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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,755 Podiatrists Daily
June 26, 2014 #5,095  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NY Podiatrists Differ on Cosmetic Foot Surgery
From peep-toes to sexy sling-backs, some women are obsessed with squeezing into fancy footwear. Some are so taken with shoes that they’ve gone to extremes to look better in them, going under the knife to change the shape and size of their feet. Call it Cinderella surgery. The surgeries can involve removing ugly bunions, painful corns, or changing the length of toes. There’s even liposuction for toes to make chubby toes slimmer. Dr. Suzanne Levine, a New York City-based podiatric surgeon and author of My Feet Are Killing Me, does a version of this surgery to keep her patients out of pain but still in heels. Her patients often “have long second toes that are much too long and don't fit into shoes properly and cause corns or painful inflamed bursas … but the majority of my patients, their feet are also hurting,” Levine said.
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Drs. Suzanne Levine and Rock Positano |
Not all doctors think cosmetic surgery for the feet is a good idea. Dr. Rock Positano, a New York foot specialist, is among them. “To take a foot that’s functioning relatively well, and run the risk of causing other problems, I think is ludicrous,” Positano said. Levine maintains that her patients come first for pain relief, and second for cosmetic reasons.
Source: Good Morning America [6/25/14]
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| MEETING NEWS | |
AAFAS Holds Surgery Cadaver Seminar at LSU Medical Center
The Academy pf Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery Cadaver Seminar at LSU Medical Center was June 12-14th. Sixty-five podiatrists and orthopedists from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia attended. The conference offered sections on modern instrumentation and power equipment as well as pre-op, intra-op, and post-op protocols that have expanded types of procedures and improved outcomes, while decreasing complications. Metatarsalgia correction, bunions, bunionettes, hammertoes, and neuromas were performed with percutaneous pins or without hardware.
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Attendees at an AAFAS Cadaver Seminar |
Lectures involving the healing of wounds and Charcot feet utilizing soft tissue tendon and ligamentous procedures such as gastroc recession and P tibial, P longus, and isolated plantar fascia lengthening and releasing, MIS cavus foot repair using step-up osteotomies, nerve decompression procedures for peripheral neuropathy and TTS, and HyProCure treatment of talotarsal dislocation were presented in EBM format. The Academy's next cadaver conference will be held in Chicago in October of 2014, and it’s expected to be another sell-out.
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
TN Podiatrist is First to Use Toegrip® Implant
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic podiatrist, Dr. Anthony Wright, is the first podiatrist in the United States to use a new plastic toe grip implant procedure that corrects hammertoes. A group of foot surgeons designed the plastic toe grip implant (Toegrip®) to improve patient comfort. Toegrip® provides stability by ensuring that bony parts are kept together in close contact while preventing them from rotating. The implant can be adapted to any patient since it comes in different sizes and angles. Additionally, the unique material of the implant does not obstruct x-rays.
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Dr. Anthony Wright and Toegrip® Implant |
Dr. Wright said, “In the past, we’ve had to use surgery to release the tendon in the toe and sometimes actually remove pieces of bone. The Toegrip® implant is a much more conservative way to relieve the pain, which also means a faster recovery.”
Source: DNJ Business Brief [6/24/14]
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS - PART 1 | |
MO Bill Would Create Assistant Doctors to Boost Rural Care
Missouri may soon allow licensed medical school graduates to practice medicine and prescribe drugs without having completed a residency. The proposal, which has passed the state legislature and awaits the governor's signature, aims to address the issue of providing adequate healthcare in rural and other underserved areas of the state. Under the bill, graduates of accredited medical schools could become “assistant physicians” and provide primary-care services in rural or medically underserved areas if they haven't completed residency training. However, they must have completed the first two steps of their medical licensing exam.
A collaborating physician would be responsible for all services rendered by the assistant physician. Under the bill, graduates of accredited medical schools could become “assistant physicians” and provide primary-care services in rural or medically underserved areas if they haven't completed residency training. However, they must have completed the first two steps of their medical licensing exam. A collaborating physician would be responsible for all services rendered by the assistant physician.
Source: Bob Herman, Modern Healthcare [6/24/14]
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS - PART 2 | |
Student Exposure to Marketers Affects Prescribing Knowledge
Physician trainees who spend more time with pharmaceutical marketing representatives are less likely to make evidence-based prescribing choices, according to results of a study published online June 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine. The authors say their data add to literature showing that pharmaceutical marketing is linked to prescribing choices that are more likely to favor brand names over generics or non-drug treatment options that have the same or comparable effectiveness.
Researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of first- and fourth-year medical students and third-year residents by randomly selecting at least 14 at each level per school. They gave the trainees a list of questions, asking how often they used different educational resources to learn about prescription drugs. Then, they asked about frequency in the past 6 months of interactions with the pharmaceutical industry (including acceptance of gifts), their expected frequency of interactions in their future careers, and their attitudes regarding such interactions. The study found that a 10-point higher industry relations index was associated with 15% lower odds of prescribing based on evidence.
Source: Marcia Frellick, Medscape News [6/23/14]
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Digital X-Ray Machines
I'm looking into digital podiatry x-ray machines and wondering what PM News readers
recommend. I know that there are CR and DR machines and different brands.
Jessica R. Brent, DPM, Mansfield, OH
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Richard W. Boone, Sr.
This inquiry actually raises two issues: 1. Can the physician own the pharmacy? and 2. Can a physician sell drugs to his or her patients from a pharmacy that he or she owns?
The answers to both questions will depend upon the law of the state in which the physician practices. In my home state, Virginia, the second question is easiest to answer: A physician may not sell drugs to his or her patients unless he or she is also a licensed pharmacist. [Code of Virginia § 54.1-2914.] I suspect the answer will be the same in the majority of states but, as noted, each state has its own rules and you have to determine what your state's rules permit or prohibit.
The first question can be a little more difficult to answer. I suspect that Virginia would permit a physician to own a minority interest in a pharmacy, provided that the pharmacy doesn't sell drugs to the doctor's own patients. (In other words, there can't be any connection or business relationship between the doctor's practice and the pharmacy.) However, any business connection between the clinical practice and the pharmacy which tends to direct the doctor's patients to the owned pharmacy is probably impermissible. But, once again, it all depends on your state's law.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL ) - PART 1B | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
The "incentive dollars" that Dr. Borreggine discusses to participate in a "survey" is NOTHING MORE THAN A KICKBACK/SCAM. These compound pharmacies make lots of money to fill a tube with medicine. In many cases, more than a participating doctor gets to do a bunion. It is very easy for a company to give you back $200 when they are getting $3,000. (or whatever the numbers come out to). Dr. Borreggine's advice to consult a healthcare attorney is good advice. Better advice would be save the money on hiring the healthcare attorney and run away from the people soliciting you with these scams.
Why doesn't the compound pharmacy offer the medication to the patient for free and have them fill out the survey themselves? Because it's a scam!
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
I would like the opportunity to respond to my own posting. Apparently, this was always the case. The transmittal of reports between podiatrist and "reader" differentiates the PADnet system from other diagnostic equipment, but you do pay for it. I do not recall ever having a conversation with my Rep about having recurring transmittal fees.
Apparently, I was given a two-year warranty which then received extensions because I had been willing to answer any questions any colleagues had about the equipment. This was never anything that was in writing; the Rep did it as a gesture of good will. The problem was that I wasn't cognizant of these "warranty extensions", and in my mind, I was just helping colleagues make an informed decision. Fast forward to this week....where I was "cut off" from my transmission of reports. I was taken aback when the company wanted to charge me for "the first time" as I had not paid for transmissions ever.
John Roman, CEO of Collaborative Care Diagnostics (the company that purchased Biomedix) and I were able to figure this out after a long phone conversation. The bottom line is that the service is part of their platform and they are entitled to charge for the service. We as the consumer can decide if this is a service we want to partake in or pass on. Mr. Roman seemed committed to supporting the profession and was honest and transparent in assessing the ups and downs his company faced in transitioning the Biomedix product with his company. I thank him for his swift reply and taking the time to talk to me. Upon receiving their support fee proposals, I will have to decide to partake or pass.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD
Kudos to Dr. Sev Hrywnak for receiving the "Excellence in Medicine" award. Sev was always a dynamic individual, even when we were classmates back in the day. Since then, he continues to strive for the excellence he was recognized for with this award. Congratulations Sev!
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
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Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASC STAFF PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NEW JERSEY
Fair Lawn ASC (ambulatory surgical center) is accepting applications for staff privileges. NJ license needed. Patient transportation available in the tri state area. Equity buy-in available. Call 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON, NORTH SHORE
Established practice with strong patient flow and key managed care contracts for sale. Strategic location in prime community. Owner desires to retire and transition. Surgical privileges at local hospital and surgery center. Member of hospital PHO and IPA. Physician referrals and patient referrals. Medicare 26% balance commercial. Contact: Mike Crosby at MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – DELRAY BEACH, FL
Rare opportunity for turn-key practice in Delray Beach, Florida. EMR compliant. All office-based revenue. Full time busy practice. Owner willing to assist with transition as long as needed. Priced to sell. Serious inquires only please. Email for more information: podpractice55@gmail.com
OFFICE FOR SALE - S.E. FLORIDA
20 year old office, South Palm Beach County. Owners looking to semi-retire. Location in very busy section of Delray - Boynton. Serious inquiries only. Asking $175,000. Email reply - Bafamt@aol.com
MEDICAL OFFICE AVAILABLE - STATEN ISLAND
medical center with great parking in modern well kept multi office building. Concord, S.I., near bus, taxi, and highway. 1000 square feet (approximate), air conditioned, water available all treatment rooms, cabinets in place for purchase from previous Podiatrist. long lease available. Call 212 794 0089
SPACE TO SHARE - MANHATTAN AND LI
Desirable locations on Upper East Side, Gramercy, the Financial District, and Plainview (North Shore Long Island). Extremity MRI and cat scan available in selected offices. Call 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PRACTICE FOR SALE- DAYTONA BEACH, FL
Established practice in beautiful Daytona Beach Florida for sale. Doctor retiring after 40 years in this location. Practice has included all routine podiatric care, minor surgeries, wound care providing diabetic footwear. Currently a part-time practice, but definitely has full-time potential. Email inquiries to: feetinflorida@yahoo.com
NURSING HOME OPPORTUNITY – STATEN ISLAND, NY
Nursing Home patient care opportunity. Staten Island , 1 morning (9-12) per week. Must have NY license, med mal insurance. Available August 1. You must be ethical. Quality care expected. call 212 794 0089
PART-TIME POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Looking for a motivated, caring, ethical associate. Approximately 10 hrs/week. (Tuesday AM - Thursday PM) Room for expansion in this well-diversified practice. Salary + commission based. Send CV to: NJPodiatry1@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT
Immediate position for full time ethical and motivated surgeon for a busy single location practice. Competitive compensation available leading to buy in. Board certification a plus but must have excellent forefoot and rearfoot experience. Just miles from a residency training program with hospital privileges available. bfsoffice@4udr.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION- HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY
Hudson Valley Foot Associates has a great opportunity available! We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM. Please visitwww.hvfa.com and forward cover letter with CV to info@hvfa.com
WELL ESTABLISHED AND EXTREMELY BUSY PRACTICE - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Eligible podiatrist immediately. Competitive salary and benefits compensation offered for all aspects of care including surgery, office hours, nursing home and managed care. Spanish speaking is a definite plus. We have EMR and digital x-ray. Please email your CV and coverletter to ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NYC
Busy surgical podiatry group looking for a part time associate to start immediately. This position can lead to full time work within 6 months. Must be willing to rotate through offices in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Great opportunity for personal and professional Please contactdrlevy@starrettpodiatry.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY
Excellent opportunity for a motivated, ethical, and enthusiastic associate to join a successful, well established hospital affiliated practice. Must be residency trained PSR 24/36. Board eligible/certified by ABPS preferred. Must be component in forefoot and rear foot surgery. Competitive salary with incentives commensurate with performance. Email CV to manfootcare@aol.com or fax to: 718-875-3171
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Immediate FT opportunity for an associate position leading to buy-in/partnership. Self motivated, hardworking individual surgically trained to join 30 plus year very well established practice with high patient volume. Competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV to jerseypod@gmail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451
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| Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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