The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 26, 2012 #4,524 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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 PM's Facebook Contest

Podiatry Management is proud to announce the launching of its new Facebook page www.facebook.com/PodiatryManagement We encourage you to visit it. 

Dr. Jack Shimko

The winner of this week's final contest is Dr. Jack Shimko of Cornelius, NC.

Flip-Flops Cause Plantar Fasciitis in Some: MN Podiatrist 

Flip-flops may be a perennial favorite for many Central Minnesotans during the summer. But for podiatrists, they are a recurring nightmare. The cheap and ubiquitous footwear appear like clockwork during the hot and laid-back months before winter, but they offer little support.

Dr. Karen Rouw

"They end up with plantar fasciitis -- pain in the arch and heel area -- and that's because their particular foot needs more support," said Dr. Karen Rouw, a podiatrist at Central Minnesota Foot & Ankle Clinic in St. Cloud. "It's very common," Rouw said. "Certain people won't have that problem, but a lot of people do. It just depends on foot shape in conjunction with the flip-flops."

Source: St. Cloud Times - McClatchy-Tribune [7/22/12]

UK Podiatrists Given Right to Independently Prescribe Meds

Physiotherapists are to be allowed to prescribe medicines without a doctor's authorization, as long as they receive the appropriate training, the government has announced. Podiatrists are to be given similar independent prescribing powers, increasing access to treatments for patients with conditions affecting their feet or ankles.

Alan Borthwick

Alan Borthwick, from the College of Podiatry, said the change in legislation "will provide the podiatry profession with greater flexibility to prescribe and supply appropriate treatment to meet individual patient needs."

Source: Netdoctor [7/24/12]

APMA Grants Seal of Approval to RITZ Stick and fOOter Foot Measures

The board of trustees of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has approved that the Seal of Acceptance be granted to the RITZ Stick and fOOter foot measures. The RITZ Stick has been the footwear industry standard since 1914.

(L-R) RITZ Stick and fOOter Foot Measures

The fOOter is a collapsible and economical foot measure for consumers. “We are honored that our products have received the prestigious Seal of Acceptance,” said Michael Ball, President of Woodrow Engineering Co.

OIG to Focus on Upcoding of E/M Codes

When the fraud-busting unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publishes an analysis of physician behavior, questions naturally arise as to whether some sort of crackdown on physician misbehavior is around the corner. Case in point is a report issued in May by that dreaded HHS unit, the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG found that from 2001 to 2010, physicians increased their use of higher-level — and more lucrative — billing codes for evaluation and management (E/M) services in the course of treating Medicare patients.

The coding trend of up, up, and away held true across 13 different categories of E/M services, which include new patient office visits, initial and subsequent inpatient hospital care, emergency department visits, and initial and subsequent nursing home care. The OIG states that it did not determine whether physicians who chose more 99214s and other higher-level E/M codes in 2010 billed Medicare inappropriately or fraudulently. That line of inquiry, it says, will be the focus of future reports.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [7/20/12]

Query: Intermetatarsal Nerve Regeneration

Does anyone have any experience of excising a neuroma and leaving a gap of 1 cm. or under; then using a neural tube to spread the gap, attaching each end of the severed nerve to it, and have the nerve regenerate over time, end to end. Research says that regeneration can occur, mainly in digital nerves, which regenerate at 1 mm. per day. The neural tube (made of bovine collagen) gets absorbed in 3 months. 

Art Korbel, DPM, Coral Springs, FL

RE: Non-Compliant Patient With Diabetic Ulcer (Brent Rubin, DPM)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

Because of EMR, such non-compliance can be documented and conversations with the patient time-stamped and included in the patient's record. The risk of amputation is increased if non-compliance occurs. If this is documented by your EMR, it decreases the chances a plaintiff's attorney will take the case. What jury will decide against any podiatrist if it is documented that the patient refused a biopsy or neglected to go to a wound care center or a vascular specialist? The bottom line is that EMR may have more credibility in the eyes of a jury because it is neat and clear to read, and hard to alter.

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, podiatrist12@verizon.net

RE: Meaningful Use Help for APMA Members
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM

Many doctors are having trouble and delays receiving their meaningful use incentive payment. Most of these problems were caused by issues with PECOS, or differences between Tax ID during registration and attestation. If you are having trouble or delays with your payment, please email me the information requested below, and I will utilize contacts at CMS to help. In order to assist you with this, please provide me with the following information. Please note the items with an *are REQUIRED.
* Your Name
* Your Email Address
* Your Phone Number
* Your Individual NPI
* Your APMA Number
* The registration ID you received when you registered to receive the meaningful use incentive payment
* The confirmation number you received when you attested for meaningful use
Any Group NPI numbers you may have
Any reference numbers you received when calling the help desk to find out about your payment.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY, mbrody@tldsystems.com

RE: Kareo Medical Billing Software
From: John Scholl, DPM

I have been using Practice Fusion and started using its “billing partner”, Kareo, only about 3 months ago. From what I gather from my staff, Kareo does not flow very well in that there are many steps to entering charges and getting claims submitted. Insurance information and referring doctors are not imported automatically from Practice Fusion.
 
The ‘pros’ are that online chat answers quickly, and that once claims are successfully submitted and received, payments are processed quickly. Posting payments from insurance is also done relatively quickly. It seems, at this early stage of using Kareo, that it is not integrated well with Practice Fusion. I am hopeful that after my staff spends the time necessary to manually enter required data and follows the learning curve, Kareo will be worthwhile for us. If not, we will look for another billing program. Is there anyone who can recommend another billing program that works well with Practice Fusion?
 
John Scholl, DPM, Lady Lake, FL, drjms@embarqmail.com

RE: Articles In Podiatric Journals by Non-DPMs
From: Stephen Doms, DPM

I just received the July/August 2012 issue of JAPMA. As an observation, I noted that there were 13 articles, not including the president's message. Of those 13, only 4 were authored by DPMs. And also, 5 of those 13 articles were from outside the United States: England, Wales, China, and two from Germany.
 
In contrast, when my fellow residents and I published an article in JAPA in February 1982, there were 10 articles. All 10 articles were authored by DPMs and all originated in the United States. It was my understanding at that time that all approved residency programs had to produce a research project that was "acceptable" for publication (not necessarily accepted for publication). Has this changed over the past 30 years?
 
Stephen Doms, DPM, Hopkins, MN, sdoms@aol.com

RE: Best Laser for Onychomycosis (Greg Teles, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

I would like to add one brand that I think should be avoided by podiatrists. It is Fotona Lasers. A year ago, I purchased one of their lasers along with a Zimmer Chiller that was supposed to reduce pain. The Dr. and his nurse wife who import these lasers from Europe promised excellent support, but had no pro-active contact with me in all this time. They never upgraded my system or informed me of important marketing information. This meant lost income for me.
 
The unit often produced pain, even for mycotic nails, and when I confronted them with my displeasure and the fact that they promised a pain-free experience most of the time, I was berated with defensive reactions. They then they stopped answering my calls.
 
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, DrSha@foothelpers.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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – KANSAS SOUTHWEST

For sale multi-location practice in beautiful Southwest Kansas. Practice has 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Recently added new office space with digital x-ray. Only surgical podiatrist in 2 of 3 locations. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice, a great location and opportunity for the right doctor. mcrosby@picagroup.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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 5 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Well-established successful Park Avenue podiatry practice is recruiting skilled and well trained DPM with a minimum of 3 years of experience. Must be experienced in rear and forefoot reconstruction. Must be self- motivated, and great with patients. State-of-the-art practice facilities and technologies which include: in-office physical therapy, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and electronic medical records. MRI, and private operating room. All interested candidate email CV to elautin@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 - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

High Income Potential. One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a hard-working podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Contact me at: Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to:Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION TUCSON - SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Accepting applications for an associate position. Applicant must have completed surgical residency and be Board Qualified/Certified. Our practice involves multiple office locations and looking to expand. We offer all aspects of foot and ankle medical and surgical care. Hospital and Surgery Centers privileges. Competitive salary and benefits. Partnership opportunities available. email resume to: drdafac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KY

Immediate position for established practice in excellent location with option to buy. All phases of podiatry with good mix of patients. Two local residency programs with foot and ankle and trauma privileges. Office has EMR qualifying for meaningful use in the first year. PADnet vascular testing. Send resume to: samuel10530@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Immediate opening. Strong established group practice. 30-40 office patients per day to start. Surgery available, but not required. Base salary, production bonus, benefit package, relocation assistance. Aggressive work ethic a must. Email resume and cover letter to:dwh101@bellsouth.com

HOUSE CALL PODIATRIST NEEDED - BRONX, NY

Immediate opportunity for a hardworking and motivated podiatrist to make house calls in the Bronx, part-time. Perfect opportunity for young practitioner just starting out, or experienced podiatrist looking to downsize from private practice. Make your own hours and schedule patients at your convenience. Excellent compensation. We will provide for you all that is required including instruments (if needed), and supplies, EMR charting, billing, and scheduling. 914.584.1434 Email information to: Podiodoc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YONKERS, NEW YORK

Immediate part time associate position now available. Appx: 3 1/2 days per week with room to grow. Practice is a good balance of all aspects of podiatric foot care, including surgery. Perfect opportunity for new graduate, or experienced podiatrist. Looking for the right person to transition into vacancy that will be left by current associate leaving the area and you will have an immediate, full schedule of patients. Over 25 year well-established practice with large referral base, and both hospital and surgery center privileges available. Interested persons please forward CV and brief summary of surgical log to:  Podiodoc@gmail.com  914.584.1434

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

IMMEDIATE OPENING: Office and hospital-based podiatry group in Bakersfield, CA seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer surgeon with trauma and Charcot reconstructive experience. Staff privileges with 5 local hospitals. Offering health insurance, CME allowance and competitive salary. Must be PSR 24/36 trained, ethical and thoughtful when treating patients. Please forward CV and letter of intent to modpm@aol.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED PODIATRIC LASERS

Great price, great outcome. Stop wasting money on expense lasers. Personally owned and used few hours in my office,. 10 and 30 watts lasers. Two handpieces in one. First one for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, pain, inflammation. 2nd handpiece for surgical ablation and fungus toenail conditions. Portable fast and very cost-effective.footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT WANTED - WHIRLPOOLS, CHAIRS

Whitehall Whirlpool Either model P-10S or P-15S. These are the stationary, not portable models. Must be in very good condition. Also, looking for a Midmark 417 or MTI 527 Podiatry chairs. Please contact me at redwingcrzy@aol.com or call 954 650-8637

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