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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,849 Podiatrists Daily
January 15, 2015 #5,270  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How many hospitals do you have admitting privileges at? |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
OH Podiatrist Treats University Athletes
When Youngstown State University assistant volleyball coach Sarah Smith began having chronic heel and arch pain in her feet last summer, she did not go to a private doctor. Instead she was referred to the athletic department’s podiatrist, Dr. Michelle Anania. Anania, who is a partner at Ankle & Foot Care Centers in the Mahoning Valley, has been affiliated with the university since 2008. “She took an x-ray which showed a small heel spur and plantar fasciitis,” said Smith. “She prescribed an Airheel for me to wear in the office, showed me some stretches, used ultrasound treatments, and gave me a steroid shot.
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Dr. Michelle Anania |
“I am starting to feel better. I can run without pain and perform my regular activities. It’s great that the school has someone who can treat students and staff with foot injuries,” said Smith. “As podiatric physicians, we receive specialized training in biomechanics of the lower extremity which makes us particularly adept at treating these types of sports injuries,” said Anania.
Source: Sherry Karabin, Daily Legal News [1/13/15]
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
FL Podiatrist is Featured Speaker at The Running Event
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Dr. Matthew Werd |
Dr. Matt Werd, chief of podiatric surgery at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and a Lakeland podiatrist, was a featured speaker in early December as one of two presenting "expert running doctors" at The Running Event in Austin, Texas. He gave advice on sports medicine, running shoes, socks, insoles, and running injuries.
Source: The Lakeland Ledger [1/13/15]
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NBPME PART III PRACTICE ANALYSIS SURVEY
The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) is doing a practice analysis update for the Part III Examination. The purpose is to ensure that the test specifications of the APMLE Part III examination reflect current activities in the field. An online survey is designed to elicit input from licensed professionals about the APMLE Part III Examination. The results of the study will be used to update the current Part III examination blueprint. It is open to all currently licensed podiatrists. You are asked to document the specific tasks performed, their relative importance, and the knowledge or skills necessary to do them safely and successfully. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the survey.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION: To access the survey, please click on the following website or copy the website to your Web browser: NBPME Part III Practice Analysis Survey
Your completed survey should be submitted by Monday, February 2, 2015 (8:00 PM EDT).
Your participation is important to the profession.
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
MO Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Claims
Podiatrist Dr. Lawrence Iken and his company each pleaded guilty to one felony count of healthcare fraud related to submitting false documents and reimbursement claims for services he purportedly provided from 2006 through July 2014, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Iken admitted with his plea that on thousands of occasions, he billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies for draining abscesses and hematomas, when he actually only clipped patients' toenails. Iken agreed to a money judgment of $999,170, which represents the reimbursement he and his company received for the healthcare claims. He faces up to 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Source: Diana Barr, St. Louis Business Journal [1/13/15]
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| PHARMACEUTICAL NEWS | |
'Generic' Colchicine to Hit Market
A so-called authorized generic version of the colchicine formulation sold as Colcrys for acute gout flares and for treating familial Mediterranean fever will be "widely available" starting later this week, according to Colcrys's manufacturer. The company, Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, has agreed to let Prasco Laboratories distribute the colchicine pills as a generic product. Because it's the same product sold as Colcrys, it can automatically be substituted when filling prescriptions written for the branded drug.
The announcement from Takeda (which acquired rights to Colcrys in 2012) and Prasco did not indicate how much the authorized generic would cost at the wholesale or retail levels. It will be sold under the Prasco name. Brand-name Colcrys currently retails for about $6 per pill, and its price has been a bone of contention ever since the product was approved in 2009.
Source: John Gever, Medpage Today [1/13/15]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
Patent Issued for Bioabsorbable Substrates That Controllably Release Metal Ions
Silver Bullet Therapeutics, Inc., a privately-held medical device company, has announced that the U.S Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 8,927,004 for the release of antimicrobial metal ions to prevent infection.
Paul Chirico, President and CEO of Silver Bullet Therapeutics, stated, “We believe this is a very exciting development for the field of medicine and surgery since general orthopedic infections involving an implant are of particular concern for the orthopedic surgeon and podiatrists. In addition, the Silver Bullet Technology can be easily adapted to the majority of implanted medical devices already on the market."
Source: Market Watch [1/13/15]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
I rarely use NCS because of the high false positive/negative findings. I also find that, in many cases, tenosynovitis is a secondary pathology resulting from overuse as the patient changes gait to avoid the primary pain. If this were my patient, and if medically safe, I would start her on pregabalin 25mg qhs and titrate up every three days to tid dosing. Every two weeks, I would increase the dose to 50mg tid, then 75mg tid, if being tolerated. Alternatively, one could use a gabapentin equivalent dosing starting at 200mg and increasing incrementally to 300mg, then 400mg.
As the patient is able to resume a normal gait, the tenosynovitis will resolve. I commonly obtain lumbar flexion/extension x-rays and an MRI series to rule out lumbar causation. Once the patient’s pain is well controlled, I leave the patient at the effective dose for two to three months, then wean the patient off over a couple of weeks. In these cases, I always get patient consent for off-label use of the medication. If you decide on this course, I would appreciate hearing back on the results. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM
This is one of those “rule out” scenerios. The points of interest I think are: Raynauds — is this associated with a sero negative or positive arthritis or collagen vascular disease? – get a detailed blood work-up and family history or a rheumatology consult.
A negative neurology work-up, I assume, includes NCS and EMG. Please note the high number of false negative studies well documented in the literature and supported by personal experience. The fact that you injected a “steroid” and she got...
Editor's note: Dr. Sullivan's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/ COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLL) | |
I think the recent poll concerning 2014 vs. 2013 income was revealing and possibly instructional. 72%, a large majority of respondents, indicated incomes a little higher, a little lower or about the same. These are stable practices. 8% of respondents (75 in number) indicated their incomes were substantially higher. Congratulations to them! However, 18% of respondents (151 in number) reported substantially lower incomes.
It would be interesting for those respondents to report back, possibly anonymously, as to what they think was the reason for this reduction. It could have been a change in patient demographics or the local economy, a practitioner illness, a change in the practice dynamic, insurance issues, etc. Some of these issues are unavoidable happenstance while others might be corrected with some coaching. The 8% might also report anonymously to give the reasons for their unusual good fortune. However, some of these might be start-up practices experiencing health growth. Perhaps individual anonymous responses could be the best method to have them report. We could possibly use this feedback to help some of the 151 respondents with peer counseling.
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly MD
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Available Immediately!!
The New, Revised, More Inclusive, Updated, 2015 Podiatry Coding Manual
From Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC
It has been fully updated for excellent readability, reference and completeness. There is an added section on ICD-10 preparation. It is the highest of quality and podiatry information to aid in coding and billing for appropriate reimbursement and documentation to support what was billed. You will see why so many podiatry offices across the country refer to this book as their “Bible” when it comes to billing, coding, and documentation. NOW INCLUDES AN ICD-9 TO ICD-10 CROSSWALK FOR THE MOST COMMON DIAGNOSES IN PODIATRY!!!
Only $125.00 including shipping!!!
Available in Book, CD, and Flash Drive Formats
No credit card? No problem. Just mail a check or money order to:
Drmikethecoder 3306 Ashby Lane Richfield, OH 44286
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM
I enjoyed reading Dr. Rubin's post about how it “used to be” and would like to chime in that we should all acknowledge the efforts of our predecessors who got us where we are today. The one take-home message from his post is real simple: IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHOM YOU KNOW THAT MATTERS! Only the cruel truth!
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM
Is it really insurance companies that are ruining medicine, or the opening of the financial flood gates as described by Dr. Rubin that is the cause. The debate regarding the cause will never produce a solution. If there was some path available that would enable podiatrists to be treated like oral surgeons and dentists, maybe we’d be better off. To my knowledge, patients still pay these doctors for services rendered, with the exception of minimal insurance reimbursement for services provided.
For Drs. Weil, Rubin, myself, and many other baby boomer podiatrists, we are at the sunset of our careers, and the financial ends of our profession is for all intent and purpose meaningless. I have always been an advocate for podiatry to assimilate into allopathic or osteopathic medicine, but that’s another discussion. Maybe with the evolution of ACOs, podiatrists will be reimbursed at the same rate as other physicians. That is my hope for the future of podiatry.
Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Celebrity Shoes of the Day
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| Pierce Brosnan's autographed shoes |
Here are Pierce Brosnan's autographed shoes worn as 007 in the movie Die Another Day.
Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, Canada
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THE SURVIVAL SEMINAR FOR 2000'S
One full day of comprehensive office practices to help you survive and thrive with Dr. Michael Warshaw sponsored by the TUSPM Alumni Association.
Among the topics to be covered: ICD-10 * Diabetic Shoes * DME * Coding * Modifiers * Debridement of Mycotic Nails * Solutions to insurance and coding problems and how to "get paid for what you do" * Surviving an audit
Date: February 7, 2015
Place: TUSPM- Room 318 8:00-5:00 PM
CME credits applied for.
Cost: $250.00. No early-bird prices for this event.
To register call Joseph Leso at TUSPM Development Office at (215) 625-5410
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY
Looking for an experienced, board certified/qualified podiatrist for busy practice, must be personable, energetic and highly motivated. Well rounded practice incorporating all phases of podiatry including general podiatry, surgery, wound care, orthopedics. P/T, F/T position available, excellent salary. Please email CV to: jobke@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FORT WORTH, TX
25-year-old practice is seeking a personable, hard-working, self-motivated individual looking to practice in Fort Worth Texas. Candidate must be board qualified/certified by ABFAS. Office is state-of-the-art offering EMR, digital x-ray and orthotics, ultrasound, multiple lasers. Full-service opportunity including pediatrics, DME, wound care, hospital consultation, surgery center membership opportunities, pharmacy ownership opportunity, ancillary income opportunity. In MS Word format, Please email resume/CV, photo and References to gbeededpm@sbcglobal.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOME FOOT CARE, INC.-GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
Join the fastest growing podiatric house call company on the West coast! Part/full time, we schedule around you & your area, EMR, electronic billing, payment monthly, excellent road support staff. great for new graduates, semi-retired, building own practice, or anyone looking to make extra income. email CV to:homefootcare@hotmail.com check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin. High earning potential with competitive benefits as part of a 40 year old company for the right candidates. Contact ckestner@preferredpodiatry.com for additional information.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHEASTERN PA
General and surgical podiatry practice providing comprehensive patient care with hospital privileges available. Must be surgically trained. Send letter and CV to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Full Time position for someone who is motivated, and enjoys all aspects of podiatry. Must be board qualified. Great office with wonderful staff, EHR, Digital x-ray, and much more. Salary plus bonus. Email Resume: NJfootdr722@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY-NJ-PA TRI-STATE AREA
Orange County NY, Milford PA and Sparta NJ. 60 miles north of NYC. Terrific opportunity. Practice that has strong business operations, experienced support staff, exceptional customer service, is positioned well for changing healthcare and has an excellent reputation. Great schools and fantastic areas for families. (PMSR RRA cert) required. Generous salary, incentive bonus/benefits. Partnership opportunity. Serious inquires only. Summer 2015. Please email letter of intent, CV to footfracture@gmail.com
FULL-TIME PODIATRIC SURGEON - PROVIDENCE VA
Providence VA Medical Center is seeking a full-time Foot/Ankle Surgeon (Board Certified/Board Eligible) to practice in Podiatric Surgical Section. Expected to work in an integrated health care delivery system with focus in both inpatient/outpatient. Responsibilities: working in a multidisciplinary clinic setting with large patient volumes, teaching students, resident and fellows, performing foot and ankle surgery, rotating on-call responsibility and tan active role in both academic/research programs. Benefits package includes 5 weeks vacation, up to 5% matching on 401(k) type plan, free parking, and a competitive salary scale. Up to $157,000 salary. Send resume to: Michele.Gilbault@va.gov
ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Well established high volume Podiatric Surgical practice seeking associate to join 4 doctor/2 office opportunity. Excellent salary plus incentives and great benefits. All Board Certified Fellow Podiatric Surgeons highly respected in the medical community. Prefer forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgical trained practitioners only. Please email CV and references to medical 622@aol.com. If you are seeking a position in July 2015 when you finish your residency, this is an opportunity you should investigate.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA
Atlanta and surrounding counties. Immediate opening in established, multi-location, large group practice with access to multiple ancillary services including surgery centers, vascular and others. Seeking board eligible/certified, PSR-36 trained podiatrist with experience in foot and ankle trauma, diabetic wound care and reconstruction. Must be personable, self-motivated and hard-working. Spanish speaking preferred. Georgia medical license required. Please e-mail your CV to dfell@vpcenters.com or fax to (404) 446-1957.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to:scdpmjobs@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - GEORGIA
Metro Atlanta area in Powder Springs and Roswell, GA. Established practices for more than 30 yrs available for sale, together or independently. Medium-size podiatry practice looking to downsize and these two practices are immediately available. All equipment offered with purchase. Current physician and staff will assist with transition for a successful acquisition, if desired. 3 yr gross annual averages are: $645k combined, $352k Roswell, $293k Powder Springs. Both of these locations have been open part time, but are busy practices with the patient demand for growth. Leases assumable in both locations, real estate purchase opportunity in Roswell available, if desired. Serious Inquiries only. KLBouchard@aafccpc.com or 770-255-0422.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
30 year old general podiatry practice. State-of-the-art medical suite renovated 4 years ago Modern equipment, prime location, large physician referral base, full hospital privileges. No house calls, nursing homes or hospital ER call. Established patient base and unique opportunity for surgically-oriented podiatrist in the Berkshires (Western MA) Priced to sell and will transition, if desired. Additional info best achieved via conversation. Contact: dross@albany.twcbc.com or cross12@nycap.rr.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN JOSE, CA
Podiatry and Mani Pedi Spa Practice for sale. Located on the campus of Good Samaritan Hospital for 7 years with a strong Brand Name and internet presence. This mostly cash practice consists of office based Podiatry care plus Manicures, Pedicures, and Skin Care with a fully trained staff. The sale includes a modern office with four treatment rooms, patient’s lists on EMR, web site and a Pinpoint Foot Laser. This is a “turn-key” practice with15 to 20 patients coming in every day. Ready for full-time expansion. Email:schrisdpm@sbcglobal.net Website: www.NeatFeetPlus.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS/FT WORTH MID-CITIES
This practice has been a satellite location and is growing more than we can staff it. Grosses $100,000 on less than one day per week. Will consider selling the practice assets on an individual basis.Tammi@AshtonPodiatry.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - NEUROGENIX 4000PRO
Like new, lightly used. Console, pads, start kit & instructions manual. Amazing results on DPN and other neuropathies. Asking $9,000 OBO new over $ 18,000 Kevin K. Lam, DPM Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR MULTI-FUNCTION LASER
Q-Clear Laser Multi-function laser, FDA-cleared Fungus Toenails, and Warts. Less than three years old. Excellent condition, includes training certification and marketing materials. e-mail Footcare@comcast. net
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MULTIPLE ITEMS
PADNET $14,000 OBO Cost $28,000, Autoclave Ritter/MidmarkM 9 $2,000, Fluoroscan Premier Purchased used 1 year ago $20,000. Email Tajranier@aol.com
TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE
Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2015. The Fellowship includes advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org
DIABETIC FOOT AND WOUND FELLOWSHIP – DALLAS, TX
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to: amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 16,000 DPMs. For details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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| Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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