July 18, 2006 #2,633 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Covering Fungal Nails With Polish a No-No: FL Podiatrist

Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, a Pensacola, FL podiatrist, described a common toe no-no:

"Many women want their toenails to look good, so they use nail polish to cover up fungal infections under the nails," she said. "That's not the best thing to do."

Before you apply polish, address the underlying problem by booking an appointment with a podiatrist, who can treat the fungus with a prescription product, such as Novanail or Keralac Gel

Source: Sloane Stephens Cox, Pensacola News Journal

Nation's Blues Plans Boost Bottom Lines, Reserves

The nation's Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans continued to boost their bottom lines in 2005, although at a slower pace than prior years. According to the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, total net income for its 38 independent member plans, including not-for-profits and for-profits, rose 15% to $8.5 billion last year. That follows a 21% earnings increase in 2004 (to $7.4 billion), a 53% increase in 2003 (to $6.1 billion), and a 43% increase in 2002 (to $4 billion).

All told, Blues plans' combined earnings have climbed 204% since 2001. The number of plans varies somewhat year-to-year, usually because one Blues plan consolidates with another. Overall net profit margin expanded to 3.3% in 2005, up from 3.1% in 2004, while administrative costs declined to 10.2% of revenue, from 10.3%. The plans' combined revenue was up 9% to $259.7 billion. At year-end, the 38 plans held $60 billion in combined capital reserves, up 17% from $51.1 million in 2004. Total enrollment climbed 2% to 94.4 million members, the highest level in 25 years.

Source: Laura B. Benko, Modern Healthcare [7/14/06]

ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS, RESIDENCY DIRECTORS AND NEW PRACTITIONERS

Finally! A meeting to address the core needs of residents: practice management. A comprehensive one-day meeting specifically for residents and new practitioners sponsored by The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management is being held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott on Saturday, August 26th. All issues will be covered by podiatric experts, such as securing a top rate associateship, partnership, options for practice, and financial matters relating to debt management or financial future. Registration is at an unbelievable rate of only $49 for AAPPM resident members and $69 for non-AAPPM residents. AAPPM would also like to extend a huge thank you to PM News for their assistance with this program and in general for support in providing practice management to younger practitioners. Visit www.aappm.org to register for this meeting online and download a complete meeting brochure. Any questions call 978-646-9091 or e-mail office@aappm.org.

For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf

RE: DMERC A Negative Wound Pressure Therapy Study
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

Tricenturion, the program safeguard contractor for DMERC A, is conducting a study on the utilization of negative wound pressure therapy, particularly for new suppliers. While not directly affecting podiatrists (podiatrists generally do not dispense these units), podiatrists writing prescriptions for this therapy are considered referring physicians.

It is the referring physician's responsibility to maintain complete documentation of medical necessity for any item prescribed.

Please see:
http://www.tricenturion.com/content/Doc_View.cfm?type=pac&File=ws%20pre%2Dpay%20review%20npwt%2Edoc for more information.

Paul Kesselmman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Patients Who Steal Supplies
From: Joel Lang, DPM

I suggest the following . . .

Place the patient in the treatment room only when you are actually ready to treat the patient. Do not allow them to wait without a 'chaperone' in the room. When the treatment is done, have one of your assistants 'assist' the patient to ready him/herself to leave. There would then be no opportunity for the mother to take any supplies.

I would not confront the patient's mother. Just be thankful you are not in a position to need 'Medicaid.' The lost supplies can only amount to a few dollars, and the amount is not worth the confrontation.

Joel Lang, DPM, Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ESWT - BEST OFFER CONSIDERED NOW!!!!

If you are using or thinking of using ESWT, I have a new machine that has only been used twice. There is no Orbasone in the country priced like this one. Will provide training and installation. Take a look at http://www.orbasone.com Call 1-856-229-2939.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- PENNSYLVANIA

4 Micromac 300 "Podo spray" Nail Buzzers-- ($1500- retail) $100 each. 1 X-ray processor- Good condition- $500 each. 3 X-ray View boxes-Fair condition- $50 each. As Is. Shipping will be added. Questions or Interest, Email: barb@martinfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Full time associate position for a PSR-24 podiatrist to join established dynamic medical and surgical practice in Central Texas. Looking for a personable, motivated, ethical, hardworking individual to join our board certified group. Please send resumes or CV to

centexfootdoc1@aol.com

HOUSE CALL PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

House Call practice for sale which includes approx. 400 patients and continued referrals. erfect for solo practitioner. Extremely easy and profitable practice to run. Yearly gross of over $200K. Current DPM is retiring. Financials will also be provided. Please contact
ccipinc@ccipinc.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

HOUSE CALL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- CHICAGO / NORTHWEST INDIANA

Chicago-Home Physicians specializes in house calls to the elderly homebound. Full and part-time positions available in Chicago/Northwest IN. Competitive Compensation, including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax-773-486-3548. E-mail sschneider@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75

PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,000 DPM's 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 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com

• 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.