The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 13, 2010 #3,752 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist's Company Facilitates Mobile Wound Care

Remember the days when doctors made house calls? Podiatrist, Jeffrey Galitz is bringing them back, and changing the very way healthcare--and potentially myriad other services--are delivered in the Internet age. "We aim to deliver the same care a patient would get by visiting a doctor's office, but at the lowest cost possible," he says.

Galitz is the chairman and chief medical officer of Wound Technology Network, a Hollywood, FL-based company he founded in 1996. Wound Technology employs over 50 doctors, podiatrists and nurse practitioners across the country.

Dr. Jeffrey Galitz

What makes this happen are two technologies: an online video-streaming service called iVisit and a big telecommunications company called AT&T. iVisit allows doctors to see patients in person via video chats beamed over a Fuze mobile phone, made by HTC. AT&T (T - news - people ) offers the only network capable of handling the phone call and iVisit's data feed at the same time.

Source: Gene Mark, Forbes [1/11/10]

OH Podiatrist Appointed to Medical Quality Foundation Board

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the appointment of Richard Weiner, DPM, PA to The Medical Quality Foundation Board, which funds activities to improve the quality of medical care rendered to the public.

Dr. Richard Weiner

Dr. Weiner, of New Albany, has served as a podiatrist for the Grant Medical Center since 1991. He has also served as a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons since 1992 and founded the Ohio Podiatry Institute in 2005. Weiner also serves as an assistant professor of podiatry at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1983 and a medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.

Source: Office of the Governor of Ohio

NY Podiatrist Collects Shoes for the Homeless

The offices of Dr. Bruce Pinker of Progressive Foot Care in White Plains and in Pomona collected more than 700 pairs of shoes during the recent holiday shoe drive. The shoes collected in Pomona were slated for Helping Hands of Rockland and the shoes from White Plains were donated to Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains.

Dr. Bruce Pinker

Pinker held the drive to help homeless people who are unable to purchase shoes and become the victims of injuries and diseases of the feet including frostbite, gangrene and other foot infections. He plans to conduct another shoe drive in the fall.

Source: Lohud.com.

Senate Bill Could Drive Some Providers Out of Medicare: CMS

According to a new report, the Senate's health reform package, which passed along party lines on Dec. 24, will cost $882 billion over a 10-year budget window. The lion's share of the cost will come from initiatives to greatly expand health insurance to some 34 million more Americans, the actuaries predict. But the price tag would largely be offset by about $541 billion in cuts to Medicare and another $27 billion to Medicaid, they conclude.

Both the coverage amount in terms of dollars and the number of people expected to buy some level of health insurance are higher than previous estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, but could shift yet again as the Senate and House meld their reform bills. Even with the boost in health spending, some providers could see themselves becoming unprofitable. A measure in the bill aimed at making doctors and hospitals become more efficient could instead drive a number of them out of the Medicare program, “possibly jeopardizing access to care for beneficiaries,” the CMS stated.

Source: Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare [1/11/10]

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

Bret Ribotsky: What you have done recently to grow your practice?

Dr. Kerry Zang

Kerry Zang: I think that the main thing is being available to referring docs. There are so many podiatrists in Arizona now that it seems like the population went from maybe 15 to 20 of us who were actively practicing when I started to now over 300. Everybody is vying for the same patients, and sometimes after practicing for a long time, you get very complacent because you think that your referring pattern is set. It does not take much to increase your surgical referrals or your actual office referrals; however it takes less to lose them. If you do not take care of your patients and you do not take care of your referring doctors, then somebody else will. That’s something that the new guys have not learned and it is something that a lot of us old guys take for granted.

Faye Frankfort and Phill Ward

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features Faye Frankfort, PhD, APMA's Director of Governmental Affairs, and Dr. Phill Ward, APMA Trustee. You can register for this event  by clicking here

Query: Surgical Equipment Repair
 
Does anyone have any recommendations for a company that repairs Stryker and Ergo nitrogen powered surgical equipment (K-wire drivers, saws, etc.)?  
 
Marc Goldberg, DPM, Olney, MD

Query: External Fixator Denial

I did a Charcot foot reconstruction involving multiple fusions around the midfoot with application of external multiplane ring fixation.

Medicare paid for the fusions, but denied the ex fix application (CPT 20692) on the basis that this procedure is not paid separately. Is that correct? Should I appeal this?

Robert Lee, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

Response: It has been established in CPT that in fracture care, internal and external fixation can be coded separately. That has not, however, been spelled out for reconstructive procedures at this time.

Walter Pedowitz, MD, Linden, NJ

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: NJPMS Sues Insurer to Block New X-Ray Policy
From: Arnold B. Wolf, DPM

Several years ago, one of the IPO's that I am affiliated with (Health Alliance Plan-Michigan) was planning on instituting a similar policy. In short, I attended the monthly meeting and raised the issue of disallowing podiatric radiography.  I used the example, "the HAP medical director presents to the office with a chief complaint of an acutely painful foot secondary to trauma sustained from having his foot run over by a car. Patient complains of acute pain and is in apparent distress." I explained that referring out the necessary x-ray studies to the hospital would create the following:
 -higher diagnostic costs;
-inconvenience to the patient;
-delay in treatment,
-additional costs incurred by additional office visits;
-angering the patient (with all incumbent ramifications);
-etc...

Suffice it to say, the policy was immediately reversed (I also had the complete support of the MDs and DOs at the meeting). Sadly, I was the only podiatrist who attended this meeting. Bottom line, intelligence usually prevails in the face of poor decision-making.
 
Arnold B. Wolf, DPM, Sterling Heights, MI, omnifootcare@prodigy.net

RE: ND Podiatrist Concerned about Unstable "Toning Shoes"
From: Cam White

Dr. Timothy Uglem points out exactly why OTC rocker sole shoes should be fitted in person by a trained individual. Rocker sole shoes are not recommended for those with balance and instability issues, such as vertigo. The problem is that many people tend to...

Editor's note: This extended-length note can be read here.

RE: My New Career as an Orthotist (Daniel Chaskin, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondnets

It is interesting that someone would suggest that residency training longer than 10 years ago implies less than optimal knowledge regarding the evaluation and management of diabetic foot pathology. That would include such luminaries as Dr's Armstrong, Frykberg, Lavery, LaPorta, Harkless, Schuberth, Weil, Downey, Mendicino, and many others. The education of great doctors begins with, not ends with, residency training. As James Ganley, DPM so aptly stated, a great teacher shows you what you need to learn about. The great student goes about learning.

Allen Mark Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

I realized over 10 years ago (though I graduated from my residency in 1980) that most medical practitioners, including vascular and general surgeons, do not treat the diabetic foot very well. Since that time, I have dedicated myself to post-graduate education and voracious reading to become the local expert in treating the diabetic foot in both routine and emergency wound care. My comment was only meant as a wake-up that podiatry is probably the singular profession to deal with all facets of the diabetic foot in the future. The colleges and residencies should have this as a primary focus.

Larry Cohen, DPM, Clifton, NJ, larrydpm2002@yahoo.com

Editor's note: Dr. Frank Lattarulo's extended-length note can be read here.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

20+ years, full scope, turn-key practice in the same medical building location. Podiatrist-friendly hospitals just down the street, wonderful, appreciative and cooperative patients await. Excellent expansion potential. Maine offers an enjoyable life style, recreation abounds, reasonable housing costs, excellent school systems, low crime rates. Colleges and universities nearby as are cultural opportunities. Retiring seller will stay for transition. Please contact: mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BROOKLYN, NY 
 
Full or part-time position available for a busy well-established podiatry practice in downtown Brooklyn. All phase of podiatry. Modern office with EMR, Ultrasound, digital x-rays with a great support staff. Must be highly motivated, ethical, with good communication and clinical skills. please email resume to tkd@gishpuppy.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSETTS

PSR-24 trained podiatrist for busy multi location practice, high volume and high-tech. Seeking energetic individual for high volume of patients with multiple needs. Orthopedic, sports medicine, wound care, pediatric orthopedics and surgery skills required. Looking for immediate hire for the right candidate with possibilities for partnership. Contact Debbie Roberts debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Quality Podiatry Group of Florida provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 
Well diversified growing podiatry practice with good mix of office, surgery center and hospital procedures seeking a full-time associate.  Must have NC license or taking state exam this year. Candidates should have excellent bedside manner equal to their medical skills. E-mail a cover letter and CV to DPMCAREER@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ALABAMA, GULF COAST

26 year old practice for sale. Owner desires to sell. Practice operated 25 hours per week. Surgery and general podiatry. MD referrals. Surgery center and hospitals in close proximity. Highly profitable. Priced to sell. Seller will lease office to buyer. Contact Mike Crosby at 1-888-776-2430 or mcrosby@providerresources.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. We do not have a seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR 24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. Email resume to khart@cincinnatifootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Well established practice for sale. Full scope medical and surgical practice including DME. Exceptional practice with a high volume of new patients. Excellent hospital and surgical center privileges with investment opportunity. Great area for a family and the outdoorsman. 731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK

Full-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 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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