The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 12, 2011 #4,106 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Arthroscopic Surgery Offers More Than Just a Small Scar: IA Podiatrist

Performing arthroscopic surgery on a foot or ankle ailment offers patients more than just a smaller scar. The procedure, which involves making small incisions, also can be less painful, result in fewer complications and get patients back on their feet faster than with traditional “open” surgery, according to Michael S. Lee, DPM, FACFAS, immediate past president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), and leader of a discussion among foot and ankle surgeons at ACFAS’ Annual Scientific Conference in Fort Lauderdale on the advantages of small incisions. 

Dr. Michael S. Lee

“The use of arthroscopy or minimally invasive techniques offer patients many advantages over traditional surgery, including decreased pain, fewer complications, lower risk of infection and quicker recovery time,” Dr. Lee, the Iowa foot and ankle surgeon, said. “In most cases, arthroscopic surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover at home instead of the hospital.”

Source: Medcompare [3/10/11]

ACFAS Members Elect New Board of Directors

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national surgical association of over 6,300 foot and ankle surgeons, has announced its 2011-2012 Board of Directors. The new Board was installed yesterday at the annual business meeting conducted at the ACFAS 69th Annual Scientific Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  

(L-R) Dr. Michael Lee presents gavel to Dr. Glenn M. Weinraub

President - Glenn M. Weinraub, DPM, FACFAS
President-Elect - Michelle L. Butterworth, DPM, FACFAS
Secretary-Treasurer-Jordan P. Grossman, DPM, FACFAS
Immediate Past-President-Michael S. Lee, DPM, FACFAS

Directors Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS, Sean T. Grambart, DPM, FACFAS, Thomas S. Roukis, DPM, FACFAS, Laurence G. Rubin, DPM, FACFAS, John S. Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS, and  Jerome K. Steck, DPM, FACFAS

Division Presidents Council Chair Kimberly Eickmeier, DPM, FACFAS

IL Podiatrist Provides Running Shoe Buying Advice

There are so many sport shoes on the market that it can be hard to choose. Some people like to select a shoe based on fashion sense. But Springfield podiatrist Dr. John Sigle says you should get the right shoe for the sport or activity — no matter what. “It can make activities more enjoyable,” Sigle says. 

Dr. John Sigle

 More importantly, the right shoe can keep you from getting hurt. If you want to run, get a running shoe, Sigle says. Don’t rely on a walking shoe, which won’t offer the support you need. “A running shoe has a thicker sole, and it’s more rigid to preserve the joints in your foot. It’s important to have to prevent injuries, even if you are doing it a couple of times a week,” Sigle said.

Source: Carol Sponagle, The State Journal-Register [3/11/11]

ACFAS Presents Honors at Award Ceremony

One of the highlight of this year's ACFAS Scientific Meeting was the presentation of the following awards:

2011 Distinguished Service Award Winner: Alan R. Catanzariti, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Alan Catanzariti (C) is presented Distinguished Service Citation from Drs. Michael Lee (L) and Glenn Weintraub (R)

ACFAS 2011 ASC Manuscript Competition   
1st Place: Comprehensive Outcome Comparison of a Surgical and Ponseti Clubfoot Treatment, Chris F. Church, MPT, Julie A. Coplan, DScPT, Ahmed Mohamed Thabet, MD, John D. Henley, PhD, Roland Starr, MS, Dan Mason, MD, Mohan V. Belthur, MD, John E. Herzenberg, MD (Presenter)

2011 Poster Awards (Based on a record 220 entries)
STUDENT 1st Place: Iowa College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University
CASE STUDIES 1st Place: Marcus H. Schroeder, DPM, Christopher Bibbo, DO, DPM, FACFAS
SCIENTIFIC 1st Place: Monique C. Gourdine-Shaw, DPM, Ferras Zeni, MD, Bradley M. Lamm, DPM, FACFAS
 

   Promote Your Medical Specialties

Focus the content on your website to the areas of podiatry you are most noted for or want to promote. For example, if you see a lot of patients with neuropathy, link an image depicting neuropathy on your homepage to a separate page dedicated to neuropathy. Engage potential patients further by producing a one to two minute video about neuropathy which runs on that page.

Source: Gary Ignotofsky

Query: Sending Patients' Accounts to Collections

Every month, my billing department gives me 5-9 charts of patients who have a long past-due balance (>180 days) where patient deductibles are due, or other patient-responsible payments have not been received. We give people every opportunity to pay their bills, including monthly partial payments (without finance fees or penalties). But when they do not pay, we are left to contacting the collection agency. I'm looking for good pointers on collections when patients refuse to pay their bills.

David Weiss DPM, Richmond, VA
 

Query: Coding for Needling of Bursa

I recently gave an injection in both heels (CPT 20605 x2) for needling of bursa using dexamethasone acetate and 2% lidocaine plain. Would CPT 20605-59 (arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., ankle) be the correct way to code this? Also, should I be using "RT" and "LT"?

Jack Ressler, DPM, Lauderhill, FL

Response: I suggest using the "RT" and "LT" modifiers with a "-59" modifier on one of them. For example,  CPT 20605-RT, CPT 20605-LT-59

Don't forget to use the appropriate "J" code for the dexamethasone.

Craig M. Gastwirth, DPM, Detroit, MI

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

RE: Painful 1st Metatarsal-Cuneiform Joint in Runner (Harry Cotler, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

The patient, in my opinion, places an unreasonable condition to providing definitive and informed care decisions. For the patient to decline an MRI or CAT scan to ascertain the presence of an occult stress fracture, joint osteoarthrosis, chronic tendinopathy of the extensor hallucis longus tendon, ligamentous injury of the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform articulation, tibialis anterior tendinopathy or injury, etc. places the practitioner in a position of achieving a clinical failure outcome. Whether the patient's condition is treated conservatively or surgically, the liability of failure to the practitioner will be the same, despite the patient being provided a "no guarantees" warning.

The patient should be strongly advised that the MRI or CAT Scan is ESSENTIAL to determine the etiology of his symptoms and his prognosis for recovery. I would explain to the patient, "I wouldn't expect my mechanic to diagnose a car malfunction without the ability to look under the hood." If the patient refuses, I would advise the patient (sarcasm here folks!) to seek a practitioner with the ability for "x-ray vision."
 
Gino Scartozzi, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, Gsdpm@aol.com
 

RE: Hyperkeratosis in an 87 Year Old (Gino Scartozzi, DPM)
From: Andrew Levy, DPM

A plus on Gino's plan. No surgery for this patient. As to the limitations of living with having to put on shoes to walk as pain-free as possible, it is better than the alternative of walking in pain, opening an ulcer on her foot, or the very high potential for a catastrophic surgical failure. 

Andrew Levy, DPM, Jupiter, FL, rcpilot48@gmail.com

RE: Fraud and Abuse (Philip Larkins, DPM)
Richard A. Simmons, DPM

Yes, I agree with Dr. Larkins. After not getting a raise for 13 years (Medicare just shuffles the fees and we are left with zero increase), I would join a march like that.

Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Mount Pleasant, MI, staff@familyfootcare.biz

RE: Feds Seek Quick Review of FL Judge's Ruling
From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM

If the Florida judicial system thinks that essentially making The People of The United States get (healthcare) insurance is illegal, or unconstitutional, or whatever, then the State of Florida needs to look no further than Florida law that requires drivers to have (auto) insurance to drive in Florida. Paid experts will ultimately agree.

Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL, stevenkdpm@yahoo.com

Editor’s comment: This analogy is not sound. Driving a car is a privilege, not a right. Each state, under the 10th Amendment is free to enact its own driving laws. Paid experts will not decide the fate of Obamacare, the U.S. Supreme Court will.
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA, PA

Philadelphia surgical podiatrist, seeking surgical or non-surgical trained podiatrist to help expand practice hours. Located in a busy medical building. Clinic area is multi-specialty. Looking for someone to work expanded hours, days and some Saturdays. Call 215-665-9225 Dr. Smith, fax CV 215-665-9242 or email mybadfeet1@yahoo.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
 
Very well-established podiatry practice in Louisville, KY seeks a motivated, ethical practitioner trained in all phases of podiatry including routine care, surgery and wound care to join 2 other podiatrists. By joining our practice you will receive a competitive salary with a bonus structure and benefits. Our practice is equipped with DME, PadNet, Gait Scanner and on site retail store. There is a huge potential to grow your practice with our ideally located facility that has strong affiliation with leading area hospitals as well as 2 local residency programs. For immediate consideration, please forward CV to Samuel10530@yahoo.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 POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.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

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 - 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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER
 
Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for ugly, unsightly, toe nail infections. Less than six months old. Great price won't last long. Considering a laser? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. Dr. Zuckerman is in the Fort Lauderdale area and will demo this lasers on your patients. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

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

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Hand and power pieces available. Sagittal saw, wire driver- fits Ergo electric systems Complete Synthes internal screw fixation sets 2-0,2.7 and larger with screws self-drilling/tapping Complete packs of stats, retractors, rasps, rongeurs, etc. Email questions and requests to Podassociate@aol.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 - WASHINGTON STATE - SUBURBAN SEATTLE

16 year established part time practice. Includes Midmark 417 (4 position keypad), Excel X-ray, processor, Ritter M9, instruments, bandaids, etc. 1 Day/week $50K gross. Professional Business appraisal at $48K. Asking $35K. Shared office with 2 FP's. Easily expandable. Reply: practiceforsale18@yahoo.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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