The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,502 Podiatrists Daily

July 22, 2013 #4,828 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

OH Podiatrist Co-Sponsors HELLPP ACT

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have introduced S 1318, The Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act. The measure is identical companion legislation to HR 1761 introduced in the House of Representatives, and co-sponsored by US Representative Dr. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (OH).

Dr. Ben Wenstrup

The HELLPP Act would improve Medicare and Medicaid health outcomes and enhance patient choices. If enacted as written, the HELLPP Act would accomplish these important goals by defining doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians under Medicaid and clarifying coordination of care in the current Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program for persons with diabetes.

Source: Heraldonline.com [7/19/13]

NYCPM Faculty/Students Do West Point Boot Fit and Research

In early July, twelve Doctors of Podiatric Medicine from the Faculty and Board of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM), assisted by 36 third- and fourth-year students, as well as two DPMs and 8 students from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM), and more than 20 other volunteers, spent two intensely productive days fitting the 1,193 new cadet candidates of the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point with properly-fitting boots. The volunteers identified cadet candidates with a variety of pre-existing problems, ranging from blisters to bunions, hammertoes, and other conditions, and referred them to their company medic. 

Volunteers at West Point Boot Fit

The group also collected data for a research project to map the foot posture and function of the incoming cadets. The data will be correlated with subsequent injury and performance histories for the cadets over their years at West Point. This year’s participation in the Boot Fit by NYCPM marked the ninth year that the College has provided faculty and students to West Point to help out.

WI Lawmaker Seeks Bill to Rein in Podiatrists' Practices

A Wisconsin lawmaker is calling for a bill that protects patients from unexpected medical fees by requiring podiatrists to disclose if they are in a patient's health insurance network before treatment. The proposed legislation comes three days after the Journal Sentinel reported on Milwaukee-area foot doctor John Lanham, who over the course of 12 years has triggered 92 formal complaints with the state regulatory agency, most related to excessive fees or fraudulent billing practices.

(L-R) Dr. John Lanham and Steven Frydman

Dr. Steven Frydman, podiatrist and director of the Wisconsin Society of Podiatric Medicine, said such a bill would unfairly target podiatrists. "It makes it looks like podiatrists are the problem, but we're not the problem — it's Lanham," said Frydman, adding that most podiatrists are already transparent with their patients. The larger responsibility, he said, lies with the regulatory agency, which "isn't being aggressive enough" in curbing Lanham's methods, despite a pattern of complaints.

Source: Mario Koran, Journal Sentinel [7/18/13]

MI Podiatrist Shares Foot Care Tips on Senior Day

Aspirus Grand View Hospital held Senior Day on Thursday, serving a light lunch, and providing education on pertinent health topics.

Dr. David Wood

Dr. David Wood, a podiatrist, advised seniors on foot care.

Source: Daily Globe.com [7/18/13]

Bipartisan Bill Would End SGR and Provide 0.5% Annual Increases

House lawmakers late Thursday released the final draft of a bill that repeals Medicare's sustainable growth rate (SGR) payment formula and replaces it with a system that incentivizes quality and efficiency starting in 2019. The bipartisan measure provides 5 years of stable Medicare payments starting next year, with reimbursements growing 0.5% for each year between then and 2018, according to the 70-page, yet-to-be-named bill.

The 5-year period allows physicians to transition to new models of care after which doctors would be subject to having reimbursements based on performance on quality measures, or may opt out of that requirement if they practice in certain alternative payment models.

David Pittman, Medpage [7/18/13]

NY Podiatrist, 70, Allegedly Fondled and Harassed 22-Year-Old

A 70-year-old Plainview podiatrist is accused of sexually harassing a 22-year-old medical assistant and firing her after she rejected his blatant advances, according to legal papers filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights. Dr. Henry Balboa, made the sexual overtures March 1 during dinner at Plainview's Deco 1600 where he had invited her to discuss a raise she had asked for, according to the complaint. Balboa's lawyer, Peter Moulinos of Manhattan, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as "totally false."

Source: Joe Dowd, Plainview Patch [7/18/13]

Query: Multi-Size STS Casting Supplies?

Is anyone aware of a company that we can order supplies from, that would allow us to break up the STS casting supplies? I really don't need a box of 10 extra large ankle socks (for custom shoes), but I find that I need one or two each year. I hate to have them expire before I could use them all. Is there a multi-size box that I'm unaware of?

Suzanne Phillips, DPM, Richboro, PA

RE: Charles Lombardi, DPMs' Discussion on "Meet the Masters"(Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

From my knowledge, the travesty is that 80+ DPMs are unable to obtain a residency and therefore, are unable to become podiatrists. This is maybe the biggest issue of our time. Dr. Barry Block and I have been relentless in keeping this topic alive, while others seem to have moved on. I truly have incredible respect for Dr. Lombardi, and members of the Boards of ABPS, ABPM, CPME, APMA, ACFAS, and ACFAOM as they are all volunteers, who give the profession countless hours working on issues like the residency crisis.

The frustration that is felt by Dr. Rosenblatt, I am sure, is felt by most of us. We all want resolution of this problem. To that end, I hope that extended time is spent at the APMA national meeting this week to get as many voices as possible together to work towards a "FIX" for this problem. 80 people's professional lives depend on this. The last four shows of Meet The Masters have covered this topic in detail, so make sure you download them to listen (maybe on the way to Las Vegas) and be prepared to offer suggestions.

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, Bret@PodiatricSuccess.com

RE: Setting the Record Straight on Debridement of Calluses in Diabetics (Alan Sherman, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Here is the letter I sent to Dr. Bernstein. I think others may want to use it as a template and possibly send it to the journal’s Editor in Chief, William T. Cefalu, MD. I am amazed that he would let such slander be printed.

Dr. Bernstein,

I have read your unscientific and misleading observations as you presented them in your ADA Diabetes Care piece. I challenge you to show me statistically where podiatrists’ paring of calluses is the leading cause of ulcerations and morbidity in...

Editor's Note: Dr. Purdy's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Cast Cutter and Malpractice (Joseph Borreggine, DPM)
From: Martin V. Sloan, DPM, Keith L. Gurnick, DPM

This case is so bogus. The attorney's allegation that a professional "medical grade" cast cutter somehow stops its cutting action once the cast is penetrated while an "inexpensive cast cutter" can cause lacerations even after penetrating the cast is preposterous. We've all explained to the wide-eyed patient as we're about to cut the cast that the saw blade doesn't spin round and round, and therefore is less dangerous than it appears.

But we all know that the success of a procedure is directly related to the skill of the doctor. I own both a Martin Cast Cutter and a Stryker cast cutter. In both, the cutting action continues as long as the switch is on. If not used properly, either (like the less-expensive "non-medical" devices) can cause an abrasion or laceration.

Martin V. Sloan, DPM, Rockwall, TX, martinsloan@me.com

Irrespective of what type of "cast cutter" you use to remove a cast, and without sounding like I am sanctioning or endorsing any brand or style of "hardware store" machinery, please make sure whatever you are using to remove, modify, or window a cast has the appropriate type of blade to remove a plaster or fiberglass cast, and cuts by "oscillating" and not by a unidirectional circular rotation. This lessens the chance of a cut or burn, or any injury to your patient.

Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, keithgrnk@aol.com

RE: Inexpensive Cast Cutter (Tom Fitzsimons)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

Mr. Tom Fitzsimons advises us that the manufacturer and/or our malpractice provider are not obligated to defend us in the presence of a malpractice suit if we use an instrument from Home Depot. I don't know if any manufacturer is obligated to participate in a malpractice defense suit whether the seller is Walmart or a large medical supply provider. I do believe, however, that our liability insurance company does have the  obligation to provide a defense for the doctor, no matter where the instruments were purchased.

I only wish I would have known about the Sears product before I bought my last cast cutter. I can tell you from experience that anything used in a medical office or for a hobby such as boating causes the purchase price of a product to rise to ridiculous levels.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com

RE: Podiatric Billing Conferences (Shelly Figg)
From: Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM, Cindy Pezza, PMAC

AAPPM does an excellent job at their billing and coding conferences.

Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM, Fort Walton Beach, FL basewedge@yahoo.com

In response to the inquiry regarding podiatry-specific billing and coding conferences, it is valuable to know that the AAPPM (American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management) holds both stand alone billing and coding meetings as well as two-day billing and coding tracks that run alongside other practical topics such as marketing, implementing protocols, adding associates and partners, and proper training of ancillary staff. The next meeting will be held in Ft. Lauderdale (November 7-10), followed by Santa Monica (December 6-7).  For more information, you can visit aappm.org. 

Disclosure: I have lectured at AAPPM Meetings

Cindy Pezza, PMAC, cpezzapmac@yahoo.com

RE: PM News Now Reaches Over 14,500 Subscribers
From: Dan Michaels, DPM, MS, Ben Pearl, DPM

Congratulations to Barry Block and PM News for reaching this milestone (14,500 subscribers). You have done a great job with this platform. May your success continue. To the big picture and the small details. 

Dan Michaels, DPM, MS, Frederick, MD, drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

That is a testament to your consistency, Barry, as that means that most podiatrists and podiatry students now receive PM News.  

Ben Pearl, DPM, Arlington, VA, abenpearl@netscape.net

RE: Doctors Bail Out On Their Practices
From: Joshua Kaye, DPM

I believe the big picture is being missed here.

Most podiatrists and other medical specialists whom I know went to medical school to learn how to effectively and appropriately treat patients. They did not sign up to learn how to play billing games, do clerical work, and become software technicians. Unfortunately, the current trend necessitates a modification of one’s time allocation to spend more time, energy, and money in these secondary disciplines.

Most private practitioners don’t have the time or money to...

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

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED: CHICAGO

4 Days per Week Chicago Practice - will perform all phases of podiatric medicine Accredited JCAHO Surgical Suite. Benefits will cover Malpractice and Health Insurance. Six Figure Base Salary. Inquiries:  email your CV to Dr. J. B. Jenkins - yanagandb@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Unique opportunity for the right person! 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 forward cover letter with CV to healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.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

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 - HUDSON VALLEY NY

Part time position in busy practice leading to f/t. Looking for well trained minimum PSR-12 with great technique and people skills for part time leading to f/t position in fast growing practice. Competitive salary with huge growth potential. Send cover letter, CV and work experience to: PodassociateNY@gmail.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 - 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

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 

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - PHILADELPHIA

Established podiatry practice in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. Fully equipped office with 3 treatment rooms. Currently part-time with great growth potential to expand to full-time. Contact dgvc88a@gmail.com

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.

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

• 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.