The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 17, 2011 #4,183 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Ultra High Heels Lead to “Shoe-icide”: NY Podiatrist

"Heels are getting higher and higher," says Hillary Brenner, DPM. "We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide." Brenner, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain. 

Dr. Hillary Brenner

 If you're ready to do right by your feet, Brenner offers these three tips: 1) Make sure the shoe bends at the toe box, but is not too flexible. 2) Make sure there is a sufficient arch support. 3) Choose a chunky heel that is less than two inches high.

Source: Joy FM  [06/09/2011]

Barry Dean Pledges $25K for Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center

School of Podiatric Medicine Dean, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, with his wife Cecilia, donated $25,000 to the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine’s new “Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center” marking its first major gift.

(L-R) Barry University president, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD. stands with Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Brand and Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, dean of Barry’s School of Podiatric Medicine during the Paul and Margaret Brand Research Center's grand opening.

The contribution, pledged over five years, will be used to conduct research studies to reduce diabetic foot complications, including ulcers and amputations. The center’s grand opening in April welcomed Dr. Margaret Brand who visited the facility and accepted an honorary degree from Barry University - on her and her late husband’s behalf - during the next day’s commencement ceremony.

PICA Announces Hiring of New President

The PICA Group, the nation’s largest professional liability insurer dedicated to serving podiatric physicians has announced the hiring of Ross Taubman, DPM, from Olney, MD as  Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. He will transition to President in early 2012. Taubman is currently a practicing podiatrist and past president of The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). He will join PICA full-time on or about September 1st.  

Dr. Ross Taubman

 “I am thrilled with the choice of Dr. Taubman as my successor,” says Dr. Jerry Brant, CEO and President of PICA. “PICA and ProAssurance executives went through a very thorough process to find someone who understood  not only the profession, but what PICA means to the profession. I am sure we have found that person in Dr. Taubman.” Dr. Taubman’s hiring affirms the commitment to the podiatric focus that PICA was founded on over 30 years ago. Part of his role will be to collaborate with the claims, underwriting and risk management committees, made up solely of podiatric physicians, and he will guide their endeavors as they continue to be ambassadors for PICA in the profession.

CBO Sees 29.4% Medicare Rate Cut for Docs in January

Although CMS actuaries have called a 29.4% reduction in physician Medicare payment implausible, a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report repeated that this would be the cut come January using Medicare's sustainable growth-rate mechanism.

The report goes on to explore the costs of different SGR-reform "cliff" and "clawback" options, as well as recommendations by President Barack Obama's fiscal commission.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Physician [6/15/11]

MedPAC Proposes Pre-authorization Program

Medicare's payment advisory group formally recommended today that the program require prior authorization for some medical imaging services. The first-time suggestion of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to add pre-approval to the program came as part of its annual report to Congress on ways to reduce its costs.

Under the proposed prior-authorization program, the CMS initially would compare physicians' use of imaging to identify “outliers” whose use exceeded evidence-based clinical guidelines. If such physicians' imaging use did not decline after a CMS effort to “educate” them, then Medicare would require those clinicians to obtain prior authorization from either the CMS or a contractor.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [6/15/11]

Query: Removing Nail Discoloration

My patient is a 30 y/o, Hispanic female who is concerned with the appearance of darker pigmented brown streaks in numerous nail plates on her toes and fingers. The streaks are non-reactive and non-symptomatic. They have been present for years, but the patient thinks they are getting more noticeable. The patient reports her mother has similar streaks. As far as I know, this is normal. She just wants to know if there is some way to lighten them to improve appearance. Any suggestions?

Larry Aronberg, DPM, Lake Worth, FL

Query: EHR Payments

Has anyone received 2011 Medicare EMR incentive payments yet?

David T. Weiss, DPM, Richmond, VA

RE: MRI Evaluation of Recurrent Soft Tissue Mass (Peter Bregman, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

I suggest ultrasound imaging. I have had an ultrasound machine for about six years and cannot tell you the cost savings that it has provided, as well as the decreased hassle it has provided for my patients. The ultrasound can identify the borders of just about any soft tissue mass in the foot. It can give you an idea of the tissue type (hyper- or hypo-echoic). You can attach a printer and print out the images for your chart. There is a significant learning curve, or at least there was for me. I suggest that you take a course if you purchase one. I am sure that my machine has paid for itself several times over.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Helping Colleagues When Disaster Strikes (Michael Lawrence, DPM)
From: Matthew B. Richins, DPM

I am a podiatrist in Joplin, MO and I appreciate the sentiments expressed in this forum as well as others, both public and private. To the best of my knowledge, there are five podiatrists with offices in Joplin, three of whom share one office. This office was in the heart of the path of destruction and the building was obliterated. To my understanding they have relocated.

My office is two blocks south of the infamous St John's hospital which was destroyed. I was fortunate in that mine was the first undamaged building outside of the path. I was able to dispense my supply of Crocs and diabetic shoes to those who had literally lost their shoes from their feet during the storm. There were nurses pushing patients in wheelchairs down the street. The nurses' feet were bloody and bare! My petty gift was nothing compared to the sacrifice and service of so many.

Matthew B. Richins, DPM, Joplin, MO, mnmrichins@yahoo.com

RE: MicroVas Therapy Coding (Jonathan Michael, DPM)
From: Victor LaRosa

As a point of clarification, there are approximately 1,000 MicroVas Systems in DPM offices being used to successfully treat patients and get reimbursed for doing so. When physicians purchase systems, they receive full training on use, billing, coding, charting, and marketing support.

Unfortunately, when systems are purchased rogue, and in this instance a hot system off of eBay, there is no warranty or support.
When a non-user then pipes in and publically gives non-supportive advice, I am prompted to respond.

I welcome the opportunity, as always, to support our in-warranty users, which Dr. Michael chooses not to be, after we met at a conference. Sometimes a perceived less expensive opportunity does not yield the best outcome.
 
Victor LaRosa, VP neuroVasix, exclusive marketer of MicroVas, Victor@neuroVasix.com

RE: LA Podiatrist Testifies Before Congressional Committee on Health IT (Michael Brody, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

I have been using a fully certified EHR program. I agree with Dr. Brody's assessment that EHR can allow the busy practitioner better patient care and follow-up.

Despite the disadvantages of cost  and the initial time input toward the fabrication of personalized templates to my practice, I must say there was one very important revelation that I have experienced since implementing my EHR program. I have always thought I managed patient medications well within my medical charting. I was surprised by the extent of failure by many patients to disclose medications that they are currently taking.

Particular medication categories which were "overlooked" or "non-disclosed" were medications for erectile dysfunction, anti-anxiety agents, and anti-depressants. These potential medication errors were found despite patients signing office patient information forms and having them updated on a regular basis within my practice.

Gino Scartozzi, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, Gsdpm@aol.com

RE: IL Podiatrist is Most Popular Steven Miller

Source: Chicago Tribune [6/8/11] 

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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity. Located at Mission Regional Hospital. Sale price $205,000 including supplies. Gross income 2010 was $340,000. Gross income 2011 estimate $420,000. Approximately 1200 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. A/R available at 50% discount. 949-702-1052. David Stoller, DPM (Family Footcare) david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WASHINGTON STATE - SUBURBAN SEATTLE

16 year established part time practice. Includes Midmark 417 (4 position keypad), Excel X-ray, processor, Ritter M9, instruments, bandaids, etc. 1 Day/week $50K gross. Professional Business appraisal at $48K. Asking $35K. Shared office with 2 FP's. Easily expandable. Reply: practiceforsale18@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is 130K on 2 half days per week. Practice is expandable to full time with increasing hours and marketing. Real estate available for purchase. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Busy, State-of-the-Art practice seeks a motivated, personable associate to join our group. Competitive salary and bonus structure leading to partnership. Please fax resume and cover letter with CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with at least 2 yrs of 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 POSITIONS – TEXAS AND FLORIDA

Looking for podiatrists to see patients in nursing facilities in Texas and Florida. Please contact me at doconcall02@aol.com

 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual for a growing, well-rounded practice with potential for partnership. Must be PSR 24-36 trained. Competitive salary, incentive and benefits. Email CV to orin915@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE  POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WA (KIRKLAND, SEATTLE, EVERETT, AND REDMOND)

Join one of the fastest growing podiatry practices in Washington state. Must be motivated to grow practice. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information go to seattlefootdoctor.com. Send resume to seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Opportunity of a Lifetime. Are you the one-in-a-million podiatrist I’m searching for? Do you aspire to greatness? If you have a great smile, great attitude, take initiative, then you should consider this exceptional opportunity. I am seeking a smart, residency-trained podiatrist with great surgical skills to become an associate in one of the top practices in the country. Don’t miss out on this outstanding opportunity! Please email your CV to institutebeaute@aol.com with “Attn: Sophia Johnson” in the subject line.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES

Excellent opportunity for an energetic, compassionate, hardworking individual with superior surgical and medical proficiency. Recent graduate or experienced practitioner. Excellent salary, benefits and partner-buy in offered, full admit privileges and surgical scope. Fax CV to Ecpodiatry@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Well-established, busy podiatric practice is seeking highly motivated, well-trained and personable associate for full-time position. Competitive Salary and Benefits, Buy-in Opportunity. Interested persons must be actively pursuing or have NC license. Send resume and letter of intent to gpagpa530@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California practice looking for highly motivated podiatrist for very busy, two location practice. Excellent salary and benefits offered. Please email resume to mrsmcmackin@aol.com

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