The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 10, 2013 #4,738 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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GA Podiatrist Offers Foot Health Tips for Seniors

Foot pain and discomfort are common among older adults — decades of walking, standing, and general wear and tear are hard on your feet. “Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of your healthcare,” said Dr. Jonnica Dozier, podiatrist. “Foot problems can be the first sign of more serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve or circulatory disorders. If you have any problems, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.”

Dr. Jonnica Dozier

To improve circulation and enhance foot health, seniors are encouraged to put their feet up when sitting down, and to stretch, walk, or gently massage their feet throughout the day to improve the circulation in their feet. A warm foot bath is another way to soothe aches and pains and improve blood flow.

Source: Athens Banner-Herald [4/9/13]

PM News has begun a new weekly feature called Quick Poll. Each week, we will post a new poll based on some of the controversial issues discussed in our Comments/Responses section. Straw polls are not scientific and do not represent standards of care.

Quick Poll
Have you implemented EMR in your practice?
Click HERE for Results

Three Named as "Top Doctor" by New Hampshire Magazine

In their 2013 survey New Hampshire Magazine asked doctors who they would choose to provide for the medical needs of friends and loved ones. To broaden the reach of the poll,  New Hampshire Magazine lists the top doctors along with other leading physicians in each specialty. Plus,  votes were solicited from our readers.

Dr. Anna Ruelle

The podiatrist who received the most votes was Anna Ruelle, DPM.  Other Leading Practitioners named were David Kosofsky, DPM and James Dolan, DPM, both of whom have been previously named as Top Doctor and Leading Physician.

Source: New Hampshire Magazine [April 2013]

NY Podiatrist Joins The Sammy Systems Team

ICS Software of New York is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael L. Brody will assume the role of Chief Compliance Officer. As Chief Compliance Officer, he will be involved in developing the tools to allow ICS users to meet Meaningful Use Stage 2, help ensure that all Sammy users have a seamless transition to utilizing ICD-10 coding, and will help to ensure that ICS customers understand their roles and responsibilities in the brave new world of health information technology. 

Dr. Michael Brody

Dr. Brody has been a practicing podiatrist for over twenty-five years, and he has been well-versed in technology for well over thirty. He is a nationally renowned speaker in the fields of health IT and meaningful use, and he travels across the United States to lecture podiatrists on his fields of expertise. 

Aussie Podiatrist Denies Sexual Assault of Patient

The Supreme Court in Launceston has heard testimony that a podiatrist allegedly pulled a patient's underpants down before sexually assaulting her during a consultation for a foot problem in 2011. Terence Williams has pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting the woman by touching her breasts and one count of aggravated sexual assault.  The offenses allegedly occurred at a clinic in suburban Kings Meadows on November 15, 2011. The woman said Mr. Williams had earlier undone her bra and moved his hands up and down her sides before cupping her breasts. She said she was shocked he had not used a glove or washed his hands.

Nick Clark, The Mercury [9/9/13]

Court Upholds Same-Specialty Expert Witness Requirement

Arizona physicians say a state high court ruling will help prevent frivolous medical liability lawsuits from moving forward. The Supreme Court of Arizona in March ruled that a law requiring experts in such cases to share the same specialty as the treating physician does not violate state or federal laws that guarantee people the right to go to court.

“Although plaintiffs might face greater difficulties in finding a qualified expert because of a smaller expert pool, [the statute] does not bar medical malpractice lawsuits or preclude plaintiffs from recovery in such actions,” the court said in Baker v. University Physicians Healthcare.

Source: Tanya Albert Henry: Amednews.com [4/3/13]

Proposed Rules Would Extend EHR Safe Harbor

The CMS and HHS' inspector general's office have issued a pair of complementary proposed rules to extend 2006 waivers that relaxed federal Stark and anti-kickback laws to promote the use of electronic health-record systems. The proposed rules would extend the Dec. 31, 2013 sunset provisions in the original rules to Dec. 31, 2016. They also would drop an e-prescribing requirement in the original rules and amend language on what types of EHRs qualify for the waivers.

In the updates, rulemakers propose revisions in the deeming language for interoperability, substituting that a certification body must be “authorized by” the ONC instead. They also added a two-year regulatory interval instead of 12 months.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [4/9/13]

ASPD Holds Its Largest Meeting Ever

The American Society of Podiatric Dermatology held its annual meeting this past weekend in Baltimore, Maryland. This was the largest meeting and the most well-attended meeting that the society has had in its 55 years. The society has been run for the past 8 years by M. Joel Morse, DPM and Patricia Schultz, DPM.

Attendees at ASPD Meeting

Attendees were treated to an array of intensive dermatology topics by renowned speakers including, Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, and Luis Garza, MD, Bryan Markinson, DPM, Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, and Brad Bakotic, DPM, DO, as well as many others. Many felt that this was the turning point for the organization and are looking forward to a bigger and better seminar in 2014.

Query: Billing for Excision of Hypertrophic Scar

We recently billed CPT 11042 for excision of a hypertrophic scar. It was rejected, saying that the ICD-9 code did not support the CPT code. What would be the appropriate ICD-9 code for hypertrophic scar?

Arnold Beresh, DPM, Hampton, VA

Response: Did you really mean to bill CPT 11042 for the excision? It could be that the ICD-9 you used was correct, but the CPT is incorrect. CPT 11042 is defined as "debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less." You wouldn't debride a scar, but excise it.

I wonder if you actually meant CPT 1142x (excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), foot). In direct answer to your question - the ICD-9 code for hypertrophic scar is 701.4.

Leslie Johnson, CPC, New Rochelle, NY

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RE: HBOT Supervision (Stan Gorgol, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I have been supervising HBO treatments at our hospital for over 6 years. We have a 12-person multi-place chamber, and we treat all appropriate diagnoses, both podiatric and non-podiatric. For the first 4 years, I was billing for all patients in the chamber, regardless of diagnosis. I had tried for almost 2 years to get accurate information from the state board of podiatry examiners, the NYSPMA and the APMA, about being able to bill for diagnoses other than those that involved the foot and ankle. All to no avail.

I was never given a definitive answer because, in our state, there is (or was) no hard and fast law on that particular subject. However, the next thing I know, in 2011, our director states the hospital attorneys now have a problem with a podiatrist supervising treatments for "other than podiatric diagnoses." That also coincided with the director taking on a new associate. So, in our hospital (as in many other states), we do not bill for non-podiatric diagnoses. I still feel fortunate, however, because in many states, it is not allowed - period, because as you said, it's a systemic treatment and reimbursement rates are pretty good.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, doclatt@aol.com

RE: How Satisfied are You With Your Career in Podiatry?
From: W. David Herbert DPM

It appears to me that podiatrists are happier than physicians and much happier than lawyers! As far as polls go, the happiest people that I have seen surveyed are Major League Baseball pitchers!

W. David Herbert DPM, JD, Billings, MT, herbert.dpm.rn@gmail.com

RE: MI Podiatrist Sentenced to Prison in Healthcare Fraud Scheme (Alan Stiebel, DPM)
From: Gerald Peterson, DPM

It is okay just because the dollar amount is low? Making even $10 for knowingly billing incorrectly is too much! Some podiatrists in MI have been doing this for over 30 years. My dad was treated by one such podiatrist years ago until I challenged this practitioner about it. At the time, the practitioner was the Medicare liaison to Blue Cross of MI! Talk about a fox in charge of the chicken coop. He insulted me by telling me he would see my dad for free as a courtesy to a family of a colleague.

I would rather have had him stop committing Medicare fraud. I went to a very respected colleague, Dr. Irv Kanat for...

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

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Robert Eckles, DPM)
From: Bryan Markinson, DPM

Dr. Robert Eckles is a scholar and a gentlemen whom I have known for several years. Regarding his explanation on how all involved are doing what they can, he states, "It is a personal affront to hear how we all care so little about our students when few making these comments have even been to a DPM college in the past 10 years." I, in fact, do deal with former and current students at many schools regularly. He goes on to catalog efforts at NYCPM to encourage, remediate, and support the students, while creating a friendly environment for a great student experience. I am sure this is true, and I am sure all the colleges' respective administrations feel similarly about their efforts.

Be that as it may, admitting any prospective student to any...

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

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD

This discussion may go on indefinitely because the leadership in our profession has failed to address an important key issue. Podiatrists are limited license practitioners. Our model should parallel that of another limited license profession that has done well for quite some time, namely dentistry. The powers that be have painted our profession with a rather broad brush stroke. They are working toward a mandate that everyone who enters podiatry school have a 3-year residency program and be a "surgeon."

Any of us who have been in the business long enough realize that...

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

RE: OUTRAGEOUS SHOE OF THE DAY

These Heels Have a Powerful "Kick" to Them

Source: Submitted by Dr. Pail Hilbert

PODIATRIST SEEKING EMPLOYMENT - CHICAGOLAND AREA

Personable, well trained ABPS Board Certified podiatrist with 10 years experience seeking associate position or buy-in opportunity in the Chicagoland area.  Please email inquiries to ewcv5@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SIOUX CITY, IA, TRI-STATE

Solo practice, established over 40 years. High volume, general care with surgical and orthopedic mix. Surgical privileges at 2 major hospitals. Deferred financing available. Contact: Medical Office, PO Box 4516, Sioux City, IA 51104.

PRACTICE FOR SALE  - MIAMI, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for well trained new or other practitioner wanting to relocate to South FL. Walking distance to three world-class hospitals. Free standing building. Est. 1972. Great terms. Retiring, not looking for an associate. Contact me at draam@att.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

28 year old practice in a desirable part of Brooklyn. EHR certified with stage 1 criteria successfully met. Practice has room to grow. Good mix of Medicare hazardous foot care; surgery and wounds. Low overhead. Priced to sell. Email Inquires to brooklynpracticeforsale@gmail.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

 PODIATRIC MERGERS - CHICAGO AREA 

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area. We are interested in discussing merger with current  podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area. Practices that have a minimum of 5 to 25 years of activity are welcome to meet with us and visit our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 18 DPMs, a neurologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NY

Busy multi-specialty practice of PCPs, general surgeons, OB-GYN, podiatric surgeons looking for a full-time podiatric associate in  Upstate NY, Binghamton, Finger Lake Region. Great Benefits, opportunity for partnership. Must be highly motivated, personable and be Board qualified/eligible. Our podiatrists have over 100 years combined experience. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.

ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP  MIAMI/KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA

Busy, well established five-office practice in Charlotte, NC looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to beach, mountains - ideal location for outdoor enthusiast. NC license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Send resume to charpodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO 

Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 years old hospital based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of High Risk Diabetic Foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.com.

SEEKING FULL OR PART-TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY

An outstanding practice opportunity! We are searching for a dedicated and caring full time or part-time podiatrist to join our growing endocrinology practice that is devoted to quality patient care and conveniently located in Englewood, NJ. The office is less than ten miles from Manhattan. Competitive salary and benefits package offered. For further details, please call Victoria at (917)655-9009 or email resume to cvsschwartz@aol.com

TWO FOR TEXAS

Desiring to grow our group of successful medical and surgical professionals.  We are seeking an exceptional Podiatric Physician and Surgeon with great interest and talent to serve as 1) Our Diabetic Foot Care Team Leader or 2) Our Sports Medicine Team Leader.  Send CV, letter of interest, and current picture to:  greatdoctors1@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND, DC, PA

A podiatrist is needed for the Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania area. Partner for the corporation. Surgery center, emergency room call and a hospital location. All areas of podiatry. Established practice. Salary and commission. Fax resume 410-857-4227 or email at butler@qis.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL

R U a PM&S36 or PSR24 graduate looking for a bright future in podiatry BUT cannot be afraid to work hard to achieve. Nail care to reconstructive ankle/leg trauma. Attitude & God complexes need not apply. Frames/IM nails, must be comfortable applying. Work hard for exciting future. Superstars only. Send info mny1029@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice seeking individual with balanced medical and surgical training. Practice is well established with growing new patient visits. Offering competitive salary and benefits along with bonuses commensurate with performance. EMR already in place with well-trained assistants. Please Send cover letter and CV to office@fitfeetflorida.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

Wanting full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in 30+ year established practice situated in coastal community just south of Los Angeles.  Building out a new office near hospital. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Looking for someone to take over practice in the future.  Excellent opportunity for young ambitious doctor.  Send resume to asbf@pacbell.net, titled, "Podiatrist".

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH TEXAS

Associate position available. Located 50 miles from Dallas. All phases of Podiatric care with no ER call. PSR 24 required.  Hospital privileges & strong referral base. Practice has EMR, digital X-ray & on site vascular testing. Very competitive salary and benefits. Please send CV to Footdoc3143@gmail.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - UPSTATE NEW YORK and CONNECTICUT

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes. Syracuse, Schenectady, Albany  Cortland, Little Falls, and Gloversville, and surrounding areas, New Britain and Southport, CT. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC/ MD SUBURBS

Prominent, established two office practice seeking well rounded, personable, ethical individual with sharp medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, ABPS qualified or certified. Partnership opportunity with ownership potential. Competitive salary with benefits package. Please send CV to ponyrunner66@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY

Full-time podiatrist PSR 24 or greater, board eligible needed for traveling between offices in Northern NJ, Saturdays. Slow to start but great potential – high end location. Personality a must, Not routine care shy, Multilingual a plus, base salary and malpractice. Info to anklefootdoc@optonline.net, please no attached files.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - N.E. INDIANAPOLIS (FISHERS/ANDERSON)

Full or Part-time associates to join board-certified podiatrist in diverse, modern podiatry practice in hospital and office settings. EHR, digital x-rays, PADnet, Cutera Genesis Plus laser, Pinpointe Laser, ESWT, mini-C-arm, all aspects of DME, and hospital affiliations with three networks. Limited wound care. No nursing homes. Current Indiana podiatrists welcome. Tremendous potential for individual(s). Send C.V. with salary and benefit expectations: john.lloyd@lloydpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Requiring full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in established Practice situated in a foothill community of Southern California. There is an existing patient base and a strong support team. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Send resume to office@uplandpodiatry.com , titled "podiatrist."

POSITION AVAILABLE - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Two doctor practice looking for an associate to take retiring doctor's position with partnership opportunity for the right person.  Competitive salary, health insurance and incentives. Two offices serving a diverse number of routine, surgical and wound care patients. Two years surgical residency training and FL license required. If interested in this great opportunity please e-mail CV, surgical log and references to toesrus7@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA
 
We’re expanding, seeking podiatrist to join multi-office practice. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Prefer private practice experience. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA

Needs to be highly motivated, INDEPENDENT and surgically-trained to join a successful 40+ year practice surrounded with water sports, beaches and hiking. PSR24/36 ; well versed in forefoot and rearfoot surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and diagnostic ultrasound. Please email CV & cover letter to feetloveus@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking, fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS- BUCKS COUNTY

Seeking top-notch, highly motivated candidate with excellent clinical & surgical training to join established, well regarded multi-office practice with full spectrum of podiatric care. Great opportunity for the right person. Please respond to poddoc2@aol.com  with Resume,  CV and references.

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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815

PRECEPTOR POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice offering paid preceptorship. You will learn great patient care techniques along with nuisances that go into running a successful practice. We had a positive experience with a preceptor this past year and want to repeat this. If interested please send CV to office@fitfeetflorida.com

PAID PRECEPTORSHIP AVAILABLE IN MANHATTAN

Surgical, Biomechanics, and Practice Management. Send C.V. to ddfcfootdoc@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer. System includes milling machine, PCs, all cords, parts, medical software, hardware and $2100 worth of insole blanks. System cost $45K New, Asking $10K. For more information visit amfit4sale.wordpress.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - BIOMEDIX PADNET SYSTEM
 
PADnet is clinically valuable, provides fair financial return with medically appropriate testing and seamlessly integrates with the complete suite of BioMedix® products and services. One year old. In Excellent condition. Buyer pays for shipping. Please contact Rhonda Daggs at info@footanklecenters.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to footcare@comcast.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students

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