The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 31, 2013 #4,784 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Many Running Injuries Can be Avoided with Proper Training: NY Podiatrist

There is one thing podiatrist Dr. Daniel Tellem dreads having to tell patients. “Telling runners they can’t run is tough,” says Tellem, who treats a large number of runners out of Westside Podiatry Group’s three offices in Brighton, Pittsford, and Greece. “Running is not just a part of their daily routine, but they are used to their runner’s high. Taking that away is hard.”

Dr. Daniel Tellem

Thankfully for Tellem, most issues with runners he treats do not require long periods of time off from running, and some can be avoided with proper training, common sense, and footwear.

Source: Caurie Putnam, Democrat & Chronicle [5/29/13]

KSUCPM Celebrates First Commencement 

The Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM), formerly the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, celebrated its first official commencement as a college of Kent State University on May 16, 2013. The class of 2013 graduated 102 podiatric students from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. John Guiliana, a trustee of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management and adjunct professor at KSUCPM gave a heartfelt, motivating commencement address to the class of 2013. Dr. Guiliana also had the unique opportunity to see his son Stephen graduate and follow in his father’s footsteps of being a podiatrist.

Dr. Christina Schilero is hooded by her father, Dr. John Schilero

Dr. Thomas V. Melillo, KSUCPM Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This was truly another major milestone in the history of the College of Podiatric Medicine. This class represents a new era of podiatric medical education under Kent State. I am very proud of our students, faculty, and staff who have been instrumental in helping the college transition from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine to Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.”

"We're Being Watched": PA Anti-Drilling Activist Podiatrist

In February 2010, Dr. Tom Jiunta and a small group of residents in northeastern Pennsylvania formed the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition (GDAC), an environmental organization opposed to hydraulic fracturing in the region. The group sought to appeal to the widest possible audience, and was careful about striking a moderate tone. Since the group had never engaged in any kind of illegal activity or particularly radical forms of protest, it came as a shock when GDAC members learned that their organization had been featured in intelligence bulletins compiled by a private security firm, The Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR).

Dr. Thomas Jiunta (photo courtesy of the (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Times Leader)

Jiunta, the founder of GDAC, says the ITRR bulletins had a chilling effect. Attendance at GDAC meetings declined and some members left the group altogether. Organizers assumed that their phones had been tapped and that their emails were being monitored, a common perception among anti-drilling activists. At meetings, they would leave their cell phones outside or remove the batteries. Jiunta, who has a podiatry practice in downtown Kingston, began to take different routes to work because he was worried about being followed. “We kind of assume that we’re being watched,” he says. “Even now.”

Source: Adam Federman, Counterpunch [5/29/13]

ID Podiatrist Charged with Pot Trafficking

A Twin Falls man who rails against nuclear power and once campaigned to be Idaho's governor has been arrested and charged with a felony for trafficking marijuana. The Twin Falls County Sheriff Department says 58-year-old Dr. Peter Rickards was arrested at his home last Friday after police seized more than four pounds of marijuana. Rickards was arraigned Tuesday in 5th District Court, then later posted a $10,000 bond. Rickards is a former podiatrist, and in 1998 ran as an Independent in the state's gubernatorial race. He collected 12 percent of the vote in a race won by Republican Dirk Kempthorne.

Source: KTVB.com [5/29/13] 

Panel Airs Draft of New Doc Payment System

Republican House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders have revealed a draft of a bill that would repeal Medicare's contentious physician payment formula and replace it with a payment system that places greater emphasis on quality and efficiency. Away from Washington this week, panel members announced the latest step in overturning Medicare's sustainable growth-rate formula that began with their framework in February and was revised in April.

The bill also would require HHS' secretary to coordinate quality measure sets with other existing measures and requirements, such as the development of CMS' Physician Compare Website, where consumers search for physicians who participate in the Medicare program. Meanwhile, the legislation would allow physicians to leave the traditional fee-for-service system and adopt payment models that focus on quality and efficiency such as accountable care organizations, medical homes, and bundled payments. Under the bill, HHS' secretary would submit biannual progress reports to Congress and the public—through the CMS Website—on the update incentive program.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [5/28/13] 

RE: Documenting Radiological Findings (George Stephen Gill, DPM, MBA)
From: Kenneth Meisler, DPM

Podiatry specific or not, any good EHR should have a complete template for radiographic findings. I am in the implementation phase with my new EHR, Pod-Practice from 20/20, and one thing that I found exciting was the radiograph report. It is in an easy check-off format, you can document both extremities with different findings from a variety of choices, or add your own. You can add the template to an existing note by simply typing the word "x-ray", or save it as a separate attachment altogether as Dr. Gill recommended.

See an example of a radiograph report below.

X-ray Report...

Disclosure: I am a consultant for 20/20 Imaging

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

RE: Billing Service Fees (Name Withheld (NY))
From: Timothy James Henne, DPM, Salvatore J. Galluzzo, DPM

Keep track of all non-insurance stuff in non-billing software. Scan it, save it, or import it into another chart. You are being RIPPED OFF. Do not rely on the billing service to not charge you for those issues. It is also easier to keep track of sales and inventory.

Timothy James Henne, DPM, Clermont, FL, tjhennedpm@hotmail.com

6.5% is a great rate if your company is professional. On items sold in YOUR office by YOUR staff to YOUR patients, NO it is not the standard. You should count it as income - not to get in trouble with the IRS, but your billing service should not benefit from work they didn't perform.

Salvatore J. Galluzzo, DPM, Clifton Park, NY, sal.j@aol.com

RE: How Do Doctors Get Paid? (Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: Ed Davis, DPM, Michael Schneider, DPM

Dr. Ribotsky's article concerning the situation doctors face with respect to medical billing is expounded on in this article: 

Ed Davis, DPM, San Antonio, TX 

This is a great article that SHOULD be in every physician's office. Given the present climate in Washington, might this scenario ever apply to the other necessities ("entitlements") such as groceries, shelter, and clothing?

Michael Schneider, DPM, Denver, CO, podiatristoncall@gmail.com

RE: Staff Performing Routine Foot Care
From: Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC

I would like to thank Dr. Weatherford for responding to this post by "Name Withheld" regarding staff members performing routine foot care services such as the debridement of mycotic toenails and the CPT codes 11721 or 11720 being billed by the physician.
 
While lay people such as "medical assistants," "certified podiatric assistants," and "medical nail technicians" are being "trained," "accredited," and "certified," to perform these procedural services, one needs to look no further than the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (100-02), Chapter 15, Section 30 - Physician Services, to clearly read who is supposed to be performing these services - the physician. To take this issue one step further, the CPT codes 11721 and 11720 are classified as surgical procedures  or surgery. When a patient receives an EOB from their Medicare Carrier following the performance of either 11721 or 11720, at the bottom of the EOB is the date of service, the CPT code (11721 or 11720), the description of the procedure, and in big, black letters the word SURGERY. How can this be justified if there is an investigation or an audit, especially if it is at the request of the patient, and the service was not performed by the podiatrist, but rather by an unlicensed, lay person?

I have been lecturing around the country regarding billing, coding, and documentation specific for podiatry for the last twelve years. This issue is brought up at almost every seminar that I participate in. I have produced hard copy evidence upon request to substantiate the fact that these services need to be performed by the physician, yet it continues to be an issue in the profession. I would also like to thank "Name Withheld" for bringing this issue to the forefront.

Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC,  Ravenna, OH, mgwarshaw@aol.com

RE: NY Podiatrist Offers Tips on Safer Use of Flip-Flops
From: Robert Steinberg, DPM

Thank G-d Dr. Sutera did not say, "just don't wear them"! That would really hurt business. Here in the Midwest, teens wear them even in the snow. Of course the APMA can't take a firm stance on anything. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) is not so timid.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, foot_doctor@sbcglobal.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
 
Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E- mail wpbfootdrs@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

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 - CALIFORNIA

Unique opportunity to purchase a very busy 50 year old practice in Coronado Ca. Large and stable patient and referral base with consistent new patient growth. Low overhead. Priced to sell. Great staff. Hospital privileges available. Willing to stay on for transition. Inquiries please email foothold@msn.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING OR PURCHASE IN DALLAS TX  

Turnkey in Dallas’ beautiful and prestigious Uptown neighborhood:   modern, fully furnished office in 24/7 security high rise and large patient base. There is tremendous growth potential in this affluent and diverse area. Perfect for new practitioner, to share, or second office.  afc1dfw@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 - NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

Want to live and practice in the "It City" Nashville, TN? ISO  well-trained (PSR-36) individual. Located in suburb of Nashville. Hospital and Surgery Center privileges. Rearfoot and Ankle allowed. Base pay, bonus incentives, and benefits. Send resume to Mendozadpm@comcast.net. $1,000 finder's fee paid to referring individual with hiring.

ASSOCIATE WANTED - CENTRAL/SHORE AREA - TOMS RIVER, NJ

FT/PT Looking for a HIGHLY motivated, organized, ethical associate. EMR/digital 20/20 x-ray/NCV/vascular testing all on premises. Trauma, DM, wound care & large routine & children mix. Must have NJ license. Should be Board Qualified/Certified Potential for future BUY-IN Send CV to toesec@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA
 
Established private practice, foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma management, strong referral base, ED trauma call. Hospital and surgery center privileges. Two locations with modern offices. ABPS qualified or certified. Competitive compensation package. Potential for position to lead to partnership. To apply, please email a letter of intent and CV to: vaposition@yahoo.com 

PODIATRIST FOR NURSING HOME CARE - MASSACHUSETTS

Excellent Opportunity. Seeking independent physician for growing nursing home podiatry care Work independently, make your own hours. Must do own billing. YOU KEEP 100% OF PROFITS. Must be personable and have good patient skills. Acquisition fee based position. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: americanmobile@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - UPSTATE NY, DOWNSTATE NY,  BUFFALO AREA & CT

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in Nursing Homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base. Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR; diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETS

Located near Boston. Busy multi-office podiatry practice looking to expand. Need extremely energetic dedicated individual. Must be PSR 12-24 trained, EMR, laser, vascular testing the works. Must have sense of humor. MA License, NH License A+! Surgery, sports medicine, pediatrics, shoe store. Please send resumes to resumesent11@comcast.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA

Well-established practice in Arlington Virginia looking for first year associate DPM perhaps leading to purchase of office. Office is one block from metro and has onsite private parking for patients. Present owner is retiring but will aid with smooth transition. This practice has been in the same location for the 40 years and has an excellent referral base. Must be licensed to practice in the state of Virginia. Please contact drmichaelfine@aol.com. Cell Phone 703-582-5999.

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CA
 
Home Foot Care, Inc. Is looking for motivated podiatrists to provide quality mobile care to our home-bound patients. Flexible schedule, independence, great compensation. If interested, please email resume to homefootcare@hotmail.com

FT OR PT ASSOCIATE - SOUTH JERSEY

Great opportunity for FT or PT associate starting July 2013 in established practice in South Jersey. EMR, FDA-approved Lasers for fungus. Will work with Board Certified/Qualified podiatrist. Must have New Jersey License. Diverse practice in a nice area with a pleasant environment. e-mail CV at hhfootdoctor@gmail.com

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.

PODIATRIST SEEKING EMPLOYMENT - PORTLAND, OR AREA

Motivated, highly surgical trained podiatrist seeking employment opportunity in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area. Both hospital and office-based training. Please email inquiries to poddoc3890@gmail.com.

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