The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 11, 2012 #4,382 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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KY Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice

Women across the world love their shoes. Often the obsession starts when they're little girls, even the children of celebrities like Suri Cruise have been snapped walking in tiny high heels. However, the allure of an astronomical high heel can come with a price. "We see a lot of people come in with pain. A lot of people who wear fashion shoes have heel pain or mid-foot pain because of the way their biomechanics are thrown off because of the footgear," said Dr. Rick Young, a podiatrist.

Dr. Rick Young

To avoid injury, Dr. Young recommends wearing a shoe with structure and a sturdy sole. If you can't live without your heels, he says to wear a reasonable shoe to work and change into your heels when you get there. If you wear flat shoes, there are a couple of things you should be aware of too. Dr. Young says if you wear flip-flops, you can catch infections from cuts and scrapes and if you wear ballet flats, look for a pair with structure and a solid sole.

Source: Lauren Hanson, WBKO.com [2/7/12] 

FL Podiatrist and Husband: A Fated Love Story

Everything happens for a reason. And no couple knows that better than Ilan Kazmirik and Dr. Maria Galimidi. After Ilan and Maria started dating, they learned their families had known each other since the 1940s, when both lived in Alexandria, Egypt. During World War II, the families, both Jewish, fled to escape being deported to Germany. The couple married May 13, 2007. 

Dr. Maria Galimidi and her husband Ilan

Now, especially, Maria and Ilan value their relationship and their constant support for one another. The couple recently opened their own podiatry practice, Suncoast Food & Ankle, in the East County. Maria is seeing patients at nursing homes and other locations as she builds a clientele. Ilan is helping with the business side of the practice, while he also works full-time as the national sales manager for Universal Storage Containers.

Source: Pam Eubanks, Your Observer [2/8/12]

ME Podiatrist Indicted for Illegal Scripts

A former Portland podiatrist, who has been under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration since 2010, has been indicted on 45 drug and healthcare fraud charges for writing illegal prescriptions. A federal grand jury indicted Dr. John Perry, 50, on charges of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, healthcare fraud, and 43 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Portland said today.

On all but one of the drug distribution charges, Perry faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. On the healthcare fraud charge, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Source: Leslie Bridges, Portland Herald [2/9/12]

TX Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Filing

A Devine podiatrist who authorities described as a sovereign citizen extremist avoided jail time Tuesday after pleading guilty to fraudulent filing of a financial statement. State District Court Judge Keith Williams put Dr. Donald E. Robinson on two years deferred adjudication probation and told him to do 100 hours of community service.

The charge concerned a lien Robinson, 67, filed on the home of a local police officer whose conduct Robinson deemed objectionable during a 2009 traffic stop. “I did that thinking it was legal,” Robinson said in December while serving a 14-day jail term for tampering with a government record for writing on his indictment in the fraudulent filing case.

Source: Zeke MacCormack, mysanantonio.com [2/8/12]

VA Podiatrist Arrested in Internet Prostitution Operation

15 men from across Hampton Roads, including Dr. Andrew Straley, a podiatrist were arrested in a joint Internet prostitution operation between Newport News and Cook County, Illinois. Police said an ad was placed on a website, which they won't name, on February 3. "Johns" were able to solicit and arrange to meet "prostitutes" at a hotel. They were arrested when they made contact at the hotel and were charged with soliciting prostitution.

Source: Velma Scaife, WVEC [2/9/12]

Query: Medisoft Problems

Can someone who uses Medisoft V17 tell me how to set up the ordering physicians feature. I have the ordering physician checked in the insurance setup as well as ORDMD in the correct field, but my claims are still being rejected for address, city and state – also for pay to address.
 
Cathy McCarthy, DPM, Scottsdale, AZ

Query: 2012 eRxing

I recently watched a CMS webinar that was discussing eRx requirements for 2012.  The speaker stated that if you successfully completed your 2011 requirements, this year's prescriptions would not be limited to only CPT 992xx E/M codes, but to any CPT code that you eRx for a patient, such as a prescription along with an injection code. Did I understand her correctly?

Don Ambroziak, DPM, Lexington, KY

Response: You understand it...but there is a caveat. To avoid the PENALTY, they are counting reporting of the "G" code (G8553) for any encounter with a Medicare Part B patient.

To receive the INCENTIVE, they are still only counting the "G" code when coupled with an E/M service.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY

Editor's note: Dr. Brody will be featured speaker at the Greenbrier Coding and Practice Management Workshop, August 20-22. For details see www.podiatrym.com/greenbrier

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

RE: Nail Dystrophy (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Jefrey Kass, DPM

There appears to be an extensus deformity of the IPJ right and left hallux. As the fifth toe also has a similar nail, I bet on repetitive trauma as the cause. There may be an associated bacterial infection to account for the green discoloration.

Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Athens, TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

I would have sent the nails for pathology to rule out presence of fungus. If they came back positive, I would have put the patient on oral Lamisil. (or you could try a laser if you have access to one.) Will the nail grow back normal? I have no idea. But, it is certainly worth a try. BTW, I would avulse the contralateral nail as well and do the same thing. The toenails are obviously not normal, and the way they are growing appears to be causing more pathology.

Jefrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

RE: The Use of Uloric vs. Allopurinol in the Management of Gout (Frank Lattarulo, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

Colchicine is readily available - it is just expensive - and now only available as a brand name. Additionally, it has been dropped from many drug plans. What is fascinating about this is that the drug company that received the FDA patent received it because they did a study and showed the FDA that there was an indication for gout. So here is a case of a company proving a medication works, and it was good enough for the FDA to approve it, yet the drug gets bumped off of drug plans. I guess evidence-based medicine is not so good afterall. Lesson to be learned: money talks, evidence-based medicine walks.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Podiatric Physicians Practice Podiatric Medicine: RIP Podiatry
From: Leonard Levy, DPM, MPH

Once and for all, let’s abandon “podiatry,” transition to “podiatric medicine,” and call ourselves “podiatric physicians” rather than “podiatrists.” Few currently practicing DPMs remember the transition from the term that identified our profession as ”chiropody.” In the beginning of the 1960’s, only the New York college used the term podiatry in its name (the other four were colleges of chiropody). 

For years, the association was the National Association of Chiropodists, reluctant to abandon “chiropody.” It was feared that people would not know who we were if we used the term “podiatry.” Now all of us graduate from schools of podiatric medicine, are doctors of podiatric medicine, and our national organization is the American Podiatric Medical Association. We are podiatric physicians who practice podiatric medicine. As we did with “chiropody,” the time is now to put the terms “podiatrist” and “podiatry” to rest.

Leonard Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, levyleon@nova.edu

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: Maintaining Criteria for CMS Incentives
From: Name Withheld (FL)
 
If you qualified for year one... you qualified for year one. Deposit the check and pat yourself on the back. I too worked myself ragged, added a couple of hours to my charting each day... and collected $18,000 for 90 days (actually 6 months) of added stress. I have opted NOT TO continue into year 2... as $1,000 per month for 365 straight days of compliance is too much to bear. There is no mandatory need to comply until 2015. 

I plan to use my software, comply as much as possible, not pull my hair out until 2015 when we have to be 100% compliant, 100% of the time. I know there are those with big staffs, and big overhead who will disagree, and have their assistants do all the charting. For those of us in solo practice struggling to make ends meet, this burden is NOT WORTH carrying into year #2.
 
Name Withheld (FL)

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ARE YOU CONSIDERING A PADNET UNIT?

If so save thousands of dollars on a lightly used unit with venous option and laptop. Why pay full price for our unit which is in perfect working order. We also have a SIUI CTS 200 ultrasound with 7 mHz probe and SONY printer. Let's Make a Deal!! Call 516-220-8258 today.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Vermont. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a Podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV  to:  careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305. www.aggeus.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to: myfeetfeet@aol.com

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

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 – F/T MARYLAND

Looking for a bright, hard-working, personality plus, extremely well trained podiatrist with both top notch surgical and non-surgical skills. Remarkable opportunity with our busy practice. Excellent salary and benefits. Email CV and salary requirements to Marylandpodiatrist@live.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

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 

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

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 

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