The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 06, 2012 #4,481 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

UK Podiatrist Carries Olympic Torch

Three inspirational Blues players proudly represented Everton as the OIympic Flame arrived in the North West this week. Among them was Everton Ladies star Becky Easton, a podiatrist who was selected to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay for her dedication to helping others in her local community.

Becky Easton

Becky was supported by her Everton Ladies teammates as she took charge of the Flame along Liverpool Road in Huyton earlier today. As well as playing a starring role for the Blues, Becky works full-time as a podiatrist and was nominated for the Olympic Torch honor by her sister for her selfless attitude and commitment to improving the quality of life for elderly patients in her care.

Source: Helen Mayo, Everton FC [6/2/12]

OCPM Graduates Last Class

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) graduated 106 podiatrists on May 18, 2012 at the State Theatre in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.  The 95th Annual OCPM Commencement ceremony featured President Lester A. Lefton, president of Kent State University. Dr. Lefton was the recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree and also gave the Commencement Address.  

OCPM Graduates Last Class

The Podiatric Physician’s Oath was administered by Dr. Richard A. Ransom, former OCPM Board of Trustee. The OCPM class of 2012 will be the last class to graduate from OCPM, as all future classes will be graduating under the new name, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, which will go into effect this summer.

Barry University Podiatry Students Awarded Dr. Stelnicki Scholarship

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine awarded two senior students, Jessica Ortega and Thomas Wilson with the 2012 Dr. James V. Stelnicki Scholarship for Excellence in Lower Extremity Vascular Medicine. The scholarships derive from Dr. Stelnicki’s $100,000 donation to the School of Podiatric Medicine, which awards $5,000 to each student.

Jessica Ortega and Thomas Wilson

The student research team was selected by the research faculty committee based upon their strong interest in lower extremity vascular medicine and demonstration of significant progress on the research project titled, “Hemodialysis-Induced Hypotension in the Foot as Measured by Skin Perfusion Pressure and Toe Brachial Index.” The purpose of this research study is to determine if patients with diabetes, on routine dialysis, are at risk of experiencing decreased perfusion to the foot during hemodialysis as measured by skin perfusion pressure, pulse volume recording, toe-brachial index, and ankle-brachial index.

Chief Medical Officer for 2010 Olympics Speaks at BC Conference

Dr. Jack Taunton, Chief Medical Officer for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics games, was the keynote speaker at the British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association's recent scientific conference in Whistler, BC. Dr. Taunton's lecture on “Minimalism the Future?” included his research on minimalism and acute ankle sprains as well as chronic plantar fasciitis with the use of Nike Free, shoes that provide the feel of barefoot running. 

(L-R) Phil Moore, Drs. Joseph Stern, Jack Taunton and Tim Kalla.

Dr. Taunton is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Division of Sports Medicine and the school of Kinesiology at UBC. He is very involved in clinical and exercise medicine research. Dr. Taunton co-founded the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre. With a passion for athletics, Dr. Taunton has completed over 60 marathons and was recently inducted into the BC Athletics Sports and the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame.

Utah Insurers Scoring Doctors on Quality, Price

What if consumers could shop for healthcare like they do for cars or groceries, and pick treatments and doctors based on quality and cost? Healthcare might function like a true market, with competition putting downward pressure on costs — or so goes the "health transparency" theory. After decades as a nonstarter, the theory is now being heartily embraced by insurers.

UnitedHealthcare and Regence BlueCross BlueShield have widgets to predict your out-of-pocket costs based on your policy’s design and whether you’ve met your deductible. They won’t say how many customers are using the portals, but insist they’re gaining in popularity — in part due to growing ranks of employers moving to high deductible plans with health savings accounts, forcing employees to be more price sensitive.

Source: Kirsten Stewart, Salt Lake Tribune [6/3/12]

Grab a Top Spot in LinkedIn Searches

Make it easy for LinkedIn users to find you when they search for someone with your expertise. Start by identifying a few keywords that describe your skills and services, and then integrate them throughout your profile. The more times those key words appear in your profile, the higher you will rank in search results. Put your key words in these places:

•  Headline. That is the most important location, so write a short description that includes the three or four words that define your niche.
•  Experience. Aim to use your key words in every entry under your current and past experience.
•  Summary. That spot allows you to differentiate yourself from others in your niche. Write three short paragraphs: one that builds on your headline, one that describes your current role and the practice's mission, and a third that explains how you serve your patients.

Test how changing your key words and their positions affects your ranking in search results until you appear on the first page, if not the top spot.

Source: Adapted from “3 Easy Steps to Becoming #1 on LinkedIn,” Matthew E. May via Communication Briefings

Query: Flochec & CPT 93922

We had a rep contact us regarding the Flochec machine for non-invasive vascular testing. We were told by him that CPT 93922 was billable using the Flochec machine. My concern is that, per Medicare, CPT 93922 includes ABI testing which I believe Flochec does not perform. Any information regarding this would be helpful.

Eric Kaplan, DPM, Monticello, NY

Response: I was also detailed on a different machine that is also not capable of doing ABIs, so you are right, it does not meet the specifications for that code. The company recommends you perform and bill for a higher level test, CPT 93923, which does not need ABI, if you do an extra procedure like reactive hyperemia. It sounded like there could be problems with medical necessity by doing the higher level test when it would normally be expected that the lower level test would suffice, just to get around the ABI requirement. If the machine could do the ABI, I doubt they would have advised me the same.

Richard Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA

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

RE: New Israeli-Designed System to Assist Physical Therapy Patients with Gait Abnormalities
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

There is a new physical-therapy system designed by an Israeli company that attaches to the the ankles and assists in re-training stroke and other patients with gait abnormalities. The device attaches to the ankle and helps train patients to walk properly over time. While the devices are marketed primarily to physical therapists (at this time), they would seem to be entirely applicable to podiatry and well within our professional license designation in every state. Further information about them, including a short video can be seen here.
 
Podiatrists interested in non-surgical approaches toward their practice could certainly find an application for this technology. We often complain that other professions "take over" our niche. But that scenario can also be reversed. There is no particular reason why podiatry must remain entirely surgical. It's up to you. But if you don't look that way, others will.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: Ovation Medical (Art Hatfield, DPM)
From: Rob Lagman, DPM, Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

I have had some dealings with Ovation Medical. They were quite pushy when calling to try to sell us on CAM walkers, night splints, and post-op shoes. In the end, I got a sample of one of each and was actually quite pleased with the CAM walker. They are reasonably priced and seem to be decent quality. I ordered a few of them for now. I was not as pleased with the night splint or the post-op shoe. They are fine, but I feel that I get better quality for roughly the same price from my current vendor.
 
Rob Lagman, DPM, Covington, LA, rlagman@drlagman.com

I have been using Ovation Medical's pneumatic walkers for over 2 years. They are well made and have a very low bottom profile. When they first contacted me, they offered to send me a sample. They did not bill me for that sample. In Dr. Hatfield's case, my first guess is that it was just an innocent mistake. Ovation Medical is the only supplier I use for walkers.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Vision 2015, Vision 20/20 (Ed Davis, DPM)
From: Martin V. Sloan, DPM

Clearly, Dr. Davis' suggestions for "Vision 20/20" were written tongue-in-cheek. And his points are well-taken. 28 years ago, the orthopedic residents' answer to everything at LAC-USC Medical Center was a triple arthrodesis. And I kept thinking at the time, "you've got to be kidding me." Now these hoity-toity 3-year-trained podiatry residents are coming out and pushing surgery down the throat of anybody who will listen. They give no evidence of knowing "general podiatry" or biomechanics. How sad! And let's be careful whom we blame for this. But let's remember what it was that set podiatry apart from other healthcare professionals in the beginning and build on that. Otherwise, before 2020 even gets here, we will all be scratching our heads wondering what happened to the profession we all once loved.

Martin V. Sloan, DPM, Abilene TX, martinsloan@mac.com

RE: Success Tips From the Masters (John Fusco, DPM)
From: Eric J. Roberts, DPM

I respectfully disagree with just about everything stated by Dr. John Fusco in his analysis of our post-graduate education and specialization. The reason I entered into the profession was so that I could be all encompassing in medicine AND surgery. The inference was made that we are not smart enough to handle the entirety of our own field. While that may be the case for some (most?), I feel that I am intelligent enough to handle it. I shouldn’t be limited because of others’ shortcomings. If I can’t handle a particular problem, I’ll refer it to the appropriate specialist, even if that specialist is another DPM.
 
Eric J. Roberts, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, lordertz@gmail.com

Codingline & PM News In conjunction with AAPPM Present
The Greenbrier Coding & Practice Management Workshop - August 20-22                  (Following the 2012 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC)  

World Class Golf at the Greenbrier

Coming to Washington D.C. for the National? Don't miss out on being treated like a President and First Family. Enjoy world class amenities including golf, tennis, spa, casino and children's programs. 

Speakers: Harry Goldsmith, John Guiliana, Barry Block, Michael Brody, Paul Kesselman, Jonathan Moore, Rem Jackson, Chad Schwarz, and other nationally-known authorities in morning-only presentations. 

RESERVE YOUR UPGRADED ROOM NOW

Click Here for information or to Register

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it:Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: EPAT

(Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) for sale. D-Actor 200. This machine is still new. Purchased in late 2011.( new machines>30K). It is the conservative alternative to surgery. Treats Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, Achilles Tendonitis, Joint pain. Great Buy. $19,995 or best offer. Please call 713-541-3199 for more information. or email contactus@houstonfootankle.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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact:podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE — BROOKLYN, NY

This practice has been in the same location for 31 years, seeing 80-100 pts/week, working 4.5 days/week. Grossing $350K and netting close to 70%. All surgery referred out. Low rent, option to buy the building in future. Asking $225K, doctor willing to finance. Call 800-983-4194, or email:contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Well-established practice seeking associate with opportunity for buy-in. Must have a minimum of 2 years surgical residency, or have 10 years practice experience with rear foot surgical skills. Great opportunity for growth with in-house surgical center, 2 hospitals within walking distance & more. Puerto Rican License required. Send CV/Resume to admin1@podiatrycenterpr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

Immediate opportunity just became available in Boston for FT or PT surgical or non-surgical podiatrist(s). Established rapid growth cash Laser Clinic. No insurance hassles Profit sharing. Reasonable hours. No hospital call. Contact chrismichaud@yahoo.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, two office group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Good mixture of general podiatry and surgery. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: toesrus7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Looking to hire an associate who is caring, friendly, and holds a patient in the highest regard. I am a single practitioner with a large podiatry practice in Tampa, FL. Will provide an outstanding salary with additional incentives, excellent healthcare benefits, retirement and cell phone. Please email resume to: Heliodiety@aol.com or fax to 813-854-6105.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHOENIX, WEST VALLEY SUBURBS

A well-established, solo-physician practice seeking a Full Time Associate Podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained physician with sound surgical skills and applicant must have completed a 24-36 month residency, & be board eligible/certified. Practice offers a state of the art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary and benefits. Partnership opportunities available. Fax resume: 623-935-5783 or email to AzPodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Full and part-time opportunity available in 40 year old practice in downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art office with EMR and digital x-rays. Must be experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Competitive salary. Possible buy-in opportunity available. please email resume to dpm10019@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305.www.aggeus.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for a full time/part-time PSR 24/36 podiatrist in a 30 year old, well established practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. State-of-the-art office with EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and beautiful office. Generous base salary, malpractice insurance, health insurance, benefits and bonus structure. A well rounded and energetic podiatric surgeon needed for this group of 4 board certified podiatric physicians and surgeons. Please send CV to:  michiganfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Part-time associate position making home visits in Manhattan. Please fax resume and references to 718-987-6648.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a rapidly expanding multi-office practice in central New Jersey. Well established referral base with full admitting hospital privileges. Availability to become part owner of a multi-room, multi-specialty ASC. Excellent opportunity for the right doctor with potential to achieve $200K in the first year. Wonderful working conditions. Applicant must have at least PSR-24 surgical training. Valid NJ license and Medicare number is required. Applicant should also be familiar and competent in biomechanics, trauma, ESWT, PRP, wound care, and ultrasound diagnostics. Participating insurance #'s a plus. Please fax resume to: (609) 259-6637.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Full and Part-time opportunity to provide conservative, ethical podiatric care to residents in long-term care throughout Illinois . Full time position includes health, disability, 401, auto/travel expenses. Ideal Full-time candidate would be willing to travel 2-3 days per month, or be located in central or downstate IL. We have a 30 year history of providing exceptional care and service, with appropriate reimbursement. Please email queries or resumes to: gh@podiatryplus.net

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with some working experience in a podiatric office. Two sessions (1/2 day) a week for July and August for Upper West Side of Manhattan. References a must. One 8 AM to 12, one 12 to 5 PM. Reply to fabienne.rottenberg@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BEAUTIFUL LONG ISLAND

Business-oriented, mature Board eligible/certified podiatrist who is not just looking for a job, but a secure future. Buy-out of practice will be available. Practice does in excess of $500K. 2 hospitals available. No nursing homes, no Medicaid. Competitive package. Please fax CV to 631-581-0857

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA

Three-office practice with hospital, surgical center & nursing home privileges. EMR since 2000. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, progressive practice. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Practice offers good mix of surgery, wound care, and general podiatry. Open to associate with potential future buy-in. Please forward your information and CV to footdocpa@aol.com

GREAT OFFICE STAFF FOR HIRE - SOUTH JERSEY

Very experienced office staff needs jobs. Office is closing and they are experienced people to hire in South Jersey. E-mail for CV and or what you are looking for They know podiatry and are both certified podiatric medical assistants. They do billing, scheduling, chairside, and much more Footcare@comcast.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 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.