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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily
January 19, 2007 #2,793 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2007- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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Aetrex to Unveil iStep Podiatry Kiosk at NYSPMA
Aetrex has announced that at NYSPMA they will be introducing iStep Evolution-Rx, the most advanced digital footcare kiosk ever developed for podiatric practices. This patented technology is designed to facilitate and enhance your footwear and orthotic services and features products from many world renowned companies. Designed in conjunction with The Walking Company and leading podiatrists, iStep Evolution-Rx will help you provide a higher level of patient care, generate substantial additional revenue, increase office efficiency and modernize your practice. To learn more click here http://www.aetrex.com/rx or visit Booth 305 or F13.
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APMA COMPONENT NEWS |
Childhood Obesity Linked To Foot Pain
Doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) say they’re noticing more and more overweight and obese children with foot and ankle pain in their examining rooms, mirroring a national epidemic of childhood obesity. Arch pain afflicts many of the children treated by Darryl Haycock, DPM, FACFAS. The northwest Ohio foot and ankle surgeon says the average age of these boys and girls ranges from eight to 12, but he’s treated some as young as four. “The numbers are definitely increasing. I treat four to five overweight children a week,” he says.
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Dr. Darryl Haycock |
Haycock notes some overweight children suffer foot pain from congenital or inherited foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, pediatric flatfoot and tarsal coalition, an abnormal connection between two or more bones in the back of the foot. Children with these deformities may be less active because of pain. Sometimes a child will complain of calf or arch pain. This results from a flatfoot that is flexible. The collapsing of the arch can require more energy, making it more difficult for a child to walk and run.
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Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections in the Era of MRSA
An On-Demand Webcast
Available 24-7 for Your Convenience
Presented by:
Warren S. Joseph, DPM, FIDSA
and
David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD
To participate visit www.virtualrounds.com
This promotional Webcast is sponsored by Pfizer Inc and will not provide continuing education credits.
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PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER |
Alleged Improper Hammertoe Surgery: Montana
Facts: William Willing, 58, claimed that defendant was negligent in recommending hammertoe surgery, in his choice of surgical procedure, and in post-operative care, and failed to obtain proper informed consent. He claimed that his failure to remove wires holding the toes in place while the bones fused caused ischemia, necrosis, and loss of part of his right second toe. He claimed that the injury led to RSD, which cost him his career as a MANG Colonel and forced him to retire early, losing his chance to compete for promotion to General. His wife claimed loss of consortium.
Defendant contended that Willing had suffered from painful hammertoes/claw toes for years, conservative treatment had failed, and he wanted to proceed with surgery to allow him to perform the activities that his job required. He contended that the arthrodesis surgery he performed was an appropriate procedure and he performed it properly. He contended that the post-surgical complications were recognized complications that Willing had acknowledged on informed consent forms and occurred in spite of his diligent care. Defendant contested Willing's claim that he was unable to work and that his mobility was as restricted as he claimed.
Judge Phillips deferred ruling on Plaintiffs' constitutional challenge to the damages cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, finding that it was not ripe, although it was an issue worthy of review.
No demand or offer; Plaintiff let Defendant know that he would settle within $1 million policy limits. Jury request, $450,000-$880,000 lost income plus unspecified non-economic damages.
Result: Defendant’s verdict ($0)
Plaintiff's experts: David Widom, DPM, Ft. Lauderdale; DPM Michael DiGiacomo, DPM, Oakland, CA Defendant's expert: William Wilshire, DPM, Bozeman, MT
Source: Montana Law Week
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DIA-FOOT INTRODUCES THE GLUCOCOM GLUCOSE METER!
Earn up to $300 per patient per year by simply dispensing the most innovative Glucose Meter on the market! This meter can be hooked up to the Internet so the patients PCP can view the blood sugar levels right if his office! The meter is free to your patients and Dia-Foot ships the strips and lancets right to your patient's home.Your office bills Medicare DME for the strips and lancets. Dia-Foot will be at the upcoming SAM Seminar and NY Conference and we will have meters to give away to interested offices. Call Dia-Foot for complete details regarding this exciting opportunity. Dia-foot for 2007 has added new shoes from New Balance, Dunham, Rockport and Orthofeet. View them at www.dia-foot.com In addition to the above lines Dia-Foot also carries Soft Spots, Hush Puppies, Aetrex and Apex. Every Diabetic shoe and Diabetic Insert Dia-Foot sells carries an attached SADMERC letter. This letter can be faxed to your office upon request. Contact Dia-Foot at 877-405-3668 or visit us at www.dia-foot.com
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E-HEALTH NEWS |
Initiative to Offer Free e-Prescribing
A coalition of 11 technology companies and healthcare organizations said it will offer free electronic prescribing to physicians through a website, www.nationaleRx.com. The service will be running in about 30 days, officials said. The coalition, known as the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative, includes Aetna, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Dell, Google, Microsoft Corp., WellPoint and others.
The coalition said its members would invest $100 million in the service over the next five years. Health plans participating in the initiative will offer physicians a range of incentives to use e-prescribing, according to an Allscripts news release. At a news conference, Glen Tullman, Allscripts’ chairman and chief executive officer, said the project might spur other companies to also offer their e-prescribing products for free. Read the news release.
Source: Jennifer Lubell, Modern Healthcare [1/17/06]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
PRESENT DIABETES Online Clinical Conference
* FREE CME for time spent talking to your peers online * FREE CME lectures by world leaders in diabetes education and research * Simulates the experience of attending a live conference * Created by the company that brought you PRESENT Courseware * An online collaborative network for the entire diabetes management team * Meet other members of the diabetes management team, carry on very efficient friendships, advance ideas and achieve mutual goals * Use Instant Messaging, Discussion Forums, Chat, Blogs and Focus Groups to participate in a global community of thought
All FREE, JOIN NOW http://www.presentdiabetes.com
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Unethical Practices and a New Associate
I am a new associate in a very busy practice. I am a very well trained, motivated and ethical podiatrist. Since I started practicing, I have heard from a few different doctors in the community that the podiatrist I am working for has a history of unethical billing practices and actually once had to go to court for insurance fraud. Also, I have seen some questionable things in the practice, such as possible "code" violations in the office (no emergency equipment, no handicap accessibility, lack of sinks in one of the offices, lack of proper clean up of blood, etc.)
Does anyone know of any authorities I can contact regarding the above matters? There is a great potential here for me, but if unethical things are being done, I know that I will never be happy becoming a partner here. I do not want to risk losing my license.
Name Withheld by Editor
Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Prior to accepting a position or entering into a partnership with another podiatrist, it is important to do some research. These days, it is easy to check license history online. Additionally, one can contact the state APMA association and ask some questions.
Once one is employed in a practice, one should become well-versed in billing practices and routinely compare one’s chart notes to what is being billed. If irregularities are noted, these must be addressed, and if one is not satisfied with the resolution, one should seek employment elsewhere. Failing to do so may result in one sharing a jail cell with one’s employer or partner.
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The FootHelpers Orthotic Lab
Neoteric Biomechanics (patent pending), Functional Foot Typing TM, and Foot CentringsTM New paradigms for diagnosing and treating feet based on the clinical experience of Dennis Shavelson, D.P.M. Easy to Learn, Fun to Practice and Profitable
The FootHelpers Five Point Program: 1. Functional Foot TypeTM Patients 2. Dispense Centring Test Drive Pads 3. Dispense Foot Type Brochures 4. Increase Your Orthotic Fee $150.00 5. Custom Cast, Prescribe and Dispense Foot Type Specific Foot CentringsTM
Neoteric Biomechanics Portfolio: A Turnkey Kit including didactic material, forms, charts, consulting time (1hr) and a coupon for your first Foot CentringsTM: $249 Neoteric Biomechanics Boot Camps: 4 Hours of Lectures and Workshops. Jan 27, Feb 20 and March 22 in NYC ( Portfolio Included) $425 Or Mail a Cast and your Rx Marked 1st Cast to: The FootHelpers Lab 4 Millbury Street, Suffern, N.Y. 10901 or call 845 536 3338 ($125 a pair, includes all custom work)
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: CME for H & P’s (Rick Burnell, DPM) From: Peter A. Wiggin, DPM
The Scholl College has a comprehensive course scheduled with the deadline Feb 19th. State-of-the-Art History Taking and Physical Examination Review: Improve Your Clinical Efficiency, March 2-3, 2007
Peter A. Wiggin, DPM, wigone@aol.com
Editor's note: See http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce/HistoryTakingPhyExam.cfm
RE: Beware of Free DME Products From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
Several weeks or months ago I posted a warning regarding billing the Medicare DMERC's for products you receive gratis. I continue to receive unsolocited faxes from a company promising 6 free night wraps, or night splints (they coded them as L4396) if one purchased six Actipatches.
Several months ago I sent a copy of this fax to the SADMERC Medicare director and several health care attorneys, as well as a DMERC ombudsmen. I had received information from SADMERC's medical director and other healthcare attorneys that this was contrary to Medicare policy. Others told me of the potential of violation of Medicare policy would be determined on how your bill is itemized.
I would therefore suggest that prior to billing Medicare for any products received free or seemingly free as an incentive to purchase others one ask for a copy of the terms and a sample bill; Consult with an attorney well versed in Medicare health policies.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY pkesselman@pol.net
RE: State of Hospitals in US From: Eugene A. Batelli, DPM
It's no surprise that decreasing reimbursements affects physicians, diagnostics, surgical centers, and hospitals alike. What is extremely troubling is the amount of hospital closures throughout the United States. Just yesterday CNN ran a report of patients waiting in excess of 23 hours in ER's in Arizona due to doctor shortages as well hospital closures. I'm from NJ and am really scared with the amount of hospitals closing there. I dread the day that I or a family member will need to use a hospital because they have become so overworked and under staffed that care definately is suffering.
It's also no surprise that podiatric, orthopedic, and GI (endoscopy) outpatient services are paid very nicely. That's the reason for so many free-standing ambulatory surgical centers. CMS is also not stupid and I am sure they are well aware of this. My question is: is there a happy medium to allow these, in my opinion, very patient friendly as well as doctor friendly surgical centers to survive with suffering hospitals. I believe 10-15 yrs ago similar circumstances brought about decreasing reimbursements to free standing facilities in favor of hospitals. Is there a balance to allow hospitals to be profitable and thrive as well as allow these surgical centers to stay open?
Please do not take this as me being pro or anti surgical center, or hospital for that fact. I am just concerned that emergent patient care is going to suffer and lets face it, we all will need these services one day.
Eugene A. Batelli, DPM, Naples, FL, ebatelli2001@yahoo.com
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o E/M With Procedures Or Other Services o NY Blue Cross Sr Routine Footcare Guide o Semmes-Weinstein Test Coding o Metatarsal-Cuneiform Exostosis o E/M Auditing Question
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Immediate Opening. Busy practice in prime suburban St. Louis location looking for a surgically trained associate, possible partner. Must be honest, ethical and hardworking. ABPS preferred, but not required. Please reply with CV and requirements to mdwrtw@aol.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
1 Whitehall whirlpool JO 140, 1 Whitehall whirlpool P 15 M, 3 Bailey physiotherapy stools. Would prefer to sell as package, but will sell separately. Please respond to Bob Kornfeld, DPM at Holfoot153@aol.com or call 516-869-3338.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MID-EASTERN, NORTH CAROLINA
Potential partnership - Well-established and extremely respected single location practice. Small city east of Raleigh near coast with excellent fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities. Must be personable & motivated with strong surgical and medical skills. Prefer PSR-24/36 training with active (or in process of obtaining NC license). Send CV to ncfootankle@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSISSIPPI
Well established, busy, 3-doctor practice seeks PSR 12 or 24 trained podiatrist for associate position to fill vacancy of retiring member. East central location is a great area to raise a family and is a prime location for accessibility to several major cities. Competitive salary, benefits, and incentives. Partnership possible in 2 years to right individual. June - July start date. Applicant must be ethical, personable, and motivated. Please E-mail CV and letter of intent to shanegan@bellsouth.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES/SOUTH BAY AREA
Multi-office, multi-doctor, well-established practice near the beach cities. Seeking a board eligible/certified PSR-24 or PSR-36 trained foot and ankle surgeon. Well-rounded practice requiring knowledge in biomechanics, pediatrics, sports medicine, diabetic wound care, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Full-time position available immediately with generous compensation and benefits, including malpractice, and health insurance. Two-year commitment required with partnership opportunity. Send CV to akemfoot@sbcglobal.net or fax to (310) 838-0227
POSITION AVAILABLE-SOUTH FLORIDA/BROWARD COUNTY
Needs 2 or 3-year post surgical training in forefoot and rearfoot Salary plus incentives Email responses to office email: advfoot@bellsouth.net
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - METTLER SONICATOR 715 ULTRASOUND
Mettler Sonicator 715 Ultrasound with 5cm2 with delivery head, great in any podiatry office for multiple uses. The cheapest I am able to price this machine new, is on Esurg at $1396.77. My unit was used about 20 times, and is about 2 years old. I will let it go for $650.00 plus shipping. Like new condition. If interested, write deg1@comcast.net
EXCELLENT ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Established 25 year well-rounded biomechanical and surgical practice seeking energetic, enthusiastic, personable and proficiently-trained PSR-24 or PSR-36 foot and ankle surgeon for associate with ultimate partnership opportunity in LA area. Excellent position for an individual interested in all aspects of podiatric medicine with emphasis on reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Only 8% Medicare with No HMO. Email CV to dr4feet@sbcglobal.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CINCINNATI, OHIO
One of the largest podiatry practices in the United States is again in need of a PSR 24-36 Associate. All present doctors are in their thirties with similar training. Everyone is treated equally and there is definitely no limit to your success. Please submit resume or contact Karen Roesch via email or phone. Kroesch4poh@aol.com (513) 729-4455
POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA
Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Central California multi-location practice looking for PSR-36 associate leading to partnership. PSR-36 trained podiatrist with great opportunity for reconstructive surgical practice. Practice has Medicare-approved surgery center. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent salary and incentive. Respond to: westsidefoot@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR SOUTH MIAMI AREA
Large group, busy, multi-office, partner potential. Motivated applicants only. Mail resumes and letters of intent to 999 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. July start time OK, sooner preferable. E-mail lianadpm2@aol.com. I can also be reached at 305-331-4501.
ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO
Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901
ASSOCIATE POSITION--PHOENIX SUBURB
Attractive opportunity for enthusiastic, proficient, and personable associate. Well-established modern practice with multiple newer spacious offices, technology and equipment. Solid referral base, close to hospitals, knowledgeable certified staff. 22% MCR. Practice and surgical center partnership potential opportunity. Prefer 24-36+ PSR. Send CV: AZpodassociate@aol.com
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 9,000 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 9,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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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.
| Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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