The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 20, 2010 #3,785 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Sees 35% Rise in Insurance Premium

Hundreds of thousands of Californians like Mark Weiss, 63, are learning firsthand what a future without comprehensive healthcare reform might look like. Weiss, who has been a self-insured Blue Cross member for 30 years, recently received word that health coverage premiums for him and his wife would climb some 35 percent—to $2,278 per month. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Weiss, a Los Angeles podiatrist. “It made me sick to my stomach.”

Dr. Mark Weiss

The quandary facing Weiss and other Californians insured by Anthem Blue Cross, the largest for-profit insurer in the state, echoed from the Pacific Ocean to the White House after policyholders received letters last week informing them that their insurance rates would jump as much as 39 percent.

Source: Michael Zielenziger, AARP Bulletin [2/19/10]

CA Podiatrist to Present at Season of Life Expo

Craig Lowe, DPM, the retired board-certified podiatrist and surgeon who founded 3D imaging systems provider, Digital Orthotics, Inc., will lead a discussion on advanced footwear orthotics at the Season of Life Expo, which will be held March 20th at the Indian Wells Theater in Palm Desert. Dr. Lowe will present the latest information on treating the underlying causes of musculoskeletal disease through the use of 3D ergonomics and biomechanics.

Dr. Craig Lowe

"It's estimated that 85 percent of the population requires some form of medical-grade corrective orthotic footwear, but less than one percent receives such products," said Dr. Lowe. "By treating the causes, rather than the symptoms, of musculoskeletal disease, we can reduce joint problems, prevent injuries, ease pain, increase stamina and improve overall quality of life."

Source: Fresh News.com [2/19/10]

WI Podiatrist Sponsors Charity Break-a-Thon

Dr. Chris Milkie, a podiatrist with Mayfair Foot Clinic, will be a sponsor of the 16th annual J.K. Lee Board Break-A-Thon fundraiser to be held February 20, 2010. This fundraiser benefits the MACC Fund and the H.O.T. Unit of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Dr. Chris Milkie

J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy has sponsored this event for the past 16 years and raised over $500,000 to benefit childhood cancer research. Their desire is to help their students and their community. This year's goal in partnering with MACC is to raise $50,000. Dr. Milkie, a father himself, encourages everyone to come, participate in the event, support the kids who need your help, and have fun!

Query: Osteochondral Defect

I have a patient with an osteochondral defect (OCD) central, 1st metatarsal head that needs surgical repair. 

Osteochondral Defect, 1st Metatarsal Head

I would like to know if anyone has advice, specifically which procedure is best, autograft vs. allograft.
 
Marc S. Greenberg, DPM, Dayton, OH

RE: Revo Vascular Diagnostic System

Does anyone have experience with the Revo/Vasculink system to evaluate PAD? From what I understand, the system gives a “5 minute” ABI and TBI, as well as a waveform analysis. It also gives a vessel (DP or PT) specific ABI with waveforms. It seems that the system is very basic in that it does not yield segmentals.

John M. Scholl, DPM, Lady Lake, FL

Query: Medicare "G" E-Prescribing Codes

Does anyone know if Medicare is requiring the use of "G" codes (G8443, G8445, G8446) for the 2010 fiscal year? These codes were used to determine the electronic prescribing 2% bonus for the year.

Barry Fields, DPM, Croton, NY

Response: Those codes have been eliminated and replaced by one code, G8553. It represents that you have given an ERx on a qualified ERx system.

You will receive the PQRI when you have ERx'd 25 ERx's in the 2010 calendar year.

Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: PECOS Phase II Deadline Delayed
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

During a 'Special Open Door Forum' on February 17, 2010, CMS announced that they would be delaying PECOS Phase II enforcement from April 2010 until January 3, 2011.

I suggest that everyone take a collective sigh of relief that cooler (and hopefully smarter) heads have prevailed at CMS allowing everyone (the Medicare carriers and providers alike) more time to get this done right.

This delay, however, should not lead anyone into a false sense of complacency. This program WILL be implemented. I highly doubt that CMS will extend the January 3, 2011 deadline. To that end, CMS is preparing to send letters out to every physician and provider who has not yet re-enrolled and/or modified their profiles since 2003.

If you haven't completed the PECOS process, start now, not December. I strongly encourage anyone who receives a letter from CMS or knows that they have not completed the PECOS process to take immediate steps to get it done. Take this as an opportunity (and a gift from CMS) to get your house in order.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Medicare Cuts
From: Neil H Hecht, DPM

I just e-mailed my congressman and both my California senators with the following message. I am urging all doctors to do the same:

With less than two weeks before the 21.2 percent cut to Medicare physician payments take effect, the Senate has not formulated a clear legislative strategy to address this issue. A freeze on the conversion factor at the 2009 level has been in effect since the president signed the Defense Department Appropriations bill in late December. The provision freezing physician payments expires on Feb. 28. Although there is some talk by a few members of Congress to either continue the fee freeze for 3 or 7 months, no significant movement has occurred with time running out.

The president has scheduled a nationally televised bipartisan healthcare summit for Feb. 25, in an attempt to reenergize broad healthcare reform, which has been stalled in recent weeks. While several legislative strategies have been discussed to reconcile the different versions of the bills passed by the House and Senate, no clear pathway has been agreed to by the Democratic leadership.

What is [insert legislator’s name] doing to help with this urgent matter? A 21.2% Medicare fee reduction will basically close, bankrupt, or severely disrupt most medical practices that deal with Medicare recipients.

Disruptions or bankruptcies of medical practices will increase unemployment, decrease tax revenue, negatively impact the health of VOTING Americans, and may be a blow to private practice medicine from which we may never recover. Help!

Neil H Hecht, DPM, Sherman Oaks, CA, drhecht@sbcglobal.net
 

RE Staff Survey
From: Lynn Homisak, PRT

How much of a “patient care role” does the clinical assistant team member have in your practice? This survey is open to both doctors and staff members. Please click here and answer 10 short questions.

Although the results can be viewed at the end of the survey, we will post the final outcome in a future issue of PM News. All responses are anonymous and the more participants, the more accurate the results will be. Thank you!
 
Lynn Homisak, PRT, Renton, WA, lynnprt@msn.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - W FLORIDA, BEACHES

Well established podiatry practice with excellent mix office/surgery seeking full time associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits for the right hardworking, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

SPACE AVAILABLE With MRI– NYC/LI

Turn-key office space, East 60th and 22nd St. Manhattan and Plainview, Long Island. Available extremity M.R.I and dynamic ultrasound (East 60th St Manhattan and Plainview, LI). Tests are run by DPM and read by board-certified radiologist. Call for rental agreement. Satisfies Stark laws (516) 476-1815.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBS

17 year-old surgical practice for sale. Practice sees a wide variety of foot and ankle pathology and is largely referral especially regarding surgical patients. Two offices fully equipped. Lease or purchase of office condo also possible. Doctor willing to stay Please email inquiries to crystallakefootandankle@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Wonderful opportunity! Successful multi-office, multi-professional practice seeks well-trained new and established podiatric physicians with expertise in sports medicine, podopediatrics, rearfoot/ankle surgery, or hospital podiatry. A must to be outgoing, motivated, and personable with a dedicated hard-working ethical desire to become a winner. Send resume, current photo and letter of interest to sierrajip@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE: TENNESSEE 

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Great opportunity for a PSR 24 or 36 residency trained individual to join a dynamic two doctor group with physical therapy. Needs good FF surgical skills, RF a bonus. Beautiful office and great area of the country for outdoor recreation-minded individuals. Opportunity for partnership after employment. Please reply to: jclough@bridgemail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INLAND EMPIRE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Associate needed full or part-time for multi office practice. Must be ABPS BC/BQ. Hard working, ethical individual who is looking to a possible partnership opportunity. Looking for current licensed or resident completing program this spring. Email CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome.  Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND 
 
Busy Bellmore, NY office. Motivated, board certified, hard-working, experienced in all phases of podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242-7540 or Fax Resume 516 826-9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION -  MICHIGAN - (OAKLAND COUNTY)

outstanding opportunity for associate in well established practice, general & surgical podiatry forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full or part-time). Well-trained, responsible, motivated with good communication skills, ABPS qualified or better. Send CV & letter of interest to: PodiatristWanted@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Practice and building for sale. Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Seller happy to discuss extensive financial and professional information.  Priced to sell. Call 931-446-5724 after 5PM CST.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Hospital clinic practice with a large volume of all patient types. In need of 1-2 podiatrists, willing to work as a team and make a career in Indianapolis. One - two year residency training can be medical or surgical. Excellent income and ownership possible. Curriculum vitae to twz1001@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/D.C AREA

We are looking for an energetic and well-trained podiatrist to join our rapidly growing group; we have offices in Maryland and D.C and are in need of someone who is hard-working and growth-oriented. This candidate must be a graduate of a PM&S 36 residency program or have the equivalent in practice experience. We are looking for the person that wants to make this area their home and become an integral part of our group. If interested, e-mail your CV and cover letter to washingtonpod@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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