The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 05, 2012 #4,428 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Comments on Tiger Wood's Swing

Tiger Woods is favored to win the Masters this year, but he has had knee issues going all the way back to his days at Stanford. The incredible torque he puts on his lower legs with every swing is a constant threat – almost to the extent of a running back cutting against the grain. It only takes a little bit of pain to throw a swing out of sync.

Dr. James Wang

“When one part of your golf swing is weak, you overcompensate,” says podiatrist Dr. James Wang. “It can also be a mental thing.” Woods looked as healthy as ever at Bay Hill, but unlike the relatively flat course at Bay Hill, Augusta National will bring hills and awkward stances.

Source: Eric Adelson, Yahoo Sports [4/2/12]

IL Podiatrist Foresaw Need to Treat Baby Boomers With Foot Problems

Lincoln podiatrist Dr. Lynn Dennis has helped her patients for the last 12 years keep their feet on solid ground — hopefully in a solid, pain-free manner. Dennis came to Lincoln after earning a doctorate degree at Dr. William M. School College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. She knew early on she wanted to work in the field due to her desire to help people. 

Dr. Lynn Dennis (Photo Jean Ann Miller)

“I saw a need for podiatrists when the baby boomers started to age. I also knew with cases of diabetes increasing, there would be a need to address some of the foot (problems) that they experience,” said Dennis.

Source: Jean Ann Miller, Lincoln Courier [4/3/12]

Christie Would Make a Good VP: IL Podiatrist Touring in Israel

In Gov. Chris Christie’s first overseas trip since taking office, the Holy Land is rolling out the red carpet. The attention will surely reignite speculation that Christie is on the short list of vice presidential candidates for the likely Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney.

Part of Christie’s advance team and sponsors of the trip arrived Friday at the King David Hotel, which is famous for hosting diplomats since its opening in 1930 and was targeted in a 1946 bombing. In the hotel lobby, Dr. Jacob Greenspan and his wife on a tour with their Chicago-area synagogue, perked up when they heard Christie was visiting. "He gets down to business," said Greenspan, a podiatrist. "I think he would make a good vice president."

Source: Jenna Portnoy, Hunterdon County Democrat [4/3/12]

CMS Extends Deadline to Appeal EHR Incentive Eligibility

Query: Titanium Screws and Metal Detectors

I have a patient now 6 weeks post-metatarsal osteotomy with a titanium screw who states that whenever he walks into Walgreens, Target, or Walmart, he sets the metal detector off. I did not believe him, so I went with him to the neighborhood Walgreens, and sure enough, he set the alarm off. I have not encountered this in any other patient to this extent. I'm just wondering if others have? The obvious solution is of course removal of the screw.

Alan Mauser DPM, Louisville, KY

Query: Hyperkeratotic Tinea (Name Withheld)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Jay A Wenig, DPM
 
First, the patient should be adequately worked up. Mycotic as well as connective tissue disorders such as keratoderma blenorrhagicum, a symptom of Reiter's disease should be been ruled out. Then specific treatment aimed at the keratotic element should be instituted. One medication that we have had a great deal of success with is Salvax Duo, a prescription item, made by Quinnova. It is a urea and sal acid foam-based product. The patient applies one product in the morning and one at night. Quinnova gives samples to doctors. This is important because you can teach patients how to apply the product. What is amazing is that you will actually see results before your eyes the very first time you apply it.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

I suspect this is psoriasis and the treatment would be high potency steroid creams or ointments to start with. Tazorac, Talconex, or Dovenox can be tried, failing high potency steroids if a diagnosis of psoriasis is made. Tissue necrosis factors such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, or Stelera could be used. I have not prescribed tissue necrosis factors, but I have seen patients after their use, and the difference can be amazing. 

Jay A Wenig, DPM, Upper Marlboro, MD, jaywenig@aol.com

RE: Groupons and Fee-Splitting
From: Andrew Feldman, Esq.

Podiatrists have been approached by Groupon and other such organizations relative to using them for marketing and advertising purposes. However, the payment arrangements with Groupon can be clearly illegal for the podiatrist to use. The preferred payment method that Groupon uses, taking a percentage of the charges for the services that it is advertising, is illegal fee-splitting by podiatrists in New York in violation of both 6509(a) of the New York State Education Law and Section 29.1(b)(4) Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York. Additionally, the enforcement of the use of such a discount would be against the podiatrist, and not against Groupon.

Groupon falls within the category of a situation where a podiatrist pays a third-party on a percentage or share of the podiatrist's professional fees for services rendered. Although Groupon may represent to the practitioner that this is perfectly legal, the Office of Professional Discipline, depending on what the actual contract says with the practitioner, may have an entirely different view. The podiatrist needs to be vigilant relative to these types of proposals.

Andrew Feldman, Esq., General Counsel, NYSPMA, andy@feldmankieffer.com

RE: Voice Recognition Software and EMR/EHR (Greg Caringi, DPM)
From: Adnan Shariff, DPM

You will, at the minimum, need Dragon 11.5 professional. You will lose a lot of functionality if you go with a lower version than that. I also recommend the podiatry vocabulary with that. There are some EMRs that require to use the more expensive Medical version which has no additional benefits to the end-user. Nuance is the maker of Dragon, and they have a list on their website for which EMRs require the medical version. However, I can say that my program is on the list and Professional version works fine.

Adnan Shariff, DPM, Northbrook, IL, adnanshariff@yahoo.com

RE: Mixing and Matching EMR and Billing Programs (Joel Morse, DPM)
From: Stephen Musser, DPM, Marc Garfield, DPM
 

As far as mixing and matching EHR with a different practice management system, I don't have a problem using a billing software with a different EHR program. I have Epic My Practice EHR, but my billing software is from DB Consultants. My office manager doesn't have a problem 'pulling' the coding data out of Epic and then plugging it into the DB program to do the billing.
 
Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH, ly2drmusser@gmail.com

Mixing an EMR, particularly one that has a billing component already, with outside billing software is cumbersome and should not be considered. The biggest benefit you have with EMR, is not improvement in your charting; it is the seamless flow of information between your scheduling, charting, and billing software. What you are suggesting would be to take on all of the problems with EMR and throw away the benefits. Remember that your biggest cost is always staffing. Separating your components would require you to pay someone to enter demographics and scan pertinent information into two systems, and then deal with the possible error of data entry into two systems. Buy an EMR that will collaborate with your billing system or buy a complete system.
 
X-rays: “2X Client” is a free remote desktop program (like gotomyPC software) and works on Android and IPads. It works wonderfully from within your office network and from home. Viztek (20/20 System) Software can be loaded onto any Windows, XP, Vista, or Windows 7, and can work right off of the server. You would need a remote desktop to work from home.
 
Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA, mgarfield1@cox.net

RE: Recommendations for EMR/EHR (Joshua Kaye, DPM)
From: Robert Wunderlich, DPM
 
Dr. Kaye brings up a point about printing hard copies of records generated in EMR/EHR. My response to his question, "What would you do if you came to your office on Monday morning and you couldn’t log in to Practice Fusion?" is simple: pull the chart and review the notes that I printed out with Practice Fusion at each visit, and dicate notes for any visits that day. 

I think this also answers the question about moving 'backwards' by printing out the records at each visit...you always have a hard copy backup. All EMR/EHR systems are subject to computer error, loss of connectivity, and loss of electrical power. So what would you do if you couldn't log in to your $10,000 EMR system Monday morning? Whether it's web-based or you have a server on-site, if you didn't print out hard copies of patient records, you'd be stuck. I think this brings up a very good point: even with the best EMR system, we should all be prepared for the 'what if' scenario where we have no access to electronic records for a period of time.

Robert Wunderlich, DPM, San Antonio, TX, rwunder@gmail.com

RE: Starting an ASC (Name Withheld)
From: John F. Swaim, DPM

Here are some guidelines gleaned from my experience with starting an ASC:

1) No non-surgeons should be allowed in the ownership.
2) No developer/building leasors should be allowed in the ASC.
3) Hire a manager with proven ASC experience in that job.
4) Staff only one OR at first.
5) Make sure the corporate partner you choose guarantees in writing...

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

RE:  Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Just released Prada shoe

Source: Submitted by Dr. Hartley Miltchin

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 516 476-1815  PODO2345@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. Along with CV, please provide medical plans that you are currently participating in. Please forward your information to roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA

Emerald Coast on the North Shore of the Gulf of Mexico, a well-established group practice with multi-offices, seeking an associate with opportunity for partnership for a PSR-24/36 Doctor well-trained in foot/ankle/diabetic problems/wound care/surgical and medical podiatric care, covering 3 area hospitals, NO nursing homes. e-mail letter of interest, CV, and references to basewedge@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA

Looking for outstanding associate for current solo practice with partnership opportunity. Research my practice by Googling Dr. Marc Katz Tampa and then based on what you find tell me the reason you would be the perfect candidate. We are only looking for long-term high quality candidates. Email me at:DocMKatz@gmail.com with your answers and CV.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TENNESSEE/NORTH GEORGIA

Multi-physician, Multi-office practice looking for motivated new associate leading to partnership. We are a busy practice with state of the art technology: EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic Ultrasound, PADnet, EPAT machine. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working and interested in providing all aspects of podiatric care to our patients. Competitive Salary and benefits. All interested candidates please send a CV with two letters of reference to mybestnewjob@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PART TIME - OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Looking for PSR 24/36, board eligible preferred. Busy podiatric practice with up to date EMR & practice management program. Practice currently offers digital x-rays, ultrasounds, vascular studies and laser treatment. Good mix of general podiatry, wound care and surgery. Must be ethical, hardworking and committed to quality patient care. NJ license needed. Competitive salary and benefits. Send cover letter and resume to: AOKNDPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK

Surgical based, multi-office practice in Upstate New York looking for a highly motivated podiatrist to join our group. Base salary plus incentive. Opportunity for growth. Email resume and cover letter to: professionalfootcare@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 24-36 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977 Diane Coulter, Office Manager.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA

Immediately available, associate position leading to purchase of practice. Well-established, busy podiatry practice needs PSR 24/36 trained podiatrist, board eligible/certified. Base salary plus incentive and benefits seeking highly motivated, honest and ethical individual with good communication skills. The practice is located in Arlington, VA license required. Email to: drmichaelfine@aol.com

ASSOCIATE - ST. LOUIS, MO

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. Starting salary ($100k), plus incentive comp plan, 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 - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to:  myfeetfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is his own. Go to www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a Podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305.  www.aggeus.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 5 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE- MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Be an owner not a worker. 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - AUSTIN TEXAS

Great opportunity for new practitioner or an additional office. 18 year practice with large patient base. Current physician transitioning to part time then retiring to pursue another business opportunity. Start turn-key without need for a bank loan. Great area to live and work. Susieintx@aol.com (512) 565-6634

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTH NEW JERSEY

Great practice for sale, lease it, work in practice, rent-free first year, associateship possible. Must have NJ licensure have own TIN participation for Horizon, Cigna, Aetna, etc. Retiring. Anyone is welcome to make offer or come up with other ideas. Contact footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SHOCKWAVE MACHINE

D-Actor 200 by Storz Medical. High Frequency Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) System. A little over a year old, excellent results for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Must sell; practice merger. Selling for 18,000 (new machine >30K) Email: footdoc21@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. 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.

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