The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 14, 2010 #3,857 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Barry University's School of Podiatric Medicine Graduates 53 Doctors

President and chief executive officer of Camillus House, Paul Ahr, PhD, spoke directly to a crowd of 53 graduates and their families during Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine commencement. The new Doctors of Podiatric Medicine heard  advice from Dr. Ahr’s late friend, Father Henri Nouwen. Dr. Ahr quoted Father Nouwen, “specialists can only retain their humanity in their work when they see their professions as a form of service which they carry out, not instead of, but as a part of, the whole people of God.”

(L-R) Drs. John Nelson, Interim Dean, Lauren Ibanez, and Barry president Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP PhD

Among the graduates was Wilbur Boothby, DPM, who was presented with the Raymond D. Ibanez, DPM, Memorial Graduation Award. Presenting the $1,050 prize was Ibanez’s sister, Dr. Laura Ibanez.

Ricketti Installed as President of NJPMS

James Ricketti, DPM, become the 90th president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society (NJPMS) on May 7, 2010 upon taking the oath of office at the society’s Leadership Dinner held at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern in Atlantic City, NJ. Dr. Ricketti practices in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, where he resides with his wife Maria and two sons Frank and James. Since joining NJPMS in 1982, Dr. Ricketti has held various positions on the Society’s Executive Board of Directors, including terms as secretary, treasurer and vice-president.  Additionally, he served as chairman of the Carrier Advisory Committee and Public Education and Information Committee. Dr. Ricketti also served on both the NJPMS Insurance and Finance Committees.

Dr. James Ricketti

In addition to the installation of Dr. Ricketti, Dr. Terry Spilken of Livingston became President Elect; Dr. Marshall Feldman of Rahway became Vice President; Dr. Alan Bass of Manalapan became Treasurer, and Dr. Sharon Monter of Point Pleasant Beach became Secretary. News of the officers’ appointments was announced on May 7, 2010 at the Society’s Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, NJ.

NY Podiatrist is Coach of Softball Team Bound for National Championships

Suffolk Community College at Selden softball coach Joe LoBianco is a podiatrist, so what does a foot doctor and professor of physiology know about softball? In this instance, plenty. LoBianco has coached girls fastpitch softball for many years. His daughter, Jessica, is a star player at Kings Park High School. LoBianco turned around the fortunes of Suffolk when he took over a team that had gone 6-8 in 2006. His first task was finding players.

Dr. Joseph LoBianco

"Suffolk was looking for a coach right before the beginning of the 2007 season," said LoBianco, whose career record is 92-33. We were able to come in second in [Region XV]. That was all heart." This unorthodox formula began to feed on itself, and Suffolk has become a destination for quality players. Last season's team made it to the NJCAA nationals and finished fifth. This year, third-ranked Suffolk is 33-7, 20-1 in Region XV, and again is headed to the nationals, which begin May 20 in Rochester, MN.

Source: Steven Marcus, Newsday [5/10/10]

PICA Group Celebrates 30 Years Serving Nation’s Podiatrists

The PICA Group, the nation’s largest professional liability insurer dedicated to serving podiatric physicians, is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 1, 2010. “PICA is a remarkable success story. At our founding thirty years ago, few people imagined we could build a company that is a clear nationwide leader in our field,” states Dr. Jerry Brant, CEO of PICA. “PICA’s success is a true testament to our devotion to the principles of “Treated Fairly,” which guides our dedication to deliver unmatched service and financial strength in support of  the profession which we all love.”

Dr. Jerry Brant

The PICA Group, based in Franklin, TN, became part of the ProAssurance Corporation family of companies in April, 2009. PICA employs 130 people in various departments, ranging from claims to policy services. PICA also oversees the business lines of PACO Assurance, a professional liability carrier for chiropractors and optometrists.

Query: AFO for Driving, Post-Achilles Tear

I have an elderly patient who does not wish surgery. She has extensive tearing of her Achilles tendon at the myotendinous junction. One can actually feel clinically, this massive gapping of the tendon. It remains attached by a thin cord. The patient still has dorsiflexory power. I am not aware of the duration of the tear. The patient was treated with a CAM walker for a few weeks, and claims to be asymptomatic except - when driving. Obviously, she does not wear the CAM walker while driving.

I was thinking of placing the patient in a custom AFO, i.e., an Arizona brace. The patient's number one priority seems to be her ability to drive, as this is "her whole life." Which brace would be best-suited for her by limiting her dorsiflexion, yet allowing her to drive?  
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

Query: Practice Fusion EMR

Has anybody tried using Practice Fusion EMR? It bills itself as a totally free (with minor strings) electronic medical record. They claim they are compliant and will qualify the user for the stimulus checks. I was playing around with the demo today, and while it is not podiatry-specific, it seemed as easy as most others, and seems to integrate with many practice management systems.  
 
Justin H. Sussner, DPM, Suffern, NY

RE: Podmed EMR (R. Alex Dellinger, DPM)
From: Alan L. Bass, DPM

I have been using TRAKnet DPM, which was formerly known as PodMed EMR for the past five years. This program was written by a podiatrist, for podiatrists. PodMed EMR, was written by Scott Leum, DPM. His company Leum Software was acquired by Biomedix Vascular Solutions after the summer of 2009. TRAKnet DPM is a full practice management software utilizing charting, billing, scheduling, and inventory management.

I first started using just the EMR portion of the program five years ago and transitioned into the full program with the billing two years ago. I have found it to be a very well written program. It has continued to improve. Since the government has not put out what the meaningful use standards will be, no company can claim to have a program that meets these criteria. With that said, Biomedix does guarantee that when the government puts out the criteria, the full practice management program, not just purchasing the EMR program, will meet the criteria for meaningful use.

Disclaimer: I am a paid consultant for Biomedix Vascular Solutions, the company that produces TRAKnet DPM.
 
Alan L. Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: Nurses to Take USMLE Exam in 2012 (Frank Spinosa, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

First of all, why so slow?  Five more years until the APMA does "too little too late?"  Even if podiatrists can take the USMLE part 1, they will still be two major parts away from the MD's. (USMLE 2, USMLE 3). The USMLE alone is meaningless if it doesn't lead to a degree, and  perhaps more importantly, a license change. The MDs and insurance companies won't care if you are an "almost MD." As long as you hang the DPM moniker after your name, you are still a different kettle of fish. Half steps and “almost” won't catch us up. Do it right, Dr. Spinosa , or don't waste the members' dues. 

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: Nurses to Take USMLE Exam in 2012 (DPM, Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM,  Steve Wan, DPM

Dr. Graziano’s comment should be read and re-read by every DPM who thinks they have the same education, training, and experience regarding competency to pass any part of the USMLE as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Stop blaming APMA. The key deficiency is not insurmountable, as Dr. Graziano states, but the spreading of the myth that DPM education is one gynecology and one psychology course away from MD or even DNP education will be insurmountable; because if an in-depth comparison is really ever done, away from what is written on paper, it will be undeniably a myth.

Don’t wait for the DPM degree to become anything else. Medical school seats are increasing, and there are 150,000 open nursing opportunities in the US. If you want that, go get it. At the moment, we are having trouble accommodating those who chose and love podiatry to get the training that they will be mandated to have after they graduate. Until that is fixed, I cannot believe anything else is on the agenda.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

The podiatric licensing board (BPM -- The Board of Podiatric Medicine) recognizes USMLE and COMLEX as equivalent to NBPME in licensure requirements in CA.  This was put into effect two years ago.
 
Steve Wan, DPM, Torrance, CA, scwref1@hotmail.com

RE: Medicare Fraud Risk Created by Billing Loophole
From: Paul Kesselman DPM

I usually applaud the OIG investigations, however, this one is absolutley inflammatory and misguided. It sends the message that physician suppliers who uses their own NPI number as both the prescriber and supplier are engaging in an illegal, unethical, or immoral act. None of this is true. This ”alleged fraud” may be true for some select non-physician suppliers. However, this report does not provide any evidence of significant fraud by physician suppliers supplying their own patients with DME when using their own type I NPI number as both the prescriber and supplier.

It also does not provide any comparative statistics for physician suppliers providing DME to their own patients when using a Type I NPI as the prescriber and a separate Type II Organizational NPI as the supplier. In many instances, the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) informed solo physicians that the only way for them to enroll as suppliers was to use the same Type I NPI number they use for their Part B medical/surgical claims. The NSC can provide the OIG with the required statistics on physician suppliers who use the same NPI for both Part B medical/surgical claims and DME claims. The OIG could then discard those statistics which they are erroneously using to build their case for these alleged frauds and then issue a new report.

If the OIG still feels the directions of the NSC were, improper, I would ask them to provide sufficient detailed rationale for their position to the NSC and the supplier community. Only after proper review, should the OIG insist that the NSC institute a corrective initiative; and then, with minimal impact on physician suppliers, at the time of their next enrollment. I have alerted the APMA on this issue and have asked the appropriate APMA committee to consider the appropriate manner in which to resolve this matter.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside NY, pkesselman@pol.net

FUNGAL NAIL LASER FOR RENTAL-  NYC, LONG ISLAND AREA ONLY

Our trained technician comes to your office to treat your patients. Pay only for patients treated, no up-front costs. Laser is FDA-approved for general podiatry use, FDA pending for onychomycosis. Call 516-242-7540

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PAD NET 
 
5 month old PAD Net device for sale. Very lightly used with 7 months of the warranty left and an extra set of toe cuffs. Serious calls only. 928-774-4825

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Busy practice with offices in Pomona and San Bernardino is looking to expand and bring on a part-time or full-time podiatrist. Spanish speaking is helpful, but not imperative. For full-time position, a six figured starting salary with benefits and bonuses is offered.  Office work is needed, and must be willing to do house calls. NO NURSING HOMES, HOWEVER! If interested, please send CV to scpodgroup@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. We rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Salary and percentage based on skills and experience, benefits including 401K. Current Florida license a plus. This a wonderful world class community. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great Opportunity NY podiatric practice – multiple locations – seeks well-trained, ethical DPM per diem and full-time positions available. Competitive salary. Send resume and CV to: info@advancedfootcare.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, DALLAS, HOUSTON, AND SAN ANTONIO AREAS

Seeking well trained ABPS board rearfoot/ankle certified/qualified foot surgeons for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group. Excellent salary/benefits. Email CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

1 YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP  - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN

Part-time, in-network Board Certified or Board Eligible Podiatrist wanted for busy Manhattan practice. Please email CV to parttimepodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Associate position leading to partnership. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA

Western Philadelphia suburbs. 2-Office, Multi-Practitioner Practice ,has full-time position available. Must be ABPS Qualified or Certified. PSR-36 Preferred. Looking for hard-working, well-rounded, personable individual who is interested in all aspects of Podiatry including foot surgery and wound care. Please e-mail Resume to: pod1593@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY, FL

Associate needed for a dynamic practice in the Tampa Bay area. Preference given to a PSR 24+ training and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high-tech with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. E-mail: drcosentino@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PRINCETON, NJ

Looking for a full-time associate in a very high volume 2-office practice in the Princeton area in routine/sports/pediatric/surgical podiatric care. Excellent opportunity for a hard-working, ethical, individual with good personal and clinical skills. Candidate needs minimum PSR 24-36, board qualified/certified, and an active NJ state license. Send résumé’s – princetonpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTH CAROLINA - ASHEVILLE/MOUNTAINS

Well established, multi-doctor, multi-office diverse practice has immediate need for associate doctor leading to partnership. Associate doctor will be very busy from day one. Attractive compensation and benefits. Buy-in potential after one year. Contact at smfc2@charterinternet.com or 828-734-1535

PRACTICE & BUILDING FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Website and marketing material included. Seller happy to assist with transition. Grossed 350K last year, priced to sell with financing available 200k. Call 931-446-5724.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT - SOUTH FLORIDA

Board Certified Foot Surgeon. Had own practice in Texas for twenty years. E-mail:  ehe2852341@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK 
 
Full-time or Part-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY-based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Podiatrist needed for Maryland practice. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital based affiliations and clinical appointments, with teaching faculty positions at PM&S-36 residency programs, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Position will be available for July/August, 2010. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of conservative care and surgical forefoot, rearfoot, reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care and limb salvage. Candidate should be ethical, hard working, outgoing and a self-starter. Commensurate pay, income guarantee, with incentives and full benefit package. Definitive plans will be discussed leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

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