The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

August 18, 2012 #4,543 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Congratulations to: Dr. William Axton of Ludlow, MA, winner of Textbook of Bunion Surgery (4th Edition) edited by Dr. Joshua Gerbert ($179.95). We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this confidential survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2013 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes.

This week's prize is a copy of A Podiatric Practitioner's Biomechanic and Surgical Guide by Thomas E. Sgarlato, DPM (Value $120).

This is also your opportunity to vote for the next DPM and Non-DPM inductees into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

Foster and Davis Inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

The 2012 APMA Scientific Meeting started off in grand fashion as a sold-out capacity crowd of 235 podiatrists, corporate sponsors, family, and friends welcomed the newest inductees Oliver Foster, DPM and Michael Davis into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. This event, which has become an institution at the APMA national, also serves as a major fundraiser for the APMA Educational Fund, which provides scholarships to podiatric students each year. This year's event was sponsored by Formula 3 and Bako Lab.

(L-R) Michael Davis and Dr. Oliver Foster

Michael Davis, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association was roasted "Italian style" by Dr. John Mattiacchi, Dean of the Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine. "Ollie" Foster, a legendary and long-time political leader and PAC fundraiser was gently roasted by Dr. Stephen Wan, past president of the California Podiatric Medical Association.

NY Podiatrist Discusses Athlete's Foot

According to Dr. Johanna Youner, an APMA podiatrist and spokesperson practicing in New York City, athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin on your foot that thrives in warm, moist areas. Your risk for getting athlete's foot increases if you wear closed shoes — especially if they are plastic lined, keep your feet wet for long periods of time, and have increased sweating. Athlete's foot is also contagious and can be passed via surfaces like pool decks and showers.

Dr. Johanna Youner

What to do: "To avoid this common summer condition, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, before putting on your shoes and socks," Dr. Youner recommends. "Change your socks during the day if they become saturated with sweat, and add a powder like cornstarch into your daily routine after showering to keep your feet dry and prevent infection."

Source: Janis Graham & Lauren Le Vine, Redbook [Summer 2012]

UK Podiatrist 'Banned' from Store after Insisting on Walking Around  Barefoot

A podiatrist who walks everywhere in his bare feet was banned from his local branch of Tesco for refusing to wear shoes. Steve Bloor, 48, believes walking without footwear is good for posture and general health and says shoes are unnecessary. He has been walking everywhere barefoot for the last two years but was stunned when a security guard stopped him entering his local Tesco in Helston, Cornwall.

Steven Bloor

Mr. Bloor claims his foot hygiene is better than those who wear shoes and that people wearing flip-flops or high heels are more likely to have an accident. "I would like to see that there’s no discrimination and people are given the option of going barefoot."

Source: Anna Edwards, Daily Mail [8/16/12]

Query: Cadaver Resource

I need another resource other than Joint Restoration for the acquisition of fresh talar allograft material. Does anyone know of another source?

S. Jeffrey Siegel, DPM, Philadephia, PA

Query: Malpractice Options

What are some other malpractice insurance options besides PICA  and Podiatry Plus?

Name Withheld (TN)

Query: Strapping Not Covered With Injection

All my recent claims from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) have been rejected for my strapping code CPT 29540, saying it is bundled with the heel pain injection code. Medicare has always paid. BCBS has just recently started rejecting this combination. Any reason for this?

Mark Majeski, DPM, Toms River, NJ

Response: The concept of denying the paired codes for an injection and strapping is not new. This was started by Medicare with the NCCI edits. (apmacodingrc.org/cciedits.asp) a number of years ago. At this time, most insurance carriers will deny the strapping if performed on the same anatomical site.

In order for CPT 29540 to be covered, it would need to be performed on a different anatomical site. I would make sure you use the "LT" and "RT" modifiers and "-59" modifier for the strapping when on different anatomical sites; otherwise the strapping will be included when an injection is provided as in the example you posted.

David J Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Chronic Charot Foot (Stephen S Pirotta, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

The only thing that will save Dr. Pirotta's patient's foot is a proper deformity correction if the bone quality is good enough to survive such procedures. Removing the cuboid with a TAL will only aggravate the condition as a whole without addressing the underlying cause of the problem: the gross deformities present in all planes.

My advice to Dr. Pirotta is to educate this patient as to the actual risk of limb loss without proper reconstruction and, if needed, refer him/her to a colleague with expertise in reconstructive Charcot foot deformity correction.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Chronic Charot Foot (Stephen S Pirotta, DPM)
From: Sloan Gordon, DPM

Structural considerations leave the patient little hope of healing. Have a rheumatogist or endocrinologist give an IV biphosphanate. Then  do a gastroc and a pantalar arthrodesis. Otherwise, you'll be referring them for a BKA. Involve vascular or ortho as consults to limit your liability in this high-risk patient. 

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

RE: Scope of Practice (Theresa Hughes, DPM)
From: Alan Bass, DPM
 
In regard to BMI, I do not believe that it is out of our scope at all. If a patient has an out of range BMI and has a pedal pathology, who can argue that it is out of our scope to counsel the patient to try and reduce their BMI to help treat their pathology? Additionally, the recording of an abnormal BMI and counseling for it are included in the Core Clinical Quality Measures that are reported to CMS when applying for your CMS incentive under the Meaningful Use program.

Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: Practice Fusion
From: Arnold J Wolf, DPM

We have pretty much solved the problem of insurance entities, MAC and RAC and requests for medical records. Our office does not produce SOAP visits. Instead, we write narratives covering all the core measures required from the EMR incentive program. We have found a "free" certified EMR that is not office based. I can go to my EMR from any computer with Internet service.
 
We use Dragon Naturally Speaking (about $150) to dictate with a desktop microphone. Dragon Naturally Speaking 11.5 can contain all the templates from every body part or system in multiplicity. The templates have all negative findings and if you find a positive finding you simply tell the computer to change anything from negative to positive findings. I received my stimulus last year and probably will this year as well. I have had inspectors and federal marshals inspect my records, which...

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

RE: Source for Surgical Shoes (R. Alex Dellinger, DPM)
From: Allen Guehl, DPM

I have been happy with a newer start-up (DPMDepot.com) committed to podiatry and customer service. They have excellent pricing on DME.

Allen Guehl, DPM, Dayton, OH, drguehl@gmail.com

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

High Income Potential. One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a hard-working podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Contact me at: podocare123@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SUFFOLK COUNTY, LI

Well-rounded podiatry practice. A business-oriented, mature board eligible/certified podiatrist who is not just looking for a job, but a secure future. Equity position possible. 2 hospitals available. No nursing homes. Competitive package. Please send CV to 631-581-0857.

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 – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KY

Immediate position for established practice in excellent location with option to buy. All phases of podiatry with good mix of patients. Two local residency programs with foot and ankle and trauma privileges. Office has EMR qualifying for meaningful use in the first year. PADnet vascular testing. Send resume to: samuel10530@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ

Part-time or-full time. This position can and will lead to purchase of practice if so desired. Well-equipped modern office. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, etc. Individual must be well-trained and be ABPS Qualified/Certified. Must be competent in general foot care and be able to do routine foot surgery without help. Call: 201-986-1900.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC

Prominent two office (3 practitioner) podiatric medical group seeking well rounded, personable individual with good medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, board qualified or certified foot and ankle surgeon. Salary with benefits package. Serious inquiries to ponyrunner66@gmail.com

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 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 POSITION - YONKERS, NY

Immediate part-time associate position now available. Appx: 3 1/2 days per week with room to grow. Practice is a good balance of all aspects of podiatric foot care, including surgery. Perfect opportunity for new graduate, or experienced podiatrist. Looking for the right person to transition into vacancy that will be left by current associate leaving the area and you will have an immediate, full schedule of patients. Over 25 year well-established practice with large referral base, and both hospital and surgery center privileges available. Interested persons please forward CV and brief summary of surgical log to: Podiodoc@gmail.com 914.584.1434

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

EQUIPMENT WANTED - DIGITAL X-RAY MACHINE

We are looking to buy a used digital x-ray machine- Please contact me at: HowardBeachPod@aol.com or call (646) 401-3563 Preferred Unit: Fujifilm, FCR XL-2 Lite w/Genesis Viewing Software for 2 licenses.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PINPOINTE LASER

PinPointe Laser for sale. All accessories included. In service since 2008. Service policy in place, fully transferable. $35,000. tatarb@verizon.net.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PODIATRIC LASERS

Great price, great outcome. Stop wasting money on expense lasers. Personally owned and used few hours in my office,. 10 and 30 watts lasers. Two handpieces in one. First one for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, pain, inflammation. 2nd handpiece for surgical ablation and fungus toenail conditions. Portable fast and very cost-effective: footcare@comcast.net

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

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.

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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 13,500 DPM's. 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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