The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,509 Podiatrists Daily

July 30, 2013 #4,835 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NC Podiatrist Provides Summer Healthcare Tips

If you’ve been walking shoe-free in the sand or going barefoot in the backyard this summer, remember that warm weather days can bring their own set of tootsie troubles. "Even if you are just lying still on your back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable," says American Podiatric Medical Association member Dr. Jane Andersen.

Dr. Jane Andersen

"You can seriously sunburn your feet and no matter how upscale your hotel, athlete's foot can lurk in all public pool areas." Limit walking barefoot because it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete's foot, ringworm, and other infections, and also increases risk of injury to your feet.

Source: Hometownlife.com [7/28/13]

CA Podiatrist is One-in-a-Million to Respond to Twitter Call for Help

Time Magazine columnist Joel Stein asked the more than one million people who follow him on Twitter and Facebook to meet at 4 p.m. Sunday in front of the Chinese Theatre to give out water and directions. Dr. Sean Ravaei, a podiatrist saw the tweet and came straight from his office in Beverly Hills, still in his blue scrubs. And he had to be at a wedding in less than two hours. If anyone had the passion to run around helping tourists, it was Ravaei.

Dr. Sean Ravaei

Stein commented, "As if all the rejection weren't bad enough, Ravaei made me feel worse, continually saying things like, 'I can't believe no one else showed up! I thought you were famous!'"

Source: Joel Stein, Time Magazine [8/5/13]

APMAPAC Donates $10,000 to CA Podiatrist's Campaign

APMAPAC has thrown their support to Lee C. Rogers, DPM in his bid to win a congressional seat in 2014. APMAPAC's $10,000 donation was presented at the 2013 APMA National Scientific Meeting by APMAPAC Chair, Gerard Peterson, DPM.

(L-R) Drs. Gerald Peterson, Lee Rogers, and Matt Garofalis

This donation helped kick-start the campaign and was in addition to funds donated by individual podiatrists from across the country. At this time, Rep. "Buck" McKeon, the incumbent, has not filed the paperwork to appear on the California ballot.

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). 

Dr. Russell Caprioli

This week's guest is Dr. Russell Caprioli, Chief of Podiatry and Residency Director at Long Island Jewish Medical Center . You can register for future events by clicking here

RE: Responsibility for New Patient "No Show"
From: Chuck Ross, DPM

What is my (our) responsibility if a NEW (not yet seen) patient does not show for an appointment? Is there any legal obligation since we have not yet had an encounter? I can understand the necessity for a patient once seen, but I am uncertain as to how to proceed. I do have several no-shows who are predominantly covered under the welfare system. They are of greater risk of NOT keeping a new patient appointment than any other group that I have encountered in 40 years of practice.

Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA, cross12@nycap.rr.com

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. A doctor-patient relationship is not started until you actually examine the patient. Therefore, you have no legal responsibilities to someone who makes an appointment and fails to show.

Query: PADnet

Does anyone know the name of the company that took over PADnet (formerly owned by Biomedix) and if they had a presence at the APMA National in Vegas? 

Joe Boylan, DPM, Ridgefield, NJ

RE: Security Risk Analysis Cost (Michael Brody, DPM)
From: Mark J. Tuccio, DPM

Dr. Brody is spot on with his assessment. I posted many months ago that attestation to Meaningful Use was a huge trap with regard to meeting core measure 15. It seems that the chicken has come to roost for many who were unlucky enough to be selected for a Meaningful Use audit.

For those who are now concerned with this measure, Practice Fusion has a “Privacy and Security Toolkit” that will help with the documentation needed for conducting an EHR security and risk analysis. The government website also contains...

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

RE: NY Podiatrist Angry at Medicare for Improper Refund Demand
From: Martin V. Sloan, DPM

I empathize with Dr. Chen and am glad his situation was rectified with FOX News' help. Medicare's improper refund demands may be more widespread than people realize, and their action warrants an investigation. I, too, received improper refund demands from CMS over the past few months for the diabetic shoe and insole service. Specifically, they demanded refunds of monies paid 3-4 years ago. They hired an independent agency to audit billings for A5500 and A5513 and this agency submitted the groundless refund demands. I responded appropriately with requests for "redetermination" and for "reconsideration", submitting all the necessary documents and detailed medical records.

All appeals on all patients at both levels (reconsideration and redetermination) were denied with no explanation other than to say an "independent doctor" has ruled the devices were not medically necessary. As we all know, the diabetic shoe program is very low profit. The only winners are the companies selling the shoes and custom-molded inlays. It's understandable that nearly 30% of the respondents to your recent poll have discontinued their involvement in this vital program. Indeed, this may well be what CMS desires.

Martin V. Sloan, DPM, Rockwall, TX, mvs32154@gmail.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Unmatched Podiatric Graduate

I am one of the DPM graduates who did not place into residency. While many before me have written about the causes of the residency crisis, no one seems to have proposed any solutions beyond vague assertions to the effect that we need more residencies. Furthermore, no one seems to have a good answer to the question of what is to become of my colleagues and me. I am writing today to propose a solution that I believe many will find acceptable.

I would characterize the residency "job market," so to speak, by two salient features. Firstly, there are nine colleges of podiatric medicine that maintain enrollment...

Editor's comment: This extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Shotgun Surgery? (Burton J. Katzen, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

Even though a .38 special round can be used with any weapon chambered for a .357 magnum, and even though the gun used is basically a cut down .357 that will give it lower pressure, I am very surprised that the distal phalanx had not been completely obliterated! Regardless, he is quite lucky.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.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 - DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base.  Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.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 - 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 - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for an established 25 year old practice. PSR24 or 36 would be preferred. Excellent opportunity. Please send CV or letter to bafamt@aol.com.

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 – 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

POSITION AVAILABLE - MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Medical Center. Full-time career opportunity: surgery, diabetic foot care, wound care, general podiatry, resident training & research. Split position: (90%) on-site BMC and (10%) off-site health center clinics Boston University School of Medicine Academic appointment. Requirements: Completion of 24-36 month surgical residency. Please forward CV and letter of interest to: Erin.walker@bmc.org

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 - DEBARY, FLORIDA

Turn-key operation; 1,200 sq. ft. Suite, $56,000 for immediate sale due to illness in family; everything included; aggressive young podiatrist can triple gross income; www.DeBaryFamilyFootCare.com  ; Email  sweisman@cfl.rr.com for details.

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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