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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 9,000 Podiatrists Daily
February 05, 2007 #2,802 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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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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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
ESWT is Alternative to Heel Surgery: CA Podiatrist
Heel pain can be frustrating to treat. In the past, when ice packs and steroid injections failed to work, doctors often turned to surgery. Now a new, less-invasive treatment is using simple shockwaves. Novato physician Vincent Marino says part of the pain of plantar fasciitis is caused by scar tissue from the inflammation. He says the shockwaves break down the scar tissue.
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Dr. Vincent Marino |
Dr. Vincent Marino: "What this procedure does is by causing this new injury it's actually allowing the development of new blood vessels to go within the scar, help it reduce the scar, and the healing process then goes on its own in a normal physiologic way."
He cautions it doesn't work for everyone, but early results are promising. Dr. Marino: "We're seeing anywhere from 50 to 80 percent improvement and success rates with it."
Source: Dean Edell, ABC7/KGO-TV [2/2/07]
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PUBLISHED PODIATRISTS |
NY Singing Podiatrist Publishes Children’s CD/Book
If you're commuting to or from Manhattan and hear melodic sounds drifting from the car in the next lane, it may well be Armonk mom, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon — the singing podiatrist.
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Dr. Kathy Reilly-Fallon |
Dr. Fallon focuses on her surgical instruments once at work in her midtown podiatry practice. But driving to and from Westchester, she uses the downtime to practice the songs she performs in concerts at nursing homes and children’s health facilities. And on her brand-new CD, Heavenly Skies & Lullabies. The new album contains 11 beautiful lullabies, all soothing enough to calm a baby’s cries and a harried parent’s nerves, and comes packaged with a book.
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Heavenly Skies & Lullabies |
It is actually Dr. Fallon’s second venture into the world of music publishing. Her first CD, Heavenly Lullabies, was dedicated to the babies and orphans of 9/11. Dr. Fallon spent several weeks volunteering her medical expertise at Ground Zero. Based in the safe haven of the untouched St. Paul’s Chapel, she joined other volunteer health professionals to administer care to sore and injured rescue workers. The experience was a turning point. She saw the need to somehow help the children whose lives had been so altered as a result of that tragic day.
Source: NY Metro Parents Magazine
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PODIATRISTS AND THE SUPERBOWL |
IA Podiatrist Wins Superbowl Lottery
A Bears fan is patient. Chuck Gilarski, a podiatrist in Ames, grew up in the southwest neighborhoods of Chicago. He applied for season tickets 25 years ago and got a postcard congratulating him for being 13,000th in line.
Some fans wait more than a generation to make the Bears' season-ticket list. It took Gilarski only a decade. A few weeks ago, Gilarski got another note from the Bears. He was one of the few season-ticket holders who had won the lottery for the right to purchase Super Bowl tickets, maximum two apiece, at face value: $600.
Chuck scrambled to get a travel plan together, but he pulled it off. He was slated to leave Friday on a $450 round-trip flight from Des Moines to Miami. He and his brother-in-law are splitting a $300 hotel room over three nights. "I definitely need to take a walk or a jog on the ocean," he says. "I feel like 'Pride of the Yankees.' I'm the luckiest guy."
Source: Sean Keller, Des Moines Register [2/3/07]
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See the difference SureFit diabetic footwear will make in your practice. Call today for a FREE sample of the amazing UltraLITE.
Toll Free 800 298 6050 or visit http://www.surefitlab.com/
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MEDICARE NEWS |
Stark to Seek to Revise Inflation Updates in Medicare Payments
House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-CA) on Wednesday said that he will seek to revise inflation updates in Medicare reimbursements for hospitals and other health providers to help cover the cost of other healthcare proposals, CongressDaily reports. The inflation updates affect Medicare reimbursements for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, HMOs, nursing homes and home healthcare providers. Stark said he expects opposition to the proposal from some Democrats on the subcommittee, adding, "I'll need Republican support."
Source: American Health Line [2/2/07]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
AAPPM Residents’ Seminar Focusing on Achieving First-Year Success
The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) is offering residents a unique opportunity to learn how to make their first year in practice a success at a one-day seminar on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, in conjunction with the Midwinter Practice Management Workshop. Whether residents are going into practice for themselves or joining an existing practice, AAPPM's top practice management experts will be teaching them the secrets of first-year success. Topics include effective patient presentations, office set up, marketing strategies, financial management, coding and billing, associate and insurance contracts, technology and staff development. As an added bonus, all resident registrants will be paired with an AAPPM personal mentor. Go online to www.aappm.org or call 978-646-9091 for brochure and to register – it’s only $49 if registered for the Midwinter, $79 if not.
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Purple Toes on Dependency
I have a 16 year old patient with purple toes. There is no pain or swelling, and it goes away when she lies down. She is very embarrassed at gym class. Are there any medications or therapies that could help her out? Michael Warheit, DPM, Buffalo Grove, IL
Query: Managing Surgical Logistics
I recently had a key back-office employee retire, and with her all the knowledge of managing all the aspects of my surgeries (consents, pre-op and post op appointments, pre-certs for sx and DME, boarding of the case, medical clearance, etc...) Now as I try to train some new employees to do this work, we are finding this to be an area that is consuming a great amount of time as well as being done inaccurately and inefficiently. Have any of you found a smooth, efficient system for handling all of these peri-operative logistics? I was considering using some sort of "form" or "worksheet" to keep track of all this information. Perhaps some of you have already perfected such a form and wouldn't mind sharing it with us. Dan Methuselah, DPM, Columbia, SC
Editor’s comment: This type of logistical task should be incorporated into your office manual. Unfortunately, many practices do not have office manuals, and as a result, run inefficiently. Policy and procedure manuals can be obtained from sources such as www.codingline.com or the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (www.AAPPM.org). These are wonderful benefits of being part of these organizations.
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FREE YOUR SOLE
NALFON(tm) 200 (fenoprofen calcium 200mg capsules).
Pedinol Pharmacal Inc. introduces Nalfon(tm) 200: * Rapid pain relief * Non-selective NSAID with over 25 years of clinical experience in the U.S. * Possesses both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties * Generally well tolerated * Rx only Nalfon(tm) 200 is available in 200mg capsules. For full prescribing information on Nalfon(tm) 200 go to http://www.nalfon200.comNalfon(tm) 200. Foot pain doesn't wait. Why should relief?
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Circulator Boots (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM) From: Paul Kesselman, DPM, Simon Young, DPM
The intent of my posting was not for anyone to empathize with my opinion or posting, nor is it to defend anyone defrauding a governmental program. My intent was to simply state that the references to traditional and podiatric has nothing at all to do with this case.
If they did, every podiatrist would be "guilty" of something as we all provide unqualified routine foot care (non covered by Medicare), foot orthotics, latex shields etc. All are non-covered for the most part. No one however argues that these are non-traditional or non-podiatric.
I'll let the scientists and researches and those who use the circulator boot decide whether this treatment is worthwhile (whether covered or not).
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net
I don't understand Dr. Rosenblatt’s point of view. True "the government" at times uses political means to exclude treatment regimens but it usually doesn’t do it wantonly. There is a protocol involving peer comments and CAC meetings. As far as the "circulator boot" and dealing with vascular issues. There are so many variables to be evaluated in PVD and to relegate all solutions to one modality is not reasonable or prudent. PMH, medications, location of vascular lesion ie: SFA, peroneal or tibial arteries, one or multiple areas of stenosis, how long is each stenosis? etc., did patient consult a general surgeon or someone with expertise in vascular and endovascular procedures?
I am no fan of government intervention - no doubt we all had enough. I do believe the CMS wants to benefit its members and get the most value for its money while reducing morbidity or mortality. Therefore, treatment protocols must be either proved in literature via strict research protocol and ultimately be evidence-based. If the "circulatory boot" is such a superior modality than let the manufacture provide peer reviewed literature for its efficacy and prove it will save money when compared to current treatment modalities.
Dr. Rosenblatt, I hope should join his local state society and deal with "political medicine" issue via political means.
Simon Young, DPM, NY, NY, Simonyoung@juno.com
RE: Integrative Medicine (Bob Kornfeld, DPM) From: Multiple Responses
Editor's note: These notes appear at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=12615&start=1
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o Confusion Over Mycotic Nails o Med Assistants Performing Palliative Care o E/M Examination Question o Bone Biopsy o Bleomycin Injection Coding
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE WANTED - NORTH CAROLINA , CHARLOTTE AREA
Incredible opportunity to join a busy, well-established group practice. Looking for a self-motivated, hard-working individual seeking to become a partner. Hospital and surgery center privileges. Salary plus percentage, 401k and real estate opportunities. Send CV to universityoffice@ bellsouth.net
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 POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP - TAMPA BAY AREA-FLORIDA
Immediate position available in growing multi-office/multi-physician practice. Looking for a highly motivated psr24/36 trained podiatrist. Must be board qualified/board certified ABPS physician and be highly enthusiastic, motivated, with excellent patient/ social skills. Excellent benefit package including salary/bonus, health ins, paid time off, paid CME, and much more. Please e-mail CV to drdad94@aol.com or contact (727) 944-2522 for more information.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION -MINNESOTA – PRIME MINNEAPOLIS SUBURB
Busy, well-established, full-scope podiatry practice, seeking highly motivated podiatrist for a full-time position with potential partnership opportunity. Looking for PSR 24+ individual. Excellent opportunity for long-term growth with unlimited income potential. E-mail CV to employment@associatedpodiatrists.com or fax to (612) 866-5875 Attn. Jennifer.
PRACTICE FOR SALE -NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE -BOSTON SUBURBS
Established practice for sale. Practice averages 18 – 22 patients per day. Currently all surgery is referred out. Opportunity to transition patient base to full service. Priced for sale. Contact dpminboston@comcast.net
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 – CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Associate Wanted....For well established Central Jersey practice, diversified in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. I am looking for a highly motivated, conscientious, individual with strong work ethhics. My practice may offer great potential for the right person. Minimum PSR 24. Please reply to Jerseypod@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA-PM & S 36
Large, busy podiatry group looking for associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Department, six appointment locations, EMR, MRI and Digital X-ray. Full compensation and benefit package offered. Mail CV to Martin Foot and Ankle, 1203 S. Queen St. York, PA 17403 or email business administrator, johnreitzel@comcast.net
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
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.
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- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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RE: (Topic)
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Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
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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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