The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 05, 2011 #4,082 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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1. Advance Notice - PM News will be taking a mid-winter break and will not be publishing from February 10 - 17. 

Single Visit to Podiatrist Can Dramatically Help Diabetics: IA Podiatrist

Thomson Reuters’ MarketScan Research Databases recently conducted a study to examine whether outcomes of care (amputation and hospitalization) differ between patients with diabetes who received care from podiatrists and those who did not.

Dr. Patricia Chapman

According to this first of its kind study, essential foot care by a podiatrist has been statistically proven to reduce hospitalization and amputation in diabetics. "This research highlights the dramatic impact that even a single visit to a podiatrist can have on patients with diabetes," says podiatrist, Dr. Patricia Chapman.

Source: Clinton Herald [2/2/11]

APMA Succeeds in Removing Defamatory Video from Circulation

After working directly with the two websites hosting a defamatory video negatively comparing podiatrists to orthopedic surgeons, APMA has succeeded in having the video removed from both sites.

The video featured a South Carolina orthopedic surgeon who made several dramatically inaccurate statements about podiatric medical education and training. Since APMA became aware of the video two weeks ago, APMA’s Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) has been working on a daily basis with legal counsel and the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association (SCPMA) on a coordinated response, including a cease-and-desist letter sent to the orthopedist and direct contact with both websites.

Source: APMA News Brief [2/3/11]

10 Reasons Why YOU Need a Practice Website - Part 3

8. Attract your ideal patients - By putting thought into whom you would like to have as patients in your practice, what language and  imagery these ideal patients would resonate with, what their medical conditions are, you are able to subtly communicate encouragement to those patients to drop in to meet you!

9. Educate these ideal patients - People turn to the Internet in huge numbers and at all times of the day and night to get good quality health information. Use your website to answer questions in an educational non-prescriptive way, highlight questions that were brought up by patients that week and give educational answers on your site, create an FAQ section that updates with the seasons or what’s hot in your field. Produce and post short videos about the foot conditions you treat most often on your website.

10. Grow your practice - Pay attention to the first nine of these reasons and your practice will inevitably grow and thrive!

Source: Gary Ignatofsky

Query: Limbrel

I am interested in any recent clinical, adverse event, or cost experiences with the anti-inflammatory agent Limbrel (flavocoxid) in our profession.

Mark K. Johnson, DPM, West Plains, MO

Query: BQ Management
 
Can someone comment on using BQ Management Billing Solutions? This is the billing service that uses the provider's own software EHR/EMR. What is your experience with them? Has anyone used it with TrackNet?
 
Thomas F. Vail, DPM, Findlay, OH

Query: Calcanectomy 

Is there a CPT code for a calcanectomy?, If not, what is the best code to use?

Arden Smith, DPM, Great Neck, NY

Response: Reviewing the codes reveals a parenthetic in CPT after "talectomy" stating, (For calcanectomy, use 28118) CPT 28118 is "ostectomy, calcaneus".

The code does not seem reasonable for a complete calcanectomy since it is the same code used for a partial calcaneal resection. The value is considerably less than that for a talectomy.

In my opinion, you might wish to consider CPT 28899, and provide an operative report. Request peer review. 

Howard Zlotoff DPM, Camp Hill, PA

Codingline subscription information can be found here APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Radiographs and Plantar Fasciitis (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Judd Davis, DPM

This discussion of whether or not to x-ray every heel pain patient touches upon one of the primary problems of our current healthcare system; that is, the cover your ass mentality that so many doctors practice under. If it presents like PF, then it probably is. Treat it that way for a month or two, and if no improvement, then get your x-ray to CYA. The argument has been made that x-rays really don't cost that much. However, if you multiply 15,000 DPMs taking x-rays on 10 patients/week, each with heel pain at even $25 a pop, that adds up to nearly $200 million/year in potentially wasted healthcare dollars, and we wonder why our healthcare system is slowly going bankrupt.

Overuse of imaging is one of many causes (certainly more for MRI/CT), but x-rays contribute. I would be interested to know if there are any studies that have determined the incidence of significant pathology (i.e., tumor or stress fracture) found when taking heel x-rays? The argument could be made that almost any patient who presents with foot/ankle pain could have a bone tumor and needs x-rays, but that is not logical or financially feasible in an already broken system.

Judd Davis, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO, jtdavisco@yahoo.com

RE: Replacement for Stat-Wrap (R.D. Teitelbaum, DPM)
From: Joel Morse, DPM

I use a product called FABCO. It is available from Schein.
 
Joel Morse, DPM, Washington, DC, foxhallfoot@aol.com

RE: Employee Embezzlement (Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Pete Harvey, DPM

Dr. Rosenblatt, once again, is correct. Lock up those Rx pads. Additionally, if you have registered with Medicare EHR, you have noted that regulations are being proposed to allow eRx of controlled substances such as Vicodin, Lyrica, etc. If those regulation changes come to pass, then there will be no need for prescription pads since all Rx’s will be written electronically. Then, you will be faced with another security problem by being sure that staff cannot access the clinical/medication portion of the program that might allow them to write the Rx instead of you, the doctor. Read daily eRx reports from your EMR/EHR program to be sure this isn’t happening.

Financially, the more credit/debit card payments you accept, the better off you are from an embezzlement standpoint. Consider the card fees as insurance. Most of our insurance checks are now deposited electronically. The account(s) are then E-reconciled daily with online bank updates. You are familiar with check readers currently used at grocery stores. Banks offer the same machine to all businesses for a fee. Today, this is optional. Tomorrow, the banks will require it. That will eliminate physical bank deposits which will further curtail embezzlement attempts.

Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.com

RE: APMA Takes Swift Action on Defamatory Video (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM)

While I agree with most of Dr. Bijak's post, I cannot agree, nor condone the line where he said, "He is correct in saying we are considered paramedical." That is inaccurate. While this orthopedic surgeon and other prejudiced individuals involved in all facets of healthcare delivery may harbor that sentiment, the FACT is that podiatrists have gained physician designation both nationally and at every state government level. It's written into law which unequivocally resolves ambiguity. Podiatry's limitation applies to scope of practice (with respect to anatomic location of what we are allowed to treat) issues ONLY. In all other areas germane to physician designation, "technically", from a legal perspective, podiatry is on par with all physicians.
 
"Technically" hasn't fully equated to reality for podiatry. The reality is that our profession still has a long way to go to gain true parity with respect to all issues germane to physician designation. Examples include, but are not limited to, physician and general public perception, hospital rights and privileges, treatment and diagnostic testing scope of practice restraints catalyzed by insurance carrier bias, equal work for equal pay, etc.). The legal physician designation represents a key advancement for our profession which will hopefully pave the way to attain true equality that transcends ALL rights and privileges commensurate with that designation.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHARLOTTE, NC

Well-established multi-office practice looking for personable, motivated associate leading to partnership. Excellent opportunity in a growing area. Contact charpodiatry@gmail.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Busy office in Long Beach, CA is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatrist to join their busy office. Applicants must have completed a surgical residency program and must have exceptional skills in all aspects of podiatry especially rear-foot surgery, sports medicine and biomechanics. Send letter of interest and CV to footman991@gmail.com

TEXAS- WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY!

Successful multi-office, multi-professional practice seeks well-trained new and established Podiatric Physicians with expertise in one of these areas: 1. Sports Medicine/Biomechanics/Gait Analysis, 2. Podopediatrics, 3. Diabetic Specialist, 4. Ankle & Rearfoot Surgery/Ankle Arthroscopy. A must to be really good in this niche, be outgoing, motivated, and personable with a dedicated hard working ethical desire to become successful. Send resume and letter of intent to sierrajip@gmail.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO/INDIANA

PrimeSource Healthcare, a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created a need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Ohio/Indiana. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to Kris Wright, kwright@pshcs.com. 847-580-5960. Visit us at pshcs.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER

Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for fungus toe nail infections Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

SHOCKWAVE MACHINE FOR SALE

D-Actor 200 by Storz Medical. High Frequency Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) System. A little over a year old, excellent results for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Must sell; practice merger. Selling for $18,000 (new machine >30K) Will include onsite training if necessary. Email footdoc21@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

Two lightly-used microvas units, 16-lead machines (included) , $7,000 each or best offer for both. Great therapy modality: edema, neuropathy pain, increases peripheral flow, increase soft tissue healing. Great practice from vascular surgeons sending patients for treatment, pays for itself. Unit will come with the charger. jhalvorsen@familyfootandlegcenter.com

BOSTON UNIVERSITY LIMB PRESERVATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Boston University Medical Center has a accredited fellowship position. Become an expert in Limb Preservation, Tissue Repair and Regeneration. Be part of this unique Fellowship at a major teaching facility. During this time, you would be expected to become a knowledgeable expert who will contribute significantly to research, surgical procedures, teaching, and innovation. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Erin Springhetti erin.springhetti@bmc.org and  Dr. Vickie Driver Vickie.driver@bmc.org or if questions call 617-414 6821.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON SUBURB

A 12+ year practice, including all equipment is for immediate sale.  Average gross is $100K while being open only one day weekly. The ability for increased growth potential is obviously excellent with increased hours. Doctor is looking for serious offers only. Reply to shop@thefootdoctor.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SW LOUISIANA 
 
Only full-time podiatrist in city of 30,000. Great economic base of oil refineries and numerous petrochemical companies as well as riverboat casinos. Located in sportsman’s paradise. Practice comes with 2600 sq. ft. office building and all supplies. 7 area hospitals. Reasonably priced. Contact FINANCING AVAILABLE peshdpm@pol.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS 
 
Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share with DPM and chiropractor, 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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

SPACE AVAILABLE - BRANSON, MO

Great opportunity to develop a podiatry practice in a four condominium Branson office building with a growing ophthalmology practice along with a well established optometry practice and a multi-disciplinary ambulatory surgery center in Branson, a top ten retirement destination.The available condominium is a grey box so it can be build out to specifications. Rental and/or ownership options are available for this condominium. Practice development financing and ASC ownership available for the right doctor. Great schools and affordable lakeside or golf course living available. Contact Dr. James Bureman @ jbureman@missourieye.com or 417-861-5839

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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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