The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 07, 2013 #4,709 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

AZ Podiatrist Forms Save a Leg, Save a Life Chapter

The amputation of a limb can be a terrible, but necessary, medical procedure. But now, new technologies and treatments are bringing hope to anyone who might be facing it. Dr. Barbara Aung is a podiatrist and certified wound specialist. She says amputation should be the last resort. "Once a person has one amputation, they're likely to have another amputation in three to five years," she explains. "And the mortality rate in a five-year time period is about 50 percent once you have an amputation."

Dr. Barbara Aung

Dr. Aung's wish to save patients' limbs and thus save their lives is why she is helping to start the first Arizona chapter of the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation. It's a group whose membership includes doctors, nurses, patients, physical therapists, and others who meet to share innovative treatments and ideas. "We want to save those limbs, and we think by doing that, we are actually saving their lives down the road," Dr. Aung explains.

Source: Leeza Gibbons, WFIE 14 News [3/5/13]

PM News is beginning a new weekly feature called Quick Poll. Each week, we will post a new poll based on some of the controversial issues discussed in our Comments/Responses section. 

Quick Poll
Do you fixate metatarsal osteotomies?

NMPMA Presents Podiatrist of the Year Award

At the recent Annual Meeting of the New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association (NMPMA), John Anderson, DPM received the Podiatrist of the Year Award. Anderson, a graduate of the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery completed his residency training at Scripps - Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center in San Diego, California. In San Diego, he served as Chief Resident, and lectured throughout the country on advanced reconstructive surgery. Following his years in San Diego, Dr. Anderson completed advanced training in Northern California at the Sacramento-Kaiser Surgery Program.

Dr. John Anderson

Dr. Anderson has practiced in Alamogordo since 2002, when he joined Alamogordo/Ruidoso Orthopedics. He has served as the Chief of Surgery at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center and is the Medical Director of Southern New Mexico Surgery Center. He is also a surgical textbook author and serves on the editorial board for medical journals as an expert in foot and ankle surgery.

MO Podiatrist Sentenced for Medicare Fraud

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, John M. Dailey, 55, of West St. Louis County, was sentenced to 8 months in prison for making false statements to the Medicare program about face-to-face office visits that he did not actually provide to three patients. The Court also imposed a $60,000 restitution obligation to the Medicare program.  Dr. Dailey practiced podiatry at an office in Washington, MO. According to court documents, during 2008-09, Dr. Dailey requested reimbursement from the Medicare program, falsely claiming that he had examined and treated three patients in his office. Actually, he was on vacation and outside of the State of Missouri on the dates of these office visits, taking trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Source: Gabrielle Biondo, crevecoeur.patch.com [3/5/13]

Sequester Will Hit EHR Incentive Program

The fiscal trap that members of Congress and the president set for themselves will punch a 2% hole in one of the federal electronic health-record incentive payment programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a federal official has confirmed.

The cuts, called the sequester, include an across-the-board reduction in Medicare payments. EHR incentive payments distributed under Medicaid won't be affected.

Source: Joseph Conn and Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [3/5/13]

EHRs Lose Money for Most Physicians, Study Says

Adopting an electronic health record (EHR) system is a money-losing proposition for most physicians, even with the availability of federal bonuses for meaningful use of the technology, according to a study published online today in the journal Health Affairs.

Lead author Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, and co-authors projected the average physician to lose $43,743 over 5 years, and only 27% of practices to achieve a positive return on investment (ROI). That percentage of in-the-black practices would increase to 41% if they received $44,000 in meaningful-use incentive payments over 5 years. The good news in the otherwise discouraging report is that practices achieving a positive ROI did so in part by using their EHRs to significantly boost their revenue.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [3/4/13]

Query: Numbness in Foot When Driving

A 65 year old male presented with a ten-year history of numbness/pins and needles sensation only when driving. After driving a couple of miles, he starts to experience this discomfort in the right foot. Relief is obtained by taking the foot off the pedal and exercising it. If not, his foot becomes completely numb. Neurology consults, NCV, MRI, back and epidermal nerve biopsy are negative. I appreciate all suggestions for diagnosis and treatment.

Olga Luepschen, DPM, Sebring, FL

Query: Vacation Policy

Do any of my colleagues have recommendations regarding vacation time for staff based on years of employment ?
 
John Scholl, DPM, Lady Lake, FL

RE: Efficacy of Lasers for Onychomycosis
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

Last year, I became interested in finding out about the clinical side of the effect lasers had on fungal nails. I thought it may be a good way to get outside of the system and do a cash business like the local plastic surgeons and dermatologists are doing. The purchase of a laser ranging from about $40K to $90K is a big step for me and I am a kind of “prove it” type of guy. After digging through all the papers that I could find with clinical outcomes (sparse), there remained a doubt as to the effectiveness of this expensive modality.

Being a skeptic at heart, I made a deal with a laser company to provide the free use of a laser for treatment of...

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

RE: Health Fusion EMR (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: Zeeshan S. Husain, DPM

Upon reviewing Health Fusion (HF), it was clear that from a billing and patient intake standpoint, this system was best for the four of us. The actual EMR portion was acceptable and comparable to others we have seen. It has taken our main office about 3 months to completely switch to HF. We have almost completely phased out the old system. There were some set-up issues that had to be made so that we could extract productivity for each physician by location. HF's clearinghouse was cheaper than what others offered. The ability to track claims and perform postings allows our current billers to be more efficient with their time. Through the process, the company has offered excellent service to get us going. We pay month-to-month and do not have to pay upgrade fees. The system is cloud-based, which makes it easy to access from anywhere.

I use the physician billing portion instead of paper billing sheets.  For routine patients, I have templates that I created. I rely less on my transcriptionists, and billings are quickly handed over to the billers for review. Getting everyone comfortable with the system has been a challenge, but again, the assistance from the company has been very good and responsive. We have had countless live conference call meetings with our staff. HF's customer support has been very responsive and thorough.

Zeeshan S. Husain, DPM, Rochester, MI, zee@alum.mit.edu

RE: Pre-Authorization for Imaging (Keith L. Gurnick, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

It's unfortunate that there is this trend of others having to do pre-authorization for a referral service when they are not paid for this service. Where I am in Southeast Idaho, there is an "old school" mentality that you get paid for what you personally do. When I order an MRI, EMG, etc., that service does the pre-authorization for me. As a courtesy, I still have my staff fax over the demographic information to the service to make things easier. Personally, I think the Idaho way is the best way. Perhaps that is why I am freezing up here voluntarily - you can't beat the folks up here.

James Rex Cutler, DPM, Rexburg, ID, jark777@gmail.com

I think we have all been there. We want to "get even" with the insurance companies, but to put the work on the patient, is self-defeating. They do not need to find some special phone number for pre-cert, as it is almost always on the card, or, if your office is well organized, already logged. I find I have to spend little time with the pre-cert process, as I know what they are looking for. If I end up talking to a radiologist, the first thing I ask is in what state is he/she licensed. That pretty much solves anyone trying to overrule me, as at that point, if the consulting doctor wants to, I remind him/her that they then assume responsibility and liability.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: The Passing of Michael J Valletta, DPM

As many have already stated, Dr. Mike Valetta was a compassionate Dean at NYCPM. I had the pleasure and honor of being one of his students, and will remember him fondly and with great respect. He was always kind, cordial, helpful, and professional. He cared about his students, and wanted us to succeed. If we had a problem, he was the "go-to guy", and he loved that role. He gave a lot to his students and to the profession, and for that I will be very grateful. May he be bound up in eternal peace.

Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, MD, Houston, TX

I was saddened to learn of my classmate's passing. I will never forget the good times that we shared together while at NYCPM as well as immediately thereafter. When he learned of his MS, Mike took it in stride. He worked his practice until he could no longer do so, continued his duties as Dean at NYCPM until he couldn't make the commute, and never did he complain of his gradual slow decline in health. When, he was visited at the nursing home that he lived in for many years, again, he never complained. He always had  a smile and a positive attitude that I feel kept him going all of those years.

His leadership was evidenced even by his being the president of the nursing home patients group, representing his fellow patients (which he was proud to talk about). He continued with that until he could no longer. Ultimately, he fought this disease for about 30 years until he could no longer. Podiatry has lost a representative of professionalism and fortitude, whose legacy will be hard to replicate. R.I.P."Doctore."
 
Marc Hudes, DPM, Monticello, NY

PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - ORANGE COUNTY CA

July 1, 2013 and ending July 31, 2014. $60,000/year, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE. Letter of interest, and CV to: Philip Radovic, DPM, Fellowship Director, Email: Info@feetfixer.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. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer-3 years old. System includes milling machine, 2 PCs, all cords, parts, hardware and assorted insole blanks. $45K New, Asking $10K. E-mail inquiries to: sportsmed@fdfac.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $560,000. Approximately 1300sqft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORONADO, CA

Unique opportunity to purchase a very well established practice in beautiful San Diego. Hospital privileges available. Large and stable patient and referral base with consistent new patient growth. Why not practice where people vacation and retire? Willing to stay for transition. Inquires please email pestibear@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - LOS ANGELES, CA

Practice is in Boyle Heights area since 1998. 70%MM the rest consist of Cash/PPO/HMOs. Last 4 years grossed between 200-350k in a down economy. Constant referrals from PCPs in the area. Includes Padnet, and all podiatry equipments. Asking 130k. Please email me only footdoc525@yahoo.com

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 - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E-mail wpbfootdrs@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LEXINGTON, KY

Associate needed at fast growing, million dollar practice in beautiful Lexington, KY. All new office structure with gate analysis, med spa and heel pain center in prime location. Amazing benefits and chance to work alongside a forward-thinking podiatrist. Email emenold8@gmail.com with your resume.

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEEDED FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

FT/PT associate needed for nursing home work. Great compensation and a great way to supplement your income. Must be willing to travel. Contact us at (786) 975-2090 or fax to (847) 674-2113 you may also email to feetwork@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Tired of your current position? Looking to grow my practice in beautiful northern Michigan. Come and benefit from my years of hard work. Practice has just the right balance of hospital work, surgery and office. This is not a “gimmick” based practice, but a well integrated part of the medical community. Contact me if you are extremely interested in northern Michigan. Salary plus incentive based contract. Send CV/ letter- MichiganPod@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

P/T ASSOCIATE NEEDED QUEENS & NYC

PSR-36+ board qual/Cert. Highly motivated, Confident, Ambitious podiatrist with Excellent patient communication skills required! F/T possibilities in future. Base Sal. With Incentives. Spanish and Greek speaking a plus. Please respond with cover letter and resume to: hansfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Requiring full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in established Practice situated in a foothill community of Southern California. There is an existing patient base and a strong support team. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Send resume to office@uplandpodiatry.com , titled, "Podiatrist".

POSITION AVAILABLE - WEIL FOOT ANKLE & ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE - CHICAGO

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs and is recruiting qualified podiatric surgeons. A three-year residency is required and a podiatric fellowship is preferable. Current practicing podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area are also welcome to join our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 16 DPMs, a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOUSTON, TEXAS

PSR 24+/ Equiv. DPM, Texas license, Busy diverse practice. Greater Houston Area, Guaranteed Salary and benefits All Aspects of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Board eligibilty, Bilingual A Plus. Send CV to Randal Lepow at rmldpm1@att.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. EHR, arterial vascular testing, and ESWT in the office. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard-working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive compensation package and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP - MIAMI / KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

POSITION AVAILABLE -BALTIMORE MARYLAND

Confident, surgically trained associate position available to join well-established practice locations. Leading to ownership within 3 years! Great salary and benefits. Will train on practice management, business management, and billing. Call 301-514-9781.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking, fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Base salary starts at $100k and no limit to your earnings as you grow YOUR practice. We also offer malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA

Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 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

• 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.