The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 20, 2012 #4,617 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist Discusses Treatments for Bunions

Bunions form when the big toe pushes up against the other toes, forcing the joint in the opposite direction. There are several treatments, depending on severity. "Sometimes just a simple matter of wearing wider shoes, or more supportive shoes, can help most people. Or at least slows the process down," says Dr. Andrew Belis, podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon on Lee Memorial Health System's medical staff.

Dr. Andrew Belis

If the bunion is biomechanically based, surgery is often the next step. "The first technique that I would describe would be more just shaving the bump and doing some simple tendon lengthening options," says Dr. Belis. When the deformity is more severe, doctors may use something new called the tight rope procedure. "That would be to use a suture through the two bones, to bring them together. It acts like a little tightrope to hold these two bones together so that they don't splay apart again thus recreating the bunion," says Dr. Belis.

Source: WABC7.com [11/17/12]

GA Podiatrist Provides Footcare Tips for Diabetics

Dr. Libby Putnam, a podiatrist, sees many diabetic patients in her practice with Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists. She recommends that diabetics religiously check their blood sugar so they can control levels. "This is the most important habit, and unfortunately requires the most time and energy. When your blood sugar is too high, it damages nerves as well as small blood vessels, and not just in your feet. If your nerves no longer function normally, you may experience pain, burning, tingling or numbness," says Putnam.

Dr. Libby Putnam

Putnam recommends that everyone, especially diabetics, should get to know their feet and do regular inspections so they'll know when something changes. "Look at them every day. It’s amazing how many people don’t know what their feet look like. I’ve asked patients how long a large freckle, healed scar or wound has been on their foot, and they say this is the first time they’ve noticed it. If you become familiar with your feet, you’ll notice when something pops up, like a bit of swelling, discoloration, loss of hair or texture changes in your skin. All of these things give your doctor information."

Source: Coastal Courier.com [11/18/12]

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

Bret Ribotsky: What is NYSPMA doing today for its members in the wake of Hurricane Sandy?

Len Thaler: We need to start with the general context and set the background. In NY, we had 43 people dead, millions without power, and 9 hospitals closed. Our offices were without phones. We have heard, so far, from 9 members who have had their offices wiped-out. What we did so far is decentralize our communications, and we have asked our board members to reach out to our members. We have had members open up their offices to those members who need help.

Leonard Thaler

We have, with cooperation of the APMA, opened up special member status for dues relief. We have been working with our general counsel to assist members with a significant discount on malpractice insurance. Also, I am happy that some of our partners around the country have stepped up, for example, the AFL-CIO has made a pledge of $20,000 to assist with Sandy Relief. This is a time to act in an extraordinary fashion, as this is an extraordinary situation.

Dr. Desmond Bell

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest, Dr. Desmond Bell, is the co-founder and Executive Director of the “Save A Leg, Save A Life” Foundation. You can register for future events by clicking here

Most Online Physician Reviews are Positive

Though doctors are perceived as being uncomfortable with the idea of online ratings, a study published earlier this year by the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that most physician reviews are positive. Researchers looked at 386,000 reviews posted between 2005 and 2010 on RateMDs.com and found one in six doctors had at least one review, and doctors had an average score of 3.9 on a 1-to-5 scale on helpfulness and knowledge ratings.

Kenneth Hertz, a principal with the MGMA Health Care Consulting Group, says physicians need to accept new realities with social media. Hertz advises practices that, if a patient puts out a negative tweet about sitting in the waiting room for three hours, “Tweet right back: 'Sorry you had such a bad experience. I'd like to talk with you.' The worst you can do is become defensive,” Hertz says. “The best thing you can do is attempt service recovery and invite further discussion—but have that discussion offline and person to person.”

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare

Query: Podiatry-Specific Coding

I am currently using the podiatry manual written by Dan Bluth, DPM from Concord, CA. I understand it will not be published again as he is retiring. Does anyone know of a similar publication that has this type of coding specific to podiatry?
 
Paul Galluzzo, DPM, Rockford, IL

RE: Socks and Rubber Boots Needed
From: Paul Scollo, DPM

We are collecting new socks and rubber boots for the victims at the Jersey Shore. I am attempting to enlist friends and colleagues from Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Long Island so that they will run similiar programs for the people in those areas that were affected, too.
 
When I collected donations last year for the Passaic River Flooding here in northern New Jersey, we distributed 165 pairs of rubber boots. Our fellow podiatrists and just everyday people helped without hesitation. Anyone who needs further details can contact me directly.

Paul Scollo, DPM, Hasbrouck Hts, NJpscollo@aol.com

RE: Unauthorized Charge (Name Withheld)
From: Mitchell Kahn, DPM

I had the exact same thing happen to me several years ago. Someone called one of our receptionists and asked her if she was authorized to speak for the practice which confused her. Then I started receiving the same bills and threatening calls. I fought it and told them that I was going to call the state attorney general and that whomever they spoke to has no authority to authorize the charges that they allegedly stated that we incurred. Do not pay anything if you did not personally authorize the charges and do not let them bully you. 

Mitchell Kahn, DPM, Langhorne, PA, speechfixer1@aol.com

RE: Unauthorized Charge (Name Withheld)
From: Name Withheld (NY)

This was an unsolicited request, right? The Yellow Pages Online scam has been making the rounds as did a previous Yellow Pages fax scam.  Please check out and Google 'FTC Yellow Pages Online'. I had a secretary answer a fax for a Yellow Pages request to verify information which turned out to be a scam. I then received several bills and then threatening letters over the course of 2 years. I filed a complaint with the FTC, BBB, State Utilities Board, DA, etc. 

Finally, I went to the FTC website and began downloading and sending the FTC investigative reports to the collection agency (in Berne, Switzerland) and the harassment stopped. Continue to keep all paperwork, statements, bills, etc. that are sent to you. Notify every Federal, state, and local organization that may have regulatory authority. It is usually an overseas organization doing this out of a P.O. Box in the states. You are not alone!

Name Withheld

RE: Unauthorized Charge (Name Withheld)
From: B.D. DPM

I had a similar situation with the Village Voice. They continued to run an ad past the time I had authorized and tried to collect nearly $1,000. I took the Village Voice to court, suing them for the amount they claimed I owed.  An attorney for the Village Voice appeared but had no documentation other than the original run dates and the judge found in my favor.

By being proactive and suing Online Yellow Pages for $600, one of two things will happen. Either they won't appear and will lose by default or they will appear and present the taped recording as evidence of an ad buy. This is actually a good thing as a judge will listen to your receptionist answer queries about your office location, but may never hear her say 'run the ad.' Small claims court judges are pretty good to spot unscrupulous vendors scamming. It will take about 4 hours of your time and you may question the cost benefit, but if you let these people get away with this, they'll keep preying on the unsuspecting public.

B.D., DPM, NY, NY, wd.10301@yahoo.com

RE: NJ Podiatrist Warns of Universal Life Insurance Danger
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
 
Buyer beware is right. Whole or permanent life insurance would be the absolute wrong investment for 99% of people. You will be much better purchasing term life insurance and taking the difference in policy pricing between whole and term and investing it yourself. The math is not hard to do and you are not bound by policy issues like these poor people are having to deal with.
 
One may also consider the absurdity in purchasing life insurance for a non-income producer like a child. If you are concerned about paying the costs of a funeral, then once again, invest your hard earned dollars in an account to cover such an event. Don’t earn money for an insurance company; earn it for yourself and family.
 
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty . New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON

Busy office with good steady referral sources looking to expand. Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with good personality and hard work ethic. New main and satellite offices. Email: office.pfac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW JERSEY - PASSAIC COUNTY

Associate Position Available leading to Practice Purchase. 25 year old well established general, well rounded practice seeking residency trained, ABPS eligible/certified podiatrist. Must be able to perform general foot procedures/surgeries without assistance. Well equipped office with digital x-ray, ultrasound, Doppler, 3 treatment rooms. Hospital Privileges available. Must be logical, Ethical and hard working. Pay commensurate with performance. Call 201-986-1900.ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.Com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Welcome to paradise! Immediate opening in a busy, multi-location practice. Six figure income potential possible for the motivated individual in the first year. Surgical training a plus. Hospital privileges available, depending on training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to: Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NC PIEDMONT

Excellent opportunity for highly motivated, ethical, and personable PSR 24/36. This well established, 3-physician practice has excellent rapport with physician community, multiple office locations, and hospital privileges. Intent is an associate leading to partnership for the right individual. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV to dpmassociatenc@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to: Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MARYLAND (PART-TIME/FULL=TIME)

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.

ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNER - NJ HAMILTON SQ

Looking for a 2/3 year surgically trained podiatrist for a position in my well balanced practice. A full schedule of patients is waiting. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care and clinic, general podiatry and sportsmedicine. Starting salary is $90,000 plus bonus +health+401K+paid vacation and seminars+all dues. Starting immediately send resume to Drj4foot2012@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNER – CENTRAL VIRGINIA

(Richmond/ Charlottesville) Looking for a 2/3 year surgically trained podiatrist. Laser training is preferred but not required (CO2, Pulsed Dye, YAG, Multiplex). The practice incorporates surgery, laser-based procedures including cosmetic treatments, general podiatry. Starting salary is $90,000 plus bonus +health+paid vacation and seminars+all dues. Starting immediately send CV to DrChrisStewart@cvillefootankle.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (GREENWICH, 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 to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to : practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. 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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