The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 12, 2010 #3,882 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2010- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Unsupportive Shoes Also Cause Knee, Hip, and Back Pain: DC Podiatrist

Podiatrists will tell you that wearing shoes without proper support can overwork your lower legs, shins, knees, hips, and back. Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Dr. Harold Glickman, says the most common injuries are heel pain or tendinitis. More serious injuries can include slipping and breaking bones.

Dr. Harold B. Glickman

Glickman says you should never buy a pair of shoes that bend at the sole, which means they lack proper support and can cause injuries. "If it bends in the middle, it has no structure, it has no support, and the shock of every step is transferred from the shoe right into the foot."

Source: Kristi King, Darrian D'Olio, WTOP [6/10/10]

No Cigarette Sales at Drug Stores: MA Podiatrist, Board of Health Chairman 

Starting next week, smokers will find it a little less convenient to pick up a pack of cigarettes in Everett. Dr. Sean F. Connolly, chairman of the Everett Board of Health, said the board felt “it is hard to justify the paradox of a healthcare institution — which these pharmacies and stores with pharmacies are defined as — that is practicing good health and making people healthy through medications, being able to sell cigarettes, which are known carcinogens."

Dr. Sean F. Connolly

At a May 24 meeting, representatives from Costco and Walgreens spoke against the change. Connolly said the two companies raised concerns about the financial impact of the ban on their establishments. But Connolly said those arguments did not sway the board, which he said was focused on public health considerations. “I see on a daily basis in my office the effects of cigarette smoking," said Connolly, a podiatrist. “So, it doesn’t take much to convince me that this is the right idea."

Source: John Laidler, Boston Globe [6/10/10]

AZ Podiatrist Uses Social Networking to Build Practice

Dr. Mark Forman, a podiatrist in Scottsdale, has recently established a presence for his practice on leading social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. With an emphasis on patient education and improved communication, Dr. Forman hopes to communicate valuable information and gather feedback from his patients in order to deliver the best foot and ankle care for patients in Scottsdale. In addition to the practice's Facebook and Twitter presence, patients can also read Dr. Forman's blog, an educational log of articles and office happenings written by Dr. Forman.

Dr. Mark Forman

"With our new presence on Facebook and Twitter, our practice hopes to promote an engaging, educational environment for our patients online. Whether patients have questions about procedures, want to comment on our latest blog post, or simply read about what's happening in our office , they can find it all on our newest social media sites," said Dr. Forman.

Source: Latest Breaking News [6/10/10]

A.M. Best Upgrades Rating For PICA

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “a” from “a-” of PICA Group and its member, Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA) (Springfield, IL). At the same time, A.M. Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of “a-” of ProAssurance Wisconsin Insurance Company (ProAssurance Wisconsin) (Madison, WI).

The affirmation of the ratings for ProAssurance is based upon its excellent risk-adjusted capitalization, strong operating performance, solid reserving history and robust business position within the medical professional liability insurance sector. The ratings also acknowledge the group’s aggressive claim defense, risk management expertise, geographical diversification and localized knowledge within the many jurisdictions in which it operates.

Source: The Street [6/10/10]

Limit Misunderstanding

Miscommunication occurs when you say one thing and your listeners hear something different. You can cut down on such misunderstanding by relying on a method called contrasting: First, state what you do not want. Second, state what you do want.

Here are some examples:

• “I do not want you to think that I don’t appreciative your hard work. However, I do want you to make a few adjustments.”
• “What I don’t want is to see anyone rush into hasty decisions that are not in our best interest. What I do want is to consider our options carefully and to make the best choice without undue delay.”

Bottom line: Contrasting creates two communication opportunities, and that means your message is twice as likely to sink in.

Source: Adapted from “Contrasting: A Tool to Reduce Conflict,” Susanne Gaddis, The Communications Doctor via Communication Briefings

Query: Filing For PECOS

Has anyone used, or does anyone know of a reputable company or competent individual who will file for PECOS, and follow through to the end? 
 
Susan M Loiselle, Largo, FL

Query: Billing Diabetic Shoes Without Inserts

I have a diabetic Medicare patient who qualifies for therapeutic shoes/inserts. However, he needs functional orthotics, not diabetic insoles because of morbid obesity and adult acquired flatfoot with posterior tibialis dysfunction. He does not want or need a brace at this time.

Will Medicare still pay for therapeutic shoes without inserts? The patient has a secondary insurance that will cover the custom orthotics.

Nancy Lee, DPM, Park Forest, IL

Response: I think yes. Remember, Medicare will only pay for one pair of stock shoes + 3 additional modifications. Only one of those listed are inserts.

Think of this scenario: A patient requires shoes and a patellar tendon bearing orthosis (PTBO) or toe filler. They don't get an insert.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

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

RE: Obama and Amputation Rates
From: Ron Renzi, DPM

He may not have said it well, but President Obama’s wish to place more emphasis on preventive and primary care would result in lower amputation rates. Consistent primary care and meticulous foot care decrease amputations. In wealthy areas, where there is access to both, rates  of amputation are low. In poor neighborhoods, there are fewer providers and access is limited by lack of insurance coverage. Under-insured and uninsured suffer five times the amputations of wealthy insured patients. Increasing access to primary care and increasing the importance of primary care may be the only hope the U.S. has of further reducing the amputation rate.

Ron Renzi, DPM, Abington, PA, joe.renzi@gmail.com
 

RE: RECs and Meaningful Use
From: Marc Garfield, DPM

The Feds are spending $640 million to create Regional Extension Centers (RECs) to assist 100,000 PCPs with and without pre-existing EMRs to qualify for “Meaningful Use.” That is $6,400 per doctor to teach them how to meet HITECH standards in order to receive stimulus money. The HIMSS definition of eligibility is defined in the next paragraph. But it seems to me that anything that requires $640 Mil to target the group of providers who already encompass the highest rate of EMR usage, implies a bit of difficulty (or discrimination). I have included the Gov’t FAQ’s portion of the website link.  

For purposes of the Medicare incentive payments for meaningful use of certified EHR technology, eligible professionals are defined at Section 1848(o)(5) of the Social Security Act (SSA) as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)(Recovery Act), as being a physician as defined at SSA 1861(r)). SSA Section 1886(d) hospitals are established by SSA 1886(n), as added by the Recovery Act, as eligible to receive the incentives. SSA Section 1814, as amended by the Recovery Act, provides for incentives for Critical Access Hospitals. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on January 13 to implement provisions of the Recovery Act that provide incentive payments for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology. This proposed rule includes the definition of meaningful use, along with other requirements for qualifying for incentive payments, and a link to the proposed rule is available here.

Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA, mgarfield1@cox.net

RE: Reaction Mixed to Allscripts, Eclipsys Deal
From: Michael Brody, DPM

Allscripts has announced an agreement to purchase Eclipsys Corp. Many Medinotes users may remember that Eclipsys purchased Medinotes and is in the process of transitioning Medinotes users to their Peak Practice platform.

Michael Brody, DPM, Commack, NY,

Disclaimer: I am a consultant for Sammy Systems, Biomedix, IPS- Med, and Quicknotes. I sit on the board of OpenEMR.

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE –  PODIATRY CHAIRS

2 podiatry chairs - used Midmark 117 and a Ritter 317. Great condition. $950 each Greenwich, NY Call:518-466-3287. Pick up only.

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN NORTH BROOKLYN, NY 
 
Well-established practice in a multispecialty medical center seeking a self-motivated individual with initiative and leadership skills for a full-time position. Spanish speaking ability a plus. Compensation possibly in six figures with partnership opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: bklypodiatry@aol.com

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

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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.