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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,767 Podiatrists Daily
March 18, 2014 #5,015 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
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PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
OR Podiatrist Discusses Plantar Fasciitis
A shooting pain at the bottom of the heel is typically plantar fasciitis. It comes from inflammation of a band of connective tissue - called the fascia - that extends along the bottom of your heel to the ball of your foot. Studies show that more than 40 percent of people who see podiatrists deal with heel pain like plantar fasciiitis, says Ray McClanahan, DPM, a podiatrist based in Portland, Oregon.
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Dr. Ray McClanahan |
Runners and athletes often get plantar fasciitis because of excessive training, especially if they pronate—a rolling in of the foot and ankle with each stride. But your shoes may also be a cause. Footwear with a tapered toe box forces your big toe in an extended position. This causes the muscle that controls your big toe—the hallucis—to pull your foot unnaturally, which restricts blood flow to the bottom of your foot, says McClanahan. Over time, this can lead to plantar fasciosis.
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APMA HOD NEWS |
APMA Commences House of Delegates (HOD)
The 94th regular meeting of the APMA House of Delegates started on Saturday.
Among the early actions was the presentation of the following awards:
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Drs. Erin Klein, Nichol Salvo, and Brad Wenstrup |
Rising Star - Erin Klein, DPM, and Nichol Salvo, DPM
President's Award - Brad Wenstrup, DPM
Executive Director's Award - Merz North America
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STATE PODIATRY NEWS |
Two Podiatrists Re-Appointed to Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed four members to the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. The Board licenses podiatric physicians and regulates podiatric medicine in Texas.
Dr. Michael Lunsford of Cypress is in private practice. He is a member of the American, Texas, and Harris County Podiatric Medical associations. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, an associate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and International College of Podiatric Laser Surgery. He is also a charter member of the American Academy of Podiatric Microsurgery and American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics, and a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine, and American Society of Podiatric Dermatology.
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Drs. Michael Lunsford and Joe E. Martin Jr. |
Dr. Joe E. Martin Jr. of College Station is senior staff podiatrist for the Scott and White Clinic of College Station. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and past president and board member of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association. He is also a chartered organization representative to the Boy Scouts of America Sam Houston Area Council. Martin received a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, and completed his podiatry residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
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PODIATRISTS AND INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT |
178K Out-of-Network Payment to NY Podiatrist Spurs Investigation
A Park Avenue podiatrist billed $178,900 to fix two crooked toes, office procedures that lasted less than an hour. Amazingly, insurance giant United Healthcare/Oxford paid most of the bill, cutting a check earlier this month for $175,098.80. Instead of sending the check to Dr. Suzanne Levine, a foot fixer with a roster of celebrity clients, United Healthcare mailed it to the shocked patient. And Levine’s office has been frantically trying to collect the money.
Patient Keith Kantrowitz said he’s holding onto the uncashed check until he gets answers. A spokeswoman for United Healthcare said it has launched an investigation “into the provider’s billing for out-of-network services, as charges like these are beyond egregious. We are suspending payment in this situation pending investigation.”
Source: Isabel Vincent and Melissa Klein, New York Post [3/16/14]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
LA Podiatrist Named Health Care Hero
New Orleans CityBusiness has chosen the 2014 honorees for its annual Health Care Heroes program. The winners will be highlighted in a special publication that will be part of the May 16 issue of CityBusiness, and they will be celebrated at a May 9 luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Among the physicians named is Dr. Edward Lang, New Orleans Podiatry Associates.
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Dr. Edward Lang |
Launched in 2007, Health Care Heroes honors health care professionals in the New Orleans area. Honorees are selected based on industry achievement and community impact.
Source: Greg LaRose, New Orleans City Business [3/14/14]
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
French Podiatrist Discusses Hydration of Feet
At most nail salons, the first thing they do to the feet is put them in a tub of warm water. While that feels relaxing and seems a logical way to treat dry feet, French podiatrist Alex Lutun says it actually does the opposite. “Water actually takes away the natural moisture of the skin. The nails will be more brittle and the skin gets dry if you soak your feet in water for too long. It is also more difficult to file your nails when they are damp."
The secret to beautiful feet is to do simple things often, according to Lutun. “If you let dry and rough skin build up over time, foot cream won’t get absorbed. Always give your feet gentle massages after you’ve put on your foot cream and use foot scrub once a week to remove dirt and dead cells.”
Source: Napamon Roongwitoo, Bangkok Post [3/15/14]
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MALPRACTICE NEWS |
Florida Supreme Court Voids Caps on Malpractice Lawsuits
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a state law that placed a $1 million limit on the amount of money people can be awarded in wrongful death cases caused by medical malpractice. The 5-2 ruling declared as unconstitutional a key provision of a 2003 malpractice law signed by then-Governor Jeb Bush and enacted by a Republican-controlled state legislature. Supporters of the 2003 law said at the time, the limits were needed to keep a lid on insurance rates to prevent doctors from leaving Florida during what they described as a "medical malpractice crisis."
In its ruling, the court said the limits violate the right of equal protection under Florida's constitution. "The statutory cap on wrongful death non-economic damages does not bear a rational relationship to the stated purpose that the cap is purported to address, the alleged medical malpractice insurance crisis in Florida," the court wrote.
Source: Bill Cotterell, Reuters [3/14/14]
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Codes for Podiatric Medicine and More! 2013/2014 (26th Edition)
Make the transition this year with minimal stress and ultimate convenience.
This two-volume set contains podiatric medicine specific ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM (cross-referenced), E/M, HCPCS, CPT, E/M, E, and V codes, modifiers, guidelines for wound care, diabetic foot care, the Medicare Diabetes Shoe Program, and more.
Telephone and email support is provided at no additional cost for help with your tough coding questions.
Accept no substitutes. My publication is the one that you hear about. Join the thousands of satisfied podiatrists using my coding manuals for over 25 years. Available for immediate shipping!
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SUCCESS TIPS FROM THE MASTERS |
Bret Ribotsky: What should podiatrists be doing now to lower their tax burden?
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Kenneth Himmler |
Kenneth Himmler: If you are paying tuition for children who are 13 years or older, you can hire these children to do data entry, filing, clean wastebaskets, etc. You can pay that child a payroll and fully deduct it at your tax rate. For example, let's say you're in California and you're paying $15,000 dollars for tuition. If you were to pay the child and then use that money to pay the school, effectively you're paying $7,500 and saving 50%.
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Dr. Robert Parker |
Meet the Masters airs live every Tuesday night. This week's guest is Dr. Robert Parker, Co-founder, of the Harris County Podiatric Residency Program. You can register for this and future events by clicking here
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Floroquinilones have been associated with tendon pain and even tendon ruptures. Many physicians will only use these antimicrobials for short durations of time because of this potential complication. We should be careful, however, in blaming all of a person's musculoskeletal problems on Avelox, especially since the patient took it a year ago. There are many other causes of muscle problems including Statin drugs, as well a host of other potentially serious pathologies. This patient needs to be worked up by an internist or rheumatologist.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: Associate Raise
From: David T. Taylor, DPM
Have you considered making him a partner? It seems like you have a great addition to your practice. Why not make it more permanent? If that is not the direction you want to go, consider providing more paid time off (vacation).
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)- PART 2 |
From: Simon Young, DPM
I don't know about Dr. Baum. Ten minutes to do a hammertoe surgery is really quick and you can miss things. My skills are not as honed, and it takes 20-30 minutes for an uncomplicated toe. I just did two hammertoes and it took 1 hour and 45 minutes. What about risk, travel time, malpractice insurance, etc.? If I were insurance representative and read Dr. Baum's post, I might pay even less.
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MEETING NOTICES -
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
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
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
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
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
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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.
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