The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 09, 2013 #4,660 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Sore Feet Are a Sign of Correctable Foot Problems: CA Podiatrist

A Team led by psychologist Roy Baumeister discovered in 1998 that willpower, much like a muscle, can be fatigued. His findings may explain why people have such difficulty sticking to long lists of New Year's resolutions. His research also found that willpower can be developed. By starting small and focusing on a few tasks, study participants not only improved their chances of success, but built willpower and endurance for more difficult tasks.

Dr. Mark Drucker

With that in mind, Marin General Hospital asked physicians to recommend one healthy action to focus on in 2013 that will provide significant payback with relatively little effort. Mark Drucker, DPM, podiatry: "There's a joke about a tombstone that reads, 'I told people my feet were killing me!' Your feet aren't supposed to hurt. If they do, see a podiatrist." Sore feet can be a sign of correctable foot problems that discourage people from getting the exercise they need, and can lead to more serious problems if not addressed.

Source: Marin Independent Journal [1/1/13]

CLEAR Holds ANKLE Research Symposium

Reecently, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) hosted the 2012 CLEAR-ANKLE Research Symposium attended by faculty, staff, and students. This past summer, while receiving support from Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) faculty and RFUMS research centers, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine students worked as NIH-funded research trainees on novel research and served as mentors to undergraduates from ANKLE, the podiatry student interest group at Loyola University.

(Back Row L-R) Robert Intine, PhD; Nancy Parsley, DPM, MHPE; Ronald Sage, DPM; Rashad Sayeed; Adam Baron; Bruce Manion, PhD; Jonathon Matzkin-Bridger; Stephanie Wu, DPM, MSc; and Ryan Crews, MSc.  (Front Row L-R) Shrunjay Patel, Ramin Ghazizadeh, Farheen Wahid, and Cassey Crowell.

To culminate the experience, Scholl College students presented their research progress to Scholl College faculty, including Dean Nancy Parsley, DPM, MHPE, and Stephanie Wu, DPM, MSc, the director of CLEAR, as well as other Rosalind Franklin University faculty members. The keynote speaker, Ronald Sage, DPM, from the Loyola University Heath System, spoke highly of the caliber of research in which Scholl College students are participating at CLEAR. Rashad Sayeed, a third-year student at Scholl College and president of the RFUMS Research Honors Society, ended the event by addressing the students, “as we move forward in our careers, the research skills we learned here at CLEAR will be what take our clinical perspective to another level.”

CA Podiatrist Celebrates 100th Birthday

Dr. DeWitt Potter turned 100 on Dec. 30th. Potter is a Woodland resident who hails from Pennsylvania. Originally a podiatrist in his home state, Potter was drafted by the U.S. Army during World War II and sent to Camp Beale in Marysville after an injury. His life changed when he met his wife, Geneva, at a dance in Woodland in 1945.

Dr. Dewitt Potter

At the conclusion of World War II, Potter set down roots in Woodland and returned to his podiatry practice in order to support his wife and two children, Susan and Rick. Potter celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family on December 30th at his home in Woodland.

Source: Daily Democrat [1/6/13]

In 2011, U.S. Healthcare Spending Growth Stayed at Slowest Rate in 52 Years

For a third year in a row, U.S. healthcare spending in 2011 grew at its lowest rate in the 52 years that federal officials have tracked the figure, according to annual statistics from CMS' Office of the Actuary.

The year 2011 marked the third consecutive year that healthcare spending grew at a rate of 3.9%, while healthcare as a share of gross domestic product remained at 17.9% from 2009 through 2011. The statistics came from the National Health Expenditure Accounts, which have been published for 52 years. Analysts noted that the high unemployment, loss of private insurance, and a decrease in the amount of resources paid for healthcare resulting from the economic recession between December 2007 and June 2009 led to historically low healthcare spending growth between 2009 and 2011.

Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [1/7/13]

Query: PQRS and eRx for 2013

Are there still both incentive payments and penalties for compliance/noncompliance with PQRs in 2013 if we are using EHR with meaningful use? Are there penalties for not using "G" codes for eRx when using EHR?

Brad Toll, DPM, Crofton, MD

Response: There are still incentives available for PQRS in 2013 even if you qualify for the EHR meaningful use incentive. It is a 0.5% incentive with an additional 0.5% incentive for maintenance of certification (with either ABPM or ABPS). Submitting on the individual claims method, you still need to submit at least three measures and, for each measure, you must perform it on at least 50% of eligible patients.

Penalties for PQRS begin in 2015 (-1.5%) but to avoid the penalties, you must submit at least one measure in 2013. There continue to be penalties for not meeting e-prescribing requirements. Again in 2013 to avoid the penalty in 2014, you must submit at least 10 of the "G" codes in the first six months of the year, or have been a successful e-prescriber in 2012, or file for an exemption if you are eligible. The penalty for 2013 is 1.5%, and for 2014 it is 2%.

Also new for 2013 and 2014: New Significant Hardship Exemption Categories for the 2013 and 2014 eRx payment adjustments:
- Eligible professionals or group practices who achieve meaningful use during certain eRx payment adjustment reporting period
- Eligible professionals or group practices who demonstrate intent to participate in the EHR Incentive Program and adoption of Certified EHR Technology
- Eligible professionals or group practices will not need to affirmatively request an exemption for these categories. Rather, CMS will use the information provided in the EHR Incentive Program’s Registration and Attestation page to determine whether the exemption applies.

Jim Christina, DPM, Bethesda, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Lesions in Feet of Diabetic with Pancreatic CA (Larry Aronberg, DPM)
From: Richard M. Maleski DPM
 
Also consider granuloma annulare, which is a benign, self-limiting lesion seen in diabetics as well as other immunocompromised patients.
 
Richard M. Maleski, DPM, Arnold, PA, maleski@zoominternet.net

RE: Confusion Over New AFO Height Requirements
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

Lately, there has been considerable confusion concerning the new AFO LCD. APMA and leaders of other professions have been working diligently to overturn the height requirements which have no scientific basis. Review of the source documents used by Medicare officials reveals they were published years ago and the height requirements, as stipulated by Medicare, were taken out of context. Despite strong objections by APMA and other stakeholder associations, the current height regulations as stipulated in the AFO LCD are required.

Questions abound concerning whether one style of AFO vs. another needs to meet these absurd height requirements. Advertisers may have seized on this apprehension to...

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

RE: Prolotherapy (Thomas Silver, DPM)
From: Marc Katz, DPM
 
Prolotherapy is often learned by studying under another physician and then gaining pearls from different doctors and publications. I personally picked up techniques from local doctors that I contacted, and have been actively using prolo and PRP for the past 8 years. Dr. Robert Kornfeld helped me with some excellent protocols and solutions when I attended his course in Florida.

A first start is to read the Prolo bible by Hackett, Hemwall, and Montgomery called Ligament and Tendon Relaxation Treated by Prolotherapy. Next, I would check out the...

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

RE: Government Spending on Chronic Diseases
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

In an article released Thursday, the author of a study on Medicare spending revealed that just the more effective management of chronic disease could reduce Medicare spending by 10%. In the realm of spending, this is an enormous amount of money. Other similar studies have suggested that “aggressive exercise and weight reduction programs have reduced adult onset diabetes” even in older adults.

Yet, according to most planners, not much effort has been put through to deal with prevention and better control of chronic diseases, at least in the U.S. Instead, Government has concentrated on treatment and of course attempted enforcement of reductions in graft and fraud.

Ambulation and activity is a key component of weight control and cardiac health. Instead of fighting against podiatrists and others who work to encourage exercise and ambulation, Government should encourage all practitioners to work toward this goal. Even a 5% reduction in Medicare spending would be a gigantic amount of money. Yet, we see no reports from OIG or any other Government sources that stress this approach.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: Advertising for Employees (Mark Weaver, DPM)
From: Susan M. Weeks, PMAC, Mak Yousefpour, DPM

I respectfully suggest contacting the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants. We frequently have members who have relocated and are looking for employment with a podiatrist in their new home town.
 
Many of our assistants are PMACs (Podiatric Medical Assistants, Certified) in clinical or administrative areas. Because we are a related organization of the APMA, our members must be employed by an APMA member in good standing. Our members have continuing education available to them and are an asset to their physician employers. I invite you to visit our website: aspma.org.
 
Susan M. Weeks, PMAC, ASPMA Membership Chair, weekssusan@bellsouth.net

For medical assistants and Medical billers, we often call the schools and ask them to send us an intern. They rotate through our offices for about a month and at the end of their rotation, we either hire them or get another intern. This way you can train them the way you want. The downside is their lack of experience; the upside is the fact that you do not have to hire them and then find out it did not work out.

Mak Yousefpour, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, makdpm@yahoo.com

RE: The Residency Shortage (Lowell Weil, Sr., DPM)
From: Paul Kruper, DPM

Inadequate residencies for graduate DPMs is more than a travesty; it is probably actionable. Not being able to obtain a residency or licensure would prompt me to investigate a class action against the APMA and/or the schools. Requiring a 3-year residency without provisions to provide same to all students is incompetent in action and malicious in spirit. Or provide a written disclaimer to all student applicants that there is no guarantee of licensure after graduation, and then explain that there is a chance they may never be able to actually practice podiatry. The allopathic graduate, however, has access to many different residency pathways.
 
Paul Kruper, DPM, Kingsburg, CA, prkruper@yahoo.com

RE: NY Podiatrist Advises Against Cosmetic Foot Surgery
From: J.C. Mahaffey, MS, David Secord, DPM

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has had a position statement on cosmetic foot surgery since 2004. It may be found at acfas.org/positions.

J.C. Mahaffey, MS, ACFAS Executive Director, Mahaffey@acfas.org

Some years back, this was a hot topic, with passionate discourse arguing both ways. Some of us— myself included— stated categorically that if there is no primary complaint other than looks and no functional detriment, or a functional detriment which could be accommodated, then the risk is not worth the vanity of the patient and it should not be undertaken. The other side believes that if it can be done and the patient consents to the procedure, what’s to stop you?

Being of the one camp makes it difficult for me to understand the other camp, I guess. If it doesn’t hurt and there is no change in function or form, why on earth would someone roll the dice that there will never be a complication in one of these cases? It is, ultimately, up to each surgeon to decide, but it seems straightforward to me.

David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX, ledocdave@hotmail.com

RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR -  MICHIGAN

Genesys Health System in Grand Blanc, MI is seeking an exemplary leader to serve as the Program Director for the Hospital's Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with the added Credential in Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR). Apply online www.genesys.org.

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.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - K-LASER

K-laser for sale. 32 out of 59 payments have been made. New owner would assume lease of only 27 payments. E-mail advancedfoot1@aol.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

SEEKING ASSOCIATE POSITION - ATLANTA AREA

Well-trained podiatric (PM&S36) surgeon seeking associate position in Atlanta area. Highly personable with strong private practice billing, marketing and social media experience. Please contact dpm.atlanta@gmail.com

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 to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, external fixation, and ankle replacement surgery. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.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 - FLORIDA

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley. Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Busy, well-respected practice in Western Massachusetts looking for associate and offering future partnership. New, large office offering all levels of podiatric care with state-of-the-art technology and EMR. Excellent opportunity for podiatrist who is ready to settle down or getting started. Search is confidential. Send CV/ references to tapoflife@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- SOUTH JERSEY & SUBURBAN PA

Busy, diverse, progressive & well established, multi-office prestigious practice seeking PSR 24/36 who is personable, confident & ethical with excellent surgical skills. Excellent employment package with great upside potential. Respond to: footandankle22@aol.com with CV & Resume.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI – EAST CENTRAL

Podiatric medical group seeks recent graduate or 2013 graduate who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.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 – NORTHWEST INDIANA

Looking for a well-trained, entrepreneurial-minded podiatrist to compliment a busy modern (EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic US, etc.) practice. Highly competitive compensation package. Great area to work, live and raise a family. Send resume/CV to: Pjames@cffaac.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

Do you want to practice in a fast paced office environment? Do you like all aspects of podiatric medicine? Very busy 2 office practice looking for associate to add to our group of 5. If you are a forward thinking, surgically trained podiatrist send your CV to giacalone@faant.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students

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