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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily
August 03, 2007 #3,005 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2007- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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Aetrex Introduces New iStep Podiatry Kiosk
Aetrex is proud to introduce the iStep Evolution-Rx, the most advanced digital footcare kiosk ever developed for podiatric practices. This patented technology is designed to facilitate and enhance your footwear and orthotic services and features products from many world renowned companies. Designed in conjunction with The Walking Company and leading podiatrists, iStep Evolution-Rx will help you provide a higher level of patient care, generate substantial additional revenue, increase office efficiency and modernize your practice.
To learn more click here http://www.aetrex.com/rx
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Consumers Need to be Educated on Nail Salon Safety: IL Podiatrist
Even though infections resulting from carelessness during pedicures are rare, such problems do occur. With the popularity of pedicures on the rise, local experts advise salon clients be wary of improper sanitation. "We're not trying to put nail salons out of business," said Dr. Joseph Borreggine, a podiatrist in Charleston, IL for 15 years. "We're trying to educate our patients."
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Dr. Joseph Borreggine |
Borreggine said he treats patients with pedicure-related problems only on occasion, but some of the cases have proven quite serious. He cited a diabetic with poor foot circulation who required a leg amputation after a bad pedicure led to an infection. "The fact is, that's how severe it can be," Borreggine said. "It's not something we see often, but when we do see it, you always hear the same story: The patient has gone into the nail salon, and they get an infection."
To lessen the dangers of improper pedicure sanitation, Borreggine recommends that clients bring their own pre-sanitized instruments to the salon. Hernandez believes kits available for purchase designed specifically to address this present their own problems, in that clients sometimes put their used instruments back in a moistened bag that becomes "a little greenhouse, a breeding ground for bacteria."
Source: Nathaniel West, Decatur Herald and Review, [7/29/07]
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35 seconds to outstanding radiographs can begin now
WITH ALLPRO IMAGING’S SCANX® 12 COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM
• ScanX 12 is fast. • Expect diagnostic quality results in 35 seconds. • Expect to take X-Rays the usual way. • Simply replace film with any of our 10”x12” or 8”x10 reusable plates. • Works with your existing X-Ray equipment. • No need for a darkroom. • Portable models available (ideal if you have more than 1 office).
Learn more at www.allproimaging.com/podiatry/scanx/default.aspx Or call 516-214-5611 today for more information.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
MD Podiatrist Opens Another Marina and a New Pathology Lab
Dr. Steven J. Berlin and his marina partners (Dr. Selvin Passen, Dan Naor and Ed Hitchcock ) recently cut the ribbon on the new Baltimore Inner Harbor Marine Center 6-23-07. The marina is the most sophisticated marina on the East Coast, consisting of 136 slips. It is geared to handle the largest of all private yachts up to 800 feet. The floating concrete piers sit in the center of the Baltimore Harbor.
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Dr. Steven J. Berlin (far right) and his Marina partners with the Mayor of Baltimore City, Sheila Dixon (left). |
The marina is owned by the city of Baltimore and was built by the partnership for Baltimore City and the State of Maryland. Dr. Berlin is also a partner in the new Baltimore City Heliport (which is now becoming a public heliport) andThe Baltimore Marine Center, which is the largest marina in Baltimore with over 460 slips. Dr. Berlin recently teamed up with Dr. Robert Alberhasky to form PODIA a new Podiatric Pathology Laboratory.
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For your patients with onychomycosis due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)
Make Gris-PEG® your choice for onychomycosis
.
· FDA indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis
in adults and children > 2 yrs
· Dependable Safety Profile
· Widespread Formulary Coverage
.
For full prescribing information, please visit our website www.Gris-PEG.com
.
Gris-PEG® – An Onychomycosis Option
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MEDICARE NEWS |
P4P Demo Pays Off For Medicare, But Not For Most Doctors Involved
Ten large physician practices participating in one of the first Medicare pay-for-performance projects have proven that such programs lead to better performance, according to government officials. But only two practices were able to reduce costs enough to receive any additional pay.
CMS found that all of the participants were able to hit or exceed standards on at least seven out of the 10 clinical quality measures for the treatment of diabetes, the only condition targeted in the project's first year.
But for eight of the large practices, the amount of money they saved Medicare was not enough for them to share in the reward. This means that 80% of the medical groups incurred upfront costs to implement the care management reforms needed to participate but were unable to get money back from Medicare to help pay for improvements. In some cases, the uncompensated investments totaled millions of dollars.
Source: David Glendinning, AMNews [8/6/07]
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APMA SCIENTIFIC MEETING EVENTS
Wondering whatever happened to…
Save the evening of Thursday, August 16 from 5:00 – 8:30 pm for the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Alumni Association in Philadelphia. Shuttle service loop including convention center and major center city hotels. The school is located a few short blocks from the Convention Center and the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
Renew friendships and reconnect with classmates at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Alumni Association Reunion Reception.
Questions? - contact TUSPM.Alumni@temple.edu, or (215) 625-5248.
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QUERIES |
Query: Portable Recording Doppler
Can anyone recommend a portable, small, recording Doppler for vascular testing that could be used on house calls? Art Korbel, DPM, Pompano Beach, FL
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MEETING NOTICE
Western Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association Presents SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO 2007 - Podiatric Medical and Surgical Update Seminar also...Podiatrist Office Manager Seminar September 28-29 in Buffalo, New York
Earn 20 CME Credits while attending a dynamic Seminar featuring: Practice Management with the AAPPM Group, including DPMs John Guiliana, Marc Lederman, Jonathan Moore, Hal Ornstein, and Doug Ritchie Jr.Sports Medicine with DPMs Doug Ritchie Jr., Marc Lederman, and James Losito. Foot Surgery with DPMs Paul Kim and Matthew DeMore Diabetic Foot with Wayne Caputo, Jill Scheur, and Paresh Dandona, MD. The Office Manager Seminar will allow key Podiatric Office Staff to review up-to-date Practice Management, legal considerations, and have roundtable discussion.
For registration information for podiatrists and/or Office Staff please email: Ron Ruggiero, Seminar Coordinator, at cabri@roadrunner.com
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Biomechanical Exam Code
What CPT code do I bill for a biomechanical exam of the lower extremity?
Julie Rubel, Findlay, OH
Response: There isn't a specific CPT or HCPCS II code assigned for performing a "biomechanical exam" of the lower extremity.
That said, CPT 95851 (range of motion measurements and report [separate procedure]; each extremity) is billed by some podiatrists for the service you are inquiring about. This quantitative report should detail information (complete written report) on the examination for the lower extremity from the hip down. This code is used for each extremity examined.
Other podiatrists do not separately bill for a biomechanical examination, but instead build-in the exam within their orthotic fee.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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Georgetown University Hospital Conference Diabetic Limb Salvage, a Team Approach
Thursday-Saturday, September 27-29, 2007 • JW Marriott Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 25 CMEs/CPMEs • “For Every Member of the Team” Register on-line now at www.DLSconference.com and SAVE! * Discover how Georgetown’s team approach saves limbs * Rediscover the nation’s capital from Washington’s best address * 50+ distinguished faculty * Outstanding agenda * Take home new skills and technology to your practice Live cases from Georgetown University Hospital ORs: From debridement to revascularization with active audience participation * Interactive small group workshops * Questions? Call 337.235.6606 or email contact@DLSconference.com
Sponsored by Georgetown University Hospital, Conference Co-Chairmen: Christopher Attinger, MD • Richard Neville, MD • John Steinberg, DPM
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Foot Scanning Devices (Dan Kasen) From: Josh White, DPM, CPed
SafeStep features the Aetrex iStep Evolution Rx foot scanner. iStep identifies and analyzes pressure points, accurately measures foot length and width and creates a 3-dimensional image of the foot. Combined with the Mosaic insole that features small removable pieces, pressure can be specifically reduced beneath areas of high pressure. As a patient information tool, the iStep very effectively provides patients with a free, color printout of their feet with pressure distribution.
Josh White, DPM, CPed, President, SafeStep, joshwhite@safestep.net
RE Sanding Discs (Stanley Luksenburg, DPM) From: R. D. Teitelbaum, DPM
E.C. Moore, Co., Inc also makes an extra coarse disc in the same garnet snap-on style. This may solve your problem. But these discs really do the job and you have to be careful of disc "runaway" which can scorch the skin. There is a learning curve here---but very do-able. R. D. Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL, mfvandange@aol.com
RE: Tricenturion DMERC Program Safeguard Contractor Region A/B and Results of Audit of Foam dressings such as PolyMem From: Ken Malkin DPM If you dispense these type of dressings I highly suggest you follow this link and read the short 2 page report. The picture is not pretty. http://www.tricenturion.com/content/Doc_View.cfm?type=pac&File=surgical%20dressing%20probe%20results%20article%2020070725%2Edoc Ken Malkin DPM, Caldwell, NJ, drmedicare@aol.com
RE: Grafting Materials for Venous Stasis Ulcer (Jeffrey Kass, DPM) From: Philip Jay Organ, DPM, Marc Katz, DPM
Apligraf is an excellent choice for a stasis ulcer and will usually speed the healing process providing key elements are dealt with prior to its application. Venous and arterial Doppler studies will determine if there is correctible vascular disease. If there is unresolved arterial disease mixed with the venous disease, the ulcer may not readily heal no matter what you do. A TCOM study will help to determine local circulation at the ulcer site and will suggest if hyperbaric therapy will be needed in conjunction with the graft. One of the key indicators for HBO is to enhance graft survival. Finally, wound bed preparation needs to be provided. One must assume that the patient has received weekly ‘surgical excision’ of any necrotic tissue (more commonly called debridement) and compression therapy – preferably with a Profore dressing and/or a sequential pneumatic pump device. Continued compression, wound bed preparation and adequate circulation are factors necessary for most insurance reimbursement models. Philip Jay Organ, DPM, Naples, FL, philorgan@yahoo.com
I have rarely used a split thickness graft for a venous ulcer unless it was totally resistant. It is not true that Apligraf is good for wound bed preparation. It is excellent for complete and rapid closure if there is already a good wound bed. There is no need to harvest a graft and create another wound. I would agree that all of the other skin products are just wound bed preparation collagen material and these have little use in venous ulcers or other ulcers for that matter.
I agree that seeing a vascular surgeon for incompetent saphenous vein closure of perforator closure is also a wise choice for long-term resolution.
Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com
Editor’s Note: This topic is now closed.
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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 SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Immediate opening for PSR 24/36 individual in three office practice. We are looking for an ethical, hard working, well trained Podiatrist. Partnership available. Please Fax CV to sfpodiatry@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION -CONNECTICUT-NORTH HAVEN
Seeking a part-time associate for a busy, well-established, respected, growing practice. Desiring an ethical, motivated, personable, well-trained PSR12/24/ or 36 podiatrist. Our practice is well-rounded and diverse with a good mix of sports medicine, diabetic care, surgery, podopediatrics, and general podiatry. Email information and CV to Pedy7@aol.com with subject heading “Podiatry Associate.”
ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING
POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA
Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com
POSITION AVAILABLE- MANHATTAN, NY
Immediate position for a part associate to work x3 days/wk. Office based OR suite with nitrous and power. Midtown-Park ave. entrance with a total of four treatment rooms and a private office. Candidate must have PSR/24 with experience, Interested parties Fax CV, references and requirements to (770)497-4343.
PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA
Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax 773-486-3548 ---------------------E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com
NEW JERSEY - OCEAN COUNTY - IMMEDIATE OPENING!
Part time associate wanted. Tentative hours: Tues - AM, Thurs - PM, Sat (every other) - AM Definite growth potential. Looking for an ethical and conscientious practitioner. Competitive salary with incentives. Great working environment! Please fax CV to:(732) 695-0223 or e-mail to shorepodiatry@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA
Multi-specialty group is looking to add another Podiatric Surgeon or General Podiatrist to our well-established group. Office locations in northwestern Pennsylvania. Unlimited opportunities exist for the right Associate, wound care experience is a plus. Please forward your CV to adminsec@ips-mso.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PART TIME - BRONX, NY
Part time associate position available in the Bronx, NY. Two days a week. 30K/yr + incentives. Full-time position may be available shortly. Must be ethical, hardworking, and Spanish speaking a plus. Please email resumes to Scottdeis@aol.com
ASSOCIATE- SOUTH JERSEY
PT/FT wanted for progressive (EMR, Digital x-ray, Diag U/S ), ethical, full scope group practice. A motivated team player with very good surgical and routine skills. ABPS cert and 24/36 PSR preferred but will take experience into consideration. Located between Phila. and the shore. A very fair benefits /compensation package. CV and references Toetrukr@aol.com
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85
PM Classified Ads Reach over 9,500 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 9,000 DPM's. Write 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 dekagan@aol.com
Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City. Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106
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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
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