The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 09, 2010 #3,879 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We’ve just posted the June 2010 CME titled:

By Dr. Howard Kimmel

You can Earn 30 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online

 Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $139

NY Podiatrist Discusses How to Injury-Proof Warm Weather Shoes

For every mile we log, we exert about 200,000 pounds of pressure on each foot. Here's how to injury-proof some of your favorite warm-weather pairs. The narrow shape of peep-toe shoes can crowd toes, leading to a bunion (enlargement of the bone around the big toe) or hammertoes (when digits bend), says Marc A. Brenner, DPM, a podiatrist in Glendale, New York.

Dr. Marc Brenner

Dr. Brenner's solution is to search for peep-toes that have a wider toe box. Hint: You should be able to wiggle your toes in various directions -- up and down and side to side.

Source: Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Fitness Magazine [June 2010]

 Scholl College Dean Receives Honorary Degree              

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Dean Terence Albright, DPM, and Nobel Laureate Stanley Prusiner, MD, received honorary degrees last Friday at the 2010 Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science commencement. Among the commencement candidates were 82 Scholl College DPM graduates.

President and CEO of Rosalind Franklin University K. Michael Welch, MB, ChB, FRCP; honorary degree recipient Nobel laureate Stanley Prusiner, MD; honorary degree recipient Scholl College Dean Dr. Terence Albright; and incoming Dean Dr. Nancy Parsley.

Since 2001, Terence B. Albright, DPM, has served Rosalind Franklin University as Dean of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and will soon retire. To recognize his excellence in institutional and professional leadership, Rosalind Franklin University bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. 

Dr. Albright is known nationally as a distinguished leader in podiatric medicine. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) and was its Chairman from 2002-2004. Previously, he was President of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) from 1998-1999.

APMA Gears up For 2010 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting

The 2010 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) will take place July 15 - 18 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC) in beautiful Seattle, Washington. The National's continuing medical education program will offer up to 24.5 continuing medical education contact hours. The meeting features breakfast symposia, general session lectures, and a post abstracts reception.

Besides lectures, there are plenty of exciting special events on tap, including an Opening Session featuring comedian Tom Papa, host of the NBC hit, "The Marriage Ref", Team APMA 5K Run/Walk through beautiful Myrtle Edwards Park (registration required), Podiatry Management’s Hall of Fame Luncheon honoring Allen J. Jacobs, DPM and Lynn Homisak, PRT (tickets required), and “The Streets of Seattle" closing reception with gourmet fare and the hot music of Freddy Pink (tickets required).

For registration and more information click here. Note that the early bird hotel rates are valid until June 10, 2010.

CA Podiatrist Speaks Out in Support of Israel

Hundreds of people rallied Sunday in front of the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles to show support for the country amid an international outcry over a deadly raid on a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla headed to Gaza last week. “Israel, you are not alone,” said the country’s consul general,  Jacob Dayan, who addressed the cheering crowd wrapped in the Israeli flag. “We support you, we are behind you, we are proud of our wonderful soldiers.”

Dr. Ira Cohen

Protesters said Israel has been unfairly criticized for enforcing a blockade that is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that controls Gaza and refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist. “Every other country in the world has the right to defend itself and Israel, which does it in a very humanitarian way, is vilified and damned,” said Ira Cohen, a Los Angeles podiatrist who held up a poster saying, “Mr. President, you must support Israel.”

Source: Alexandra Zavis, LA Times [6/6/10]

Medicare Physician Pay Cut Reversal in Senate's Hands

When Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess today, the Senate will be racing the clock to stem damage from a 21% cut in Medicare physician pay that officially went into effect June 1.

This is the third time this year the cut has gone into effect before it could be reversed, and physician organizations say they are growing increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of urgency on the part of lawmakers to fix the situation in a more permanent fashion. As it did the two previous times, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it would instruct Medicare contractors to hold June claims for 10 business days, giving the Senate more time to pass the House bill before the program starts sending doctors' payments at the reduced rate. The extension runs out after June 14.

Source: Chris Silva, AMNews [6/7/10]

Query: Golf Shoes for Hallux Limitus

Can anyone recommend golf shoes with a rigid shank that may complement orthoses for a patient with hallux limitus?

Joe Boylan, DPM, Ridgefield, NJ

Query: Aggeus Healthcare

I have been approached by Aggeus Healthcare to provide podiatric care to nursing home residences. I have been told by the company that they will furnish supplies and an assistant, do the billing, and pay me a percentage of the collections. Does anyone have any experience with this company, and is this legal? If so, what pitfalls could this arrangement have? Also, what would prevent me from doing the billing myself? I have been in practice too long to jeopardize my license and reputation. 

Name Withheld

Query: Billing for Shoe Stretching

I have a patient with a bunion deformity, and I am stretching her shoes to accommodate for the deformity. Is there a code for "shoe stretching?"

Dave Williams, DPM, Alamogordo, NM

Response: This is yet another one of those services billed under the CPT code of CASH.

Craig M. Gastwirth, DPM, Detroit, MI

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Kaposi’s Sarcoma (John Moglia, DPM)
From: Michael Levi, DPM

Classical Karposi’s sarcoma (CKS) is very rare. I had a patient who suffered from CKS.  He was a 70 year old man from Egypt without AIDS.  His lesions were on his ankles and legs. The first lesions were the size of a dime, and grew very quickly. Luckily, this patient had no metastasis to other organs which is very common. Treatment consisted of radiation and chemotherapy. The patient was sent to an oncologist and some ten years later is doing well.
 
There are some papers written in our journals about classical Kaposi's sarcoma. I wrote one in 2006 in JAPMA.

Michael Levi, DPM, Santa Monica, CA, mlrjlevi@sbcglobal.net

RE: FDA Approves a Brand of Colchicine for Gout
From Elliot Udell, DPM
 
The New England Journal of Medicine published an article in the June 3rd issue titled "Incentives for Drug Development -The Curious Case of Colchicine".
 
Colchicine has been around as a generic prescription drug for the treatment of gout since the 19th century and even used in other forms for over 3,000 years. Since the drug preceded the FDA, there was never FDA approval. This has changed, and maybe, not for the better. A drug company applied for FDA approval of a brand name version called Colcrys. The FDA gave them three-year market exclusivity, and the company is even suing in an attempt to have other generic forms removed from the market. Great, we now have an FDA-approved colchicine on the market, however, the cost of generic colchicine pills is nine cents per tablet. The cost of the Colcrys is $4.85 cents per tablet. The article in the NEJM said that the cost of the brand version of colchicine will cost insurance companies that pay for drugs an additional 50 million dollars a year. Is there any wonder why our healthcare system is so expensive?
 
I called my local pharmacy, and they said that generic colchicine is still available, but who knows what will happen in the next few months. I suspect that the company will also start coming to our offices as well as promoting the product in our journals and conventions.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Capturing Additional Income From Non-Covered Services
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

Today's headline in USA Today was "Doctors tack on fees for patients." It seems that the world is starting to see physicians starting to push back against the system.  As I feel this pain daily, I am continuing to take action. I will be attending Robert Kornfield's seminar on integrative medicine this weekend in NY to add additional skills to my treatment repertoire. These treatments are outside the current insurance market, but I intend to add this non-covered aspect to my practice like I have done with aesthetic podiatry.
 
Just like the airlines are charging for luggage, food, and pillows, doctors need to recapture a fee for all the stuff we give away. I am curious what my fellow colleagues are doing to capture additional revenue that they once gave away a few years ago.

Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, Ribotsky@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT WANTED – CR SCANNER

Reina 812 Manual CR Scanner in good condition. Contact: pmh@wffeet.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED NATIONWIDE

Seeking a part-time or full-time podiatrists to provide podiatry house call and diabetic shoe fitting services to patients nationwide. We are a podiatry management company and have contracts with clients that have 1,000’s of established patients and all we need are hard-working good doctors to service them. We offer an excellent compensation package with benefits and the opportunity to build a fairly large practice very quickly. coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – HOUSTON, TEXAS

Full-time, surgically-trained podiatrist needed for multi-office practice in Houston, TX. Ideal candidate must be motivated, dedicated and personable. Practice is a good mix of general podiatry and surgery, no nursing facilities. Must also be willing to do significant networking and marketing to help build the practice. Please e-mail cover letter, and resume to faajobs@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA

Practice Grossing over $500K yearly. Good mix of surgery, orthotics, DME, diabetic care, general podiatry. Commute < 5 miles to work. Friendly Midwest lakes area with arts, good schools, affordable living, restaurants, shopping. Option to purchase building. Will consider associate to buy-in/ buy-out. Midwestpractice@gmail.com

LOCUM TENENS WANTED - MANHATTAN

Due To Family Emergency looking for locum tenens for the month of July and August 1-2 days per week. Office located in Manhattan Upper West Side Fax CV to 212 362-9896. For more information you can call 212 724-4457. frottenberg@juno.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – QUEENS & NYC

Part-time podiatrist needed for multi-office practice in Queens and NYC. PSR- 24+ a must. Experience preferred. Willing to train the right new graduate. Must be punctual, very personable, ambitious, and ethical. Job will involve usual podiatric medicine and surgery. Will also include significant networking and marketing to help build the practice. You must be well-trained and have people skills for this position. Possible full-time position leading to partnership for the right person. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to hansfeet@aol.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great Opportunity - NY podiatric practice – multiple locations –seeks well trained, ethical DPM Per Diem and full-time positions available. Competitive salary. Send resume and CV to: info@advancedfootcare.org

PART-TIME POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Available for a Board certified/qualified podiatrist. Located in Toms River and Manchester. We have a high-volume practice that treats routine care, trauma, sports-related injuries, hospital consults, and ER Consults. Possibly leading to full-time position for the right person. Please fax CV to (732) 349-0228 or email CV to njfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- MONROE, MICHIGAN

Excellent opportunity to join a modern, growing 3 doctor/2 office practice located in SE Michigan between Detroit and Toledo. Responsibilities will include a mix of surgery, office, hospital and nursing home/housecalls. Salary, bonus and benefits. Learn more about us at monpod.com. If you are a personable, reliable team player with solid skills and a patient first attitude please contact dr.hughes@comcast.net for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking PSR 36 surgically trained, and/or Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Must have Texas license. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (SOUTH OF NASHVILLE)

Active, established practice with new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Turn-key operation with seamless transition. Grossed over $350K last year. Call 931-446-5724 or email mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – CHAIRS, ETC.

Doctor retiring, office equipment for sale, including patient’s treatment chairs, one chair is one of the first podiatry chairs made ,can be used as a display in waiting room or use in treatment room, all in excellent condition, photos on request. E-mail Robin superrang@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTH CAROLINA - ASHEVILLE/MOUNTAINS

Well established, multi-doctor, multi-office diverse practice has immediate need for associate doctor leading to partnership. Associate doctor will be very busy from day one. Attractive compensation and benefits. Buy-in potential after one year. Contact at smfc2@charterinternet.com or 828-734-1535

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Looking for podiatrists to join group to work in nursing facilities in: Texas (Ft. Worth, Dallas, Houston) Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Northwest Pennsylvania, Delaware, Upstate New York, Massachusetts (Brockton). Please respond to: doconcall02@aol.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA

Rapidly growing well established practice seeking part-time leading to full-time. PSR 12-36. Great opportunity for highly motivated, personable individual. Please reply by emailing a CV to nursebsf@aol or fax (561)498-9068.

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