The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,900 Podiatrists Daily

June 13, 2008 #3,271 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Barry Hosts Dutch Students For Interenational Research Project

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM) recently hosted four podiatric students from the Fontys School of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Final-year podiatry (podophysiotherapy) students Jennifer van Schooten, Jolan van Beek, Birgit de Haas and Laura Eijsackers observed the differences in postoperative care after hallux valgus (bunion) surgery to determine if there is a difference in care between the Netherlands and the United States. They examined how participation in surgery and aftercare differs among podiatric physicians in the U.S. and podiatrists (podotherapeutens) in the Netherlands.

Dutch podiatric medical students (l to r) Jennifer van Schooten, Birgit de Haas, Laura Eijsackers and Jolan van Beek spent time reviewing cases at the Barry University Foot & Ankle Institute at the Mercy Hospital Outpatient Center in South Miami.

In the first week of June, the Dutch students spent time reviewing cases at the Barry University Foot & Ankle Institute at the Mercy Hospital Outpatient Center in South Miami under the supervision of Dr. James Losito, professor of orthopedics and biomechanics for BUSPM and podiatric physician to the Miami Heat basketball team. They reviewed bunion surgery cases from 2004 to 2007 in order to show that U.S. podiatric post-operative treatment can provide a framework for future implementation by podiatrists (podotherapeutens) in the Netherlands, who are limited in their post-operative participation regarding bunion cases.

BUSPM hosted the students as part of an ongoing effort to further podiatric medical education and practice worldwide. As part of the initiative, which began in 2000, BUSPM faculty have served as instructors at an annual sports medicine conferences in the Netherlands, while Dutch podophysiotherapy students and practicing podotherapeutens have made regular visits to BUSPM.

SC HS Track Star Wants to be Podiatrist

The track and field athletes from The Herald's circulation area definitely put on a show at this year's state meet at Spring Valley High School. The belle of the ball was Rock Hill's Erika Owens, The Herald's Girls Track Athlete of the Year, who said afterward she was sticking to her word "for now" that it was the last meet of her career. If it was, she left with a world of memories and three gold medals draped around her neck. Owens won the 100 and the 200 and ran a leg on the Lady Bearcats' winning 4x100 relay team.

Erika Owens (Photo: Andy Burriss)

Owens wants to be a podiatrist and is headed to South Carolina State in Orangeburg because of its biology program. She visited there in November regarding track. Instead she'll be a full-time student but did leave a small crack in the door. "I thought I wanted to run but ended up changing my mind," Owens said. "They still might try to talk me into it. Who knows what might happen?"

Source: Barry Byers, The Herald [6/11/08]

Lawsuits Filed to Fight Medicare Demo Program

Two lawsuits filed this week seek to block the CMS from going forward with a Medicare demonstration program employing competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies, which is scheduled to begin in 10 metropolitan areas July 1.

The American Association for Homecare, in a complaint filed on behalf of its members June 9 in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., argues that the CMS failed to specify the financial standards that were grounds for eliminating providers in the first round of bidding, and that the agency arbitrarily downsized its definition of a small provider, a status that confers special treatment under the program.

A similar lawsuit was filed 6/11/08 in U.S. District Court in Dallas on behalf of five providers and two consumers. The lawyer handling the case, Jeffrey Baird, filed a previous lawsuit in the same court that was dismissed because the judge concluded it was too early to argue that anyone was harmed. With winners and losers announced in May for the first round of bidding, Baird said, “It’s an absolute mess.”

A third lawsuit is in progress in U.S. District Court in Cleveland and also seeks a preliminary injunction to hold off the program. Meanwhile, a June 10 letter signed by 40 senators asks Senate leaders to support legislation that would delay it.

Source: Gregg Blesch, Modern Healthcare [6/11/08]

Getting Quick Responses to Letters

Want a quick teleponse response to your letter? Type your personal telephone number at the beginning and end of your letter. Then note: "To get through to me without delay, use the personal number that I have provided."

Source: Richard A DuRose, Esq. Smith & Schnacke

Query: Appointment Reminder Software

Can anyone recommend an appointment reminder software that works well with Medisoft version 14?

Bill FitzPatrick, DPM, Albuquerque, NM

RE: Surgical Excision of Lipomas
From: John C. Stephens, DPM, Barry Mullen, DPM

I have removed numerous ankle lipomas for various reasons and have not had any dreaded surgical complications. I wonder if those criticizing the procedure have had any actual clinical experience doing so. Again, another dreaded myth that I have not had the same experience as the critics.

John C. Stephens, DPM, Columbus, OH. johncstephens@sbcglobal.net

Anatomically, the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve generally lies in the vicinity of the inframalleolar fat pad and sinus tarsi. It is extremely superficial, lying just beneath the dermis. As such, it is most definitely susceptible to direct injury and/or entrapment when incisions are created in this area. Kudos to Dr. Roth for never experiencing this complication, but it most certainly can occur. My question is, since you seem to have extensive experience excising soft tissue masses in this locale w/out experiencing complications, other than the traditional Ollier incision classically described in the literature for entrance to the sinus tarsi and lateral rearfoot complex, perhaps you would be willing to share with your colleagues your surgical pearls (other than meticulous dissection) that have helped you avoid this potential complication.

Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

RE: Dry Socket (Melinda Hefti, DPM)
From: Frank J. DiPalma, DPM

Try Synvisc.

Frank J. DiPalma, DPM, Athens, GA, fivetoes1946@aol.com

RE: MTBC Billing (Juliet Burk, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I've been using MTBC Billing service for almost a year now. Their fee is lowest among all the billing companies I have researched. The service provided is good. They collect balances from patients. I like the EMR/Scheduler, the web-based claims follow-up, and how they compile financial reports. The only slow part was in the beginning when I needed to inform them with a lot of information about my practice and have them incorporate the superbill/encounter forms that I am using. Once they get used to the way the office does billing, everything runs pretty smoothly.

Helene Nguyen, DPM, Elizabeth, NJ, drhelene@gmail.com

This company is not too reliable. I’m currently with them and am thinking about leaving them. They outsource to Pakistan, so good luck once you sign up with them in trying to speak with the same person all the time. Their turnover rate for employees is very high and each biller does not know what they are doing. The only advantage is that they are 4%, but one loses more than that in the account receivables.

Arnold Horowitz, DPM, East Brunswick, NJ, ahorowitz71@yahoo.com

I have used MTBC for the past year. It is the first outside billing service that I have used so I have no basis for comparison. The set-up is easy as you only have to purchase a high speed scanner. There is a built-in scheduler and all patient data in your computer will be picked up. You don't need to pay yearly software renewals. Of course, there is a learning curve and oversight is necessary. Their 4% fee is one of the lowest.

Larry Cohen, DPM, Clinton, NJ, larrydpm2002@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

Busy Wantagh, NY office. Motivated, preferably board certified, hard working, experienced in all phases of Podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242 7540 or Fax Resume 516 826 9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTNERSHIP NY/PA

Group practice located on NY-PA border with excellent growth in the area’s industrial, retail, and college campuses. Surgical privileges in medical centers in NY and PA. This position will involve rotating through multiple office locations, and wound care centers. Local insurance reimbursement involves mostly private pay PPO models. We are looking for an ABPS Board Qualified podiatrist to join our team. Candidates would need to obtain licenses in NY and PA, and become ABPS certified to maintain hospital privileges. Base salary starting at 85,000.00 with bonus plan incentive, vacation, and health/mp insurances. Forward CV to prefprovider@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NEW JERSEY

Well-established practice in Teaneck, NJ (10 minutes from GW Bridge). Excellent location (in Medical building) heavy traffic, great visibility and large parking lot. Fully equipped, full-time office with established patients. Grossing over 220K with tremendous growth potential. Office is currently open and busy ready to takeover with seamless transition. For additional information please e-mail doctors@gramercyparkpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in the Chicago land and Northwest Indiana area. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to d-kitchens@footexperts.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Associate leading to partner in well-established practice. Seeking personable, skillful, and attentive podiatrist. No nursing homes, evenings or weekends. Competitive compensation package including health insurance, malpractice, short term disability, 401(k), generous vacation, paid holidays, and excellent salary plus bonus! E-mail cover letter and CV to jbremer@associatedpodiatrists.com or fax to (612) 866-5875 attn: Jennifer Bremer

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 POSITION: BALTIMORE, MD

Mercy Medical Center Position for a highly motivated individual who desires a surgical residency or an individual wishing additional surgical training in a well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2008. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WILMINGTON, DE

Busy 25-year old state-of-the-art Four-Dr. Practice, -Three offices/ Two Hospitals - PSR 24/36 preferred - Need energetic/motivated DPM proficient in EMR/Computers - Fax CV with cover letter to Brandywine Podiatry, Attn: Dr. Christopher Savage -Fax # 1-302-658-7646

X-RAY PROCESSOR FOR SALE

Konica qx-70 automatic processor in perfect working condition. Has been maintained professionally on a monthly basis. Office is going digital priced for quick sale. Must be picked up - Long Island, NY. Send inquires to soledr@aol.com

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

• 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.