The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 02, 2013 #4,681 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Wearing Heels During Workouts is Worst Thing You Could Do: NY Podiatrist

The Crunch Fitness chain of gyms offers classes called "Stiletto Strength," which require attendees to "bring your own heels." The class aims to strengthen the legs, abdominals and back to support posture in heels. It also incorporates an aerobic portion where students "go into 'work it girl' mode," the company says. 

Dr. Emily Splichal

Some kick off the heels. Dr. Emily Splichal, a New York podiatrist, "human-movement specialist" and high-heel enthusiast, created a program called "Catwalk Confidence," to help people walk in heels. She describes the series of classes, which has sold about 5,000 DVDs in its three years of existence, as "vertical Pilates." She is adamant her classes be taught and taken in bare feet. "You can build a lot of body awareness and agility without being in heels," Dr. Splichal said. Wearing heels during a workout "is probably the worst thing you could do."

Source: Erica E. Philips, Wall Street Journal [1/31/13]

PICA Hosts APMSA Meeting

The APMSA Mid-Winter House of Delegates (HOD) is taking place this week at the corporate offices of PICA in Franklin, TN. This twice-yearly meeting gives the future leaders in the podiatric profession a chance to work together to address and resolve student issues. It also gives them time to get to know other students from other schools, to share professional and personal experiences, often forming lifelong bonds as a result.

Students at APMSA Mid-Winter House of Delegates (HOD)

 
This year’s mid-winter APMSA HOD meeting is returning to Nashville after a long absence. “It is important for PICA to meet and talk to the profession’s future leaders,” said Dr. Ross Taubman, president and CMO of PICA. “What better way to know where the profession will be in five, 10 and even 20 years from now.” Dorothy Cahill McDonald, Executive Director of APMSA, agrees. “PICA, as a founding corporate advisory board member of APMSA and ardent supporter of students, is a natural place for us to hold this meeting."

Indian Podiatry Association President Conducts Workshop at Diabetes Conference

"India is considered the capital of diabetes of the world where every fifth person will be a diabetic. Considering the mammoth proportion of the burden on the healthcare system and economy of our country, it is essential to train our medical fraternity in the latest topics on the subject and deliberate in detail about its diagnosis, investigation, treatment and preventive aspects," said physician Aarti Shahade at Focus Diabetes Conference.

The highlight of the second day of the conference was a diabetic foot workshop conducted by Amarjit singh Suri, president of the Indian Podiatry Association. There were live demonstrations and case presentations.

Source: Umesh Isalkar, The Times of India [1/31/13]

CMS Announces Affordable Care Act “Sunshine” Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today a final rule that will increase public awareness of financial relationships between drug and device manufacturers and certain healthcare providers. Called the “National Physician Payment Transparency Program: Open Payments,” this is one of many steps in the Affordable Care Act designed to create greater transparency in the healthcare market.

In order to give applicable manufacturers and applicable group purchasing organizations (GPOs) sufficient time to prepare, data collection will begin on August 1, 2013. Applicable manufacturers and applicable GPOs will report the data for August through December of 2013 to CMS by March 31, 2014, and CMS will release the data on a public website by September 30, 2014. CMS is developing an electronic system to facilitate the reporting process.

Medicare Quality Reporting Penalty Expected to Strike Most Physicians

Physicians could lose up to a total of $1.3 billion a year from their Medicare pay by not satisfactorily reporting quality measures to the program, researchers determined in an analysis of reporting trends.

The loss would be the result of hundreds of thousands of physicians and other health professionals not participating in, or not meeting criteria for, the Medicare physician quality reporting system. Medicare payments will be cut 1.5% in 2015 — and 2% in 2016 and beyond — for every eligible physician who fails to meet PQRS requirements by sending quality data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The 2015 penalty will be based on 2013 reporting activity.

Source: Charles Fiegl, Amednews [1/21/13]

Query: Codes for Reporting Inpatient Consultation

CMS is reporting that E/M codes, CPT 99241-99245 (office consultation for a new or established patient) and CPT 99251-99255 (initial inpatient consultation for a new or established patient) are no longer accepted for 2013. The APMA Coding Resource Center does not list new codes for inpatient consultations. Can you tell me what the new codes are for these consulting services?

Peter Miller, DPM, Middlebury, VT

Response:To quote from CMS, "In the Calendar Year (CY) 2010 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule with comment period (CMS-1413-FC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) eliminated the payment of all Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) consultation codes (inpatient and office/outpatient codes) for various places of service."

You would, for your Medicare and Medicaid patients, code those services you would have billed as a consultation simply as either an office/outpatient E/M visit (CPT 9920x or CPT 9921x) or an inpatient hospital visit (CPT 9922x or CPT 9923x).

Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX

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RE: Primatrix Approved by Medicare for Chronic Wounds
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
 
For a change, some positive news out of Medicare and just announced on the NGS Website. National Government Services the Medicare Administrative Contractor for MAC 13 (NY and CT) has announced a policy article addition to the LCD covering skin substitutes (biologic products). Effective immediately, Primatrix is now covered for many chronic wounds treated by podiatrists. These include: diabetic foot ulcers, decubitus (pressure) ulcers, and venous ulcers. I am hopeful that it will be the first of many more products which require no special storage requirements (e.g., long shelf life at room temperature), and which podiatrists and other wound care specialists can add to their tool box.

One should check their LCD and policy articles for further information regarding frequency, diagnosis codes, and other important parameters.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, drkesselmandpm1@hotmail.com

RE: Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe Bill (Josh White, DPM, CPed)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

It is a sad fact that many podiatrists and orthotists, as well as pedorthists, have discontinued providing shoes through Medicare. It has become more difficult to obtain the required documentation and even when it is obtained, the auditors often ignore or misinterpret the documentation that is sent. In most cases, if the provider bothers to take these claims up the appeal ladder, they are paid.

As Dr. White has pointed out, there are formulas for reducing the time expenditure required of you and/or your staff. One key point not to forget; it is essential to...

Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Podiatric Practice Acquisition Financing (Mike Stamey, DPM)
From: Matthew B. Richins, DPM

Stillwater National Bank was amazingly helpful. They were recommended to me by another podiatrist. They are a small bank in Oklahoma, but were much more accommodating than the local and national banks in my area.

Matthew B. Richins, DPM, Joplin, MO, mnmrichins@yahoo.com

RE: ABMSP Achieves URAC Accreditation
From: David Hettinger, DPM

I read the article on The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP) with great interest. NOW is the time for the APMA to officially recognize this board as an affiliated organization and realize that there are other legitimate ways to become board certified.
 
David Hettinger, DPM, Wheaton, IL, davidhett@msn.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 - 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.

LOOKING TO COMBINE PRACTICES - MANHATTAN

Looking to add or combine a conservative podiatry practice with a DME license at my Wall Street and Upper East Side high tech locations. Opting out of Medicare to go totally cash. I turn away insurance patients every day. Serious, capitalized responders please. Dennis Shavelson DPM at drsha@lifestylepodiatry.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

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 - 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

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 - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to expanding podiatry group. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within the group. Base salary starts at $100k, with incentives to grow income to $200k+, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, and group bonus plan. Please send CV to stlpodgroup@gmail.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 - 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 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 to: newdpm@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.

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.COM 516-476-1815

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 - CUTERA GENESIS PLUS

Cutera Genesis Plus. 30 months old, low shot count, sku 022012a 1064 ND:YAG With new handpiece Dec.2011 for 1.5mm adapter go to www.thelasertrader.com Price is $35,000. Save over $29,000. Excellent Condition.

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

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