The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 01, 2011 #4,052 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We wish all our readers a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Editor's Note: This is a reminder that the price of our CME program rises on January 1, 2011. You can still register at 2010 prices by clicking here.

Stem Cell Therapy Can Heal Diabetic Gangrenous Ulcers: IL Podiatrist

"Diabetics are most prone to foot gangrene because they typically have poor circulation or nerve damage, which can lead to loss of blood supply," says Chicago foot specialist Debra E. Young, a board-certified podiatrist and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Young practices at Lincoln Park Podiatry, St. Joseph Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and two outpatient surgery centers. 

Dr. Debra Young

During the recent International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS) Annual Congress on Regenerative and Cell Based Medicine, the world's first successful treatment by Korean physicians of severe gangrene without amputation was presented. Stem cell therapy healed gangrenous ulcers with complications and improved foot sensory perception in a person with long-term disease who had previously had no alternative to treating gangrene other than amputation. Ten days after stem cell injection, pus and wounds had improved by 70-80%; 20 days later, by 90%.

Source: Sandy Dechert, Examiner.com [12/29/10]

Deadlines Approach for 2011 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting

The 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) will be held from July 28-31, 2011 in Boston. Podiatrists can register today and book hotel rooms to take advantage of early-bird deals!

Boston Marriott Copley Place: Attendees can book a room at the early-bird rate. The rate increases after December 31, 2010. Sheraton Boston (Host Hotel): Register for the meeting by January 31, 2011 for the hotel's early-bird special and to be automatically entered into a raffle to win a free stay during The National (limit: four nights, APMA members only)!

Meeting Registration
$295--APMA members only, good through March 31, 2011 $95--APMA life members, good through March 31, 2011 (Podiatric medical students and APMA postgraduate members receive complimentary registration.)

CMS Expands Provider Directory, Launches First Phase of Physician Compare Website 

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) enhanced the Physician Directory tool at medicare.gov with new information about physicians and other healthcare workers in their communities and the services those professionals provide. The new feature, called Physician Compare, expands and updates CMS’ Healthcare Provider Directory, which has helped millions of beneficiaries find Medicare-participating doctors online for over a decade. The new tool expands the doctor-specific information into the suite of informational tools for Medicare beneficiaries and other consumers. 

The new site, at medicare.gov/find-a-doctor, which was required by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, contains information about physicians enrolled in the Medicare program, which include Doctors of medicine, osteopathy, optometry, podiatric medicine, and chiropractic. The site also contains information about other types of health professionals who routinely care for Medicare beneficiaries, including nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, registered dietitians, physical therapists, physician assistants, and occupational therapists.

Source: CMS News [12/30/10]

End The Year on a High Note - Part 3

• Clear your desktop. What simple steps can you take to improve your workspace? Reorganizing files, or simply filing a stack of papers, is a great first step. Restock office supplies and order new calendars or planners.
• Declutter your files. Your staffers lose a good deal of time locating or recreating missing paperwork. Urge them to update and purge files, shredding or recycling out-of-date materials.
• Maximize computer power. Increase computer equipment’s longevity by dusting it to improve air flow. Decluttering the inside of the computer will boost a machine's power. Talk to your IT guru about simple steps staffers can take, like updating their anti-virus programs, safely removing unnecessary programs, and running defragment programs to protect their computers and increase processing speed.  

  Source: Communication Briefings [December 2010]

Query: Phone System Recommendations

My office phone system is about 20 years old and needs to be replaced.  I am in solo practice with four connected lines and another separated, dedicated line to our fax machine/scanner. We have four phone stations in the office. Our building does not have cable, so we use DSL for our Internet. We forward the lead-in line to our answering service which has both voice mail and a live operator available. We have music on hold from the same source that plays music in our office.

We do not transfer calls between stations, we just put them on hold.  We do not use the intercom function, as we are a small office. There are many options out there with a PBX type system, but they seem to be more than I need. Also, there are VOIP systems. I would appreciate any advice.

Jack Reingold, DPM, Solana Beach, CA

Query: Dispensing Compression Stockings

I dispense Therafirm Gradient Compression Stockings from my office for cash. I have a DME number, and would like to begin billing the stockings. What code would I use for 15 - 20 mm compression stockings? Do I bill "RT" and "LT"? Are there any other modifiers necessary?

Neil Levin, DPM, Sycamore, IL

Response: You must use the "AW" modifier in order to indicate that the patient is under an active plan of care for venous ulcers and has an active open ulceration.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY  

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

RE: Undiagnosed Diffuse Skin Lesions (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

I've always been impressed with Dr. Udell's opinions, but I cannot support that the profession accept his statements that "biopsies and blood tests, in and of themselves, are rarely diagnoses makers... We are the captains of our ship NOT the radiologists, pathologists or blood testing labs."

As someone formally trained in laboratory medicine, I can assure you that the American Society of Clinical Pathology would strongly disagree. This naivety of laboratory medicine further pushes podiatry away from mainstream medicine, a direction I've fought against all my professional life.

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

RE: Ethical Dilemma About Miscoding Routine Foot Care (Name Withheld)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

There is no question that as long as podiatrists participate with any kind of insurance plan, they will need to constantly invest their time and energy figuring out how to appropriately bill for services. The stark reality is that we provide certain services that simply are not covered by insurance. This is the perfect scenario for setting your own fees and collecting cash up front. Why jeopardize your future by inappropriate billing practices when you can and should collect the cash on THAT DATE of service?
 
I took the opposite track and instead of always trying to figure out what was covered, I looked more carefully at what wasn't covered. That was my ticket to an increase in cash services. In this economic climate, everyone fears charging patients for what they do, but I cannot stress enough that this is, in fact, THE time to introduce cash services. 
 
I do not participate with any insurance companies, and am opted out of Medicare. I am the only "entity" that determines the fees that I collect. I promise you, there is life after "participation." But I believe that the word participation should be changed. You are not participating with insurance companies. You are COOPERATING with their exploitation of your training and services. That is the real truth.
 
Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: X-Ray Comparison (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Marc Garfield, DPM

Never underestimate the deceptiveness of a “Return on Investment” analysis from anyone trying to sell you technology. I believe the greatest potential cost savings for digital x- ray occurs when and if you are able to reduce your payroll and still see the same number of patients.

If this does not work for you, the processor maintenance, chemicals, and film savings will be offset by support fees, your lease/payment, interest and city/county property taxes on equipment.

I strongly believe that digital x-rays are...

Editor's Note: Dr. Garfield's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: The Passing of John Carson
From: Lynn Homisak, PRT, Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

The first thing I thought when I read the PM News obituary about John Carson was ..."What a tremendous loss for the podiatry world!" John earned the respect and admiration of APMA members and family by his unselfish contributions and connections on "the Hill." My second thought was, "I am glad that he was honored and acknowledged for the work that he did while he was here to appreciate it," and third...that I will personally miss him. I considerate it a privilege to have known him and called him my friend. It is with a saddened heart and years of personal affection that I celebrate his life today...and for many days to come. My sincere condolences to his family and to all who knew him.

Lynn Homisak, PRT, Renton, WA

I will never forget my first visit with John, many years ago in the halls of Congress. We walked down the hallway and happened to pass a number of (famous) legislators. They included Strom Thurmond and Ted Kennedy, who waved to him and asked: " Hi John, how are the foot doctors doing today?" I was stunned with disbelief. Everybody knew John by name and whom he represented.

I had heard that John was good at what he did, but I had no idea HOW good he was. The only problem as I see it is that he raised the standard so high (regarding our representation in Washington), that it may never be possible to see his match, no matter how hard our people work for us.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Douglas Richie, DPM is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatric physician to join his two office practice located in North Orange County, California. Applicants must have completed a 3-year residency program and must have exceptional skills in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and podiatric biomechanics. This is a salaried position with a goal of long-term buy-in for equity ownership. Send letter of interest and CV to drichiejr@aol.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
 
Very well established Podiatry practice in Louisville, KY seeks a motivated, ethical practitioner trained in all phases of podiatry including routine care, surgery and wound care to join 2 other podiatrists. By joining our practice you will receive a competitive salary with a bonus structure and benefits. Our practice is equipped with DME, PadNet, Gait Scanner and on site retail store. There is a huge potential to grow your practice with our ideally located facility that has strong affiliation with leading area hospitals as well as 2 local residency programs. For immediate consideration, please forward CV to Samuel10530@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

CPME Board certified podiatrist wanted to join Orthopedic & Arthritis Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. The position is per diem, 2 days/ week. Interested candidates should send their CV to: Brenda Surowiec, Orthopedic & Arthritis Center, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. Or email to bsurowiec@partners.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (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 and current photo to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com. Applications due by Jan 31st.

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate opening. Well-established multi-office practice with EMR, Digital x-ray, and more. Seeking full-time associate with PM and S-36 training. Independent and highly motivated. Must be BC/BS in rearfoot and ankle with confidence in complex reconstructive cases. Full benefits package, competitive salary. Email CV to: JLH459@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

40 year old updated practice with outstanding potential. Within 5 miles of Boston hospitals and 5 blocks from train station. Buy the practice, equipment and goodwill for a reasonable price. Excellent opportunity for resident or second location for practicing podiatrist. Multiple referral sources. Email vshdeep@yahoo.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 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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