The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 17, 2013 #4,824 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Amount of Pronation Control is Extremely Important to Runners: NC Podiatrist

Analyzing the roll of the foot remains standard practice among fitness and medical professionals in the belief it will lead to a better shoe fit and fewer injuries. "When it comes to shoe choice, the amount of pronation control is extremely important," said Dr. Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. "Some people need more than others. It can cause a lot of problems if you have the wrong one."

Dr. Jane Andersen

Andersen, a runner herself, and past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, said the number one  cause of the overuse injuries she sees, from stress fractures to tendonitis to plantar fasciitis (heel pain), is shoes that are worn out or the wrong fit.

Source:  Dorene Internicola, Reuters [7/15/13]

CO Podiatrist Receives Dr. G. Dock Dockery Special Achievement Award

Daniel J. Hatch, DPM has been awarded the 2013 Dr. G. Dock Dockery Special Achievement Award. Dr. Guido LaPorta, last year's award winner, presented the plaque to Dr. Hatch. Recipients are nominated by the Board of Directors of the International Foot & Ankle Foundation for Education and Research, and delivered at the Residency Graduation of the NW Podiatric Surgical Residency Consortium, Seattle, WA.

Dr. Daniel Hatch

The Award states: "For a foot & ankle physician and surgeon who exemplifies Dr. Dockery's life passion and commitment to professional activities and endeavors, such as supporting educational events, lecturing, publication of lower extremity surgical books or articles in peer-reviewed journals, lower extremity research, foot & ankle residency or fellowship training and participation in various organizations with the podiatric medical profession."

Congressman Visits Blaine Labs, Discusses Residency Crisis  

Kevin McCarthy (R), the current House Majority Whip, visited Blaine Labs this past Friday to discuss entrepreneurship, small business challenges, and the current state of podiatry through healthcare reform. Owner of Blaine Labs, Dr. Robert Blaine, Western University’s College of Podiatric Medicine Founder, Dr. Lawrence Harkless, and other key members of the local community were present to discuss the biggest issues facing podiatry, privately-owned businesses, and how government can help support podiatric medicine.

(L-R) Drs. Robert Blaine, Lawrence Harkless, and Rep. Kevin McCarthy

Congressman McCarthy selected Blaine Labs based on its reputation of enhancing the success of private practice doctors through dispensing and supporting industry causes. He had an opportunity to explore the manufacturing assembly line, research and development lab, and see how products are formulated with the chemistry team. Most importantly, the visit provided a needed forum to discuss the major industry concern of a lack of residency programs and how to assist graduating doctors in reaching sustainability faster.

IL Podiatrist Elected President of NAASC

Sev Hrywnak, DPM, MD was elected president of the National Association of Accredited Surgical Centers (NAASC) at the annual conference held at the Westin Hotel in Chicago July 8-10, 2013. “With the potential closing of at least one third of the hospitals in the United States by 2017, surgical centers will be the mainstay for providing elective, non-traumatic surgical services,” said Hrywnak.

Dr. Sev Hrywnak

The NAASC is a nationally recognized organization committed to representing Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and providing them with the resources they need to ensure the highest quality care.

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). 

Dr. Charles Lombardi

This week's guest is Dr. Charles Lombardi, President of the National Board of Podiatric Examiners who will be discussing the history of how the residency crisis came about. You can register for future events by clicking here

Query: Billing Routine Care Within 61 Days

It is my understanding that when patients qualify for covered routine care (e.g., ICD-9 250.60, ICD-9 700, "Q8"), but are seen prior to their 61-day limit and agree to sign the ABN and be treated, they should be coded as usual, but with the modifier "GA", and that the fee charged is to be the same as when it is covered.

Our biller, who worked at another office years earlier, felt that we could charge a totally different fee (higher) since the service was not covered at this visit. I thought I knew, but who is right?

Kevin Brattain, DPM, Peoria, IL

Response: If you were charging your patient for non-covered care after explaining to him/her the fact that the service was statutorily non-covered, no advance beneficiary notice (ABN) would be required. You could charge the patient whatever you like.

However, if you are filing the claim with an ABN due to a frequency issue, more services than what are allowed by either a NCD (national coverage determination) or a LCD (local coverage determination), then you bill the same fee you have always billed knowing that you can only collect 100% of what Medicare would have allowed.

Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Repair EHL Rupture? (Joe Gonzalez, DPM)
From: Dan Klein, DPM

All things work in concert, including tendons and bones. You should repair a ruptured tendon when possible. The result of not repairing the tendon will be realized later and most likely regretted. Early repair and return to function should be the rule.

Dan Klein, DPM, Ft. Smith, AR, toefixer@aol.com

RE: Interpositional Arthroplasty (David Secord, DPM)
From: Palmer Branch, DPM

I also echo the recommendation of Dr. Secord about the use of any interpositional acellular dermal matrix graft for resurfacing the first metatarsophalangeal head. It precludes the potential problems of donor site defects from harvesting local or remote soft tissues. I have also used a similar technique for lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (e.g. after Freiberg's infarction).

In the article referenced by Dr. Secord, I found a similar (same?) article below from the same group referenced in Foot and Ankle International. This article has nice...

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

RE: Educating Employees About HIPAA (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Raymond F Posa, MBA

I would like to add the following tips: Just having a sign in sheet of employees who attend your in-house training is usually not sufficient evidence of adequate training and the sign-in sheet can be considered a self-serving document and be excluded as proof of training.
 
I recommend the following: Have a formal printed outline of the HIPAA items being trained, or a power point slide deck on and keep a copy to demonstrate to an auditor the material being presented to the staff.
 
Second, have a written quiz on the material. You want to demonstrate that the staff have a comprehension of the material.
 
Finally, have all staff members sign an acknowledgement of training form. This is required by both the Privacy and Security rule, and instructions for this must be contained in both your privacy and security manuals.
 
This three-prong approach demonstrates proper training and an understanding of the HIPAA requirements. Also training must be done annually and with new hires within 90 days of being hired.

Raymond F Posa, MBA, Farmingdale, NJ, rposa@themantagroup.com

RE: Inexpensive Cast Cutter (Joseph S Borreggine, DPM)
From: Eric Trattner, DPM

This cast cutter is very durable and works particularly well, even during power outages!

Inexpensive Cast Cutter

Eric Trattner, DPM. Fairview Park, OH, etrattner@att.net

RE: Reliable Billing Company
From: Richard H. Mann, DPM, Jennifer Thomas Griffin, DPM, Tina Del Buono, PMAC

I use Physician Claim Corp. (physiciancalaim.com). I am quite happy with their work.  I have found them to deliver great customer service, coupled with accurate, prompt submissions. I highly recommend them.

Richard H. Mann, DPM, Delray Beach, FL, rhm123@gmail.com

I recommend Stat Medical in Dallas, TX. Lee Ann Leeann@statmedonline.com has been billing for over 20 years. She is extremely knowledgeable. She is also a bulldog and will stay on a problem until resolved. Her staff is great. Give her a call. You will not be disappointed.

Jennifer Thomas Griffin, DPM, Malakoff, TX, txfootdr2005@embarqmail.com

I highly recommend Independent Networking Group (ingstrategies.com). The executive director is Mary-Ellen Schimmoller. The staff at ING are a cut above and their ethical standards rate A+. They know their stuff when it comes to podiatric billing.
 
Tina Del Buono, PMAC, Santa Rosa, CA, tinapmac@msn.com

RE: Good Hygiene Prevents Fungal Infections/Odor: Singapore Podiatrist (Mike Boxer, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

For years, I have I have been using Lysol disinfectant spray to kill footwear odor. This started with mildew in ski boots because they were put away wet! Then I used it on smelly work boots. I instruct patients to put their ski boots with liners and insoles separated, or their shoes or work boots with sock liners removed, into a small plastic waste bag, lightly spray the insides of the boots and the surfaces of the insoles and seal the bag for a few hours; then dry their boots/shoes on a boot dryer or place them next to a furnace vent. The air movement will dry the boots. They can also be placed in the sun. So far, no one has developed a contact dermatitis from the spray!

Tetra has a new product called Clean Sweep that may work even better.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL,doc@footsportsdoc.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

CENTRAL FLORIDA - ASSOCIATE POSITION

Busy two doctor practice seeking the help of an ambitious associate to help handle the patient load. Position will lead to partnership for the right individual. Two office practice with hospital, surgery center and wound care center privileges. Good mix of surgery, wound care and general podiatry. Great salary with incentives, benefits, malpractice. Must have FL license. Suburban setting, close to attractions. Please send cover letter, CV and copy of surgical log to footpainbegone@gmail.com. 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Associate position for podiatry office on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Certified ambulatory surgery center on-site.  Will consider preceptor. Please fax letter and CV to 410-749-6807

LOCUM TENENS OR ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Perhaps leading to long-term relationship, or locum tenens for about 90 days. Starting date is as soon as residency trained, Virginia licensed podiatrist. New equipment- x-ray machine, digital processor, EMR, and treatment chairs. Must be a self-starter, confident & hard working. Computer literate. If interested, please call 703-582-5999 (C) , 703-237-0841 (H), or e-mail drmichaelfine@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY

Live, play and practice in the Tampa Bay area. Associate leading to partnership in a well-established, expanding group practice. Excellent salary and benefits in this dynamic medical/surgical practice. Come join our caring, compassionate, motivated staff. Position open immediately but we will also consider 2014 residency graduates. PSR-36 or PSR-24 with rearfoot/ankle training required. E-mail cover letter, CV, surgical log and references to rvalins18@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Looking for an associate with 3-year residency training for a practice in Connecticut. Interested in all aspects of podiatry including  foot/ankle surgery and wound care. Hospital located close by with appointment to staff readily available. Will lead to partnership Please send CV to: dsharnoff@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rear foot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual.  Will consider preceptor. Send CV to dpmkthomas@gmail.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SF BAY AREA

East SF Bay Area associate wanted for 3-office practice. CA License and PSR-24 minimum. All aspects of podiatry. Need to be highly motivated, a self-starter and be able to start Aug. 1, 2013. Salary BOE. Send CV to drscivally@sbcglobal.net

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 - MARYLAND, DC, PA

A podiatrist is needed for the Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania area. Partner for the corporation. Surgery center, emergency room call and a hospital location. All areas of podiatry. Established practice. Salary and commission. Fax resume 410-857-4227 or email at butler@qis.net

ASSOCIATE WANTED - NEW YORK

Well-trained experienced surgical podiatrist for busy Bronx and White Plaines offices. Associate working for partnership, if desired. Send Resume to bronxpodiatry@yahoo.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 POSITIONS – NY AND PHILADELPHIA

Generate Income in NY and Philadelphia. Licensed NY and/or Philadelphia podiatrists sought for a unique podiatric project in all geographic areas of New York and Philadelphia. Medicare license required. You literally keep all visit charges generated or a pre-determined hourly salary, depending on the patient setting. If you are seeking an additional 4 or more hours per week of work, with no limit, contact us at: ediamond7@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, Midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PLAINFIELD, IL

Associate wanted for established practice in the suburbs of Chicago, self motivated and patient oriented a must. We will provide you with a state of the art facility, experienced support staff, $100,000+ salary, 401K with match, bonus and flexible hours. Please forward cover letter and CV to chrisbaileydpm@sbcglobal.netor fax to 815-230-4925.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Associate wanted for multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Full Time, Self-motivated, highly skilled team player with surgical, wound care and palliative skills. Offices in Northern California Coast, CA License necessary, salary negotiable with possibility of partnership in future. Send CV and letter to: srfctysc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - WESTERN NEW YORK

Wanted well trained podiatrist for IMMEDIATE position. Busy high volume surgical practice with multiple locations, EMR, Digital X-Rays, hospital and surgical center privileges. Good base salary with incentive, and benefits including health insurance. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY to grow. Send resume to: WNYDPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NY

Generate Income in NY. Licensed NY podiatrists sought for a unique podiatric project in all geographic areas of New York. Medicare license required. You literally keep all visit charges generated or a pre-determined hourly salary, depending on the patient setting. If you are seeking an additional 4 or more hours per week of work, with no limit, contact us at: ediamond7@comcast.net

CENTRAL FLORIDA - ASSOCIATE POSITION

Busy two doctor practice seeking the help of an ambitious associate to help handle the patient load. Position will lead to partnership for the right individual. Two office practice with hospital, surgery center and wound care center privileges. Good mix of surgery, wound care and general podiatry.  Great salary with incentives, benefits, malpractice. Must have FL license. Suburban setting, close to attractions. Please send cover letter, CV and copy of surgical log to footpainbegone@gmail.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

NEW JERSEY LICENSED PODIATRIST SEEKING FT EMPLOYMENT

Over 10 years’ experience in Durable Medical Equipment. Board Certified in Wound Care (ABWM). Established relationships with VNAs, Hospices, NHs and ALFs. Strong interpersonal skills. Taught Practice Management to podiatric residents. Please contact me at toedoc1@comcast.net for CV, resume and references.

BUSINESS FOR SALE: TOE-FOOD CHOCOLATES & CANDY

Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy (www.toefood.com) is an established candy company specializing in creative foot-themed chocolates that has supported the podiatric community for over 30 years. Ideal opportunity for family member to run in house. Serious inquiries only please. Email: MwolpaFootDoc@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. 

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 - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $548,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.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.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR NDYAG Q-SWITCHED LASER

Brand new Q-Clear NdYAG Q-switched laser, direct from factory, never used with full warranty. Complete system with training provided by James Holfinger, DPM, principal investigator for 2011 FDA study gaining clearance for onychomycosis. Call Dr. Holfinger at (216) 390-9757.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14 ,500 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.

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