![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,709 Podiatrists Daily
February 13, 2014 #4,987 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
|
|
PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
If the American Board of Podiatric Public Health were recertified, would you apply? |
![](http://podiatrym.com/vote.jpg) |
Click HERE for Results |
|
|
PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER |
Alleged Improper Diagnosis, Informed Consent, and Improperly Performed Surgery (NY)
Case Summary: The plaintiff, a 16-year-old male, presented to the defendant podiatrist with complaints of pain on the instep of both feet which he said was exacerbated by increased activity. After conservative treatment failed, the defendant performed Young's tenosuspension with an MBA subtalar arthrodesis implant and posterior tibial tendon augmentation of both feet.
The plaintiff ultimately had these implants removed because of continuing pain, and transferred his treatment to an orthopedic surgeon who fused several joints in the feet. The plaintiff commenced this action against the defendant alleging improper...
Editor's note: This extended-length reporter can be read here.
Result: After a two week trial and after deliberating for five hours, the jury, in a vote of five to one, returned a defense verdict ($0).
Plaintiff Expert(s) orthopedic surgery expert: Christopher Ritter (treating physician) from Buffalo, NY; podiatry expert: Edwin Harris, DPM from Westchester, IL
Defendant Expert: podiatry expert: Charles Lombardi, DPM from Bayside, NY
|
|
OUTSIDE INTERESTS |
Aussie Podiatrist Sacrifices Career to Pursue Professional Cycling
A gamble to trade a full-time job and house for a professional cycling career has so far paid off for Belmont’s Nick Squillari. The 31-year-old will embark on his first European tour this year with racing team Bianchi-Lotto-Arbitrage. Based in Belgium, the three-month schedule includes training and competition. “The aim is to turn some heads,” he told the Geelong Advertiser.
|
Nick Squillari (Photo: Karen Dodd) |
A former soccer player, Squillari took up riding in 2011 as part of rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction. And his passion for the sport “snowballed” from there. “On face value, it’s a simple sport but I believe it’s the most demanding,” he said. “I walked away from being a full-time podiatrist and sold my house so I could train. That’s the sacrifice you have to make if you want to turn professional.” Squillari is fresh off a stellar year, winning the state time trials title and placing 11th at nationals.
Source: Meagan Rooth, Geelong Advertiser [2/7/14]
|
|
HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION |
AMA Backs SGR-Repeal Bill
The American Medical Association pledged its full support for legislation repealing the Medicare sustainable growth-rate physician payment formula. But for now, at least, the AMA is not making any suggestions on how to cover the bill's estimated $126 billion cost.
The AMA, with about 225,000 members, is the nation's oldest and still largest physician organization. The second-largest group, the 137,000-member American College of Physicians internal medicine specialty society, has also endorsed the SGR-repeal bill, as has the 79,000-member American College of Surgeons.
Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare [2/11/14]
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Larry Huppin, DPM
From a mechanical standpoint, there is evidence to indicate that our primary goal when treating plantar fasciitis is to reduce tension on the fascia. In the late 1990s, Geza Kogler performed a series of cadaver studies looking specifically at what caused increased load on the fascia.
A 1999 study showed that valgus wedging of the forefoot decreased plantar aponeurosis tension while varus forefoot wedging increased tension. A 1996 study showed that...
Editor's note: Dr. Huppin's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL LEGAL) - PART 1A |
From: David Mullens, DPM, Esq.
Have the PCP look at the Noridian LCD (Local Coverage Determination), L157 (Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes) and he will see he is compliant with U.S. federal law.
CMS, the parent organization for Medicare, does not allow the Medicare Contractors (e.g Noridian) to publish ANY coverage policies that are not compliant with federal law.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) - PART 1B |
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
My classmate and colleague asks several questions which are actually quite more complicated than they appear. First off, the issue of Stark and signing off on a podiatric diagnosis are two separate issues, which apparently he/she is confusing as are other MDs/DOs and DPMs.
The Stark issue is one that I would defer to an attorney to provide a formal legal response. In lieu of that, I have personally spoken with several healthcare attorneys who are well-versed in Stark and I can provide you with a brief explanation. In most cases, as long you are...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: Jim Shipley, DPM
In his post to PM News, Dr. Mauser asks three questions regarding billing equality.
1. Is this normal practice and reimbursement for hospitals?
You have to remember that hospitals are no different from any other big business, i.e. they are in business to make money, and they'll do it in most any fashion that they can come up with legally. The numbers you gave definitely seem excessive to me, but it's still not surprising.
2. Are all physicians (orthopedists vs. podiatrists) paid the same?
Absolutely not! Not only are orthopedists and podiatrists not paid the same, but...
Editor's note: Dr. Shipley's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON- CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM
Dr. Mauser’s comments hit a nerve with me. That is the one that runs from my brain to my heart, then to my wallet. I believe his numbers; it is sick and life is unfair! And that is one of the reasons we are going down a financial toilet as healthcare providers.
Younger readers must understand that he is talking about two different payments in his comments. The “facility fee” and the “surgeon's fee.” As far as equity is concerned, where I live, a podiatric surgeon gets paid at the same rate as an orthopedic surgeon regarding surgeons' fees for the same surgery. The inequity comes in the...
Editor's note: Dr. Sullivan's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
RE: Hunger Games
From: John F. Swaim, DPM
I recently read Lowell Weil Jr.'s editorial entitled "Hunger Games" in the Foot and Ankle Specialist Feb. 2014 issue and enjoyed his analogy. I found it to be well written, informative, and on point with respect to the shifting sands of reality involved in practicing medicine in the affordable care era. Others would benefit and enjoy this piece. Many thanks to Lowell and may we all continue to survive with our sanity intact.
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
|
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 3 |
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD
I am sorry to disappoint you Dr. Bijak, but unfortunately, a degree change for podiatry will not happen in our lifetimes. I would like to echo a previous post by Dr, Wunderlich, who stated that when he was a 1st year student in 1992, there was talk of just that idea. Well, when I was a student graduating in 1982, there was "serious" talk about the same topic.
Did you ever watch a soap opera? You can come back to the show years later and the same characters and content will be there. Well it's the same with podiatry. The powers that be in this profession lack the experience to ...
Editor's note: Dr. Graziano's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
|
|
|
CLASSIFIED ADS |
PODIATRY OFFICE FOR RENT - STATEN ISLAND, NY
1000 square foot (approximate) office in large modern medical center. Good parking, public transportation, 36 years as a podiatry office. 5 exam rooms, business office, lab, reception room, bathroom, central air. Great layout. Designed for Podiatry/medical. Call 212 794 0089.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida. Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN DIEGO
Doctor Disabled. Must sell. $16,000 for small well-equipped office. Low overhead. Professional bldg with views. Great weather. Practice focus: Biomechanics, Fungal nail laser (diode), CO2 laser, General Podiatric Medicine. Very good Yelp reviews. Low cost opportunity. Fax your contact info: 858-408-9434
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Suburban part-time(2 days a week) practice. established for over 30 years. Relatively young patient base. About 20% Medicare. No Medicaid. contact kaymullen18@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN MICHIGAN
Associate wanted for rapidly growing multi-physician practice. Salary plus incentive. Great opportunity for right person. Must have good work ethic and no ego. Send CV and contact information to: PaulaPMAC@me.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI
Midwest practice opportunity for candidate with practice experience, PSR 24/36 trained, BQ/BC. Associateship leading to ownership. Surgical and general podiatric practice with high volume foot surgery, wound care and hospital affiliations. Email: stcpod@att.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK
Mmulti-specialty, busy practice looking for highly motivated Podiatrist. Outstanding opportunity, excellent salary and benefits, working with three Podiatrists as well as residents, high volume of surgical cases, advance wound care, broad based referrals, and Electronic medical records. Opportunity for partnership. Please submit CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TENNESSEE
Opportunity for fully credentialed podiatrist(s) needed to join or purchase a high-volume practice with enormous growth. Located on the largest medical center/hospital campus in East Tennessee. Please email CV, letter of intent, and references to PodiatryFootAnkle@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NY (ROSLYN AND HUNTINGTON)
Join one of the largest podiatry groups on the East Coast. Well established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, PVR and NCV studies, PinPointe laser, and Microvas therapy. For more info, www.GreatFootCare.com. Send resume to: Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST TENNESSEE
Operate A Successful Podiatry Clinic in the Heart of West Tennessee. Successful, well established multi-location clinic is seeking a podiatrist to operate one of the West Tennessee clinics. This unique opportunity provides an entrepreneur like atmosphere, with the support of a large practice. Full scope practice including foot and ankle surgery, wound care, and DME. Hospital and surgery center privileges available. Competitive compensation package including salary and bonus, with future partnership option. Enjoy the benefits of no state income tax, affordable cost of living, and a beautiful place to live and work. Send letter and CV tofootdrtn@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION CAPITAL DISTRICT
Associate position with option to purchase practice. Upstate NY, Capital District. Applicants require NYS podiatric license and Medicare # ,Board certified or qualified. Position available immediately. Salary negotiable. Send CV and inquiries to: Gopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY)
The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County is a multi-office podiatric group looking for a self-motivated, committed podiatrist with a CA license. Offices are up-to-date with EMR, digital x-ray, and laser. Duties include all aspects of podiatry including wound care, surgical cases and nursing homes. There is great surgical growth potential. Must intend to reside locally. Send CV to: srfctysc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
Immediate opening for palliative/general podiatric care provider in established clinics, nursing home and assistive living settings in beautiful Southern Kentucky. Travel involved, but transportation provided along with ability to provide a wide range of clinical care including DME. Board certification not mandatory, but must be eligible for KY state license. Base salary with incredible bonus opportunity/full benefits. Join Kentucky’s largest and most respected podiatric group. Email CV and letter of interest to:jonkim12000@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO
Looking for a well-motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 year-old hospital-based multi-office practice. WILL BE INTERVIEWING PERSONALLY AT 2014 ACFAS MEETING IN ORLANDO Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of high-risk diabetic foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area nearbBeaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA
Looking for an associate with strong surgical training. Personal and energetic a must. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, and foot and ankle surgery. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for right person. To apply, please email, letter of intent and CV to premierfootpa@outlook.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION- MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN
Podiatrist wanted for busy, expanding group practice which covers all aspects of podiatry including surgery. Must be able to work in both Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. Position available asap. Please send resume and references to yfrierson@starrettpodiatry.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SW FLORIDA
Immediate position available in SW Florida. Podiatrist to join a small group. Must be Florida licensed, surgical privileges pending experience. Board Certification or Qualified preferred but not necessary. Some nursing home care and limited travel. Excellent pay and lifestyle. Send CV to: 1foot.ankle@G-Mail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO, IL
Podiatrist in Chicago. Independent, energetic Dr. needed to do house calls; schedule will be accommodated due to Dr.'s preferences; both full- and part-time will be considered. Send your inquiries to: dpms2@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA STATESBORO & SURROUNDING AREAS
Beautiful weather year round. Seeking experienced, Family-oriented, podiatrist looking to build a career & long-term relationship. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with access to Surgical Center. Willing to live in a College town with rural settings. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO, IL
Podiatrist in Chicago. Independent, energetic Dr. needed to do house calls; schedule will be accommodated due to Dr.'s preferences; both full- and part-time will be considered. Send your inquiries to: dpms2@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SW FLORIDA
Immediate position available in SW Florida. Podiatrist to join a small group. Must be Florida licensed, surgical privileges pending experience. Board Certification or Qualified preferred but not necessary. Some nursing home care and limited travel. Excellent pay and lifestyle. Send CV to: 1foot.ankle@G-Mail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 DPMs 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451
|
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.
| Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
|
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
|
|
|
|