, FL; is seeking a full-time associate. Applicant should be well-trained with sound surgical skills, applicant must be board eligible/certified. Practice offers a state-of-the-art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary. E-mail resume to: drfootwound@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for a full time/part-time PSR 24/36 podiatrist in a 30 year old, well established practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. State-of-the-art office with EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and beautiful office. Generous base salary, malpractice insurance, health insurance, benefits and bonus structure. A well rounded and energetic podiatric surgeon needed for this group of 4 board certified podiatric physicians and surgeons. Please send CV to: michiganfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON/CAPE AREA

Boston/Cape Area Practice looking for physician experienced in surgical and medical care in office, clinical, and nursing home settings. Practice will provide opportunity to utilize training immediately. Both surgical and non-surgical applicants. Email CV to: drjaa@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION- WASHINGTON

A well-established practice with 4 locations in and around Seattle is seeking a full time/part-time associate podiatrist. Position involves clinical, nursing homes, laser therapy. Applicant should be well trained physician and a motivated, energetic self-starter, completed minimum a 24-month residency. Please send inquiries to: isbinc2006@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Full-time highly motivated, ethical, hard-working associate wanted for multiple office locations commencing 8/2012. All phases of podiatric medicine (Surgery, Biomechanics, DME, Palliative Care). Competitive base salary, malpractice insurance, bonus structure. Please email resumes to bronxpodiatrist1@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to: Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA

Podiatrist needed in the State of Georgia to start ASAP. At least one year post residency experience preferred. Contact Dr. Azuka Nwaedozie at (404) 908 9042 or email me at: anwaedozie@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

Seeking full time associate, PSR 24/36 Board Qualified/Certified that is personable, highly motivated, ethical and hard working. Established 25 years old, well rounded, and busy practice. In large primary care based medical building with lab, X-ray, CT, ASC and medical aid unit. Multilingual is beneficial. Offering competitive salary with bonus opportunities and wide range of benefits. Partnership potential. Cover letter / CV to: Del.DPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Base salary starts at $100k, with incentives to grow income to $200k+, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to: jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Podiatrist licensed in FL to work in practice in central Florida with buy-in option. Practice in building built for podiatry. Excellent opportunity for new or experienced podiatrist to work, purchase practice, lease, or purchase building in great area to live and grow. CV to: footsailor@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
 

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com
 

ASSOCIATE WANTED - BRONX, NY

Part time Position Available Bronx New York for busy, growing office. All aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Excellent salary with incentives. E-mail CV and letter of intent to Dr. Barry Finkelstein at: bf1818@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Well-established practice seeking associate with opportunity for buy-in. Must have a minimum of 2 years surgical residency, or have 10 years practice experience with rear foot surgical skills. Great opportunity for growth with in-house surgical center, 2 hospitals within walking distance & more. Puerto Rican License required. Send CV/Resume to:  admin1@podiatrycenterpr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Podiatrist needed to join our fast growing practice both in house calls and office. An enterprising individual with good clinical and surgical skills. Texas license required, salary and benefit very attractive. Email your CV to: divinefootcarecenter@yahoo.com or contact Joe at 972 790 2800.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with some working experience in a podiatric office. Two sessions (1/2 day) a week for July and August for Upper West Side of Manhattan. References a must. One 8 AM to 12, one 12 to 5 PM. Reply to: fabienne.rottenberg@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to: MFAS828@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

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