The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 28, 2011 #4,146 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Releases IPodiatrist App

Podiatric medicine, bunions, hammertoes, corns, diabetic foot care…there is an app for that. Pocket Professions, Inc., founded by Dr. Alec Hochstein, has created and released the newest medical app in the App store, and it is sure to please many. iPodiatrist™ created from the ground up with the patient, student, and seasoned practitioner in mind has been released to the App store. 

Dr. Alec Hochstein

iPodiatrist has something for everyone. For patients, it is a great resource for definitions as well as more detailed information on current treatment methodology, and what to expect in going to a podiatrist's office. For the seasoned podiatric practitioner, it provides a modern, comprehensive, and user-friendly way to educate patients and to keep up with the latest news stories, podcasts, and blog releases.

Source: Benzinga.com [4/26/11]

Margaret Brand to Christen New Research Center at Barry University

Ninety-one-year-old medical pioneer, Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Brand, will be conferred an honorary doctorate degree from Barry University this week, but not before the School of Podiatric Medicine dedicates a new research center in honor of her, and her late husband, Paul. Their groundbreaking work, from Louisiana to India, made it possible for insensate patients, including those with leprosy and diabetes, to function normally despite enormous handicaps. 

Drs. Paul and Margaret Brand

The new “Paul & Margaret Research Center” will enable Barry University professors and students to conduct research studies to identify the best treatment to promote wound healing, reduce amputations, and educate the public on prevention.“The mission of the ‘Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center’ is to create a world class research site utilizing the collaborative efforts of basic and clinical sciences,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, dean of the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. “The research will result in publications in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing Barry University’s academic and scholarly reputation as well as the resident and student experience at Barry.”

OH Podiatrist Receives Smart Living Award

Howard Kimmel, DPM has received the prestigious Smart Living Award which recognizes individuals of all ages who are dedicated to the dynamic atmosphere of University Circle. Winners are recognized in the categories of Arts, Education, Healthcare, Philanthropy, and Volunteerism. The Judson Foundation culled nominations from its fellow University Circle institutions and the public. 

Dr. Howard Kimmel (Photo: Barney Taxel)

Howard Kimmel, DPM, is a community unsung hero. Although he has donated more than 400 volunteer hours at The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland, Kimmel does not give of his time for the recognition. His inspiration to give back comes from something his father once said to him as a child: "If you're ever feeling down in the dumps and you think your situation is bad, there's always someone worse off in your life."
 
Source: Judson Foundation

WV Podiatrist to Reprsent Himself in Narcotics Trial

Scott J. Feathers of Washington, WV told Wood County Circuit Court Judge J.D. Beane that he will be acting as his own defense after going through four attorneys, stemming from a 2009 drug bust. "I don't know of any alternative," Feathers told Beane when asked if he would representing himself pro se.

Feathers, a podiatrist, was arrested by the Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force at his office in the Gihon Village shopping center. According to the criminal complaint, he was charged with selling hydrocodone to a confidential informant in October 2009 at his office and residence.

Source: Jody Murphy, Parkersburg News and Sentinel [4/26/11]

Query: PQRS, e-Script Bonuses

What are my colleagues using for e-prescribing? I am interested in recommendations for software/hardware, and also the mechanism for receiving the PQRS bonus. Any help in understanding this process is appreciated.

Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA

RE: Templates for EMR (Mark Lambert, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

You really need to make your own templates. If you simply copy and paste other people's, not only will they not necessarily reflect how you practice and treat patients, but you will end up not using them because you will not know what they say nor will you remember their content if you end up with a lot of them. You have to make them so you will know what they contain. Spend a few hours setting up a few of them, and then every day, add one and then add another. Make one for heel pain, routine care, P&A etc. After a while, you will see that there will be no more than 10 or 15 that you will use all of the time; the rest you will need to either type as needed, or voice dictate (or a combination of both).

I have been using these combinations for over 20 years now and have found them to work quite well. It has also been a seamless transition with EMR. I have been using Sam Notes from ICS software for over a decade now and have never had a problem.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: Amazing Charts (William H. FitzPatrick DPM, CPed)
From: Dean Clement, DPM

I'm not a spokesman for Amazing Charts, but I might as well be. I've used it for five years. As a contract physician for multiple podiatry and primary care offices, I've also simultaneously used Medinotes, Lytec MD, Vista, and eClinical Works, so I do not endorse it blindly. Amazing Charts is easier to learn, just as compliant with CMS (for purposes of the stimulus funds), more intuitive, and simpler to install and use. Data entry is flexible. I do manual data entry, and often finish notes and prescriptions before the patient has left the treatment room. I occasionally use templates, and they are extremely easy to build and use.

My partner prefers to dictate, and the transcription service loads them into the system for him overnight. Our office staff learned the software within a few days of launch without any formal training. It's not perfect - it is sluggish in groups of more than 4-5 doctors, and it can be difficult to link with your practice management software, but for the simple act of efficient medical recordkeeping and hassle-free daily use (which is why we all want EMR in the first place, isn't it?), it's miles ahead of much more complicated and expensive programs.

Dean Clement, DPM, Chandler, AZ, dlmeb5@yahoo.com

RE: Dexamethasone Substitute (Olga Luepschen, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

While I have not been able to get dexamethasone acetate, I still use dexamethasone phosphate for some conditions such as HAV or sub-HD bursitis. For plantar fasciitis, sinus tarsitis, etc., I use Kenalog (triamcinalone acetonide), either 10 mg/cc or 40 mg/cc. I am very interested in knowing what my colleagues are using and why.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, IM4MAN@aol.com

RE: Exogen Bone Healing System (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Dan Michaels, DPM, MS

I have used the Exogen system for all fractures/osteotomies for six years (except PIP or DIPJ arthrodesis). I have had zero non-unions and only one delayed union due to the patient walking on the foot and fracturing the osteotomy post-op one week. Then after this was repaired, he did the same thing again. I didn't do a third surgery but got him an Exogen, and within a month, there was osseous bridging. It simply works by increasing integrin activity (little hairs on the surface of the bone). 20 minutes of ultrasound stimulate these integrins to release a host of good chemicals like NO2 which increases osteoblast activity for 24 hours, thus the 20 minutes per day recommendation.

I always tell patients to...

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

RE: Reconstruction of Superior Peroneal Retinaculum (Howard Zlotoff, DPM)
From: Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM

With all due respect to Dr. Zlotoff, I must ask, why would a repair of the superior peroneal retinaculum be considered incidental to the repair of torn peroneal tendons? I had, just last week, a case where surgical repair of both peroneal tendons was indicated, as well as repair of the superior retinaculum. I would no more call the repair of the peroneus longus incidental to repair of the peroneus brevis as I would call repairing the retinaculum incidental to the tendon repair.

Could one of our esteemed coding experts expound on this concept?

Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM, Fort Walton Beach, FL basewedge@yahoo.com

RE: More Malapropisms
From: Laurie Jewell, Jon Purdy, DPM

As a biller, I notice sometimes that a doctor’s dictation can be interesting: one such chart note began “the patient comes in today wearing one regular shoe and a thong.” I suggested he might want to substitute “flip-flop” for “thong” in the future, just to avoid any misunderstandings…

Laurie Jewell, Bend, OR

A patient just told me she is allergic to silver night-train.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA

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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - THE BRONX

Excellent hospital based opportunity. Inpatient & Outpatient Care. Busy clinics. Large diabetic population. Practice all aspects of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. Requires Surgical Skills. CV to nealblitz@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package. Reply with letter, CV and photo to Jagerone@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY

Associate wanted full-time, for practice in East Orange NJ PSR 24-36 trained. Must be motivated to grow practice, especially build wound care and surgical services. Buy-in possible after the 1st year. send CV to Drfoot44@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

PODIATRIST NEEDED - NY/QUEENS/LI

Must be min. PSR-3 with excellent training. Experienced in billing, selling non-covered services, products, Patient medical and surgical exp. with good rapport/comm. skills necessary. Unique position working in offices, clinics, hospital with orthopedist, podiatrist, P. therapists. P/T, F/T available. Growth, income potential and partnership opportunity excellent. A chance to use all your skills; foot, ankle and more. Please respond with cover letter and CV to hansfeet@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST SUBURBS, CHICAGO, IL

Great Opportunity! Present owner to stay on for transition. Average 20% growth over 3 years while open only 4 half days a week. Excellent growth potential with increased hours. Perfect for a new practitioner or a 2nd location. contact podiatrynwsuburbs@gmail.com for information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. 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

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