The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 04, 2011 #4,099 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Flat Feet in Children Should be Checked Out: NY Podiatrist

More than 1,400 foot doctors are attending the Midwest Podiatry Conference this week in Chicago. Four sessions will focus on flat feet. Some are born with the condition and it often causes no problems. But obesity is among the risk factors, and flat feet can lead to foot and knee pain. 

Dr. Joseph D'Amico

New York podiatrist Dr. Joseph D'Amico says flat feet in children are often overlooked but should be checked out to prevent later problems. Arches that disappear when standing and ankles turning inward are signs. Sometimes just monitoring flat feet is all that's needed. Putting arch supports in shoes can help. And severe cases may require minor surgery.

Source: The Republic (Columbus, IN) {3/2/11]

IFAF Tahoe Meeting Sets Attendance Record

The International Foot & Ankle Foundation for Education and Research (formerly NWPF) hosted its Annual Lake Tahoe Ski Seminar, February 17-19, 2011. This year set an attendance record for this annual meeting, and Lake Tahoe scored a record-setting snow fall during the week. It was a great 18 CECH program and great skiing and snowboarding for the attendees.

(L-R) Drs. Byron Hutchinson, Mark Hofbauer, Dock Dockery, Mr. Ian Reilly (Northampton, England), Drs. Mitzi Williams, and Richard Bouche'.

At this meeting, Magdalena Rosol, of BAKO Pathology Services, presented Dr. Gary "Dock" Dockery, Chairman of IFAF, with a donation check for $3,000 for the Yucatan Crippled Children Project. The IFAF has been a long-time supporter of the Barry University Yucatan Crippled Children Project and Bako Pathology Laboratories is a major supporter of IFAF.

Goldfarb Intensive Board Review Course a Recordbreaker, 1/3 of Attendees Take it On-line

From basic lectures on podiatry, gait/compensatory reaction, foot types, and limb-length discrepancy to the more complicated ulcer management/wound-healing, diabetic foot infections, and Charcot foot. The Goldfarb Foundation covered all the bases with its popular Intensive Board Review, Refresher, & Recertification Course.   

Attendees at Goldfarb Intensive Board Review, Refresher, & Recertification Course

This year’s home-run attendance, which included classroom attendees, on-line attendees, and faculty, was a record total of 189 attendees, the highest number since 2004. “This is also indicative of the growing trend towards on-line education with 62 of the 189 taking the review course online,” says. John Marty, MS, DPM, President of the Goldfarb Foundation.

110 Radiologist Group Formed in Texas

Three Texas radiology groups announced they have merged to create a 110-radiologist practice that is one of the largest in the country, according to a news release from the new practice, Radiology Associates of North Texas.

The recently merged groups are Radiology Associates of Tarrant County, a Fort Worth practice with 74 radiologists; Southwest Imaging and Interventional Specialists, Dallas, with 26 radiologists; and Grapevine (Texas) Radiology Associates, which has 12 radiologists. Physicians from the three practices will own the group.

Source: Modern Physician [3/2/11]

Dealing with Negative Feedback

It may be well-intentioned. It may even be fair and completely true. It still stings when someone you trust gives you constructive criticism. Don’t flinch or fight it, however. Learn from the feedback even as you disarm its destructive power:

• Express your admiration for the person. “Coming from you, I know that is something I will need to look into.” The other person probably expected a defensive reaction from you. When you accept the comments, you are likely to hear more—and the other person is likely to respect you.
• Acknowledge that the speaker may have a point. Then thank the person for bringing it to your attention: “You make a valid point” or “That is something I will have to think about.” If you want to hear more, ask. You can then decide how you will proceed.

Source:  Adapted from “Deflection Via the ‘Parry,’” Bob Burg, Winning Without Intimidation via Communication Briefings

Query: Replacement for CR Scanners

As CR scanners begin to wear out, I am curious to know what podiatrists are replacing them with.

Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX

Query: Request for Medical Records by Next of Kin

I have a patient, who I treated for a toe injury, but who I had not seen for several months. Her husband contacted me this week and wanted her records. It seems she suddenly passed away a couple of weeks ago. He did not state why he wanted them. What is the protocol for this? Does HIPAA come into effect? How do I proceed?

Tony Esposito, Brooklyn, NY, aje2315@msn.com

Editor's note: PM News does not provide legal advice. A patient or the executor of the patient's estate has an absolute right to medical records. You need to verify that the husband is, in fact, the executor of the estate. The purpose of the request is irelevant. Under the HIPAA HITECH rules, if the records were stored on an EMR, these records must be provided via electronic media, such as a CD or a flash drive.

RE: Twitter (Charles R. Oehrlein, DPM)
From: Chad Schwarz

Twitter offers a tremendous amount of opportunity for your practice.  Aside from having patients follow you to view your tweets, you can set up your Twitter (and Facebook) account to be linked to your website blog, so each blog you post is automatically posted, or syndicated to your social media sites. This is a powerful tool because aside from your practice being in front of your existing and potential patients via Twitter, it then gives them the ability to click through to your website which is the ultimate goal. 

Officite offers a great option called the "social media package", where they can integrate a blog into your existing website (or build one from the ground up, if needed), and then put the RSS feed (syndication feature) in place to drive your Twitter, and your Facebook account.   

Chad Schwarz, President/CEO of Integrated MedReps, LLC, chads@integratedmedreps.com

RE: Fraud and Abuse (David Gurvis, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Regarding fraud and abuse of toenail care: If my patient does not qualify for covered care, I simply ask the patient if Medicare pays for his/her haircuts. If not, why should they pay to have nails trimmed. 

Larry Cohen, DPM, Clinton, NJ, arrydpm2002@yahoo.com

Dr. Gurvis vents about other DPMs' creative coding to get nail care covered. I also have many patients who tell me (and show me the EOB's and notes) about their "other" podiatrist who always billed Medicare for something else. During the spring and summer months, many Floridians summer in my area, and we hear how Dr. So&So always got Medicare to pay for an exam or minor procedure during the patients' nail care. 

To those DPM's who are creatively coding, I ask, "Why?"  Why risk a devastating Medicare audit? Just tell them it's not covered and get cash. So you may have a few patients drop you, but you will make up for it 10 fold in peace of mind and cash flow. We have the Medicare guidelines posted in each exam room and show the patients the exact criteria for RFC coverage.  Imagine how the next wave of Medicare patients (educated baby boomers) will act when they see this fraud and abuse; they are very proactive and will report this.
 
Dan Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, DPMcareer@aol.com
 
I have been reading PM News for some time, and no longer feel like such a "neophyte", after being in practice 11 years now. I read with interest Dr. Gurvis' letter. I, too, have had similar experiences, but even more scary are the ones where "the other doctor" is someone in your own state. I read articles here and in other magazines about Medicare, and quite frankly they seem to scare you to death sometimes!

I can tell you at least from my personal experience that Medicare...

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

RE: Fraud and Abuse (David Gurvis, DPM)
From: Meyer Arbit, DPM, David Gurvis, DPM)

When I was practicing and a patient asked me to do something wrong (illegal),  I used my hands as a balance and said let me see how this is equal... On one hand, I give you free service, that you don't deserve, and on the other hand I lose my license, go to prison, and can't take care of my family. You see there is no balance here.... They got the message very quickly. It worked 100% of the time. Try it next time. It was a great visualization for the times patients asked me to bill for things that they didn't deserve.

Meyer Arbit, DPM, Boynton Beach, FL,ARBITDPM@aol.com

My office does actually let patients know on the phone that routine care may or may not be covered. I find I don't have to actually go on a hunting expedition in the treatment room to justify things. To me, it is called an examination, not a hunting expedition. Patients are then told that their routine care is indeed routine, or if applicable, not routine, but at-risk foot care. I cannot, for the life of me, see how this can be screened for on the phone. I am looking for pedal pulses, or the absence thereof, temperature changes, skin changes, color, symptoms of IC, and so on. That is my basic examination, and not a telephone interview thing...at least in my opinion.

As to the podiatrist who wrote to me, personally telling me to...

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

RE: Michael Faraldi Memorial Scholarship Fund Established
From: Bud Walker

A scholarship fund has been established to benefit the daughters of Dr. Michael Faraldi, a Rhinebeck (NY) podiatrist who was tragically killed in a plane crash this past weekend.  Donations to the scholarship fund can be made in Mike’s memory and sent to directly to:

Michael Faraldi Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Bank of America, ATTN: Ms. D. Cioni, 451 Washington Ave, Kingston, NY 12401.

Bud Walker, Hudson Valley Foot Associates, DPM bud_w@hvfootassociates.com

RE: Bakotic to Be Inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame

I, too, would like to congratulate Dr. Bakotic on his election into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. Brad has been a steadfast supporter of podiatry, podiatrists, and podiatric education, throughout his career.

Joseph Crisafulli, DPM, Albany, NY, jacpod@nycap.rr.com

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 ASAP - CHICAGO

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

ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY - FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Progressive, busy practice seeks personable, ethical, confident associate interested in future partnership. Lucrative opportunity for self-starter with strong work ethic. State-of-the-art office in rapidly growing community with two new hospitals and new surgery center. Practice has excellent reputation with well established referral base. Cover letter/CV to: fredfeet@verizon.net

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

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.

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Hausted 825 GMCOO Unicare III stretcher. Approximately 7 yrs old, but rarely used. Great condition. Excellent condition, no rips or tears. $250 PDM J120B Podiatry chair-Used. Navy blue upholstery with some wear. Has Lift, Tilt and Back functions. Foot pedal. Screen and doctor’s stool included. $1,750. Photos on request. 410-768-5800 jferris@chesapeakefootandankle.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

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

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