The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 04, 2013 #4,786 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NYSPMA Elects New Officers and Trustees

The New York State Podiatric Medical Association has elected the following officers and trustees at its 117th Annual House of Delegates in Cooperstown.

NYSPMA Board

President - Robert Russo, DPM
President-Elect - Joseph Sciandra, DPM
Vice President - Andrew Shapiro, DPM
Treasurer - William Pierce, DPM

Trustees: 3-year terms: Jeffrey Falcone, DPM, James Hanna, DPM, and Daniel Keating, DPM, 2-year term: Maria Branca, DPM

NYSPMA Presents Special Awards

One of the highlights of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) House of Delegates is the presentation of awards in recognition of service to the association.  This year's recipients are:

(L-R) Drs. William Spielfogel, DPM, Nicholas D'Angelo, DPM, Stacy Sarmiento, DPM, and Ronald Soave, DPM

Lifetime Achievement Award: Ronald Soave, DPM
Special Achievement Award: Stacy Sarmiento, DPM
Excellence in Service Awards. Nicholas D'Angelo, DPM, and William Spielfogel, DPM

IN Podiatrist Ordained as Deacon

In a tradition dating back to the beginnings of Christianity, Bishop Dale J. Melczek ordained seven men as Gary diocese deacons at an ordination Mass Saturday at Cathedral of the Holy Angels. According to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, seven men were selected at the direction of the 12 apostles to reach out to those who are most in need, to teach and to provide ministries in their communities.

Dr. Stephen Grandfield

The seven new permanent deacons completed six years of preparation for the ministry. Among these was Dr. Stephen K. Grandfield, 64, of Ogden Dunes. Grandfield is a member of Nativity of Our Savior parish in Portage. He is a podiatrist.

Source: Lu Ann Franklin, NWI Times [6/2/13]

NJ Podiatrist Loses 100+ Pounds and Buys Exercise and Nutrition Franchise

After losing more than 100 pounds over the last 9 months through exercise and nutrition with a program called The Max in Manalapan, NJ, Dr. Alan Bass, president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society, decided to put his money where his feet are.

(L-R) Bryan Kein, creator of the Max program and Dr. Alan Bass

He is the new owner of the newest Max franchise, The Max of Shrewsbury, NJ. The Max, fitness for the mind, body, and spirit combines high intensity 45-minute workouts with nutrition, counseling, and support.

Soap, Ointment for All ICU Patients Best for Fighting MRSA: Study

Using ointment and germ-killing soap on all intensive-care unit patients proved more effective than screening patients in reducing bloodstream infections and lowering the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, according to a study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

According to the study, the last strategy—known as “universal decolonization”—proved the most successful of the three and reduced MRSA-positive clinical cultures by 37%. The practice was also effective in preventing infections by germs other than MRSA. Researchers found that this approach reduced bloodstream infections from any pathogen by 44%.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [5/29/13]

RE: Diabetic with Hemorrhagic Keratosis
From: Philbert Kuo, DPM, Jon Purdy, DPM

A few years ago, I had a case just like this. I removed the head of the proximal phalanx as well as the sesamoid. This solved the problem.

Philbert Kuo, DPM, Chesapeake, VA, philbertkuo@gmail.com

The IP sesamoid is almost always there. If it is cartilaginous, it will not show up on x-ray. But, oftentimes, one can see the adaptive change of the joint on the x-ray. The other scenario is hyper-mobility in the IP, causing the head of the proximal phalanx to bear excessive weight plantarly. In either case, take out the ossicle, and if not present, plane the plantar aspect of the head of the proximal phalanx. One can always fuse the joint in the future, if necessary.
 
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, podiatrist@mindspring.com

RE: Reference Source for Surgical Instuments
From: Jack Ressler, DPM

I recently spoke to Blair Engelken from Engelken International (EngelkenInternational.com) and found him to be an excellent resource for surgical instruments. Blair's knowledge of surgical instruments is related to spending many years of learning this specialty while in Europe. His wealth of information includes manufacturing and product selection for one's specific needs. Obviously, the right choice of instrumentation is critical in the ease and success of any procedure.

Disclosure: I do not have any financial ties or receive any compensation from Engelken International.

Jack Ressler, DPM, Tamarac, FL, redwingcrzy@aol.com

RE: Medicare Calling Patients
From: Name Withheld (MA), Name Withheld (NY)

I had a very similar conversation with one of my patients a couple of weeks ago. She informed me that Medicare called her and asked her why she sees me. I find this very troubling as well.

Name Withheld (MA)
 
A colleague of mine had the same issue, but it progressed from simple questioning to audits, to now an indictment. Be careful, because it seems like a fishing expedition on the part of Medicare.

Name Withheld (NY)

RE: Staff Performing Routine Foot Care (Name Withheld)
From: Scott Hughes, DPM

Previous posters on this topic have cited the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual stating that only the physician must render the service for the service to be covered. While I don't have assistants provide services in my office, I also don't think this is simply a black and white issue.

It has been my understanding that the legal doctrines of respondeat superior (which states that an employer is responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their employment) and qui facit per alium facit per se (which is a Latin legal term meaning, 'He who acts through another does the act himself') allow us to have our assistants provide services as long as their experience and training are adequate to meet the standard of care for that service. 

Now I am not a lawyer (and of course we all know what happens when we assume!), so I would be very grateful if our legal experts would be kind enough to share their thoughts on this topic.

Scott Hughes, DPM, Monroe, MI, dr.hughes@comcast.net

Editor's note: PM News does not provide legal advice. The doctrine of respondeat superior pertains only to matters of tort liability. It does not grant employees rights or privileges that are governed by state or federal law.  Likewise, qui facit per alium facit per se applies to agency law, not the practice of medicine.

RE: Staff Performing Routine Foot Care (Robert Spaulding, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

The original question was: “If a Medicare patient meets the criteria for covered nail debridement (e.g., CPT 11720 or CPT 11721), may I have a trained staff member perform the service while I bill for it?” Until dentists routinely bill Medicare for their services, it is never wise to compare podiatrists with dentists. Medicare is a program administered by the United States government. It operates on the idea that we, as physicians, are honest, trustworthy, and that we know the law. Not one statement in the Medicare law is up for interpretation.

The law is what the law is. If you are not sure about the law, contact a lawyer who specializes in healthcare. Too frequently, we are reading about a good podiatrist who was ruined or is now in federal prison. For non-Medicare routine foot care, have a healthcare attorney check your state laws and practice acts to see what you can and cannot allow an assistant to perform.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM  Rockledge, FL  RASDPM32955@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 - 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

33 year old practice grossing $550k seeing an average of 40 patients per day. Possible owner financing for both practice and large office building. Five year average profit margin of 35%. New Listing. For more information call Chas Smith at 863-688-1725 or email Chas@cpalliance.com

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

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.  

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 - PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to 123bunion@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

Office and hospital-based podiatry group seeking a highly trained surgical associate to compliment our 3-doctor group. Minimum PSR-36 trained with rear-foot reconstructive experience required. Must have CA license and x-ray and fluoroscopy license. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please forward cover letter and CV to modpm@aol.com.

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

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 toponyrunner66@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

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.

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