The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 03, 2010 #3,794 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IL Podiatrists Discuss Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis has become a seemingly omnipresent malady in professional sports. "It really is becoming more common," said Roland Tolliver, who runs Freeport Podiatry Services in northwest Illinois. "In the early years of my 25 years in practice, it usually affected overweight people. But we see it with athletes a lot now."

Dr. Roland Tolliver

There is considerable support among podiatrists for shock wave therapy, basically controlled blasts of sound waves to break up the damaged tissue. "Sometimes the orthopedic world thinks of this problem differently than we do," said Lawrence Kosova, who runs Family Podiatry Center in Naperville and specializes in podiatric sports medicine. "Rest is a huge part of it."

Dr. Lawrence Kosova

Kosova said his practice has had success with electrical procedures as well, creating microholes in the affected area so chronic inflammation becomes acute inflammation. The body then heals itself.

Source:  K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune [2/27/10]

Ornstein and White Visit Scholl's Practice Management Club

Drs. Hal Ornstein and Josh White recently visited Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. They spoke about how to lead a successful practice, and more importantly, a successful life. “Dr. Ornstein is always a pleasure to have visit,” says Derrick McKay, President of Scholl AAPPM chapter, “But having him and Dr. White presenting together was like a 1-2 punch of motivation.”

Drs. Hal Ornstein (center) and Josh White (right) with students of Scholl College’s Practice Management Club

They pointed out the importance of having an excellent staff, giving comprehensive care, and minimizing your commute in order to be the podiatrist in your neighborhood and community. Dr. Ornstein spoke of how vital it is to love your job, stating “The happiest people in the world are the most successful.”  

IL Podiatrist Helps Treat Children at Orphanage in Haiti
 

When Yorkville podiatrist, Dr. Amy Schroeder, got a spontaneous text message from her church’s pastor asking her to go to Haiti in three days to tend to the victims of last month’s devastating earthquake, she had the reaction most busy people would probably have at first.  “I was like, ‘no I can’t go to Haiti— that’s crazy. I don’t have a passport; I don’t want to go to Haiti. I just started a new job,’” she recalls thinking. Schroeder said she didn’t even know if she could get the week off from work, as she had only been a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Physicians and Surgeons for about three months. She didn’t want to ask her boss, Dr. Tina Starkweather, for the time off so soon after she started. Her boss told her she was fine with her going on the trip and gave her her blessing.

Dr. Amy Schroeder in Haiti

The trip was organized by a group called Visiting Orphans, a Christian non-profit organization that arranges regular mission trips to orphanages they are associated with throughout the world. Schroeder joined a group of 11 other volunteers from throughout the country, along with a couple of nurses, some stay-at-home moms, single women, and a lone police officer. Schroeder was contacted about going because the group needed a physician to join them when the original doctor backed out at the last minute. Schroeder said it wasn’t the first time she took a mission trip. She went to Costa Rica with her family, visiting some poor areas and helping a friend of the family who was running a medical clinic in San Jose. She also went to the Philippines as a little girl with her father to help rebuild a school that was destroyed by a typhoon.

Source: Matt Schury, Kendall County Record

E-Prescribing Nearly Triples, Surescripts Says

The use of electronic prescribing in the U.S. nearly tripled in 2009, according to an annual report released by Surescripts. By the end of the year, about 18% of eligible prescriptions were routed electronically, up from 6.6% at the end of 2008, according to the company’s 2009 National Progress Report on E-Prescribing. By tracking traffic across its network, Surescripts tallied 191 million electronic prescriptions in 2009, compared with 68 million in 2008.

The report cites the coming federal subsidies tied to electronic prescribing as one of several factors driving the growth. Others include increased adoption by large systems and clinics, and broadened certification programs of the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology.

Other key findings in the report include that the number of physicians and other prescribers using electronic prescribing more than doubled, to 156,000 from 74,000. The number of electronic requests for prescription benefit information increased to 303 million from 79 million. The number of prescription histories delivered to prescribers grew to 81 million from 16 million.

Source: Gregg Blesch, Modern Healthcare [3/1/10]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: In a large group practice, how do you deal with individual doctors and their differing egos?

Dr. David Helfman

David Helfman: We teach doctors how to double or triple their income. So, it does not really matter how big your ego is. If we can show you, through a model, how to double or triple your income, it pretty much takes care of the egos and you start becoming hopefully humble. Most of the ego situations that I have encountered were mainly out of insecurity. We have almost 20 partners in a group. Everybody has their own issues and egos, but the reality is that we all get along, and the common bond amongst everybody is trust. We are very transparent. Everybody knows what everybody makes. There is nothing hidden. The books are open. Monthly reports are published on how many referrals people are making to different ancillaries. Everything is an open book and transparent.

Dr. Robert Kornfeld

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features Robert Kornfeld, DPM, noted holistic podiatrist. You can register for this event by clicking here

Query: Source for Foot Health Handouts

Where would I find educational materials for employees (of large companies) regarding footgear and how to avoid common foot problems? I am specifically looking for handout materials for companies, as well as the employees.

Peter J. Bregman, DPM, Tewksbury, MA

Query: Medicare J-Code Allowances

Where can I find the current Medicare reimbursement for J-codes?

Lori Weisenfeld, DPM,New York, NY

Response: Go to your Medicare carrier's website listing of fee schedules. When you are asked to pick a fee schedule, select the "2010 ASP Drugs." Select the "J" code that you want to find.

Lisa Van Schuyver, Office of Hal Bozof, DPM, Fort Myers, FL

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

RE: Extra Wide Shoes (Neil A Burrell, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Try Hitchcock Wide Shoes.  Their website is:  wideshoes.com 
They offer many styles up to 6E.

Joan Williams, DPM, Seattle, WA, joan.williams@comcast.net

SafeStep features the following men's shoes in 9.5 XXW:

New Balance 811 (black and white lace), OrthoFeet 410 (black lace),
OrthoFeet 510 (black Velcro), Pedors 801 (white stretch walker)

Josh White, DPM,  President, Safestep, joshwhite@safestep.net

New Balance, 811 and 927 models, makes a 6E width in a walking shoe. The 855 model comes in a 6E in a crosstrainer. The 1123 comes in a 6E in a running shoe. SAS in the Time Out and Velcro Time Out both come in 6E in black only. Dunham also makes 6E width shoe in a boat shoe. You can send your patient to a New Balance store or an SAS shoe store.

Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, Wellington, FL, nailcutter@aol.com

RE: ACFAS 2010
From: G Dock Dockery, DPM

I just came back from attending the 68th Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) last week at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was one of the largest attendances to this meeting, with over 1,500 registrants. The quality of the scientific lectures, poster presentations, manuscript presentations, and workshops was at its highest level. I have been fortunate to have never missed this annual meeting in over 35 years, and I have been a Fellow for over 27 years.
 
It is something to be proud of, watching all of these dedicated educators and teachers, both old and young, presenting papers, running sessions, moderating and heading up the workshops. Industry-sponsored sessions and workshops were filled to capacity and the new and exciting tools and procedures available today is really astounding.
 
I especially enjoy seeing school classmates, former residents and colleagues at this event each year and it is great for me to see our young members and residents get excited about the meeting of this magnitude. I can't wait for next year's meeting in March in Florida.
 
G Dock Dockery, DPM, Seattle, WA, gdockdockery@aol.com

RE: Medicare Cuts
From: Multiple Respondents

I stand corrected. It appears that the actual “limiting-charge” we are permitted to collect from a Medicare patient as a non-participating physician for any given service is 115% of the Medicare allowable amount.

However, since the Medicare approved Non-Par amount is 95% of the participating allowable amount,
the actual limiting rate is 109.25% of the participating amount.  

Eric Trattner , DPM, Fairview Park, OH, etrattner@att.net

I had a discussion with an MD the other day regarding the ~21% reimbursement reduction set to start Monday, March 1. He iterated that since Congress, and insurance companies no longer respect physicians and don't treat physicians like "professionals", physicians should embark on what any rational, blue collar collective group would do when no one is any longer paying attention to them and not respecting what vital services they may provide. We know these organizations as unions in the U.S. He said we should simply, strike.  Food for thought.

Philip E. Larkins, DPM, ESCONDIDO, CA, larko33139@yahoo.com

In re-reading my last post to PM News, I have had a little time to reflect and, perhaps, clarify my initial remarks. I suggested that podiatry could delay...

Editor's note: Dr. Ross' Extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Dependence on Medicare Ruined Me
From: Multiple Responses

With all due respect to Dr. Wehman, medicine USED to be physician-driven; nowadays it is NOT: pharmaceutical and health insurance companies along with profit-driven hospital organizations are the ones in the driver seat now. Perhaps, we were to blame for past abuses to the system, but not anymore.

I hope that Dr. Wehman realizes that medicine is not an exact science and that most physicians practice with enough knowledge and ethically so as not to inflict any harm to their patients. After all, what is the meaning of the word "practice"? Is it not to keep current and learn from past mistakes?

If Dr. Wehman feels that physicians, as a group, do not want to take responsibility for their actions, perhaps she has chosen the wrong profession, or is not in tune with the meaning of our vocation to serve others.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL,  narmoortizdpm@gmail.com

I'm not sure whose imperfections Dr. Wehman is upset with, given the content of the original post, "Dependence on Medicare Ruined Me." However, several of her subsequent assertions are suspect:
 
Medicine is patient-driven. The doctor part comes into play only after the patient decided to seek  services. Costs have risen because patients are shielded from exercising their own utilization/management, in turn because they are shielded from the actual cost of the healthcare service they sought. This is largely the result of business-provided healthcare benefits to employees, created by tax law.
 
While perfection is aspirational, I don't use it to benchmark prior medical interventions because I don't have all the facts. When a patient so afflicted with "misdiagnoses" and failed procedures visits my practice, I don't assume this to be the result of imperfections on the part of the previous doctor. There is (almost) always more to it than what the patient disclosed. And when they fail to follow my medical advice, I hold them accountable because I want them to know that they were, in fact, irresponsible and contributed to that outcome. This would be less likely if patients actually paid for these services. I'd also take a closer look at "the evidence out there" because it's illuminating, but not for the reasons she suggests.

Shay Fish, DPM, San Antonio, TX, fishdpm@aol.com

Editor’s Note: Dr. Jose' M. Concha’s extended-length letter can be read here.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Associate needed full or part-time for Nursing homes in Connecticut. Need hard-working, ethical individual. Must have CT license. Excellent salary. Please call Zina (347)307-4333 for additional information.

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.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT

Outstanding practice for sale in northern Fairfield county, CT. Shared space with other medical professionals. Very low overhead. Grossing almost $300K on 30 hours per week. Referrals from three different primary care physician offices. If interested e-mail CTPodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Preference given to a PSR 24+ training and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family second to none. Kindly forward C.V. to e-mail drcosentino@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Associate position with buy-in potential. Daytona Beach, Florida Great opportunity for PSR 24-36.trained physician to join state-of-the-art practice. Please forward resume to pfk4@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 or call Martha 909 984-5614.

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 - 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 – NEW YORK CITY

In-Network Part-Time Podiatrist in NYC needed.  Please email CV to r_sjohnson@yahoo.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

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

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

POST-GRADUATE PODIATRIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Boston University Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. This unique fellowship at a major teaching facility is a two-year opportunity, during which he/she would be expected to become a knowledge expert who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in limb preservation and tissue repair. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Massachusetts license-eligible, ABPS Board Qualification-eligible. Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in podiatric medicine and surgery. Annual Salary: Year-1 $61,000, Year-2 $66,000. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: erin.springhetti@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY

Full or part-time position available for a busy well-established podiatry practice in downtown Brooklyn. All phase of podiatry. Modern office with  EMR, Ultrasound, digital x-rays with a great support staff. Must be highly motivated, ethical, with good communication and clinical skills. please email resume to tkd@gishpuppy.com

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.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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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