The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,509 Podiatrists Daily

July 31, 2013 #4836 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Discusses Shin Splints

Your shins bear six times your weight while exercising, so activities like walking and running can certainly cause problems. You don’t have to be a super athlete to get shin splints, a sharp pain in the front of your leg. "You can get them when you are just a walker. You get them when you are a weekend warrior,” said podiatrist Dr. Marc Ginsburg.

Dr. Marc Ginsburg

Shin splints are caused by tight calve muscles which pull on soft tissue and muscle fibers attached to the shin. "When those muscle fibers get strained and over-stretched, they pull on that periosteum which with nerve endings, causes that exquisite pain,” said Dr. Ginsburg. It's the repetitive action on hard surfaces that causes most problems. "The harder the surface, the more strain is put on the leg bones,” said Dr. Ginsburg.

Source: Marcie Fraser, WUAM Capital News 9 (Albany) [7/28/13]

OH Podiatrist Takes His Fight to Capitol Hill

Congressmen are generally busy people, but even among this group, Dr. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) has had an active two years. To break into Congress, he first had to defeat four-term incumbent Jean Schmidt in the Republican primary. Ohio’s March congressional primary was the nation’s earliest, so to do this, he had to begin campaigning all the way back in June 2011, a scant five months after the 112th Congress began.

Dr. Brad Wenstrup

Wenstrup’s military background led to his placement on both the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees. He says a legislative priority for him is boosting cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, so that soldiers can more easily transition into post-service life. He remains active with the Reserve, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and fulfills his service obligations by caring for patients at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. “We are still at war, and we still have men and women making tremendous sacrifices of life and limb,” he said. “They need to be remembered.”

Source: Blake Neff, The Hill [7/29/13]

Blaine Labs Donates Thousands of Toys to Special Needs Camp in Iowa

As part of its continued initiative to enhance the communities it is a part of, Blaine Labs made its 15th annual donation of thousands of toys to a Special Needs Camp in Iowa. The summer tradition has grown in size every year as the entire organization from top to bottom has gotten into the giving spirit.

Blaine employees distribute toys to special needs camp

The thousands of toys, ranging from handheld games to Frisbees, will go to help create a better camp experience for all those associated. Blaine Labs is dedicated to improving the lives of doctors, patients, and their communities through community building activities and causes.

Query: Reputable Practice Brokers

What reputable "practice for sale" brokers are available?

Loren J. Schneider, DPM, Manchester, CT

Query: Modifier Question

I billed the G0127 (trimming of dystrophic nails, any number) to Medicare without a modifier. Should the G0127 be billed with a modifier like "Q7" or "Q8"?

Abeer Foteh, DPM, Houston, TX

Response: The only time you would use the "Q7", "Q8" or "Q9" modifier is if the patient has clinically significant vascular disease as the risk factor to allow coverage for this routine foot care service.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Nizoral (Ketoconazole)
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it was limiting the use of Johnson & Johnson’s oral, anti-fungal therapy, Nizoral (ketoconazole). Although the product is available as a topical, including as a cream and a shampoo, the agency said only the tablet form of Nizoral should not be used as a first-line treatment because of a potential risk for drug interactions, adrenal gland problems, and fatal liver injury. The FDA also said it was revising the boxed warning on the treatment’s label to reflect this restriction, and posted a safety communication on its website, detailing the issues that prompted the change. Prior to the FDA’s announcement, J&J released a statement, saying it had halted the U.S. manufacture of Nizoral tablets.
 
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, levyleon@nova.edu

RE: PADnet (Joe Boylan, DPM)
From: John Romans

PADnet was recently acquired by Collaborative Care Diagnostics, LLC along with the trade name BioMedix. The owners include medical device pioneers such as Dr. Tom Fogarty and Paul Burke, who was brought on as Board Chairman. Collaborative Care Diagnostics or CCD is dedicated to diagnostic devices and related technology that enable physician collaboration and may be reached using the former BioMedix website (biomedix.com) as well as by phone at 888-889-8997, or by fax at 651-243-7869.

I have been brought on as CEO to run CCD and was in Las Vegas last week where I had a chance to meet with leaders from the APMA, PICA, and ACFAOM as well as other key opinion leaders from within the podiatric profession and look forward to building a mutually beneficial relationship with podiatrists in the years to come.
 
John Romans, CCD, LLC CEO, St. Paul, MN. jromans@biomedix.com

RE: NY Podiatrist Angry at Medicare for Improper Refund Demand
From: Joseph G Smith, DPM

I am glad that PM News brought this poor man’s situation to light. I have never understood the double standard whereby we are limited to 12 months (formerly 18 months) to file a claim, but demands for reimbursement for supposed overpayment from the insurance companies seem to have no time limit.

Joseph G Smith, DPM, VA Beach, VA, jsmith531@cox.net

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

Why is the APMA hiding amid the residency crisis? I’m one of the 104 qualified students who didn't match on March 20th. I graduated from OCPM/Kent State after having been told for 4 years that if you worked hard, passed boards 1 and 2 on your first attempt, and put in solid effort during externships, there would be no worry about getting a residency… and at that, a good one! I did all of those things and so was shocked to not match with a program.

We were told at orientation in 2009 that our class of 132 was the largest in recent years because there was a strong demand to graduate more podiatrists to care for the growing number of diabetic and aging Americans. The CPME cap for the school was set at 125. It wasn't until...

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

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

Podiatry is turning into a complete joke. As students, we have been told that Vision 2015 will make us “equivalent” to our MD counterparts. It is the biggest BS that I have ever heard in my entire life. We are not equivalent because we do not act like future professional doctors.

The APMA is a joke for coming into our schools and telling our students that they hope “the students that don’t match will stop applying one day.” Our board exams lack transparency. The students will never know their raw scores or...

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

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: H. David Gottlieb, DPM Baltimore, MD

The biggest lesion I've learned from the hard knocks I've gotten in life is that I have no control over what happens to me. What I do have control over is how I react to those events in my life. How I react not only defines my character and who I am but I have managed to change my reaction to events over time to my ultimate benefit.

Negative events used to drag me down mentally, emotionally, and physically. Now I look for a way to make a positive change to the situation. It may be small, but it makes a difference. The unmatched graduates have every right to feel hurt, abandoned, mistreated, and so on. They have had a 'bad thing' happen to them that was largely...

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

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 - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Seeking a quality-oriented, patient-focused PSR trained associate for a fast paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. This is a secure, long-term position. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care.  Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. Partnership possibility for the right individual. If you are highly motivated, ethical and have good communication and clinical skill, please forward you C.V. to: cfsdr@yahoo.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CONNECTICUT

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in Nursing Homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@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 – 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 

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,500 DPMs and Students

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