The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 30, 2013 #4,678 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Correct Security Risk Audit Link

The link to the correct security risk audit site posted by Dr. Al Musella in yesterday's PM News can be assessed by clicking here. 

CO Podiatrist Discusses Frostbite Prevention

Frostbite might not seem like your average winter foot problem, but Pueblo podiatrist Dr. Gordon Rheaume said even minor frostbite can blister toes. Keeping feet warm is especially important for people who have circulation problems like Raynaud's disease. Rheaume says feet are meant to be comfortable, which means keeping them warm.

Dr. Gordon Rheaume

Warmth is Rheaume's No. 1 recommendation for winter foot care. "Using a heavy foot cream, wearing wool socks and well insulated shoes will help," he said. Well-insulated shoes are good, but they must fit well, too. "Shoes are getting better," Rheaume said. "They should have a nice, deep toe box, good cushion in the sole, heels that are not too high; they should have some support."

Source: Mary Jean Parker, The Pueblo Chieftain [1/29/13]

NYCPM Professor Selected as Foot and Ankle Chapter Editor of Gray's Anatomy

Anthony D'Antoni. PhD, associate professor of pre-clinical sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, has been selected as the editor for the ankle and foot chapter of the 41st edition of the British textbook, Gray's Anatomy. D'Antoni's research expertise has appeared often in peer-reviewed biomedical science journals, some that also include the bylines of the six Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) students he mentors.

Dr. Anthony D’Antoni

"Anthony is so committed to research and publishing, and he really gets excited and only wants to do more," says Terrence Cahill, FACHE, EdD, associate professor and department chair. "He's a go-getter. He just doesn't stop."

Source: Insights [Fall 2012]

Anacor Announces Positive Results of Tavaborole Phase 3 Trials

Anacor Pharmaceuticals today announced positive preliminary results from the first of two Phase 3 trials of tavaborole, its topical anti-fungal for onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail and nail bed that affects approximately 35 million people in the United States. Tavaborole achieved a high degree of statistical significance on all primary and secondary endpoints.

Dr. Max Weisfeld

“Patients and physicians have been waiting for a safe and effective treatment for onychomycosis. Millions of patients are treated several times a year with debridement because it is the safest option to improve the appearance of the nail and minimize discomfort, even though debridement doesn’t actually eliminate the fungus. Tavaborole has the potential to offer these patients an effective, safe and convenient therapy to treat this difficult infection and prevent it from spreading to other toes and skin,” said Max Weisfeld, DPM.

Source: Streetinsider.com [1/29/13] 

Query: Records Request

I received a phone call from a Medicare patient’s secondary insurance company asking to verify office information so they may accurately send a request for medical records. This request involves one patient for one date of service and involves a very small amount of money paid by the secondary policy. I do not have a contract with this insurance company. Am I under any obligation to comply with this request?

Name Witheld

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Regardless of whether you have a legal obligation or not, in general, you should  comply with a single record request involving a small amount of money. The risk of not complying is that you could turn a simple random audit into a much wider investigation. If your documentation is adequate, you risk far less by complying than by ignoring such a request. Additionally, if the patient has authorized a release of his/her records, you may, in fact, have a legal responsibilty to release the records, regardless of your relationship with the secondary insurer.

Query: Appropriate Salaries When Combining Practices of Unequal Value

I am thinking of combining practices with another podiatrist, but my practice is worth 4 times more than his. What compensation would be recommended for both podiatrists, and what are the advantages of combining?

Name Withheld

Query: Co-Pay Question

My physician came to me concerned that we are not collecting the patient’s full co-pay. He recently read an article stating, "Many doctors are now faced with patients who have co-pays that are greater than the insurance allowable. If a patient's co-pay is greater than the allowable, what is the financial obligation of the physician regarding the balance?" The comment by the article's editor: "Co-pays and allowable charges are separate and distinct entities. In general, providers are legally required to collect co-pays regardless of what the balance is."

My physician is requesting that we charge the full co-pay. I disagree due to the contractual write-off. For example, we charge a CPT 99212 which allows $39 and their specialist co-pay is $50. We only charge them the $39. I would appreciate any advice on this subject.

Leslie Fannin,  Office of Mike Rosenberg, DPM, Montgomery, AL

Response: The answer could be easily and accurately answered by calling the insurance company in question. I believe the confusion comes when some 'experts' are conflating an unrelated principle regarding not being legally allowed to write off co-pays (on a routine basis). That has nothing to do with this situation.

Without directly answering the question, I can tell you that if I ever went to a doctor who submitted charges that were approved for a total amount of $39, and he tried to insist on collecting $50 from me, I would not pay him, complain formally to the insurance company, and find a new doctor.

Richard Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA

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RE: Meaningful Use Audits
From: Mark Tuccio, DPM

My father once said to me that “regardless of what the forecast says about the probability of rain for the day, if it’s raining where you are standing, the probability is 100%.” What is the probability of one podiatrist being selected for an MU audit? Answer: 100% in my case. My partner was also selected for an MU audit so what’s the probability for him? Answer: 100%. So what’s the probability of 2 men, in a 2-man practice, BOTH being selected for an MU audit? Answer: Astronomical!
 
HIPAA compliance (core measure 15) has the potential to hang a ton of doctors out to dry. After taking countless hours gathering all of the documentation they require for this audit (X2), I can tell you that they are looking for documented proof of every measure you attested to. It appears to me that they are looking for 100% compliance, not close to 100% compliant.
 
I don’t  understand why Podiatry Management, the APMA, and state societies are not trying to raise every doctor's level of awareness with regard to this issue. And not to be paranoid, I am still interested in knowing how many of our ranks received MU money and how many of those who received MU money were selected for an MU audit.

Mark Tuccio, DPM, Jamestown, NY, drtuccio@netsync.net

RE: Climate Change and Fungal Infections
From: Robert Creighton, DPM

Today, I came home to the February issue of the official APHA newspaper with its headline above the fold: “Health workers planning ahead for climate change effects on U.S.” I am challenged daily meeting meaningful-use criteria, making sure all my paperwork for diabetic footwear will withstand a Medicare audit, dispensing an AFO that is within 2-4 cm of the fibular head, and wondering when the next Medicare cut will come and controlling my HIPAA paranoia, but I have this global warming thing covered.

Despite incessant mockery and ridicule from my wife, I have been a podiatric-prepper for some time now. I have been hoarding antifungal samples. I am more than ready for the coming wave of hyperhidrosis.  Yeah, you laugh now…

Robert Creighton, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL, rcreightonjr@hotmail.com

RE: Background Checks of Employees (Donald Carlson, DPM)
From: Hal Ornstein, DPM

We have done background checks on employees for years. It is very inexpensive and simple to do. If a prospective employee does not sign the form to allow the background check, the writing is on the wall.  We use International Security Agency, Inc. (isainvestigations.com), 

In addition, check out dpmhiring.com. This site will help you make better hiring decisions. It indicates the key information you can use to decide who will succeed and who will under-perform – before you make that hiring decision. It reveals if prospective employees' personality traits match those of your practice, as well as your needs and expectations. It is low cost considering the high cost of having to replace an employee. As the saying goes, "pay now or pay later."
 
Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ, halo@footdoctorsnj.com

RE: Changing Office Hours (Lloyd Nesbitt, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM
 
I echo Dr. Nesbitt's sentiment 100%. In practice 27 years, I haven't worked a Friday in the last 15. It's the best decision ever made, but may not be appropriate for everyone. The added day off has increased my overall productivity, reduced my stress, and improved the quality of my life. Just ensure you're available for the occasional urgent issue that may arise on short notice, or be prepared to lose that patient to a neighboring colleague who is available.

Now, I have partners who pick up that slack, but I made this decision years ago when I was a solo practitioner and it did not negatively affect my success. If your staff is on board with this idea, doesn't mind working a bit harder during the midweek, then it is certainly worth considering. You can do a 3-month trial and see how it affects all involved parties and always re-assess if you don't like the outcome...more likely, you'll never look back, and your overall productivity will increase.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

RE: The Passing of Joseph Perlow, DPM
 
I had the privilege of treating Col. Perlow while I was stationed as an Army podiatrist at Fort Meade, MD. He was a serious runner and had some foot problems. He was looking for another career after retiring from the Army. During our sessions, he developed a keen interest in podiatry, and I encouraged his pursuit of that goal.
 
I saw him soon after he graduated from school, and he was recovering from a hemi-implant arthroplasty. He stated that he always wanted to experience first-hand “what the troops felt.” Later on, he looked me up when I was in private practice in New Mexico to thank me for my encouragement and support. He was a great person and I am saddened to learn of his death.

Evan F Meltzer, DPM, San Antonio, TX

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PINPOINTE LASER

Used PinPointe Laser for sale! $16,500.00 Firm. Please send email to dman1hansen@gmail.com or call 801-870-4161

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $560,000. Approximately 1300sqft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND

Established 1974 treating routine, diabetic, wound care, trauma, workman's comp and surgery. Attached accredited and certified surgery center. High volume with new patients with opportunity for expansion. Long established multiple primary care referral basis including University of Maryland health center. All financial information available. e-mail Msugar8364@aol.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $ 475 with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E- mail wpbfootdrs@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WESTERN SUBURBS OF PHILADELPHIA

General practice with minimal managed care. Older routine care population mixed well with younger group of new patients. I am moving to an orthopedic practice and will no longer be doing routine care or surgery. Looking for someone to take over practice that is 3 days/week seeing 55-70 patients per week. Need sale ASAP. Please respond with interest to podpractice.2013@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL

R U a PM&S36 graduate looking for a bright future in podiatry BUT cannot be afraid to work hard to achieve. Complete from nail care to reconstructive ankle/leg trauma. Attitude + god complexes need not apply. Frames, nails, must be comfortable applying. Work hard for a bright future, our group can help you achieve.  Send CV,  and letter of intent to mny1029@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Hudson Valley Foot Associates has a great opportunity available!  We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM. Please visit www.hvfa.com and forward cover letter with CV to info@hvfa.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Office and Hospital-based Podiatry group is seeking a highly trained, "high powered" surgical associate to compliment our 4 doctor group. Minimum PSR 36 trained with Rearfoot Reconstructive experience is required. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package along with amazing working environment. Please forward cover letter and CV to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Part-time position available immediately, leading to full-time employment, for a motivated, outgoing associate. We are a multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County and are looking for a hard working individual to treat a wide range of patients in all aspects of podiatry. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish fluency a definite advantage. Email your CV to ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

If you are a graduating resident, an established practitioner (available now), and you are enthusiastic, personable, motivated and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position in our group with you. We are a 19-doctor group, with 13 locations. 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 tonewdpm@footandankle-usa.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, well established practice in central Florida looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to attractions, short drive to beaches. Florida license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Please send CV to footpainbegone@Gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

Upstate practice seeking PSR-24/36 trained associate. Full-time position with partnership opportunity. Plans include new office and EHR System. Hospital privileges. Near Hartwell Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please send CV to palpodiatry@att.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Come practice in sunny Florida! A well-established, very busy solo podiatry practice in the Ocala area has a great career opportunity for a Board Certified/Board Eligible surgical podiatrist. Pleasant work environment with state-of-the-art facility and highly skilled staff. High-end compensation and bonus potential. Excellent benefits and relocation reimbursement. The horse capital of the world, the area also offers great public schools and community colleges, excellent healthcare facilities, and an hour or two from the U of F, airports, beaches, Orlando attractions, a national forest and outdoor recreation opportunities. Forward CV to resume@drsmgmt.com or fax 865-531-0722.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – FENTON, MICHIGAN

Looking for a well-trained, entrepreneurial-minded podiatrist to add to a busy modern practice.(EHR, Digital x-ray, Diagnostic U.S., etc.) Looking for long term associate for growing practice. Please send CV with cover letter to Stephanie@FentonFootCare.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley. Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.com

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. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Established podiatric practice seeking a full-time podiatrist to take over current practice. Position is an employed hospital based position with excellent family medicine referral/support. Current practice profile does approximately 50% routine foot/ankle care, 50% surgical care, wound care and orthopedic care. Practice located in vibrant small college town in western Illinois. For further information, contact Patty Luker, CEO at 309-734-1400 or email patty.luker@osfhealthcare.org.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CHICAGO SUBURBS

Busy two office, three-doctor practice seeking potential 4th doctor to join group. Hospital and surgery center affiliated. All aspects of podiatry. No nursing homes. Competitive salary and benefits Send resume to: carol.performance@sbcglobal.net

PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN/SURGEON - CHICAGO AND SUBURBS

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons is searching for a full-time podiatric physician/surgeon. Prefer ABPS qualified/certified with experience in private practice. Great benefit package and partnership opportunities. Please send letter of interest, CV to dr.tcarr@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking ,fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA

Seeking a well-qualified PSR 24/36 trained podiatrist to join established practice with two locations. Individual must be motivated, ethical, and have great personal skills. Position may lead to partnership for right candidate. Please send CV to PodJobNC@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Needed podiatric surgeon skilled in reconstructive procedures for complex deformities of the foot and ankle. All benefits are generous. Position provides an opportunity for immediate case load and professional fulfillment in a nationally profiled practice in Montana. 3 year PM&S or equivalent. Inquire at www.Selectapplications.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VA (SOUTH CENTRAL)

Thirty year established practice seeking associate. PSR 24/36 training, must be highly motivated, personable, ethical and willing to provide all aspects of podiatric care. Early partnership opportunity with potential ownership. Competitive salary and benefits. Excellent opportunity for a successful career. Please send CV to footcare2020@aol.com or fax to 804 733-5946.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package with partnership opportunity. Reply with letter, CV and photo to Jagerone@aol.com.

RESDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR - MICHIGAN

Genesys Health System in Grand Blanc, MI is seeking an exemplary leader to serve as the Program Director for the Hospital's Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with the added Credential in Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR). Apply online www.genesys.org.

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed PODO2345@AOL.COM516-476-1815

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. 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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