The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 11, 2012 #4,355 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Reports Success with New Topical Antibiotic

A South Dakota pharmaceutical company aims to help diabetics treat their foot problems with an antibiotic. Pharmacline is based out of Sioux Falls. One of its products is called diabecline. It's a topical antibiotic which is placed on the surface of the skin on top of the infection. Dr. Christopher Otiko is a podiatrist with a specialization in diabetic foot care. He has used the product at his hospital in Reseda, California since April, 2010. Otiko says he has had unbelievable results from the antibiotic used on his patients.

Dr. Christopher Otiko

"I've had a hundred percent success in healing every single diabetic ulcer that I've used the product on. Also I've had a hundred percent success in treating any infection that I've used the product on, and these are like major infections like MRSA - the skin-eating bacteria, and it has just given me a sense of confidence that whatever I put the medication on that patient is going to heal," Otiko says.

Source: South Dakota Public Broadcasting [1/6/12]

IL Podiatrist is Medical Director of Hospital Wound Care Clinic

Wound care, a service offered through the rehabilitation services department at Ottawa Regional Hospital, has taken steps to make the transition into a wound care clinic. Slated to open to the public on Monday, Jan. 9, the clinic serves patients with acute or chronic wounds, often resulting from surgery or injury. The recent addition of Dr. Brittany Crowhurst to the hospital staff has allowed wound care to expand from a service to a specialty clinic as she takes on the responsibility of medical director.

Dr. Brittany Crowhurst cuts the ribbon to unveil the opening of the new wound care clinic within Ottawa Regional Hospital's rehabilitation services wing.

Crowhurst, a staff podiatrist, also hopes to focus on diabetic foot wounds as well as a limb salvage program within the clinic. "Expanding our wound care offerings will allow patients to remain local for their treatment rather than traveling out of town," Crowhurst said. "Ultimately, our goal is to improve a patient's quality of life, close to home."

Source: InOttawa.com [1/9/12]

AAPPM Kicks Off New Year with Successful Million Dollar Summit

Beginning right on the heels of the New Year, the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management held its fourth Million Dollar Summit at Largo Mar Beach Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida this past weekend. The Summit’s sellout crowd witnessed glorious weather and an action-packed program featuring over 30 of the best presenters and practice consultants the profession has to offer. The event, which attracts podiatric physicians and executive managers from the top practices across the country, also featured two special guests: Lee Rogers, DPM, a candidate for California’s 25th Congressional District, and Mike King, DPM, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “I always leave here energized,” noted King. “I am going to make sure future [APMA] presidents make it a point to attend at least one AAPPM meeting!” 

(L-R) Drs. Jeffrey Frederick, Michael King, Lee Rogers, and Hal Ornstein

Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman, stated, “I am very pleased to see how the AAPPM continues to grow and move forward.” Ornstein went on to say, “Communication is the key for all highly successful practices, and here at the AAPPM, we encourage and embrace communication so attendees can share their winning strategies with each other.”

“After being part of the discussions and activities here at the Million Dollar Summit, I am looking forward to our Midwinter Seminar in Pittsburgh,” added Jeff Frederick, DPM, AAPPM President. “At our next conference, our guests will learn why ‘there is no recession in podiatry and there isn’t going to be one.”

Query: Wasted Interference Screw Triggers "Occurrence Report"

Query: Bilateral Payments

Medicare's payment methodologies do not seem to reduce payment for "at risk" foot care for the second procedure. In other words, when I perform debridement of 6 or more nails (CPT 11721-Q9-59) and debridement of corn and calluses (CPT 1105x-Q9), the lesser code does not seem to be decreased in value and reimbursement. Typically, such secondary codes would be decreased in reimbursement by 50%. Is this because the two procedures are performed bilaterally, and are viewed as distinct separate anatomical locations/organs systems?

James McKee, DPM, Annapolis, MD 
 
Response: It depends on the indicator of the codes. Not all codes fall under a reduction for the second procedure. On your Medicare carrier website, you should be able to find a fee graph of some sort which shows what indicator each code is.

An indicator #1 means that the second service will be reduced 50%.
An indicator #3 means that both services will be allowed at 100%.

Anna Sanders, Clarksville, TN

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RE: Doppler Study for Diabetics (Ron Werter, DPM)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

I have been performing non-invasive studies for almost thirty years. I have never once trusted an ABI or Doppler test in and of itself to determine the patient’s potential for healing prior to elective surgery or as a stand-alone test for limb salvage after trauma, or to determine a wound’s vascularity.

While many diabetics have proximal segmental disease, there are all too many who suffer from segmental disease distal to the ankle. As most of us can attest to, there are many patients who have clinical bounding pulses at the ankle, yet have non-salvageable distal portions of their extremity.

It is common knowledge that many diabetics have falsely elevated ABIs due to...

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

RE: There's Something Fishy About This Treatment

This photograph was taken by Dr. Joan E Schiller in Siem Reap, Cambodia, 1/09/2012. The cost for this foot treatment is $1.50, which includes a beer.

These fish have a foot fetish

In London this treatment is trendy and customers line up to pay 45 quid for a session. The fish, Garra rufa, are farm-raised in Singapore for their mission, but the efficacy of this treatment is controversial.

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS/HENDERSON, NV

Well-established 22 year practice in Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada seeking full-time associate. General podiatric care with moderate amount of surgery to be done in local hospital or surgery center. Competitive salary and benefits. Modern office in new area. Please respond by email to: lvfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - NORTHERN CINCINNATI, OHIO (FAIRFIELD)

Lead to partnership &/or buy practice. Well-established, reputable & successful (700K collection annual) 25+ year practice. Newer 2k sq.ft office condo & w/5 tx rooms, Aver.80 new patients monthly, full hospital privileges, DME, Padnet, digital x-rays. Inquires to email: gsherwood1@cinci.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. $160,000 base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY

Well-established, dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays. Sports medicine, surgery and potential partnership. No NH/ HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle second to none. C.V. to flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Well established, well rounded, hospital based podiatry practice, looking for well trained podiatrist. Large number of new patients monthly, digital x-rays, EMR, and vascular and nerve testing. One partner is Chair of Pod Dept, other is involved in wound center. Two offices 75 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley. More affordable cost of living than Westchester County; it’s a great place to live. Looking to hire a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking an associate leading to potential partnership. Must have PM & S- 36 training. Please call (845) 471-2243 or email eriksims@hotmail.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to: myfeetfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY

Full time associate position available with well rounded multi-office group on Long Island. Ideal position for July 2012 graduating third year resident who wants to practice and live on Long Island. Candidates must be board qualified or board certified, and well trained in all phases of podiatry including surgery, biomechanics, wound care and palliative care. Compensation includes salary,malpractice insurance, paid vacations and surgical incentives, with a future partnership opportunity available for the right candidate. Interested doctors are encouraged to submit their CV's in response to: mets724@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to partnership for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be PSR-24 or PM&S-36 trained. Excellent salary w bonus. Must be ethical, self-starter, hard worker. Willingness to learn/work as part of a team. Surgery Block time. Must be proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Email CV, photo, LOI to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAWAII (OAHU)

Full-time position available. Join this fantastic practice in paradise. Diagnostic ultrasound, Digital X-Ray, EHR, Surgical Privileges, Competitive Salary plus benefits package. Send CV to:  yoleven316@yahoo.com.

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

WANTED TO BUY - EQUIPMENT (MICROCASSETTE TRANSCRIBERS)

Want to buy Panasonic microcassette transcribers model RR-930 or other brands of microcassette transcribers. Please reply to paulajn@cox.net

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