The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 13, 2012 #4,611 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist Discusses Insurance Coverage

Once ranked as the 15th best-paying profession in the United States, podiatry is still considered a good job prospect because an aging population and an upswing in global diabetes have created a high demand for such doctors. Trenton-born podiatric surgeon Dr. Steven A. Maffei has been in practice 25 years, has a private practice in Hamilton Township, and is part of the wound management team at Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell. He is past president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society. He recently commented on the state of insurance coverage for podiatric services.

Dr. Steven A. Maffei

"Insurance companies all have shortcomings. Trying to get permission to do appropriate testing like MRIs or advanced studies is burdensome and arduous. The 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act established minimum standards for pension plans in private industry. It was good for union workers. But now private insurers can refuse to pay for treatment and you can’t sue them. We now have more difficult paperwork and are subject to frequent audits by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and by private insurance companies. They’re not saying, 'Don’t do it.' They’re saying, 'We’re not paying for it'," says Maffei.

Source: Joyce J. Persico, nj.com [11/11/12]

MI Podiatrist Receives Special Gift From Wounded Warrior

Terry Hawn recently received a purple heart. Podiatrist Dr. Dan Lathrop, who treated Hawn's foot and ankle injuries, received a gift just before Hawn's shoulder surgery last month — Hawn's first aviator wings pin earned in 1985 after his Army pilot training. The wings had special meaning for the doctor. When he was a boy in the 1950s, his uncle, a World War II pilot, gave him his air wings — an act that has had a permanent effect on his life. He told that story to Hawn after the Purple Heart ceremony.

Dr. Dan Lathrop

For years, Lathrop has refused to accept payment for many injured vets in active service. It's a practice he started during the Vietnam War when he began removing shrapnel from the feet and legs of injured soldiers. "Even if they have insurance, I can't charge them," Lathrop said. "It's been my posture for the past several years. They've done so much for our country. I'm very concerned about these soldiers."

Source: Loraine Anderson, Travis City Record Eagle [11/11/12]

AAPPM Fall Workshop Featured Sun, Fun, and Education

Over 160 attendees enjoyed the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) 2012 Fall Practice Management Workshop this past weekend at the Lago Mar Hotel in sunny Fort Lauderdale. “This annual conference provided to attendees dozens of winning practice management strategies to enhance the doctors' patient care and build doctor practices through expert lecturers, power pearls, short lectures, hands-on workshops, and roundtable discussions in all aspects of podiatric practice management," said Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman.

Attendees at AAPPM Fall Workshop

AAPPM returns to the Lago Mar for the Million Dollar Summit (Jan 11-13, 2013), followed by the AAPPM MidWinter Seminar in Pittsburgh (February 27–March 3, 2013), which is a traditional sellout.

Chinese Surgeon Attends ACFAS Surgical Skills Course

(L-R) Dr. Hua Chen and Dr. Jordan Grossman, president-elect of ACFAS at the ACFAS Clincal Skills Course.

Hua Chen, MD, visiting from China, had a chance to attend the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Trauma Surgical Skills course in the Chicago area on November 11, while here in the U.S. doing a fellowship in Indianapolis.

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

Bret Ribotsky: How can podiatrists build their practices by looking for and diagnosing neuropathy in their patients?

Dr. Allen Jacobs

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guests are experts in emergency preparedness: Leonard Thaler, Executive Director of NYSPMA and Herman Hammerschmidt, Executive Director of FPMA . You can register for future events by clicking here

Healthcare Looms Large as a Debt-Reduction Target in CBO Analysis

Federal healthcare programs were prominent targets in a new Congressional Budget Office analysis of debt-reduction options for policymakers expected to tackle that issue soon. The non-partisan CBO noted that without “significant changes,” federal healthcare spending is projected to continue growing much faster than the economy and the revenue necessary to pay for it. Specifically, an aging population is expected to accelerate growth of both Medicare and the long-term care services financed through Medicaid.

The report outlines healthcare cuts that would provide $420 billion in annual deficit reductions by 2020, or the bulk of the $750 billion the CBO offered as a goal of deficit-reduction talks expected to start in the final weeks of this year or early next year.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [11/9/12]

RE: Office Available in Staten Island

I have an operational office in Staten Island, Does any one still need a space on Staten Island? Please let me know. I will be happy to help.

Susheel Bathla, DPM, Staen Island, NY, sbathla108@yahoo.com

RE: Painful Stiff 1st MTP Joint After Bunionectomy with Implant (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

In my opinion, hallux limitus results ultimately come down to a return to biomechanics basics of 1st ray function. For instance, in this case, presumably, the Lapidus procedure was performed to address an excessively hypermobile 1st ray and resultant high IM angle (corroborate via review of original plain films). If not, then I question its performance in a predominate hallux limitus case. Pre-op films are helpful in establishing the extent of deformity and its planar dominance.

Given Root's theory of planar dominance, I suspect many surgeons underestimate that...

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

RE: Painful Stiff 1st MTP Joint After Bunionectomy with Implant (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: SJ Siegel, DPM

A weight-bearing lateral film would be helpful. Assuming there is no 1st ray elevation, I usually do manipulation under anesthesia in the office - Mayo block and aggressive distraction, and plantarflexory manipulation. I typically avoid intra-articular cortisone post MUA in joint replacement patients. I almost always prescribe a DynaSplint - it's expensive, but very helpful.
 
SJ Siegel, DPM, Bensalem, PA, heeldoc@verizon.net

RE: PA Podiatrist Named Consultant of the Year By Business Journal
From: Michael J. Schneider, DPM

I am so proud to be a member of the podiatry profession and be in the company of Dr. Levine.

I would also like to send kudos to the many colleagues who came to the rescue of podiatrists who were affected by hurricane Sandy.

Michael J. Schneider, DPM, Denver, CO, podiatristoncall@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 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 - 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

PODIATRISTS WANTED – NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
Excellent opportunity for independent professionally managed practice in skilled nursing facilities. E-mail interest and CV to ZbubblesZ@aol.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.

AVAILABLE POSITION – OSSINING , NY

Open Door is a Level-3 Patient Centered Medical Home & community health center is looking for a PT BC/BE podiatrist interested in working w/ a diverse patient population in our Ossining site. 2-3 days/wk. flexible hrs. Spanish-speaking a plus! forward resume to: nrodriguez@odfmc.org

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 - 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 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 toDrj4foot2012@aol.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 infowww.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO

Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 year old hospital-based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of high risk diabetic foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV tomedicopodiatra@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Office and Hospital-based Podiatry group is seeking a highly trained, "high powered" surgical associate to compliment our 4 doctor group. Minimum PSR 36 trained with Rearfoot Reconstructive experience is required. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package along with amazing working environment. Please forward cover letter and CV to drsteinberg@mynewfeet.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.

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