The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 09, 2011 #4,155 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

NY Podiatrist Cautions About Use of Shellac on Nails

From nicks and chips, to peeling and breaking, most women are familiar with the challenge of trying to get a manicure to last as long as possible. Fortunately, there are several new options for this dilemma, including Shellac. Shellac has a long-lasting effect, but podiatrist Dina Tsenterensky does not look at that as necessarily a good thing. Dr. Tsentserensky prefers that people only use such long-lasting nail products infrequently, or else they can do harm. Dr. Tsenterensky recommends removing whatever product you choose every week to ensure that the nail remains healthy. 

Dr. Dina Tsentserensky

However, the makers of shellac disagree with Dr. Tsentserensky's statements. They feel that their product is completely safe, and it actually protects the nail. They also feel that their product is very convenient for women on the go because they love it since they can't mess it up.

Source: Lauren Glassberg, WABC-TV, [5/5/11]

Barefoot Running Can Cause Foot Injuries: VA Podiatrist

Going barefoot is the hottest trend right now in the running world with dedicated supporters saying it improves their stride and brings them back to the way humans were supposed to run, but with more people hitting the streets without shoes, experts have their concerns. "I had a man who had ran a marathon barefoot and had injured his right foot, and actually had a stress fracture," said Dr. Roland Ramdass, a Winchester podiatrist. 

Dr. Roland Ramdass

Foot specialists, like Dr. Ramdass say, he has been seeing more injuries like this as the barefoot running trend has taken off. "Because we are in shoes all day, we tend to acquire a tight heel chord, so if you are going to run barefooted, you are now overusing that heel chord," said Ramdass.

Source: Alex Hoff, WHAG [5/4/11]

MA Podiatrist Named President of MPMS Community Service Foundation

James DiResta, DPM, MPH has been named President of the Community Service Foundation of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society (MPMS). He currently serves as Chair of the Podiatric Health section of the American Public Health Association, is Vice President and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society, and is the Chair of the Public Health Committee.  He is also a member of the APMA Public Health and Preventative Medicine Committee. 

Dr. James DiResta

DiResta graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, and he completed his residency training in podiatric surgery at Northlake Hospital in Illinois. He received a Masters Degree in Public Health from Dartmouth Medical School. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

AZ Podiatrist Delivers "Virtual" Masterclass to Royal Australian College of Surgeons

Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona, delivered the first ever Royal Australian College of Surgeons Masterclass on the Diabetic Foot and Limb Salvage to a packed audience in Adelaide. The other first was that Armstrong did this in between surgical procedures at Tucson's University Medical Center. 

Dr. David G. Armstrong

"Diabetes, gangrene, and amputations know no borders and aren't bounded by oceans", noted Armstrong "Being able to discuss successes and failures can only help to make a difference." Armstrong went on to say that "All of this is especially important now, as for the first time in the history of humankind, more people are dying from non-communicable diseases than from communicable ones. We have to stem this sinister tide."

MO Podiatrist Found Guilty on Drug Charges

A St. Francois County jury found a St. Louis podiatrist guilty of possessing Xanax and attempting to distribute Percocet to a woman who was not his patient. The four-man, eight-woman jury deliberated for an hour and 15 minutes Wednesday night before finding Dave Dai Quang Pham, 51, of St. Louis, guilty of those two charges. He was found not guilty of other charges.

Source: Teresa Ressel, The Daily Journal [5/6/11]

Sift Through Emotion for Solutions

When discussing areas of conflict, staffers often let their emotions overrule their common sense. Teach them to assess the situation as if they were a camera, looking dispassionately at events and actions. That technique usually leads them to calm down even in highly tense conflict situations.

Ask: “What are the facts of the situation?” If staffers respond emotionally, steer them back on track by saying: “Let’s look at the facts only. We all have an emotional reaction, but let’s look only at the facts for now.”

Source: Adapted from “Resolving Conflict: Eight Steps to Workplace Harmony,” Olivia Mellan, Investment Advisor via Communication Briefings

Query: Obtaining Cantharone
 
Where can I obtain Cantharone?

Deborah S. Wehman, DPM, Richmond, IN

Query: Appointment of Representative Requirement 

My office was told by Anthem Medicare Advantage that they could not review an appeal for a wrongly processed claim for services rendered without an "Appointment of Representative" form (CMS Form 1696). This form is to be filled out by the patient, giving permission to the "representative" (doctor, attorney, etc.) to exercise "rights under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act....".

In our office, patients pay at the time services are rendered. We are not participating providers for Medicare or Medicare Advantage, but submit claims on behalf of the patient. Does anyone have any experience with this "new" hurdle?

Greg Aposperis, DPM, Santa Barbara, CA
 
Response: The Appointment of Representative form has been around for quite some time. I get them signed by doctors each time I defend them in a Medicare audit or appeal an overpayment on their behalf.

Because you are not a participating provider, it appears that Medicare views you as representing the patient in the appeal. To do so, you must have the patient's consent. Hence the need for the form.

J. Kevin West, Esq, Boise, ID

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Dorsalis Pedis Aneurysm
From: Cedric Cooper, DPM,

A 61 year old female patient originally presented for a paronychia and peripheral neuropathy. She has a history of cholecystectomy, illeostomy, HTN, CAD, and lumbar spondylopathy. She had an ingrowing nail, vitamin B12 deficiency, pes cavus, and capsulitis. Over the course of several visits, the patient had a nail removal, vitamin B12 injection, and steroid injection for the capsulitis, and was diagnosed with PVD. The patient developed a growing nodular lesion over the dorsum of the right foot that was fluid-filled, and transparent to light. The lesion over the dorsum of the right foot was pulsatile and x-rays were negative for osseous involvement. The lesion was radiolucent upon x-ray. 

CTA abdomen with runoff, and a reconstructed 3-D image

I  performed an excisional biopsy. Aspiration of the lesion revealed sanguinous fluid or blood. I diagnosed the patient with an aneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery and sent the patient to a general surgeon who ligated the dorsalis pedis artery and removed the lesion.

Cedric Cooper, DPM, Humboldt, TN, y2kcedric@hotmail.com

RE: Recurrence of Club Foot (Sean S. Ravaei, DPM)
From: Robert S. Schwartz, CPed

While you are determining the appropriate surgical correction, the patient can receive immediate relief with a custom-made, high-top shoe with lateral heel flare, heel elevation, and a rocker-bottom sole. The lateral flare should extend to the lateral malleolus when viewed in a vertical plane. If the legs are the same length, a contralateral heel and sole elevation may help reduce pelvic obliquity.

Robert S. Schwartz, CPed, NY, NY, rss@eneslow.com

RE: EHR
From: Marc Katz, DPM

Here's the bottom line with this whole topic: The government is pushing us to the EHR model. They hold a carrot in front of us. Most people don't even realize that they either already ate their own carrot or there never really was a carrot!  On top of that, they now have all of these monthly fees, and when they send their data to insurance companies, they will see more fee cuts and more hoops to jump through to keep from getting cuts!

Now, we have all of these EHR companies trying to make money and charging ridiculous fees. All of the promises and...

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

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 - 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 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 - 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

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located on Mission Regional Hospital Campus. Gross income 2010 was $340,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Only 3 years old. Will consider all offers. 949-702-1052. David Stoller, DPM (Family Footcare) david@missionviejofootcare.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.

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.