The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 27, 2013 #4,807 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block

Podiatry Cuts are Hurting Diabetics: AZ Podiatrist

Taking away podiatrist visits from Arizona's poorest residents had a swift, adverse impact on diabetics, three University of Arizona researchers say. "It is a real case of unintended consequences," said UA Medical Center researcher and podiatric surgeon Dr. David G. Armstrong. "The state was in a fiscal bind and I don't disparage them. It was a very difficult decision."

Dr. David Armstrong

The state announced that it would remove care by podiatrists from benefits covered by its Medicaid program (the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS) in October 2009. The result was an increase in hospital admissions and higher costs for diabetics, who are at a high risk of foot infection and amputation, Armstrong and his colleagues found. The authors found that for every $1 removed from the Arizona Medicaid budget, there was a $44 increase in cost of care.

Source: Stephanie Innes, Arizona Daily Star [6/26/13]

MI Podiatrist, Son Make Mission Trip to Guatemala

After nearly 32 years as a podiatrist with his own private practice, Dr. Aaron Rives decided he wanted to go on a mission trip with his son, Steven, who recently graduated from medical school. The pair hooked up with DOCARE, a Chicago-based group that sends doctors to impoverished regions to provide treatment for those who otherwise would receive none.

(L-R) Drs. Aaron and Steven Rives

Aaron, 65, was one of five doctors who oversaw teams of second-year medical students and also had the assistance of a few nurses and physician assistants. “When we got to these villages, there were already 200 people lined up,” Aaron said. “We ended up seeing over 1,200 patients in three and a half days.”

Source: Alan Burdziak, The News-Herald [6/26/13]

DC Podiatrist Recommends Rubber Over Leather Soles

D.C.-area podiatrist Dr. Franklin Polun, says many of his patients aren't willing to throw out their Manolo Blahniks (or knock-offs). "A high-heeled shoe is sexier-looking," he said. "I get that." So he tries to give them "an action plan that's actually do-able."

Dr. Franklin Polun

Polun's advice includes going with a rubber-soled shoe over leather, because rubber absorbs pressure on nerves in the feet. He also suggests shopping for shoes at the end of the day, when your foot is most swollen.

Source:  Christina Ianzito, The Washington Post [6/25/13]

CA Podiatrist Sentenced to Two Years in Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme

The founder of the Releford Foot and Ankle Institute has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal fraud charges related to a bank fraud scheme that used stolen identities to cause two financial institutions to suffer $3 million in losses. Dr. Bill Releford, 53, who resides in downtown Los Angeles, received the two-year sentence yesterday afternoon from United States District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr. In addition to the prison term, Judge Hatter ordered Releford to pay $218,237 in restitution and a $10,000 fine.

Source: FBI [6/25/13]

MD Going to Prison in Stent Case; Heat is on Medical Necessity

Challenges to the medical necessity of services are growing, with chemotherapy emerging as a risk area and the Department of Justice settling another stent case. Although recovery audit contractors and Medicare administrative contractors are focused on the medical necessity of inpatient admissions, there is also greater scrutiny of whether services were reasonable and necessary — and auditors may be armed with Medicare national and local coverage determinations that are designed to make judgments black and white.

In a new stent case, the plea agreement with the Department of Justice said a cardiologist believed a procedure was medically necessary, but lied about diagnostic test results to ensure coverage. On June 5, Sandesh Rajaram Patil, 51, a former cardiologist at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in London, KY pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the placement of cardiac stents, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He accepted a prison term of 30 to 37 months.

Source: Nina Youngstrom, Report on Medicare Compliance [6/17/13]

Query: Sudoscan

I recently received a fax regarding Sudoscan: A diagnostic test for early and non-invasive detection of small nerve peripheral neuropathy in the physician's office (CPT 95923). Does anyone have any experience with this?

Paul Stepanczuk, DPM, Munster, IN

RE: MIS For Bunionectomies?
From: Randall Brower, DPM
 
I just performed a bunionectomy with osteotomy today. This photo speaks a thousand words. I would love to have someone who does MIS bunion surgery explain to me how they could see and debride and subchondral drill this plantar medial sesamoid chondral defect through an MIS incision?

Hallux valgus with plantar medial sesamoid chondral defect

This is a perfect example of why just performing MIS bunion correction by making a tiny incision, making a bone cut through the met, sliding it over, and throwing in a K-wire to hold the position is so negligent. It goes against proper bunion pathology assessment and proper surgical procedures to comprehensively treat a pathological joint. No fluoroscopy can visualize this.
 
Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ, footdoctor33@yahoo.com

RE: TRAKnet Charges (Marge Portela, DPM)
From: Irma Godoy, DPM

The new owners need to charge for services, but I am still paying a lease. My contract says “lease to buy, services included for 5 years, buy-off $1.” I was supposed to be the owner of the software in 5 years; now I own nothing and have to pay extra (almost the same amount that I’m paying for the lease), and I am being threatened that if I don’t pay, I will incur fees, and my software might have problems working. I love the software; I finally learned how to work it, but being a small business, it’s too expensive for me. What are TRAKnet's owners doing about it?
 
Irma Godoy, DPM,  Wayne, NJ, igrt53@yahoo.com

RE: TRAKnet Charges (Marge Portela, DPM)
From: Joseph Cortez, DPM

It is highway robbery. I over-estimated them and assumed they would not take advantage of a government-mandated situation. $3,000 a year for updates and to connect to their servers to e-prescribe? You have to be kidding me. How many updates does that guarantee me a month? I find it ridiculous that they say you will not be able to use your TRAKnet if you do not have a service agreement. It seems to me they are putting the pressure on their clients, forcing them to comply or be left out in the cold.

Joseph Cortez, DPM, Simi Valley, CA, jmcdoc@roadrunner.com

RE: The Bell Tolls For Us (Mark S. Davids, DPM)
From: John F. Swaim, DPM

As I see the business future of podiatry, we will be forced to migrate into business structures such as hospital-based groups, multispecialty groups, or we will form regionally-based collectives for the purpose of bargaining for our services pricing. As we stand alone in solo practice now, there's no leverage to be had.

In Northern California, I've become a stranger to the monthly billing roll at ProLab due to ever-increasing deductibles. Blue Cross has cut custom orthotic reimbursement to $240, that's when they choose to cover them. I stopped accepting Retail Clerks/PPOC some years ago for the same reason. Blue Cross now denies an office visit when casting for orthotics as well. Most of the private insurance here is Blue Cross, and they pay poorly for everything podiatric, well below Medicare rates, and it isn't going up.

I've been advised in these sage pages to stop taking private insurance all together, and that day fast approaches. To be honest, it will be a relief. Hey, as an aside, did you see the article in The Wall Street Journal this week describing medical supplier McKesson's CEO's potential severance package? Had he chosen to leave the company back in March, he would have received $160 million - and we wonder where the money all goes.

John F. Swaim, DPM, Red Bluff, CA, podtexdoc@aol.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 92 (H. David Gottlieb, DPM)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

I most vigorously disagree with Dr. Gottlieb (when he says that it is not CPME's responsibility to create residencies.) APMA and CPME both claim that they are “separate entities.” Yet, they worked hand-in-hand over the years to deal with post-graduate residency education. Every DPM residency that has ever been created was done because of selfless dedication of DPMs who insisted on taking time away from their practices and families, and paid it forward.

APMA/CPME took this largess completely for granted and encouraged states to establish...

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

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 92
From: J Scott Davis, DPM

As far as the residency program shortage goes, my feeling is that podiatry schools should be held by contract (signed by first-year students) to ensure a residency position for each graduate, or refund their tuition in full. Many states require a residency for licensure.

J Scott Davis, DPM, Franklin Square, NY, footdpm@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CHICAGO

Three-office practice; newly furnished; all offices are within 20-30 min of driving; great for one Dr. coverage; well-rounded surgical/diabetic/sport medicine practice; grossing up to $500K/year; can be purchased with real estate or separately. only serious inquiry to dpms2@hotmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER
 
This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to: 123bunion@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time, motivated, outgoing associate wanted for immediate job opening. We are a multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County and we’re looking for a hard working individual to treat wide range of patients. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish speaking a definite advantage. Email your CV to: ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA
 
Office and hospital-based podiatry group seeking a highly trained surgical associate to complement our 3-doctor group. Minimum PSR-36 trained with rear-foot reconstructive experience required. Must have CA license and x-ray and fluoroscopy license. Previous practice experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please forward cover letter and CV to modpm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Dynamic, busy practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist, PSR-36 preferred. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, who is motivated to work hard. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen 410-580-0255.

ASSOCIATE WANTED - MANHATTAN AND NORTHERN NJ

For group practice. Excellent opportunity to be the first podiatrist to join our team! PT/full-time negotiable. Convenient on-site surgical center. Current licensure in NJ and/or NY required. Call Gina 212-223-0716 or email CV to gina@premiersurgicalpavilion.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN CHICAGO

Full- or part-time to do house calls; make your own schedule; logistical support provided. Contact dpms2@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY

Immediate opening in beautiful Southern Kentucky with 8-provider group with excellent reputation, full-time physical therapy, MRI, CPED/CO on staff along with a full schedule awaiting.  Wonderful place to raise a family, excellent schools and phenomenal quality and cost of living. Excellent compensation package, full benefits, and buy-in opportunity after 2 years. Email a letter of interest and CV: jonkim12000@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP  MIAMI/KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Well established practice in Arlington Virginia looking for first year associate DPM perhaps leading to purchase of office . Office is one block from metro and has onsite private parking for patients. Present owner is retiring but will aid with smooth transition. This practice has been in the same location for 4o years with an excellent referral base.  Must be licensed to practice in Virginia. Full time requirement to start by 7-19-13 Contact drmichaelfine@aol.com. 703-582-5999.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BEAUTIFUL VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA

On the ocean, fast growing area, Associate for multi-office full scope practice Will be at the Seattle Conference June 27-29th. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

POSITION AVAILABLE - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Two doctor practice looking for an associate to take retiring doctor's position with partnership opportunity for the right person. Competitive salary, health insurance and incentives. Two offices serving a diverse number of routine, surgical and wound care patients. Two years surgical residency training and FL license required. If interested in this great opportunity please e-mail CV, surgical log and references to toesrus7@yahoo.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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. 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.