The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 30, 2012 #4,527 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Not All Flip-Flops are Bad: TX Podiatrist

Good news: Foot doctors say we no longer need to feel guilty about wearing flip-flops. "They're much better than they used to be," says Austin podiatrist Dr. Gary Prant. "Some of them have pretty good support." Prant has been dealing with Central Texans' foot problems for 30 years. He remembers when all flip-flops were just floppy little rubber thongs. In those days, podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons uniformly railed against them. But new designs in flip-flops with firm soles and arch supports have led many doctors to flip-flop on the issue.

Dr. Gary Prant

All flip-flops are not created equal, of course. Doctors favor ones that are less floppy. The American Podiatric Medical Association posts a long list of flip-flops and other sandals it considers acceptable on its website, apma.org. Prant says his favorite flip-flop brands include Naot, Birkenstock, Teva, and Terox.

Source: Helen Anders, Austin Staesman [7/25/12]

Barefoot Running When Properly Done Has Benefits: CA Podiatrist

Even if running barefoot reduces some injuries, it may cause other types of harm. Because minimalist shoes require forefoot or mid-foot striking, the vertical load of our bodies – the force with which your foot hits the ground – can strain several parts of the feet. Dr. Douglas Robinson, a podiatrist located in Campbell, works with quite a few patients who have hurt themselves while running in minimalist shoes. Many have suffered stress fractures of their lesser metatarsals – the long bones that make up the arch of the foot.  Robinson has also seen issues with Achilles tendons and sesamoids – the small bones that make up the forefoot -- and capsulitis, an inflammation of the joints where the toes meet the metatarsals.

Dr. Douglas Robinson

Robinson feels barefoot running has a great deal of potential. In particular, he said, runners with knee, lower back, or hip injuries have benefitted from the technique because of the lighter stride involved. “As a training tool, there are real benefits," Robinson said. But he suggests starting slow on forgiving terrain, a treadmill, grass, or a track-like surface. "To get out from the get-go and say ‘I’m a barefoot minimalist,’ I think they could really subject themselves to unnecessary harm,” he said.

Source: Sandy Nguyen, Campbell Patch [7/27/12]

OK Podiatrist Joins OU Medical Center

Dr. Scott Denisar, a podiatric surgeon with Central Oklahoma Foot and Ankle, has joined the medical staff at OU Medical Center Edmond. As a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Denisar is trained in all aspects of foot and ankle care and rehabilitation, including ankle replacements, forefoot, rearfoot and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Scott Denisar

Denisar is certified in a variety of surgical procedures including: STAR total ankle replacement, InBone total ankle replacement, forefoot surgery, as well as reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: Edmund Sun [7/27/12]

CMS Contractor Begins Meaningful-Use Audits

A contractor working for the CMS has begun the promised audits of Medicare providers and dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid hospitals that have received federal electronic health-record system incentive payments, the agency confirmed. The CMS hired Figliozzi & Company of Garden City, NY to perform the audits of providers that have attested to having achieved meaningful use of an EHR under the programs created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The CMS, other than confirming that the audits were under way, declined to elaborate on the extent of the audit program. According to the CMS' website, those being audited will receive a letter from Figliozzi & Company with the CMS logo on the letterhead. The CMS, in audit guidelines posted online, advises providers to "save the supporting electronic or paper documentation that support your attestation," including documentation that will back up their payment calculations.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [7/24/12]

AMA Debuts Online Group for Managed-Care Contract Support

The American Medical Association has launched an online community aimed at helping doctors improve their managed-care contracting strategies. The Chicago-based organization said the new Cutting-edge Contracting Group will let physicians and other health professionals connect and share tips and resources for working with commercial insurers.

"Managed-care contracts are changing with the emergence of new payment models and integrated delivery systems," AMA President Dr. Jeremy Lazarus said. The AMA's tools, he said, "will help physicians understand the new contract terms and achieve healthier business relationships with insurers.

Source: Christine LaFave Grace, Modern Physician [7/24/12]

Query: Independent Auditor for Billing Company?

I have been busier and busier lately, but my money stream has started to slow. I asked my billing company to look into this and they said they would. Is there any type of independant auditor that I could hire to look at my billing company to make sure that they are accurately processing all of my claims?

Name Withheld

RE: Severe Injury in 80 Year Old Diabetic (Burton Katzen, DPM)
From: Jeff Kittay, DPM

I had a very similar x-ray in my office more than 30 years ago, resulting from tripping over a telephone cord. Treatment of her three broken central metatarsals consisted of an Unna boot, elastic bandage, surgical shoe for nearly three months, and changing the boot bi-weekly. As was stated, the resulting x-rays did not look great, but the bones healed and the frail 80-year old lady could walk without pain. My patient was not diabetic, but also was not a good surgical candidate. 
 
Jeff Kittay, DPM, Boston, MA, twindragons2@verizon.net

Editor's note: Reminder to view original note, simply click on underlined topic heading.

RE: 2013 Boy Scout National Jamboree
From: Edward D Williams, DPM

The 2013 Boy Scout National Jamboree will be held from July 15-24, 2013 at the new Summit Becktel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia. The Jamboree is two weeks in length, but a one-week commitment as a volunteer is acceptable. Please contact me at 505-690-0266 or email me if interested.

Edward D Williams, DPM, Santa Fe, NM, Edward.d.williams@comcast.net

RE: Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Perk (Jon Purdy, DPM)
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

I don't know what world Dr. Purdy lives in but my "profits" have not only been limited but significantly reduced, not just by government, but even more so by the private, profit-making insurance companies for which Dr. Purdy seems to have such empathy. Their profits continue to explode and their upper management continues to draw multi-million dollar salaries while our fees are continuously reduced. Please, save your tears for those individuals who will be helped by the Affordable Care Act.
 
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

RE: Best Laser for Onychomycosis (Greg Teles, DPM)
From: Daniel Waldman, DPM

I have used the PinPointe FootLaser for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis with good results since 2009. The company has provided great support and was the first laser given FDA clearance for this proceedure. In order to get the clearance, the company submitted data to the FDA, unlike most of the other companies who applied as a predicate (similar) device as the FootLaser and provided no data.

Disclosure: I serve on the science advisory committee for Nuvolase and have lectured for Cynosure.

Daniel Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, dpmcareer@aol.com

RE: Fotona Laser for Onychomycosis (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Brad Habuda, DPM

I have to totally disagree with Dr. Shavelson's comments about the Fotona laser. Robin and her husband were excellent with onsite training and support for the past 3 years. They are quick to respond with any questions we may have, and have helped us with marketing ideas along the way.  We were told up-front that the procedure was not totally painless and that the Zimmer chiller would help to reduce pain. Not every patient is the same, but when the treatments are performed correctly, the pain can easily be controlled. I have used this laser on patients as young as 8 and as old as 90.  We have seen great results with the use of the Fotona Laser, and I recommend it to anyone.   

Brad Habuda, DPM, Fort Myers, FL, habudab@hotmail.com

Editor's note: This topic is now closed. No more letters will be accepted on this topic.

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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Small, high-volume, non-surgical conservative care practice in Northern Virginia looking for hard-working, caring full-time podiatrist. Must enjoy, respect benefits of palliative care, diabetic foot care, foot biomechanics. Experience good. Great attitude better. Must be team player, practical, flexible problem-solver. Looking for someone committed to grow practice. Not looking for equity partner now, but if you prove yourself with great performance and attitude, a partner would be welcome. Send resume and CV to karenafp@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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to: Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to:drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.

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.

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: Podocare123@gmail.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

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

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

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