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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,772 Podiatrists Daily
March 20, 2014 #5,017  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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| STATE PODIATRY NEWS | |
IA Podiatrist Appointed to State Podiatry Board
The Iowa Senate approved nine appointees of Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday with little debate, including Dr. K. Linda Bratkiewicz to the Board of Podiatry. She practices in the Des Moines area.
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Dr. K. Linda Bratkiewicz |
Dr. Bratkiewicz graduated with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Broadlawns Medical Center. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery. She is on staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center.
Source: William Petroski, Des Moines Register [3/17/14]
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| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Valley Presbyterian Hospital Welcomes Two CA Podiatrists
Valley Presbyterian Hospital has announed the appointment of board-certified podiatric surgeons Eric Espensen, DPM, DABMSP, and Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, to its renowned Amputation Prevention Center.
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(L-R) Drs. Eric Espensen and Babak Kosari |
Dr. Espensen, who will serve as Co-Director of the center, and Dr. Kosari will work alongside Dr. Andros, MD, Christian Ochoa, MD, Medical Director of Vascular Surgery Services, and the entire Amputation Prevention Center team to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to limb preservation. Both podiatric surgeons have significant training and experience in foot and ankle surgery, wound care, diabetic foot care with an emphasis in diabetic foot surgery, and diabetic wound care.
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| PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS | |
NY Podiatrists Complete 10th Annual Medical Mission to Nicaragua
2014 marks the 10th year that both Drs. Charles Morelli and Jeffrey Siegel have traveled with the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church to Nicaragua. They brought with them two students from Temple University as well as two surgically trained residents from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical School.
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(L-R) Student Martina Randall, senior resident Dr. Jason Kayce, resident Dr. Mark Spiegel , Dr. Charles Morelli, student Juliana Paternina, and Dr. Jeffrey Siegel. |
Over 34 surgeries were performed in just 4 days and severe pathology was again addressed. This year was particularly satisfying as many of last year’s patients not only came by to see them, but many also returned to have their other foot taken care of. A young lady was Dr. Siegel's “poster child” for this year’s trip as her tibial pseudarthrosis exemplified the pathology that is ever present, combined with the innocence and desperation seen on a daily basis. As always, they are looking forward to next year's mission.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY- PART 2 | |
Police Investigate Collision Involving IN Podiatrist and Cop
Indiana State Police are investigating a crash involving a Gary police officer driving his squad car on Interstate 65 that sent him and a Portage podiatrist to area hospitals Friday. Sgt. Ann Wojas, spokeswoman for the Indiana State Police Lowell District, said the officer and the doctor whose vehicle he struck gave different versions of the cause of the crash.
The driver of the Lexus -- Dr. Frederick Fedorchak, a Portage podiatrist -- and Dickerson gave conflicting reports on the events leading to the accident, Wojas said, with Fedorchak saying he was merging to the shoulder to allow the squad to pass and Dickerson saying he lost control on an icy patch of road.
Source: Lauri Harvey Keagle, NWI Times [3/18/14]
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
About 60% of Physician Practices Avoiding ACOs, Study Finds
The majority of physician practices have not joined an accountable care organization and don't plan to anytime soon, a new study has found. These reluctant medical groups are also less likely to have the resources—electronic health records, care coordinators, formal quality improvement initiatives—to effectively manage the costs and care for chronically ill patients, the study said.
The results, published online in the journal Health Services Research, show that roughly 6 of 10 physician groups have so far avoided accountable care, a proliferating payment model that rewards and penalizes hospitals and doctors based on their ability to meet cost and quality targets. Medicare accountable care efforts, launched in 2012 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, now include more than 350 organizations. Private insurers have entered into more than 600 accountable care contracts, according to estimates by healthcare consultant Leavitt Partners.
Source: Melanie Evans, Modern Healthcare [3/18/14]
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Sudoscan
Can anyone comment on the use of the Sudoscan in evaluating small fiber neuropathy? Are you happy with the device, happy with the results, and with the reimbursement ?
Gregory Mowen, DPM, Ventnor, NJ
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
RE: Has Laser Nail Fungus Removal Been Proven Effective? (Eric Bornstein, DMD)
From: David Zuckerman, DPM
I applaud Dr. Bornstein on both his work and observation that heat plays little, if any, role in the treatment of lasers with fungal infection. This applies to both nail and skin involvement. It is my undertanding and experience that ROS (reactive oxygen species) plays a role in this type of infection eradication. In addition, other mechanisms of action such as bio-stimulation are part of the process. We know that bio-stimulation reduces inflamation and stimulates collagen as well as fibroblastic activity. Just what makes lasers effective is based on both clinical observation and retrospective studies.
There is a good deal of research with this laser application such as the best wavelength, peak power, highest wattage, and power density necessary for maximum benefit of results. I would like to have a discussion as to what really makes the nail look better, destruction of fungi or bio-stimulation of the nail and surrounding tissue as it relates to the treatment of wounds with diode lasers. Our diowave multiple function lasers address both fungi infection and bio-stimulation of the tissue.
Disclosure: Dr, Zuckerman is Medical Director of Clearly Beautiful Laser Solutions
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM
Tincture of Benzoin compound is easy to apply and dries quickly. It is readily available and works well as a tape adherent.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Estelle Albright, DPM
Yes, Dr. Baum, podiatry has in many ways, "lost its way," as you said in your post. Case in point: Custom orthotics. Podiatry pioneered biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity. Now, every county fair and mall has 'specialists' making 'custom orthotics', charging cash, no insurance involved, and people get a pretend orthotic at a high price. Our leaders pushed hard for surgical privileges, while forgetting one of the basic foundations of podatry. We should have spent time/effort/money focusing on being the only doctors legally permitted to prescribe and make Rx/custom orthotics, but now that opportunity has passed. The horse has run out of the barn.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A | |
From Gary S Smith, DPM
People seem to miss the part about the check going to the patient and the "patient kept it." The patient still has the money while all this is being looked into. 20 years ago, when we used to get paid, I had a patient get a check for $1,700 that was supposed to go to me for a bunion surgery. The patient thought "that was too much" and so he kept it for himself. The local court wouldn't let me bring a civil case because they felt it was criminal. The local police were offended that a rich doctor would file charges against a patient over money and refused to pursue it. The patient just kept the money. Somehow these people stealing the doctors' checks are the victims.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Steve Goldman, DPM, MBA
The issue is much deeper than this. This country struggles with the logistics of a healthcare delivery system that creates a disconnect between the consumer (patient) and the payer (insurance company). I'm sure there's no way this patient, if told prior to the services being rendered that the charges would have amounted to over $175,000, would have agreed to undergo that procedure. The disconnect creates another problem. Patients, by virtue of the fact that they don't know the actual cost of rendered services, undervalue and perceive the "true" value of their services at the amount they actually pay (i.e. co-payment), and have no real understanding of the "real" value of their care.
To patients, their visit was worth the $25 co-payment amount. This leads to two problems. The first is that patients tend to consume more services than they would if they were paying directly because two visits are worth (to patients) only $50 instead of the few hundred it actually is. It's only when services were denied and/or patients get billed do they get the sticker shock associated with the "real" fee for their services. This lends itself to anger and resentment. I'm not condoning or defending or making excuses for a $175,000 bill, but this is an extreme example of the misunderstanding patients have about the real value of their services. Patients should be told at the time of the visit what the real value of the services would (or should) be and provided the opportunity to elect to proceed.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
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(Less than $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
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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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST FL
Associate wanted for mobile service to provide palliative care, diabetic and wound care. Good pay, flexible hours. Assistant provided. Send CV or letter of interest to info@dropinternational.org or call 800.779.8551
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.
ASSOCIATE NEEDED - CONNECTICUT
Position available for a board certified or qualified individual who has an emphasis on DM foot care and is comfortable with all surgical aspects of forefoot, rearfoot and ankle surgery. Excellent opportunity for a surgeon. Competitive salary and benefits offered and a perfect community to raise a family. fax resume to bfsoffice@4udr.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - BUFFALO, UPSTATE NY, AND CONNECTICUT
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes in Buffalo, Upstate New York and Connecticut. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
PODIATRISTS WANTED – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Podiatrists wanted for fully managed practice in skilled nursing facilities in the following areas: 1. Chico and Meadowood 2. Sacramento 3. Fresno – local and up to one hour south. Send CV and area of interest to: ZBUBBLESZ@aol.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 - 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.
PODIATRY OFFICE AVAILABLE – MANHATTAN
Turn-key office available in high volume areas on Upper East Side of Manhattan to lease or share. Digital x-ray, MRI, CT scanner, fluoroscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, and fungal laser. Price based on usage. Call 516-476-1815 or email podo2345@aol.com.
PODIATRY OFFICE AVAILABLE – NORTH SHORE, LONG ISLAND
Turn-key 4-treatment room office available in high volume area of Plainview, NY to lease or share. Digital x-ray, MRI, CT scanner, fluoroscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, and fungal laser. Price based on usage. Call 516-476-1815 or email podo2345@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
PART-TIME PRACTICE FOR SALE - GLENDALE CALIFORNIA
Rid yourself of totally relying on insurance payments for your services by using fluid Silicone implants. Great financial potential for an informed Podiatrist willing to promote this knowledge. 818-384-2479
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
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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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