The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 18, 2011 #4,184 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NM Podiatrist Stresses Stress of Stilettos

High stilettos may be fashionable, but they don’t get the thumbs-up from podiatrists. With heels, the pressure of each step shifts to the ball of the foot instead of being distributed throughout the foot, says Dr. Angela Drury, a podiatrist in Albuquerque. “It’s the worst thing for the foot,” she says. “We’re made to bear weight evenly.”

Dr. Angela Drury

Drury considers anything above two inches a too-high heel. In three-inch heels, women feel six times the amount of stress on the forefoot. Higher heels can strain legs, knees, and hips, and push the center of gravity forward. This increases the risk of falls.

Source: Amanda Schoenberg, Albuquerque Journal

Australasian Podiatry Council Creates Diabetes Toll Calculator

The devastating effect diabetes has on the lives, limbs, and hip pockets of many Australians has now been fully exposed for the first time. The Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC) has created the diabetic foot disease toll calculator, which shows the effect of diabetes on foot health in terms of hospital bed days, lower extremity amputations, deaths and costs in real time.

Andrew Schox

The left hand side of the calculator shows the consequences if the current system of diabetic foot health management in Australia is maintained. The right hand side shows how the effects can be reduced with optimal foot health care. APodC President, Andrew Schox says the calculator is a sobering reminder of the reality facing many Australians.

OH Podiatrist to Run for Congress

Republican Brad Wenstrup, a podiatrist and U.S. Army veteran who unsuccessfully ran for Cincinnati mayor in 2009, announced today that he will challenge incumbent Jean Schmidt next year in the GOP primary to run for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District seat. Wenstrup ran against incumbent Mayor Mark Mallory, a Democrat, two years ago. Wenstrup lost 54-46 percent, but many local Republican leaders were impressed by the showing of the first-time political candidate. 

Dr. Brad Wenstrup (Photo Malinda Hartong)

Wenstrup, who turns 53 on Friday, lives in Columbia Tusculum and grew up in Hyde Park. He is a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he was deployed for a year on active duty as a combat surgeon in Iraq. He is also a partner at Wellington Orthopaedic, which operates from several sites throughout Hamilton County. In a video announcement on his website, Wenstrup referred to President Obama's healthcare reform law as the type of legislation he would oppose, if elected.

Source: Kevin Osbourne, Cincinnati CityBeat [6/16/11]

CA Podiatrist Presents and Moderates at International Shockwave Meeting

Amol Saxena, DPM of Palo Alto, CA presented and moderated at the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment Annual Meeting in Kiel Germany, held June 9-11. The meeting was attended primarily by orthopedic surgeons from around the world presenting the latest soundwave research. 

(L-R) Conference Chairman Ludger Gerdesmeyer, MD, PhD, Amol Saxena, DPM, and Kai Olms, MD

"Soundwave therapies go beyond plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinosis, and have produced studies utilizing the highest level of evidenced based medicine," said Saxena. New applications were presented for treatment of accessory navicular, non-union, stress fractures, avascular necrosis, and dysvascular wounds, all of which could be applicable to the podiatric practice.

HHS Unveils Prevention Initiative, Grants

After unveiling the nation's first National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy, HHS on Thursday announced $4 million in available grant funding for community-based organizations to help promote healthier communities nationwide.

Authorized in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the National Prevention Strategy is based on the view that good health comes not just from good medical care, but also from things such as clean air and water, safe outdoor spaces for physical activity, safe worksites, healthy food, and violence-free environments. It centers on four strategies: building healthy and safe community environments, expanding quality preventive services in both clinical and community settings, helping people make healthy choices and eliminating health disparities.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [6/16/11]

Query: Clinical Success with Poor Radiological Result

I saw this patient for a routine follow-up, one year post-op. Below are the pre- and post-op x-rays. I am not happy with the results, but she has no problems and is happy. She has no swelling, no pain, and is in unrestricted footgear without problems. Please note the correction of the IM angle but the remaining TSP abnormality. ROM is normal without pain or crepitus, but mildly tracking. The rear foot and midfoot complex are fairly stable. 

Pre- and Post-op X-Rays

The main abnormality that I see is the tibial sesmoid position. There has also been a change in the position of her 2nd and 3rd toes at the MTPJ level. I am seeking constructive criticism from my colleagues regarding procedural choice, possible reason for the radiographically poor result, and clinical responses to similar situations.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

Query: Turf Toe Device

When I was in residency, we used a rigid graphite insole to place in shoes for hallux limitus in patients who were not surgical candidates. We called it a turf toe device. I am having difficulties finding one through my medical supply companies. Is there a more common name, or am I using the wrong suppliers?
 
Matthew B. Richins, DPM, Joplin, MO

Query: House Calls for eRx

Do house calls qualify for the eRx requirement for June 30?

What HCPCS code do you use for an Rx for a house call visit?

Wendy L Grossman, DPM, Bloomfield, NJ

Response: G8553 must be billed on the same date of service, and must be on the same claim as (any) one of the following CPT codes:

90801, 90802, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90809, 90862, 92002, 92004, 92012, 92014, 96150, 96151, 96152, 99201, 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99211, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99304, 99305, 99306, 99307, 99308, 99309, 99310, 99315, 99316, 99324, 99325, 99326, 99327, 99328, 99334, 99335, 99336, 99337, 99341, 99342, 99343, 99344, 99345, 99347, 99348, 99349, 99350, G0101,G0108, G0109

As you can see, the E/M codes for home visits are on this list.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY

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RE: Helping Colleagues When Disaster Strikes (Matthew B. Richins, DPM)
From: David E. Gurvis, DPM

Leaving my natural cynicism behind, I would like to be the first to say to Dr. Richins, "You are a true Mensch".  In every meaning of the word.
 
We need more people who are willing to do good in this world. 
 
David E. Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN  deg1@comcast.net

RE: EHR and Productivity (David Gurvis, DPM)
From: Juliet Burk, DPM

I have been reading the thread on the EHR incentive with a lot of sympathy for Dr. Gurvis. I implemented an EHR in my office almost three years ago and was thrilled with the productivity and ease of charting. I hate anything that wastes time and effort and my system, Soapware, was cheap and a lifesaver. I began printing my office notes for primary care doctors who referred me patients and saw a meaningful increase in local appreciation and referrals.

I duly signed up for the EHR incentive program when Soapware became CCHIT-certified, and signed up to attest when reality hit. There was a seemingly endless list of things I needed to report that would require a significant change in the way I used the EMR before I could qualify for the incentive. First, there was...

Editor's note: Dr. Burk's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: MicroVas Therapy Coding (Victor LaRosa)
From: Marc Katz, DPM

I believe that a doctor has the right to purchase a unit after-market. Perhaps the smart approach would be for Mr. LaRosa to do this doctor a favor and give him a simple billing guide. After all, his company has sold many very expensive units to podiatry and a small favor goes a long way. I use a different product and I'm considering purchasing a second unit. Maybe Mr. Rosa could make another sale from this same doctor, if that is the concern.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, Dr_mkatz@yahoo.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

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

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 760K, most surgery is currently being referred out. Financing available. Please call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

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