The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 09, 2012 #4,380 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We've just mailed the February 2012 issue of Podiatry Management. This 212-page special Annual Survey issue includes our cover story, "Racing Ahead in the Post-Recession," as well as an assortment of features, including our informative columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

Feb 2012 Podiatry Management

At Least Half of Diabetics Who Have Amputations Dead in 3-5 Years: AZ Podiatrist

Citing emotional trauma and shorter life span among amputees, a Tucson clinic is leading an effort to prevent amputation in diabetic adults. The approach involves high-risk surgery to clean infected limbs, heal wounds, ensure blood flow in the leg, often coupled with managing other complications of diabetic wounds like neuropathy and gangrene. 

Dr. David Armstrong

"At least half of the (diabetic) people who are amputated are dead in three to five years," said Dr. David G. Armstrong, a podiatric surgeon who co-directs the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona Medical Center - University Campus. "Up to 80 percent in some studies."

Source: Stephanie Innes, Arizona Star [2/6/12]

OCPM/Kent State Partnership Taking Longer Than Expected

Kent State’s acquisition of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine is taking longer than expected. “It turns out to be a very complicated process,” Provost Robert Frank said Thursday. “There are a lot of little details. But overall the process is going quite well even though it’s complicated.” 

Provost Robert Frank

Frank said the relationship between the two schools is a combination of a partnership and Kent State acquiring the OCPM. Frank said the college would keep its own facilities in Independence, and students from Kent State could apply for graduate study there. The OCPM would become the Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine, and it would be on the level of one of Kent State’s own colleges like Arts and Sciences. Frank said the target date to complete the acquisition is July 1.

Source: Carrie Blazina, Kent Wired.com [2/6/12]

Clarks are One of The Best Shoes on the Market: Aussie Podiatrist

Clarks shoes were among the most searched-for items, according to Getprice Online Shopping Index. Podiatrist Allan Harwood of CQ Podiatry was rushed off his feet with parents searching for the popular shoes. "They are one of the best quality shoes on the market," he said. "Clarks have been around for generations. They have lots of different sizes." 

Allan Harwood (Photo: Allan Reinikka)

Harwood said the shoes were just as popular at CQ Podiatry last year, but they were certainly easier to buy this year, with the shop staying high and dry after being cut off from some people by the 2010/2011 floods.

Source: Emma Mcbrude, The Queensland Times [2/7/12]

ME Podiatrist Writes Chapter in Foot and Ankle Surgery Text

Todd O’Brien, DPM can now add author to his long list of credentials.  Dr. O’Brien works as the area podiatrist at Health Access Network, often performing surgeries at both Millinocket Regional Hospital and Penobscot Valley Hospital. He was recently published in a new textbook called International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery. 

Dr. Todd O'Brien

Dr. O’Brien authored a chapter in this publication entitled “Current Techniques of Toenail Surgery.”  His work as an inventor of surgical instrumentation and his genuine interest in the field made him a perfect choice to contribute to this textbook. “The textbook is the first of its kind as it draws on the expertise of noted podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons from across the globe,” explains Dr. O’Brien. 

Source: wcsh6.com

Standards Group to Hold Off on 6020

As the U.S. healthcare industry struggles with implementing the federally mandated upgrade to the ASC X12 Version 5010 standard for electronic claims and other administrative communications, the Accredited Standards Committee has announced it's putting a hold on work on a successor standard.

"After meeting with healthcare industry stakeholders and assessing the current and planned healthcare industry initiatives, ASC X12 will not recommend its 6020 Type 3 Technical Reports (TR3s) to the Designated Standards Maintenance Organizations (DSMO) for consideration of adoption under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)," the committee stated in a news release. "ASC X12 doesn't typically make decisions such as this until after final publication; however, it believes the healthcare industry is better served at this time by a reassurance that the 5010 implementations will have time to mature before another version is recommended for adoption."

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [2/7/12]

Baucus Unsure Permanent SGR Fix is Within Reach

Although Democrats have pushed to permanently replace the Medicare physician payment formula as part of extending a package of expiring tax cuts, a senior Democrat indicated Tuesday that a permanent fix was unlikely. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), the senior Democrat on the panel negotiating the tax package, downplayed the likelihood of permanently replacing the Medicare sustainable growth-rate formula when asked about it after the group's fourth meeting. “That would be my preference but this is the art of the possible,” he told reporters when asked about a permanent SGR replacement.

Members of the two parties appeared far apart on using any version of three House-passed proposals to pay for the SGR fix and other provisions of the legislation that were discussed Tuesday. Those so-called offsets included raising Medicare premiums for high-income enrollees and requiring insurance exchange enrollees who receive premium subsidies to pay back more of that assistance if their incomes increase during the year.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [2/7/12]

Praise Should be Unequivocal

Foster pride when you offer praise, by remembering not to include any qualifiers. Let a team member savor a moment of success. Don’t undermine it by adding “but you could have done better by …” Offer advice later.

Source: Adapted from “The Great Eraser,” Jeff Kortes, Trainingmag.com via Communication Brieifings

Query: Maintaining Criteria for CMS Incentives

I successfully qualified for the first CMS EHR incentive payment last year. I am finding it difficult to maintain the same criteria on a continuing basis, i.e. providing patient records, appointment reminders, blood pressures on all patients, etc. Must one continue the core criteria and menu criteria to qualify for and keep the first incentive check?

Name Withheld (NJ)

RE: Atypical Forefoot Pain
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

Actually, the pain (burning) and patient descriptions are very typical of a neuroma, or other space-occupying lesion (cyst) causing secondary pressure on the intermetatarsal nerve, relatively common for 2nd intermetatarsal space symptoms. Treat accordingly. Surgical exploration through an MRI is appropriate.

Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

Codingline & PM News
In conjunction with AAPPM Present
The Greenbrier Coding & Practice Management Workshop - August 20-22
(Following the 2012 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC)  

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Speakers: Harry Goldsmith, John Guiliana, Barry Block, Michael Brody, Paul Kesselman, Jonathan Moore, Rem Jackson, Chad Schwarz, and other nationally-known authorities. 

Earlybird Bonus Until March 1 - Save $50 

Click Here for information or to Register

RE: The Use of Uloric vs. Allopurinol in the Management of Gout (Peter Vannucchi, DPM)
From: Arnold B. Wolf, DPM

I always take pleasure in seizing the opportunity when treating patients, to give them more than what they bargained for. Gouty arthropathy (and enthesopathy) provides such an opportunity. Often, when patients come in with arthropathic symptoms, I don't hesitate to "grab the reins" to initiate the appropriate diagnostic and treatment protocols. Often times, I find that the PCP may "miss" the possibility of gout in the differential diagnosis because the pain doesn't involve the 1st MTPJ.

As far as choosing between allopurinol (Zyloprim) or febuxostat (Uloric), allopurinol is still (typically) the first-line drug as both are xanthine oxidase inhibitors, but generic availability is a driving force in the decision. Nonetheless, febuxostat should strongly be considered in cases where diminished renal status is a concern. Of course, therapeutic institution of either of these drugs should be delayed until the acute symptoms have resolved.
 
Arnold B. Wolf, DPM, Sterling Heights, MI, omnifootcare@prodigy.net

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - CAPE COD MASSACHUSETTS 

Need assistance with busy office practice. Possible long-term position. Housing can be accommodated. Email interest to Lauren Boudreau, Clinical Manager at ltboudreau@gmail.com or call 1-508-648-7840

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK

Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA- SAVANNAH & SURROUNDING AREAS

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking podiatrist looking to build a career & long-term relationship. Either established practicing physician or new residency graduate. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net 

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, homes, office, etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to or call Terri at 323-353-8103.homefootcare@hotmail.com

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 - 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 - 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 - 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

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 

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

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