The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 23, 2010 #3,761 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice

In a typical day of walking, human hooves endure several hundred tons of force, doctors say. And ill-fitting shoes are the villain behind 1 out of 6 Americans' suffering corns, calluses and other ailments. Dr. Dennis Frisch, a spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Assn., recommends starting with a few basics. Get measured, shop in the afternoon (feet swell during the day), try on both shoes and buy the size that fits your larger foot. Also, make sure you can wiggle your toes and have three-eighths to half an inch between the longest toe and the end of each shoe.

Dr. Dennis Frisch

Avoid shoes that feel like they need "breaking in," Frisch cautions. Although fine leather requires several wearings to soften and mold to the foot, a shoe that's painful in the store is probably bad news. "Try different styles and sizes," he advises. "To find the right fit, you have to invest time."

Source: Roy Rivenburg, Los Angeles Times,[1/24/10]

Superbones Bahamas Continues Successful Run

Superbones Conference just concluded another successful scientific meeting at the Atlantis Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. The conference featured over 35 nationally respected faculty members and over 200 attendees who traveled to participate in the lectures, workshops, and symposiums. Among the meeting highlights was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Guido LaPorta, DPM for his outstanding contributions to lower extremity surgical training. 

Superbones Planning Committee(L-R) Drs. Karen LaMorge, Stan Kalish, Alan Sherman, Michael Shore, Richard Reuter,  John Steinberg, and Charles Zelen (not shown)

The international destination served to enrich the meeting with local Bahamian physicians and nurses joining in the audience and participating in the hands-on workshop sessions. The conference planning committee has responded to the overwhelming success with the scheduling of Superbones West to be held October 2010 in Las Vegas and has just announced a return to the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas for January 2011.

NY Podiatrist to Pay Over $1 Million to Settle False Claims Lawsuit

The United States has settled a civil lawsuit against Stephen Ginsberg for having submitted false claims to Medicare for reimbursement in connection with podiatric services. The settlement, approved today in federal court in Manhattan requires Ginsberg to pay $1,014,952.78 in civil damages under the False Claims Act.

Ginsberg is a podiatrist who performed podiatric procedures on Medicare patients in the Bronx and Queens. On December 11, 2008, Ginsberg pleaded guilty to, among other things, defrauding Medicare through submission of false and fraudulent claims for purported podiatric services, in violation of federal law.

Source: Empire State News [1/22/10]

Query: AFO Modifier

I received a rejection for an L1951 (ankle foot orthosis, spiral, [Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine type], plastic or other material, prefabricated, includes fitting and adjustment) from DMERC. This is for a Peromax AFO from Euro International (eurosportsmedicine.com/peromax.html). It was dispensed for post-stroke drop foot.

When we called DMERC, the rep said we needed a modifier that states that "requirements specified in the policy have been met." What modifier is that? We tried "-32" (mandated services), and that came back as "invalid."

Neil Levin, DPM, Sycamore, IL

Response: The "KX" modifier is required on ALL lines of ALL AFO claims, in addition to your "RT" and/or "LT" modifiers. Be sure to put the "KX" modifier first.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

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RE: Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Implants (Philip Demp, DPM)
From: Robert P. Thiele, DPM

Could Dr. Demp please further explain his pathomechanical analysis technique. I am unfamiliar with this method as well as the term "microtraumatic reaction." Also, I am interested in how shortening the 2nd is going to help to improve the jamming of this 1st MTPJ implant. I am not being sarcastic; I just would like to learn more on how you arrived at this recommendation.  
  
Robert P. Thiele, DPM, Denville, NJ, drthiele@comcast.net

RE: Mark M. Levine, DPM

My cousin, Dr. Mark M. Levine, NYCPM Class of 1980, died on January 18, 2010 at North Shore Medical Center. Mark was a wonderful doctor who cared about people. He contributed often to the PM News dialogue regarding healthcare insurance issues.

Dr. Mark Levine cycling in Israel

Mark was a big supporter of charitable causes and often stood up for other DPMs against the giants in the healthcare insurance industry. He was 55 when he passed on. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Mara, daughter, Janna, and son, Seth.
 
Arthur Korbel, DPM

RE: The Haitian Relief Effort
From: Corinne Kauderer, DPM

We, as podiatrists must mobilize and begin to send donations for the Haitian crisis. My son Brian Goldfarb, a junior in high school, has collected over 600 pairs of shoes and has donated them to Soles for Souls and the Salvation Army for the Haitian crisis! He used my offices in NY and NJ as his base of collection.  This type of thing can be done by podiatrists who want to give back to their community and others. We should make our own collections as podiatrists and send the collected shoes to legitimate organizations, such as the ARC, The Salvation Army, and Chabad. The Chabad has sent their own delegation to give help in Haiti! We can do this as a small group of 16,000 podiatrists, and as part of the human race.
 
Corinne Kauderer, DPM, Brooklyn, NY, drkauderer@aol.com

RE: Practice Websites (Mark K. Johnson DPM)
From: Timothy B. Maclin, DPM, Chad Schwarz

I was hesitant to step into the world of websites. In March, 2009, I was moving to a new office, making it the perfect time to jump in. I used Atlas Medical Media and they made it painless and efficient. I am confident with the decision to do the website and more than satisfied with my chosen company. I selected a customized site, but templates were available. With the traffic tracking capabilities, plus the feedback from my patients, I saw immediately that it was the best decision to have made. I do not wish to have e-mail contact with patients, but the website offers information, office tour, new patient forms, and more. Atlasmedicalmedia.com recommended specific things to be done to increase my Internet traffic, and they continue to monitor and make recommendations.

My patients have been excited about printing off the new patient forms and complete them prior to their visit. I actually prefer them to use the online forms so they are not delayed in the office completing the forms. Patients are also able to obtain a map from their location to our building. I am continually amazed at how many patients say they found me online. The cost, at least with the company I selected, was and continues to be minimal, based on the results. My staff and I receive compliments daily on the site from patients, their caretakers and other physicians. Make note that you need to be assured your website designer has the knowledge to handle your visibility and doesn't only design the site. It's well worth the investment if you select your web designer/host carefully!

Timothy B. Maclin, DPM, Tulsa, OK , docmac58@aol.com

Editor's note: Mr. Schwarz's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Ingenix Chart Review (Robert Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

I am in complete agreement with Dr. Kornfeld, who states that the only reason this review is being conducted is to get money back by playing semantics games. A doctor who “folds” to the first demand for restitution after an audit is making a very serious mistake, even if the amount is not significant. Doctors have no control and are not able to substantiate or obtain data on inter-communication between insurers. There is a possibility that you will be opening yourself up to numerous other audits if you cave. A number of intermediaries pay a “recovery fee” for money collected.

There are ways to fight against them, and I have written articles on this subject for Podiatry Management. Even though they were written several years ago, their message is still viable. You have a distinct advantage that the audits are usually conducted by nurses with medical documentation experience. But they are still nurses, and not podiatrists, in most cases. Also, podiatry itself is a “mystery” medical profession for many auditors, who really don’t understand it. You can capitalize on that. Perhaps even more surprising, some auditors don’t add correctly on their demand! I have seen this more than once.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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

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 - NEW JERSEY

Part-time practice for sale. Located in Bloomfield, NJ. Great location in professional building. All modern equipment including digital x-ray. Please contact doccapo@yahoo.com

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND (Kensington/Rockville/Silver Spring) 

If you are a graduating resident in July, or an esablished practitioner, and you are enthusiastic, personable, motivated and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position, in our group, with you. Established practitioner relocating. 5-doctor, 3-office practice with significant patient flow already in place to keep you busy from the start! All the bells and whistles-EMR, digital x-rays, ultrasound, computerized scheduling, certified ambulatory surgical centers, hospital and physician referral base. Please send cover letter and resume to mddpmassociate@comcast.net We look forward to hearing from you.

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

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