![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,767 Podiatrists Daily
March 17, 2014 #5,014 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
|
PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
|
Results of last week's poll |
|
|
MEETING NEWS |
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Holds 36th Annual Midwinter Seminar
The 36th Annual Midwinter Seminar was co-sponsored by the Illinois Podiatric Medical Students’ Association (IPMSA) and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS). The two-day continuing education program was held February 7-8, 2014 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago and attended by more than 230 individuals.
|
(L-R) Front row- Midwinter Seminar Speakers: Drs. Erin Klein, Daniel Evans, Adam Fleischer, David Yeager and Dyane Tower. Back row- IPMSA students: Christina Berg, Allison Damon, John Borzok, Kelli Iceman, Colin Mizuo, Ellie Wydeven (CE Coordinator), Jordan Sullivan, and Amanda Wheatley. |
The Midwinter Seminar is the IPMSA’s largest fundraiser for the year and proceeds help support podiatric student activities and student scholarships. It was an excellent way to learn from a variety of experts within the podiatric profession, as well as an opportunity to earn continuing education credits.
|
>
|
|
PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW |
FL Podiatrist Re-Arrested on Gun Charges
The husband of the former model who was found dead in her pool has been arrested, but not in connection with her death. Dr. Adam Frasch was originally charged with breaking a custody agreement but was released from jail. However, Thursday afternoon, he was taken back into custody for violating the terms of his release. Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General served a search warrant on Frasch's office in Thomasville. The search warrant involved Medicare fraud allegations against the podiatrist. Officers said that they found 3 firearms at the office and a warrant was issued for Frasch.
Source: WTXL [3/14/14]
|
|
HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION |
Providers Grow More Nervous That SGR Won't be Repealed
Healthcare providers and policy analysts are increasingly anxious that Congress will fail to eliminate Medicare's flawed physician payment formula and once again default to a temporary fix.
All eyes turned to the Senate after the House of Representatives passed a bill on Friday that repeals the sustainable growth-rate formula and also includes a five-year delay of the financial penalties for people who don't purchase health insurance—which the Senate is sure to reject. Congress will return from a weeklong recess on March 24, which gives lawmakers one week until the temporary SGR patch expires on March 31.
Source: Jessica Zigmund, Modern Healthcare [3/14/14]
|
|
QUERIES CLINICAL |
Query: Has Laser Nail Fungus Removal Been Proven Effective?
While the FDA approved the treatment of nail fungus with laser four years ago, in one of the best studies to date, published last year in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that laser treatments produced no improvements in patients with toenail fungus, even after five sessions.*
Using the Journal as a major source, the New York Times March 14, 2014 issue challenges the use of laser therapy for this common condition. Has anyone in podiatric medicine conducted controlled studies on laser therapy for onychomycosis?
*Carney C, Cantrell W, Warner J, Elewski B. Treatment of onychomycosis using a submillisecond 1064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. Oct;69(4):578-82; 2013
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Associate Raise
We have an associate who has been a great addition to the practice. He has been with us for approximately 20 months, and we are considering giving him a raise. Currently, he gets 30% above the $75K net collections he brings in a month (300k/year), including the 8.3K base salary a month (100K/year). We provide full medical for his family, 2.5Kfor CME/dues, a cell phone, and three weeks vacation. After overhead, we are making 11-12% off of his gross collections and 25-26% off of his net. We are considering increasing his percentage from 30% to 45-60%. Comments?
Name Withheld
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM
Fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome is well documented. It occurs in patients mainly with a history of adrenal dysfunction coupled with single nucleotide polymorphisms impairing methylation. An oxidant stress test should be performed STAT along with genetic testing for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, HOLFOOT153@aol.com
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
RE: Muscle Spasm One Year S/P Avelox
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM
I suggest that you try an injection of Marcaine into the neuromuscular junction to see if you can break the spasm. If this works, great. If the spasm returns, you can consider using Botox for longer paralysis.
|
NBPME Seeks Nominations for Board Seats
The following positions on the Board will be open for election to a three-year term at the Annual Meeting in August, 2014
• A candidate who is a podiatric physician currently in practice.
• A candidate who has served as a member of his or her state’s professional licensing board within the five years prior to the initial term.
• A candidate currently serving as a director of a podiatric residency program approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.
Interested individuals should forward a letter and curriculum vitae no later than June 1, 2014 to: nbpmeofc@aol.com or NBPME, P.O. Box 510, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) |
From: David H. Long, DPM
Several years back, a local orthopedist explained to me how he addresses this issue. He calculated how many post-op visits were routine for each surgical procedure he performed. Based on that, he either billed for the surgical procedure, or did not bill for the procedure, but billed for the office visits post-operative. So, if it was a minor procedure, where he might get $200, he would see them 5-6 times post-op at $90-$120 each visit. You do the math. I'm not saying it was the right thing to do, but he did retire at an early age.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A |
From: David S. Wolf, DPM
Kudos to Dr. Rizzo who is performing a needed service to an underserved segment of our population. His patient base might not be able to arrange transportation or could be unable to get out of bed. His remuneration does not reflect negatively on our profession.
When I started private practice over 40 years ago, I volunteered at a homeless clinic and was censored by local podiatrists who reported me to the podiatry board for 'undercutting' their fees. Now, we have volunteer foot clinics in community health centers, with our surgical residents and attendings working together to make a real difference just like Dr. Rizzo has and is doing. I can assure you the patients that he serves do not look at his services as unprofessional, unsterile, or demeaning. His "routine care" is as much appreciated as the patients whom we do our reconstructive and limb salvage procedures on.
BTW, have you checked your EOB lately for reimbursement of nail debridement. After documentation, billing, and collecting, Medicare regs and overhead, $45 looks pretty good. So, Dr. Kass, before we judge good Samaritans like Dr. Rizzo, we need to be thankful for professionals like him who serve those patients who are often neglected and in most need of our services.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B |
From: Keith Gurnick, DPM
The Los Angeles Times reporter, Steve Lopez wrote a favorable article about Dr. Rizzo (aka Dr. RoadMap) and his interaction as a podiatrist who only does house calls, and nail and palliative care for home-bound patients. It appears that Dr. Rizzo prefers this type of practice and also that his patients appreciate his home care services. However, wiping ones hands with alcohol soaked cotton balls and exclaiming to be free of fingernail onychomycosis after 38 years of practice has nothing to do with instrument sterility and proper patient care. It is the standard of care to wear one time use disposable gloves, and also to use sterilized instruments on each patient.
Podiatry instruments must be sterilized after each patient to ensure patient safety. This could be done with multiple packs using a gas sterilizer, steam sterilizer, cold fluid sterilization, or he could even use disposable one time use instruments. The use of alcohol to wipe his hands or even to clean his instruments would not be acceptable in a nail salon,no less by a podiatrist making house calls. Although quick and inexpensive, alcohol will not kill all bacteria, fungus, or virus that could be picked up on an instrument from one patient and transferred to another. So, Dr. Rizzo, it is very admirable that you do house calls in the year 2014, but please practice sterility like the year 2014.
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
|
|
|
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
|
Can baseball season be far away? |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
|
|
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $179
(Less than $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
|
|
CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO/TRIAD AREA
Busy, state-of-the-art group practice seeking full time associate. PSR 24 or above training preferred. Excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and ethical applicant. Competitive income and benefit package. Hospital privileges available. Board certified/qualified applicant, send CV and letter of interest to triad.podiatrist@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Multi Physician Practice – Multi Practice Locations Competitive Salary and Benefits. Experienced support staff. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
Immediate opening for palliative/general podiatric care provider in established clinics, nursing home and assistive living settings in beautiful Southern Kentucky. Travel involved, but transportation provided along with ability to provide a wide range of clinical care including DME. Board certification not mandatory, but must be eligible for KY state license. Base salary with incredible bonus opportunity/full benefits. Join Kentucky’s largest and most respected podiatric group. Email CV and letter of interest to:jonkim12000@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SC
Well-established three doctor practice seeks PSR-24/36 trained associate. New office building with privileges at nearby hospital and surgical center. EMR in place. Located near lake and mountains. Two hours from Charlotte and Atlanta. Please send letter of interest to docrose@bellsouth.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Position available leading to buy in after 6-12 months for the right person. Well established practice all aspects of care. Modern facility and latest technology. Need a self-starter ambitious person to work and grow the practice. Send Resume and cover letter to DRFOOT44@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Immediate associate position available. Applicant should be personal, self-motivated and independent. Will provide diabetic treatments, biomechanical exams, minor office procedures, major surgical corrections, in-home care. Great surgical growth potential. Competitive compensation package. Send letter of intent and CV to: admin@blaskodpm.com.
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Well established 65 year old practice looking for full time associate upon completion of a 36-month residency. Salary and full benefits including medical and malpractice included. Purchase opportunity available after probationary period. Full scope modern practice with 2 office locations. Great opportunity. Please email your CV to bkatzman2@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA (ATLANTA, NORTHERN SUBURBS)
Largest physician-owned equity based super group model (EHI, Inc.)- seeking multiple practitioners to work in highly successful clinical environments. Physicians must have minimum of 5 years practice experience in high volume clinical setting (s), ABPS board eligible/certified, highly motivated, hardworking, and extremely ethical. Unique setting encompassing practice owned surgery centers, pathology lab (s), imaging service(s), vascular access center (s), hyperbaric center(s), compounding pharmacy, anesthesia service(s), & more in development. Practice mergers considered for the right cultural fit. Competitive initial salary plus ancillary bonuses with full benefit package and ownership opportunities. Please send all inquiries via e-mail to dhelfman@extremityhealthcare.com and mhilsen@extremityhealthcare.com include cover letter and CV.
POSITION AVAILABLE – BROOKLYN / QUEENS, NY
Full-time podiatrist needed for a growing podiatry practice in Brooklyn and Queens. Excellent compensation. Please fax your resume to 888-788-6447.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA (ATLANTA)/TEXAS (AUSTIN, DALLAS, HOUSTON)
Largest Physician Owned Equity Based Super Group Model (EHI, Inc.)- seeking ethical hard working practitioners interested in joining EHI’s Southwest expansion. Our model is proven to produce successful practice groups and ancillary services, some of which include physician owned surgery centers, pathology lab (s), imaging service(s), vascular access center (s), hyperbaric center(s), compounding pharmacies, anesthesia service(s), & more in development. This is your opportunity to join EHI’s strategic national expansion focusing on secure wealth creation in an uncertain regulatory healthcare market. Only successful group (s) and/or solo practitioners will be considered. Send inquiries via e-mail to dhelfman@extremityhealthcare.com and mhilsen@extremityhealthcare.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE - BRONX, NY
Associate needed for 30+ year busy private practice. Applicant should be personal, independent and motivated. Bilingual a plus. Practice entails all aspects of podiatry. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for the right person. To apply please email letter of intent and CV to Bronxfootspecialist@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT
Well-established, growing practice in Darien, Connecticut is looking to bring on a new hard-working Podiatric Associate with PSR-36 Training. This is a GREAT opportunity for a young physician coming out of residency. Please email your CV and letters of reference to: sweiss4@stamhealth.org
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN
In-network associate position PT/FT east side midtown Manhattan position available for motivated podiatrist in all phases of podiatry including surgery . Please send CV with list of plans that you are in enrolled in to johnj10022@aol.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- NORTHWEST SUBURBS OF CHICAGO
Diagnostic Ultrasound System for sale, asking $7500.00. CTS-8800 Plus system manufactured by SIUI. Purchased new July of 2013, barely used. Price includes cart, supplies, diagnostic books, and access to lifetime training/support through Fischer Biomedical website. Please email to: tomjohns2022@yahoo.com
SPACE TO SHARE - EAST SIDE MANHATTAN
East Side Manhattan - reception, waiting area, lab - 3 furnished treatment rooms - Staff available - Immediate availability. email off61dpm@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MANHATTAN
High End Lucrative Practice for Sale on Fifth Ave. in Manhattan. Ground Floor. Street entrance.1,000Sq. Ft. Doctor owned Co-Op, lease secured for 10 years. Priced to sell. Will be available through transition. Contact Email pied106@aol.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
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451
|
Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
| Guidelines |
- 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.
|
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
|
|
|
|