The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 02, 2011 #4,097 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Bakotic, Herman to Be Inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

Podiatry Management Magazine has announced that Bradley Bakotic, DPM, DO and Betsy Herman have been elected to receive the 2011 PM Lifetime Achievement Awards and will be inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. The awards ceremony will take place at a special luncheon on Thursday July 28, 2011 as part of the APMA Scientific Meeting in Boston. 

Dr. Bradley Bakotic

Dr. Bakotic, the 28th podiatrist to receive this honor, is a noted author, lecturer, pathologist, and philanthropist.  

Betsy Herman

Betsy Herman, the fifth non-podiatrist to be inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame, is APMA’s Director of Marketing and Career Development .

Biographies of both honorees can be found in the March Issue of Podiatry Management. A list of those receiving Honorable Mention appears here.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Luncheon can be ordered through the APMA Scientific Meeting Registration Form, or by contacting APMA at (800) ASK-APMA.  All profits from this fundraising event go to the APMA Educational Foundation’s Student Endowment Fund.  This year's event is sponsored by Pinpointe Laser and The Tetra Corporation.

GA Podiatrist Discusses Diabetic Neuropathy

Hugh Blakey, a diabetic, says he woke up about a week ago and noticed a red spot on the big toe of his right foot. So he made an appointment with podiatrist Dr. Troy Espiritu.  “He has what we call neuropathy; that is damage to his nerve, secondary to being diabetic. It occurs in some stages in 50 to 70 percent of diabetics,” says Espiritu.

Dr. Troy Espiritu

Dr. Espiritu says the numbness doesn’t happen overnight; It happens slowly. For his diabetic patients, Dr. Espiritu frequently tests the level of feeling in patients' feet. “When they cannot feel pain, we tell patients they have lost what we refer to as protective sensation; that means their ability to feel minor trauma such as a splinter, a piece of glass, or temperature changes.”

Source: Teresa Whitaker, WRBL News 3 [2/27/11]

TN Podiatrist Discusses Platform Shoes

The downside to platform shoes is that they can damage your feet, Dr. Aaron Solomon, an area podiatrist, said in an interview. “Any shoe with a high heel, platform or stilettos, are not good for the feet,” Solomon said. “They may look good on a woman’s leg, especially since they define the calf muscle, but they’re bad for your feet. The flatter the shoe, the less stress on the feet.” 

Dr. Aaron Solomon

Solomon said a high heel puts extreme pressure on the front of the foot, which aggravates existing deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Additionally, the shoes also can cause problems such as neuropraxia, or the bruising of nerves.

Source: Karen Nazor Hill, Chattanooga Times Free Press [2/28/11]

Add ‘Why’to Build Trust

Most doctors do a good job of communicating basic information and directions—the “what” of their message. Fewer communicate the “why” behind the “what.” When employees hear what they must do, without understanding how that fits into the bigger picture, they work at less than maximum efficiency and at subpar motivation levels.

Bottom line: Link tasks to purpose. Work without purpose leaves people guessing, and deadlines without reason seem hollow and arbitrary.

Source — Adapted from “Six Tips for Trust-Enhancing Communication,” Nan Russell via Communications Briefings

Query: Correct Bunionectomy Coding

What is the current thinking for bunionectomy with distal metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomy, CPT 28299 or CPT 28296 and CPT 28310.

Larry Cohen, DPM, Clinton, NJ

Response: The only correct way to code a bunionectomy with distal metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomy is CPT 28299 - correction, hallux valgus (bunion), with or without sesamoidectomy; by double osteotomy.

One of the examples in the CPT book is a bunionectomy with distal metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomy. This has not changed in years.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

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

RE: Fraud and Abuse
From: David E. Gurvis, DPM

I run an average general podiatry practice in the Midwest. From surgery, to biomechanics to nail care, from infants to adults. In the past two weeks, I have heard the following stories, - and this is not unusual:

1. "My podiatrist in California always billed for a visit to check my hammertoes and never had to charge me for my toenail trimming." Exam outcome: mild hammertoes, no clavi, no pain, able to wear any shoe he wishes, doesn’t want them examined, since he states they don't hurt, no PAD. Routine care done.

2. "My podiatrist was always able to get my nails...

Editor's note: Dr. Gurvis' extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Purging Medical Records for Deceased Patients (Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Steven N. Solomon, DPM, JD

Probably the most comprehensive United States' site that I have found is worldvitalrecords.com/indexinfo.aspx?ix=ssdiall
You simply enter in the first and last name. A list of names will be brought up from which you can choose more detail. Click on that link and you will see the social security number for a match.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Rockledge, FL, RASDPM32955@gmail.com

An excellent website to check on whether someone has passed away is the Social Security Death Index which can be found at ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/    The site is pretty accurate and is updated a few times a year.

You can also use Obituaries 101 which allows you to search individual newspapers across the country. They can be found at big101.com/OBITUARIES101.htm

Steven N. Solomon, DPM, JD, LegalFoot@yahoo.com

RE: Aetna Discrimination Against Podiatrists in New Jersey‏ (Jonathan Michael, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM,

I believe we need an "any willing provider" law. Dr. Michael is in a tough predicament. I don't think that Aetna per se is "discriminating against podiatrists." I do think the situation is totally unfair. This is not a new situation, however, and I don't understand why this type of issue remains unresolved. Issues like this are important and need to be brought up at state levels.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

I’m sorry to say that Aetna has been doing this to us for a very long time. In New Jersey, Aetna took over the company Healthways (I believe it was) who didn’t have any podiatrists on board. In the early 90s, as the managed care business was gaining a foothold, Aetna contracted with a handful of larger volume practices/groups and the rest of us were left out in the cold.

Essentially, the smaller guys...

Editor's note: Dr. Macy's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Aetna Discrimination Against Podiatrists in New Jersey? (Jonathan Michael, DPM)
From: David Helfman, DPM

As CEO of Village Podiatry Centers, an Extremity Healthcare Company™, I have faced the same hurdles early on in my career. I was once on the side of not being able to get on plans in the early 1990's.  For the most part now, it is a non issue at every level, due to the size and talent of our group. Before you go on an expensive campaign and respond emotionally, step back and do some strategizing and here is what I recommend:

1. Have Aetna formally deny you in writing and document the reason for the denial.

2. Once you have the denial, go to their website and see if...

Editor's note: Dr. Helfman's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: MD Logic (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: Paul G. Yungst, DPM

I was first introduced to MD Logic Touch Screen Solutions in early 1996 by Tim McKenna, VP of sales. At the time, the EMR industry was in its infancy and the MD Logic knowledge base was a blank canvas without any information relating to podiatry. There was no government mandate or incentive for me to purchase MD Logic other than my own curiosity about electronic medical records and a strong desire to automate and streamline the documentation process. This was an effort to improve the quality of my notes, increase workflow efficiency in the office, and ultimately improve the quality of my life as I was often spending hours after work on dictation.

After researching other documentation input devices, I found that...

Editor's note: Dr. Yungst's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Manipulating Patients for Financial Gain?
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I hold Dr. Jacobs in high regard and have had the pleasure of hearing him lecture a couple of times. However, I don't understand the quote in PM News in the "Success Tips From The Masters" section where it says Dr. Jacobs said, "if podiatrists would not worry about manipulating patients for financial gain, I think everyone would be just fine." Can someone please tell me what in the world he is talking about? What manipulation is he referring to?
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest HIlls, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package. Reply with letter and CV to Jagerone@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NY

Busy Midtown Manhattan state-of-the-art practice with 2 locations seeking part time/full time associate. Must be in-network Empire BC/BS. Looking for a personable doctor with immediate availability. Residents Need not apply. DrB@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

A great opportunity to join a very busy, well-established, diversified practice in Clearwater, FL. Seeking an associate who has the drive and desire to work hard, has strong work ethics, and is very personable. BC/BE and minimum PSR24 +. We offer competitive salary and benefits. Send resume to Jaye@fdn.com

TWO ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

One in general podiatry, second with surgical residency. Good diagnostician, compassionate, hard-working individuals needed for high-tech group practice. flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION/PARTNERSHIP - CHICAGO

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons, one of Chicago’s leading podiatric practices, is searching for a FT podiatric surgeon. Applicant must be a personable and confident surgeon with ability to manage surgical patients independently and be at least board qualified. High compensation. Will be working in new 7000 sf state of the art office in AN upscale Chicago neighborhood. Ownership/partnership opportunities. Send letter of intent and CV to drcarr@chicagopodiaty.com

ASSOCIATE/OPPORTUNITY - PHOENIX 
 
Established practice seeking motivated min. PSR24+ personable, ethical, motivated person to join state-of-the-art multi-office locations. Partnership/Ownership opportunity in practice, real estate, surgical center. Also interested in existing practitioner to merge or work part time. Contact AZPODAssociate@aol.com  Must be pursuing or have AZ license.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@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

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 - NE GEORGIA SUBURB

Immediate opening for PSR24/36, ABPS Qualified or Certified individual. Hosp/Amb. Surg. Ctn privileges available. Good chance of partnership or practice purchase in foreseeable future. Send resume/CV to gramps395@yahoo.com

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
 
Applications are being accepted for the Central Kentucky Diabetes Management Fellowship. Dr. Jonathan Moore, former UTHSC Diabetes Fellow, OCPM adjunct faculty, AAPPM board member and national lecturer and author on diabetes and practice management related topics is director and founder. Don't miss out on the most unique, dynamic fellowship in Podiatric medicine. Learn latest advances in Diabetes management/surgery along with knowledge to run and grow a successful practice. Generous stipend, full benefits and free housing in resort setting. Email CV and letter of interest to: jmoore@aappm.org  Visit our website

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 - 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 - 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

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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