The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 19, 2013 #4,826 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PM News Now Reaches Over 14,500 Subscribers

PM News has passed yet another milestone as we now reach over 14,500 readers daily. PM News reaches more podiatrists, more often, than any other Internet publication in the world.

PM News Publisher Dr. Barry Block

PM News was launched in April, 1994 with a mere few hundred subscribers. It is projected that by the time PM News reaches its 20th anniversary next April, it will have published over 5,000 issues and will reach the 15,000 subscriber level.

100+ Case Studies, Research Projects, and Clinical Trials to be Showcased in Vegas

The latest advancements in podiatric medicine will be on display during the poster abstract session at the American Podiatric Medical Association's Annual Scientific Meeting (The National), at the Sands Expo Convention Center July 23. A popular presentation method at research and clinical meetings, the poster abstract presentation allows podiatric physicians from around the world to discuss data findings with both visuals and text.

Dr. Matthew Garoufalis

"The National's diverse and comprehensive poster abstract submissions are just a snapshot of the exciting advancements happening within our profession," said Matthew Garoufalis, DPM, APMA president and meeting moderator. "Not only is this an opportunity for intriguing clinical dialogue among seasoned practitioners, it also allows our young investigators to present their work at the nation's premier foot and ankle conference."

Source: KUAM News 7/17/13

Building Honoring Late WV Podiatrist Takes Shape

Students and faculty at Warner University have been watching as the new Darby Academic Building takes shape. Its official name is the Dr. H. Darrel Darby Academic Building, named after a Huntington, WV, podiatrist who served on the board of trustees for 15 years. He died in 2003.

Dr. H. Darrel Darby & New Building (photo: Pierre Ducharme)

"Dr. Darby was the perfect example of a man whose life should be revered at institutions like ours," university President Gregory Hall said in promotional material about the building. "He was dedicated, generous, and a true example of what it means to live a life of significance."

Source: Mary Toothman, Lakeland Ledger [7/17/13]

Query: Podiatric Billing Conferences

I am continually looking for conferences that focus on podiatric billing. If someone knows of any, could you post them on PM News.
 
Shelly Figg, Billing Director, Monroe Hospital, Bloomington, IN 

RE: Inventory Tracking System
From: Jerry Cosentino, DPM

Several months ago, I saw a post requesting information regarding inventory tracking. I searched the market for over one year and found most programs such as Quickbooks and other software companies were too sophisticated for our purposes.

During one of my conversations with a software manufacturer, they suggested I contact a company called Redbeam (Redbeam.com). We have had this system for over one year and find it fairly easy to use. However, the accuracy is only as good as the employee input. We have a hand-held scanner at the reception desk, which is used as items are dispensed.  We have extended this to our office medical supplies. We still do a manual inventory check every month, to make adjustments and find where our discrepancies are coming from.

My goal is to have an inventory turnover about every 3 months, for each item. It is also nice to have your staff give you a weekly inventory values report for asset evaluation. I recommend  this product.

Disclosure: I have no financial dealings or gain in making this suggestion.
 
Jerry Cosentino, DPM, Tampa, FL, drgcosentino@gmail.com

RE:  SudoScan (Howard Dinowitz, DPM)
From: Lloyd S. Smith, DPM

As someone who has spent almost 20 years reviewing code values for APMA at the RUC, I wonder how our colleagues are coding for this new technology. Typically, CPT and RUC lag behind the adoption of new procedures and devices. In reviewing the information on the company website, I struggle trying to find an appropriate code and, in turn, determining a value for the procedure.

Is it part of an EM visit? Is it worthy of a new code? Is there an existing code that could be used? If it were to get a new code, based on the descriptions I have read, the value would be minimal. If the value were minimal, would use of the technology plummet, or would the clinical value override minimal reimbursement. I am not judging the technology, simply asking a few questions.

I will also add that with the ability of CMS and RUC to rapidly review changes in coding frequency, scrutiny of the codes being used to bill for a SudoScan will occur quickly and will impact those codes by requesting a code proposal, arbitrarily reducing values, creating local policy restrictions and/or initiating audits. 
 
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com

RE: Inexpensive Cast Cutter (Tom Fitzsimons)
From: Marc Katz, DPM

I believe that we use many products and pieces of equipment that may not be FDA regulated. One example that may be similar is that many DPMs use Dremel drills for various purposes. Some even connect bone cutting burrs to them. This is much more invasive than a cast cutter. In addition, most podiatrists who have a cast cutter probably have one that is way beyond its prime. They are like tanks and last forever. My cast-cutter was from a hospital and was made in the '80s. As a professional, I have chosen to use it because I have determined that when used properly, it will cause no harm to my patients.

I also believe that my malpractice carrier does not state what I can and can't use in my practice. Could you please produce a statement from PICA and other carriers stating that they would not cover us if we use a multi-tool. I believe I would use a multi-tool if I had the facts. My patients don't judge me by my tools! They trust me based on my care and competence.

The most regulated equipment or medication in the hands of an incompetent or inexperienced doctor or staff member can be disastrous. So I don't buy the argument. It would be great if some of the attorneys in the group could weigh in.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

RE: Charles Lombardi, DPMs Discussion on "Meet the Masters"
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Charles Lombardi, DPM defend himself, CPME, and APMA on Dr. Bret Ribotsky’s forum “Meet the Masters.” There are a number of areas in which Dr. Lombardi and I share complete agreement: Among them is that “residencies must start from the bottom up, rather than vice versa.” The second is that (unfortunately) we have a society composed of fewer people who are willing to sacrifice their time and talents to “pay forward” to the future of their profession. This I believe is characteristic of our nation in general, and is to be supremely regretted.

But his “coldness” to the inability of at least 80 recent graduates' ability to obtain a license was a very grave disappointment. He seemed recalcitrant to consider other options for residency programs, which in the past, he himself supported and pushed for. The most logical one would be a general DPM training program that did not necessarily promote a surgical option. Dr. Lombardi made the point that he himself supported this in the past, but it was negated by an under-handed political move at APMA.

None of this takes away his extraordinary contribution to the profession, and his absolute love and willingness to pay it forward. But I also feel that APMA/CPME takes for granted the contribution that HE and other experienced podiatrists willing and able to start new programs have made. This centers utterly in CPME’s own arrogance. APMA seems to share that same attitude.

I don’t think that Dr. Lombardi sees his own attitude as arrogant. But if you are a recent DPM graduate (without a program) looking to a legal option for reclaiming your life, it is an inescapable conclusion. Sadly and with great regret, I do not look upon their plight with any more encouragement than I did before I listened to his impassioned self-defense, which to an uninitiated person outside of podiatry, would sound like a diatribe.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: FL DPM Selected to Review Fulbright Applications
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH

Kudos to Dr. Levy for leading the podiatry charge. Congrats, Dr. Levy; keep up the great work.
 
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA, ifabs@earthlink.net

RE: Doctors Bail Out On Their Practices
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
I personally have had experiences with doctors whose practices were taken over by hospitals, and none of them were good. Hospitals are businesses and not necessarily benevolent institutions. One friend of mine who turned his large practice over to the local hospital told me that the new bosses are "slave drivers". They force the doctors to spend less time with each patient and order more tests and do more procedures or risk losing their jobs.
 
Recently, I tried to reach an internist  whose practice is owned by a large hospital. He did not return any of my calls. The mutual patient was suffering with uncontrolled hyperuricemia, severe gout, and had lots of other medical issues, making the case medically complicated. After a week of no return calls to either the patient or me, I threatened to report him to the medical society. He finally called, explained that he now has a large volume of patients on his shoulders, but he agreed to see the patient. The patient called and was told that the earliest visit would be in six weeks. This was not acceptable to either the patient or me, so I referred the patient to a non-hospital-based internist who saw him the next day.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Doctors Bail Out On Their Practices
From: Pam Thompson

I saw the article excerpt from the CNN article RE: doctors bailing on private practice for hospital employment. The PM News article states, "Experts say the number of physicians unloading their practices to hospitals has risen to 40% in the last five years." The wording appears to indicate that 40% of physicians have sold or are trying to sell their practices to hospitals. This is untrue. The CNN article says that physician practice sales to hospitals are up 30 to 40% over the past five years, not that 40% of physicians have sold out to hospitals.

In fact, according to a 2012 report from the AHA, only 13% of 858,000 physicians in practice in the U.S. are now hospital employees, although it is a 34% increase since 2000, a span of...

Editor's note: Pam Thompson's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: WI Podiatrist Survives on Patients' Ignorance
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM

This may be a first for me, and a shock to anyone who knows me, "I am speechless."  I was looking for the April Fool's tag line, but it was not there. 

Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@gmail.com

RE: WI Podiatrist Survives on Patients' Ignorance
From: Name Withheld (CA)

This posting reminded me of a former classmate of mine. What he has done is unquestionably wrong - ethically, and probably morally. Being somewhat intuitive, I began to sense that there was something not quite right about him early on. Some classmates questioned me, but I stood firm. Let's just say that he proved me right - sued by my class, almost expelled by my school, lost his state license a couple of times, and involved in unscrupulous activities.

Which brings me to my question - didn't his school and his residency program see something coming? Did they suspect this person showed some questionable actions? And, if they did, what should they have done and should they have stopped him? COULD they have stopped him? I ask that question about my former classmate, often, wondering if he could have been prevented from causing problems long before they occurred and people suffered? Probably so.

Shouldn't someone have stopped his careen toward dishonesty? Why didn't they help him self-correct before this happened? The buck has to stop somewhere all along the line. Is no one responsible other than the perpetrator? Do doctors always protect doctors? We shouldn't. Wrong is wrong, right?

Name Withheld (CA)

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH DAKOTA

Turn-key opportunity. Established non-surgical practice for sale in booming economy of North Dakota. Staff knowledgeable  compliant with EHR/Meaningful use. Solo practitioner grossing over $400,000 annually, 3.5 days/week. Hospital/OR privileges available. Local bank familiar with practice and willing to work with financing. Interested, contact Worhart@live.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 - 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.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 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.

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

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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