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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily
July 30, 2009 #3,609 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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Educate your patients about all your services! With The CaerVision Podiatry Network.
You perform surgeries and treat many conditions … but few patients know. Why not tell them while they wait?
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Grow your business with the most cost effective practice building tool – The CaerVision Podiatry Network.
info@caervision.net or call us at 888-841-2237. Online: www.caervision.com
*Internet and equipment required. (Mention Code #PMN0730)
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PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES |
IA Podiatrist Appointed Chair of ADA Foot Care Interest Group
Lee C. Rogers, DPM has been appointed Chair of the Foot Interest Group for the American Diabetes Association. He will serve in this position for two years and will be responsible for chairing the panels on diabetic foot complications at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions which draw over 15,000 scientists, physicians, and other health professionals. Dr. Rogers published an editorial in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2008 which estimated that $30 billion was spent on diabetic foot ulcers and amputations in the previous year alone.
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Dr. Lee C. Rogers |
Dr. Rogers has authored over 50 publications, including several book chapters on diabetic foot disorders and has been an investigator on more than 20 clinical trials. He is currently the Director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.
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Dr. Comfort
Having a high quality, streamlined and profitable diabetic footwear program in your practice is a critical service for your patients and an important source of revenue for you.
Why choose Dr. Comfort?
1. Highest Quality Products in the Industry
2. Dr. Comfort’s Streamlined Approach to providing footwear
3. The Inherent Value and Profitability of Dr. Comfort
Call 800-556-5572 or email Dr. Comfort now to experience exceptional quality and profitability with ease.
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PODIATRISTS AND PUBLISHING |
CA Podiatrist to Publish Chapter in Orthopedic Text
Amol Saxena, DPM has a chapter on Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession being published in the upcoming text "Minimally Invasive Surgery in Orthopedics" (published by Springer).
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Dr. Amol Saxena |
Saxena was recently awarded "Distinguished Faculty" status at this year's Midwest Podiatry Conference. He works for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's Sports Medicine Department and serves as a member of the U.S. Track and Field Sports Medicine medical staff.
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Custom made Birkenstock, Naot and Bite Orthotic Sandals
From Langer Biomechanics
The Right Products - For the Right Reason - at Exactly the Right Time
Langer Biomechanics is very pleased to re-introduce a bigger and better custom made orthotic sandal program. Birkenstocks are back and are being joined by a large selection of Naot sandals and clogs and several sport sandals from Bite. Patient’s who wear orthotic sandals and clogs are more compliant and practices that dispense them are more profitable. Better outcomes…higher profits….get with the program, the Langer Custom Sandal Program. Click here for an introductory discount coupon and additional information, or call 800-645-5520.
Langer Biomechanics – Where knowledge makes the difference and technology makes it work
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ADVENTURE TO ALASKA |
Podiatrist Takes "Halibut Honeymoon" in Alaska
Some people choose to board a luxury ship after their wedding. Not so for this Alaskan couple. Their circumstances are best described as a kind of "Halibut Honeymoon" since Captain Matt Musslewhite, 34, had just married his new bride, Kelly Moxley, 32, five days earlier.
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Dr. Kelly Moxley |
Moxley, a podiatrist by profession, took on first mate chores for the week. Fresh off their wedding ceremony (held in the shadow of the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau), the newlyweds invited other wedding guests to join a fishing party.
Source: Tom Tatum, Daily Local News [7/28/09]
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Electrotherapy Applications for Acute Post-Operative Pain Relief and Chronic Diabetic Neuropathy
Every day, you cope with patients experiencing foot and leg pain as result of surgery or disease. SureFit is pleased present Lewis Freed, D.P.M, speaking on his clinical use of the Micro-Z™ Mini and Intelligent Textiles® in the post-surgical treatment of chronic pain, tissue recovery and edema reduction. Dr. Freed, will also discuss benefits of electronic stimulation as a safe, clinically proven, non-pharmaceutical alternative to effecting pain relief from Neuropathy and Idiopathic Pain.
Where: 2009 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting
SureFit Booth #340 – Q&A sessions
When: Fri, July 31st - Noon – 1:30 PM
Sat, Aug 1st - Noon – 1:00 PM
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PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER |
Alleged Unnecessary Surgery (New York)
Facts: On Feb. 11, 2002, plaintiff Susette Ryniec-Schilia, 51, a chemist, presented to defendant complaining of worsening pain in her right foot. She had had pain on and off for five years. Defendant ordered an x-ray, diagnosed hallux rigidis and mild hallux valgus, and advised her that the only definitive way to treat the condition was surgery. On March 14, 2002, defendant performed a Waterman osteotomy with a chielectomy. Ryniec-Schilia's pain became severe three months later.
Ryniec-Schilia sued defendant, alleging that he failed to treat her conservatively and that he negligently performed an unnecessary surgery. She said that he had not told her of any alternative to surgery. She claimed that defendant should have treated her first with orthotics, a shoe change, physical therapy, steroid injections, and pain medication. According to her later treating surgeon, Dr. Michael Parentis, defendant should have operated only if those measures did not provide relief and even then should have performed only a chielectomy, not an osteotomy.
Suspecting a non-union, Parentis operated on Sept. 18, 2002, and he discovered that the bone had begun to fuse but was not completely fused. While performing surgery, Parentis fused Ryniec-Schilia's metatarsal phalangeal joint near the osteotomy site. Over the following years, while she continued to treat with Parentis, Ryniec-Schilia continually complained of nerve-damage symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain and hypersensitivity. On Jan. 21, 2004, Parentis excised a neuroma. In support of Ryniec-Schilia's case, Parentis testified at trial that during the 2004 surgery he had found the dorsal medial cutaneous nerve severed and had found the neuroma proximal to the osteotomy site. He said that he believed the neuroma was present after and was caused by defendant's surgery.
Defendant argued that he had properly advised the plaintiff of her options and that the surgery he performed was not unnecessary. He denied departing from any standard of care. He said that she had told him that her pain had recently become constant, which the plaintiff disputed. The defense disputed Parentis' claim at trial, noting that he had not mentioned in his operative report that the dorsal medial cutaneous nerve was severed. According to the defense, the joint fusion during Parentis' first surgery had nothing to do with defendant's osteotomy, since it was above the osteotomy site.
Result: Defendant's Verdict
Plaintiff's podiatric expert: Joseph Carbone, DPM; Rochester, NY
Defendant's podiatric expert: Charles Coyle, DPM; Rochester, NY
Source: VerdictSearch New York Reporter Vol. 26, Issue 41
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SafeStep Is Exclusive Podiatric Distributor of the Arizona AFO
$50 OFF Your First Order
SafeStep features free electronic billing to Medicare and other insurance carriers as well as customized Medicare compliance documentation.
Call or e-mail for order forms and free mailing labels.
www.safestep.net 866.712.STEP info@safestep.net
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
Anti-Bully Tactics
Stand up to bullies without attacking them, and they often will back down. Use their names to gain their attention, maintain eye contact, and use assertive body language rather than looking down or turning your body away.
State your opinions firmly without arguing, apologizing or disparaging the bullies’ points of view: “It looks as if we have a difference of opinion.” If bullies interrupt you, turn the tables by interrupting right back: “You interrupted me. I was about to say …”
When you stand your ground, bullies will stop pushing you around.
Source: Adapted from “Coping With Difficult People,” by Nancy Gerber via Communication Briefings
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COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS TO RED FLAG RULE DEADLINE
Get a Fast, Turn-Key Solution to Keep Your Practice and Patients SAFE.
Staff can implement in hours • Complete Documentation for Regulatory Audits
Includes HITECH policies for Safe Harbor from mandatory
PUBLIC DISPLAY of your name in major media / HHS website in a breach
Buy it now at: www.PhysicianRedFlagRule.com $137 until August 1st
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QUERIES - (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Online Scheduling for Multiple Offices
We are having difficulty finding an online appointment scheduler that multiple offices can access online and schedule patients for each office. We would love to find an online scheduler in which all offices appear on the same screen with the capability of allowing each office to schedule patients independently yet be able to view what the other offices have scheduled. I am trying to find an online program rather than to have all offices networked. Suggestions?
Mark Wolpa, DPM, Berkeley, CA
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DOX PODIATRY – Electronic Medical Records
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PRACTICE LIKE THE BEST
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$44,000 Economic Stimulus Article at: doxemr.wordpress.com
CALL 1-877-270-3518 OR EMAIL INFO@DOXEMR.COM
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: Measuring Wound Depth (Roody Samimi, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Martin Wendelken, DPM
I measure old-school style the way Dr. Samimi described, with a sterile cotton tip applicator using the wood portion measured up against the ruler. I would like to point out there is more "high tech" way for those interested using Pictzar software. You can check it out at podiatricultrasound.com/pictzar.htm
Disclosure: I have no financial interest in the company; it just looks like an excellent way to document if you see a fair share of wound care.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com
Wound depth measured using a cotton-tipped swab as described by Dr. Samimi may be best utilized by making several measurements and taking the average. This is performed by taking depths in the wound center and then at 12, 6, 9, & 3 o'clock, respectively. Calculating the average of those five points will give you a much better depth measurement. In addition, the linear length x width measurements should be perpendicular to each other (Smith & Nephew manufactures a sterile cotton tipped swab that is also a ruler.) .
It is well established in the literature that accurate monitoring changes in surface area alone can predict wound closure. For example, if the surface area of a diabetic foot ulcer reduces in area by 50% or greater in 4 weeks, there is a 90% probability of wound closure at 12 weeks. Digital planimetry software can be used to obtain, record, and monitor accurate measurements from digital photographs non-invasively.
Disclosure: I am a principle owner of PictZar digital planimetry software.
Martin Wendelken, DPM, RN, Elmwood Park NJ, drmew@optonline.net
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MEETING NOTICES
REGISTER NOW. SAVE LATER
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
2009 DIABETIC LIMB SALVAGE CONFERENCE
JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
24-26 September 2009
• Register online now at DLSConference.com and save
• Join 1,400+ colleagues • 60+ faculty • 75+ exhibitors
• Expanded live cases from Georgetown ORs • Earn 28 CMEs
Co-Chairmen: • John S. Steinberg, DPM • Christopher E. Attinger, MD
• Richard F. Neville, MD
337-235-6606 • 337-235-7300 (fax)
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RESPONSES (CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
RE: Swimmer with Cramps in Arches (Alan Mauser, DPM)
From: Amol Saxena, DPM
I treat a lot of tri-athletes that come from a running &/or cycling background. It is common to get foot (& even hand) cramps when beginning swimming. Some of it may indeed be due to electrolyte imbalance, but I believe more often than not, it is due to the new foot position that is needed to be a swimmer. The 18 muscles on the bottom of the foot will always beat the one dorsal one; this results in arch cramps when not enough ankle plantarflexion is available.
This gradually goes away with time. If not, then electrolyte testing may be warranted.
Amol Saxena, DPM, Palo Alto, CA, Heysax@aol.com
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LEARN and EARN
• SUPERBONES 2010 Conference January 14-17, 2010 •
• Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas • 20 hours CME •
• Over 25 Featured Speakers including: Kalish, Steinberg, Zelen, Armstrong, Schoenhaus, Harkless, Jacobs, Block •
• Practical Skills Workshops • Medical and Surgical Advances in the Lower Extremity •
• Intense AM Learning Sessions •
• Join us for this dynamic and growing annual conference •
View FREE SAMPLE LECTURE from prior year’s Superbones program.
To register online, click here or phone 800.966.9056
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: "Vision 2009"
From: Barry Finkelstein, DPM
I recently read a comment written by a fourth year podiatric medical student who lamented the fact that some/ many in the general medical community still belittle our training, erroneously thinking that our didactic training extends only up to the ankle, disregarding the true breadth of our schooling (gross anatomy, physiology, etc.) and complexity of our post-graduate training. While her comment is unfortunately accurate, I am proud to emphasize the reality of the situation.
I am involved peripherally with three separate residency programs in NY and NJ. In this capacity, I routinely participate in their journal clubs, learn from their attending, and invite their residents to scrub my cases. All of the residents are training in multiple-year surgical programs that involve trauma, reconstruction, limb salvage, elective surgery and intense on-call/ “in-house” patient management responsibilities. I was also fortunate to have completed such a program, yet I am continually amazed by the knowledge of my academic colleagues and inspired by the excitement of their residents and students.
I am eagerly anticipating the implementation of Vision 2015 (and would gladly contribute anything I can to the process), but the vision of 2009 looks pretty good also.
Barry Finkelstein, DPM, Bronx, NY, NYNJfootandankle@aol.com
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o Autograft from Bunion Repair
o E/M Coding with a Surgical Code
o Lesser Met Resection with Implant
o Medicare Denial of Nail Debridement
o Proper Code for a Subtalar Arthroereisis
Codingline subscription information can be found here
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
RE: X-Ray Processor (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: Wm. Barry Turner, BSN
I agree with Dr. Brian Kiel. The digital processor does offer a practice better quality and more options. I recognize the increased expense is intimidating, but overall, you will save money in rent not using a "dark room" for developing. I have my processor by the front desk. My receptionist runs the x-ray through while she is answering the phones.
Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM, Royston, GA, claret32853@gmail.com
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 30 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $139(Less than $14 per credit)
http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
Choose any or ALL (30 CME Contact Hours) from the 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS
Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Russian-speaking podiatrist needed. Looking for well-rounded, recently out of residency, podiatrist. Would you like to raise your family in our beautiful Pacific Northwest? We are well-established and fast growing multi-office practice with all aspects of podiatry. Attractive compensation, malpractice and medical insurance provided. Contact Dr. Ilona Barlam at 206-661-9644.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON — WEST PUGET SOUND
Well-established, two-doctor practice in all phases of treatment looking to replace associate who is leaving the area. Looking for energetic, affable, surgically-trained DPM to take over associate position leading to partnership. Satellite office and adjacent multi-disciplinary ASC available for use and possible partnership. Silverdale rated 92nd in best 100 locations in Money/CNN 2009 poll. See link . Contact and résumé at pwa@kitsappodiatry.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ALABAMA, GULF COAST
Established 26 year old practice. Owner desires to sell and relocate. Operated 25 hours per week. Mixture of surgery and general podiatry. MD referrals. Surgery center and hospitals in close proximity. Highly profitable. Priced to sell. Will lease office to buyer. Call Mike Crosby at 888-776-2430 or email mcrosby@providerresources.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON, MA
Associate wanted, Full-time or part-time, for busy long time, well established, and well-rounded practice. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Office will generate approximately 100+ surgical cases per year. Must have surgical background, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY
Established 30+ year old practice. Well respected podiatrist in beautiful Westchester County Owner ill and needs a quick sale. Mixture of surgery and general podiatry. Hospitals in close proximity. Will lease office to buyer. Call Mali McGrinder at 914-434-1663.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA
Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - CALIFORNIA
Podiatrist needed for busy North Hollywood office. Part-time Monday-Friday 8am-2:30pm. No weekends and no call. Pay negotiable. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Please email resume and salary request to Coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH
Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.
PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - CINCINNATI, OH
Well-established practice located in medical/professional building minutes from hospital. Many referrals, three satellite clinics and two assisted living facilities to keep you busy. Associate leaving due to family emergency-need to either find an associate or sell ASAP. Contact bjadpm@hotmail.com for more details.
NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS
Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit ourwebsite
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110
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Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
| Guidelines |
- 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.
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