The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 04, 2012 #4,376 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist Suggests Superbowl a Good Time for Armchair Quarterbacks to Get a Foot Check

Lawrenceville podiatrist Dr. Bruce Bitcover, says, "We’ve all met the “armchair quarterback,” often a middle-aged man whose own health may be flagging because of spending more time watching sports on television than on a regular exercise regimen. Since healthy feet and the proper shoes are essential to obtaining the benefits of just about any type of exercise, getting a foot check is a step in the right direction for people who fall into this category.”

Dr. Bruce Bitcover

Super Bowl Sunday is also a good time to begin thinking about getting your feet into shape for spring and summer weather. In fact, adults of all ages tend to forget about their feet during the winter months when they are buried in socks, shoes, and boots. But feet can often become unsightly over the winter, developing thickened skin or nail discoloration. Dr. Bitcover advises, "Properly fitted shoes are the first line of defense against the formation of thickened skin areas on feet. However, because of individual variations in foot structure and movement, buildup may still occur."

CA Podiatrist Raises More Than $100,000 in Congressional Bid

The Democratic challenger to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon, (R)-Santa Clarita, raised more than $30,000 last year in his bid to unseat McKeon, who had accumulated nearly $1 million by year’s end. 

Dr. Lee Rogers

Dr. Lee Rogers, a Simi Valley podiatrist who filed his candidacy papers with the Federal Election Commission in July, said in a news release last week that his campaign had collected more than $100,000 to battle McKeon by the end of January. Almost all of those contributing to the Rogers campaign are in the medical field and pharmaceutical industry.

Source: Jim Holt, The Santa Clara Signal [2/2/12]

OH Podiatrist is Credible Challenger for Congressional Seat

Rep. Jean Schmidt already has four Republican opponents and two Democrats vying to unseat her in the 2012 election. But someone else is gunning for her, too. Schmidt’s latest challenge comes from a group called the Campaign for Primary Accountability, which bills itself as a “non-partisan” group dedicated to “leveling the playing field in primary elections.” In the 2nd district, CPA decided to get involved because it’s a safe Republican seat, Schmidt is “out of step” with her constituents, and she has “a credible challenger.”

Dr. Brad Wenstrup

On that last item, he pointed to Dr. Brad Wenstrup, a Cincinnati doctor and GOP candidate, whom Ellis said “has name recognition and the ability to finance this campaign.” (Wenstrup is the only GOP contender, other than Schmidt, to raise any money: $100,000 so far.)

Source: Deirdre Shesgreen, Cincinnati Enquirer [1/30/12]

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MGMA Chief Calls for Further Delay on 5010 Enforcement

The mandated Jan. 1 conversion to a new set of electronic claims transaction standards is not going smoothly for office-based physicians, disrupting medical groups' cash flow and creating hassles, according to the head of the Medical Group Management Association - American College of Medical Practice Executives. In a three-page letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, MGMA President and CEO Dr. Susan Turney listed eight steps HHS needs to take to fix problems that began arising even before the Jan. 1, 2012 deadline HHS set for national compliance with federally mandated use of the ASC X12 Version 5010 standards.

"Should the government not take the necessary steps," Turney warned, "many practices face significant delayed revenue, operational difficulties, a reduced ability to treat patients, staff layoffs, or even the prospect of closing their practice."

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [2/2/12]

Query: Documenting Shoe Size/Patient Reminders

Is it really a requirement that we document and report the shoe size of a Medicare patient with diabetes? Also, we always call and remind patients of an upcoming appointment, is this also a Medicare requirement that needs to be documented?

Joseph A. Svoboda, DPM, Manhattan, KS

Response: Documentation of your calling patients to remind them of upcoming appointments is related to one of the Menu Measures of "Meaningful Use."  That being said, documenting these calls is a good thing because should a patient fail to follow up for care, the documentation of your reaching out to the patient can only serve to demonstrate concern for the patient on the part of your office.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY

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RE: Plantar Fascial Tears After Cipro? (David Weiss, DPM)
From: Richard Viehe, DPM

I have treated a few tendon ruptures and plantar facial tears after the patients had been treated with Cipro. One patient with prolonged diabetes and Charcot ruptured each anterial tibial tendon, about a year apart. I re-attached each tendon and he recovered uneventfully.

Richard Viehe, DPM, Newport Beach, CA, Rviehe@me.com

RE: New MD Shoe Company Tells People to “Ditch Your Orthotic” (Brien Kiel, DPM)
From: Kevin A. Kirby, DPM

Upon Dr. Kiel's recommendations, I took the time to post onto the Facebook wall page for OESH the following message: "It is unfortunate that OESH shoes has taken it on themselves to proclaim that all patients suffering from mechanically-related foot and lower extremity pathologies should "ditch their orthotics." Not only does this advice border on medical negligence, but it also is certainly not supported by the majority of scientific articles from peer-reviewed articles that show that foot orthoses help reduce pain and also positively alter the motion of the foot and lower extremity and the abnormal forces which cause many pathologies.
 
Rather, OESH seems to be taking the path of saying "ditch your orthotics" so that they can then claim that their shoes, with a very high price tag and minimal to no valid scientific research to back up their questionable marketing claims, will take the place of their medically prescribed custom foot orthoses. I would have thought that an otherwise well-respected physician with a financial interest in a shoe company would have taken a more responsible approach to marketing their shoes rather than totally ignoring the considerable body of prospective and retrospective orthosis research that clearly shows that foot orthoses are a very valuable medical device for a large number of patients, possibly causing harm to these individuals, rather than benefitting them."
 
Unfortunately, five minutes after my Facebook posting was placed, it was suddenlty deleted by OESH. Nothing like prompt elimination of negative reviews in order to sell some over-priced shoes?
 
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA, kevinakirby@comcast.net

RE: Sammy Systems (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: David S. Wander, DPM

Our group has been using Sammy for several months, and overall we are very pleased with the system. Initially, when searching for a new system for our offices, we naturally compared all the systems to our existing system. We ultimately decided upon Sammy based on input from our practice administrator and billing personnel, who preferred Sammy. As with any new system, there is a definite learning curve, especially if you have already been using a system prior to your new purchase. 
 
Sammy provides you with the ability to build notes several different ways, and it is very customizable. We have created templates which are suitable for our practice, yet allow enough diversity in choices to satisfy the different preferences for the nine doctors in our practice. Additionally, Sammy has been excellent with customer service and responds to our calls without delay. They have also walked us through the incentive reimbursement issue as well as PQRS payments.
 
At the time of purchase, our group presented Sammy with some unique challenges due to the number of doctors, etc., and Sammy took on that challenge successfully. I'm sure there are many excellent programs on the market, but our group has been satisfied with the system and the support.
 
David S. Wander, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, dswdpm@gmail.com

RE: FL Podiatrist Promotes Laser Surgery with Groupons (IRA Baum, DPM)
From: Bruce Pinker, DPM

To respond to Dr. Baum's comments, a friend of mine purchased a Groupon to see a high profile plastic surgeon to obtain a chemical peel.  She then followed up with him twice for other issues.
 
Dentists are utilizing Groupon very effectively, as well, as one dentist acquired 1,300 new patients in 24 hrs. Check out this link. Interesting at the very least.
 
Bruce Pinker, DPM, Pomona, NY, docpinker@yahoo.com

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

What to wear at the Tour D'Fashion.

Source: Submitted by Dr. Nat Chotechuang

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building.  Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ORANGE COUNTY)

Strong & diverse local economy, in a beautiful beach community. Well rounded, established since 1983, fully equipped. Consistently grossing over $600K. Many types of insurance, reimbursement and revenue sources. Local hospitals allow full scope of podiatric care. Terms available. Contact:josephdpm@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Cosman Radiofrequency Generator for Sale!  Model RFG-1B  Like New Condition. Comes with Manual, 17 Dispersive Electrodes, 2 CSK-R 10  Kits, 2 CSK-R 5 Kits, 11 CC RF Cannula 10cm/10mm/22G, 4 CC RF Cannula 10cm/5mm/22G,  1 - 5cm RF Cannula/22G (4mm Sharp Curved Tip), & 2 Replacement Fuses. Asking $10,500 OBO  Please Contact: nffpbosk@gmail.com

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

POSITION WANTED - NEW JERSEY

ACFAS Fellow Board Certified in both Foot and Reconstructive Hindfoot/Ankle Surgery with 10 years of experience in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery seeking a good fit for part-time venture leading to long-term association or partnership. Excellent communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills and exceptional bedside manner. Skilled in seeing high patient volume. Contact njfootdoc123@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARIZONA

Podiatrist to joint established practice in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Modern office utilizing EMR, Digital X-Ray, ultrasound, full DME, seeking entrepreneurial, ambitious individual who can provide excellent care and expand already existing patient base. Send CV to ArizonaFeet@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean fast growing area, Associate for multi-office full scope practice Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

Available in beautiful southern Kentucky in progressive, multi-office practice with 6 providers. Excellent base salary, malpractice, full benefit package with 2-year track to partnership. Looking for someone that wants to grow with our practice, work hard and develop relationships with local hospitals and surrounding communities. Strong communication skills, bedside manner and willingness to learn a must. Narrow window for interviews: email CV and letter of interest before March 1: footdocky@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

I'm not just looking for an associate. I am looking for a doctor who wants to build a highly successful career with a doctor who is as committed to their success as he is to his own. Go towww.YourFutureInPodiatry.com to find out about this opportunity.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NJ

Looking for a three-year surgically-trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter. drwfoot@verizon.net

 ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA

Emerald Coast on the North Shore of the Gulf of Mexico, a well-established group practice with multi-offices, seeking an associate with opportunity for partnership for a PSR-24/36 Doctor well-trained in foot/ankle/diabetic problems/wound care/surgical and medical podiatric care, covering 3 area hospitals, NO nursing homes. e-mail letter of interest, CV, and references to basewedge@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking motivated, independent foot & ankle surgeon to join large practice. Our multi office practice covers all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, including heavy limb salvage/ hospital volume. Offering competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV and two references to: bleich5252@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY

Full time associate position available with well rounded multi-office group on Long Island. Ideal position for July 2012 graduating third year resident who wants to practice and live on Long Island. Candidates must be board qualified or board certified, and well trained in all phases of podiatry including surgery, biomechanics, wound care and palliative care. Compensation includes salary,malpractice insurance, paid vacations and surgical incentives, with a future partnership opportunity available for the right candidate. Interested doctors are encouraged to submit their CV's in response to: mets724@gmail.com

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