The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

August 11, 2012 #4,537 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Congratulations to: Dr. George L. Yarnell, winner of a copy of Recent Advances in Orthotic Therapy by Dr. Paul Scherer (Value - $129.95).We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this confidential survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2013 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes.

Textbook of Bunion Surgery (4th Edition)

This week's prize is a copy of Textbook of Bunion Surgery (4th Edition) edited by Dr. Joshua Gerbert ($179.95).

This is also your opportunity to vote for the next DPM and Non-DPM inductees into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

Skin Cancer of Feet Often Diagnosed Late: NY Podiatrist

You can get skin cancer on your feet. Dr. Bryan Markinson, Chief of Podiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, says it's often diagnosed late because people ignore it or it's misdiagnosed. "We see it mostly on the bottom of the foot. That's where it occurs most often. The common ones on feet start out as flat, pigmented lesions that slowly enlarge in a horizontal fashion," he adds.

Dr. Bryan Markinson

And when you think of skin cancer, you think of sun exposure, but it's important to know melanoma can occur in places where the sun never shines. The reason why is not fully understood. But that's why it's important to look everywhere, even at your feet and in between your toes and if you see anything unusual, have it checked out. "Anything that has delayed healing should raise a high index of suspicion, and a biopsy must be performed," adds Dr. Markinson.

Source: Sapna Parikh, WABC-TV [8/9/12]

UK Podiatrist Trains India's Physicians About Diabetic Feet

Podiatry is yet to become established in India, where the care, study of, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot are still the responsibility of the country’s general practitioners. The desperate need for specialised podiatric care in India was highlighted recently when a team of podiatrists from Scotland’s Glasgow Caledonian University partnered with Calicut’s Institute of Palliative Medicine and Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences to help transform the care of India’s 50 million diabetics.

Dr. Stuart Baird Examines a Patient's Foot

Professor Stuart Baird and Christine Skinner, who have previously been World Health Organization consultants in diabetic foot disease, trained India’s physicians on how to assess and manage the complications caused by diabetes, which leads to the amputation of a limb every 30 seconds around the world. Professor Baird said, "We gave lectures and practical sessions so that physicians can assess feet and identify complications early and advise their patients on practical issues such as not walking barefoot when they have lost sensation in the soles of their feet. That kind of advice can make an enormous difference in patients’ lives.”

Source: Deccan Herald [8/09/12]

Falls Prevented With Novel Exercise Program for Older People

Embedding balance and strength movements into everyday activities such as "carrying the groceries from the car to the porch while walking sideways" may help older people prevent falls and improve overall strength and balance, according to a study published online August 7 in the British Medical Journal. In addition, the researchers conclude, "[I]t challenges allied health professionals to expand their focus when working with older people to find opportunities to incorporate balance and strength training into daily life."

The researchers recruited 317 people in Sydney between February 2006 and December 2007 and then randomly assigned 107 participants to the LiFE program, 105 to the structured program, and 105 to the gentle exercise program. They performed follow-up at 6 months and 12 months after study participants started their programs. Participants reported any falls they experienced on daily calendars that were mailed monthly to the researchers; weekly exercise logs to assess adherence were also mailed in each month.

Source: Larry Hand, Medscape News [8/8/12]

Learn What Matters to Employees

On the anniversary of a team member’s employment in your practice, take an important step to retaining that person for another year. Use that occasion for a conversation to gauge how satisfied that person is in the job. Catherine Cole, director of the executive customer care group at American Express, meets each month with team members who are celebrating a work anniversary. She asks questions like these:

•  “What progress have you made in the past year?” Ask employees whether they are developing skills and feel like they are moving toward their career goals.
•  “What do you look forward to when you come to work in the morning?” Seek ways to reinforce that attitude.
•  “Describe your journey with our practice.” Discover whether people feel they are making progress or marking time.

Source: Adapted from “Creating an ‘All In’ Culture,” Matthew E. May via Communications Briefings

Query: Partial Thickness Torn Ligaments

This 61 year old female complains of pain under the foot, 4 weeks duration. She was treated with a surgical shoe, taping of toes, NSAIDs, ice, and an accommodative orthotic, all of which helped. However, once she returned to regular footgear, her foot still hurts to a significant level.

Partial Thickness Torn Ligaments

An MRI diagnosed a partial thickness tear of the lateral aspect of the plantar plate 3rd MPJ, and a partial thickness tear of the distal fibers of the lateral collateral ligament. X-rays show a good metatarsal parabola with no long metatarsals. Conservative care has helped, but ultimately failed. What is the best approach to surgically correct this foot?
 
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA

Query: Bunionectomy Coding

Our doctor performed a base wedge osteotomy as well as an Akin bunionectomy, left foot. In reading the coding books I have, it appears that I should bill CPT 28299 (bunionectomy with double osteotomy). Would this be correct for the procedures done?

Kim Crayton, Biller, Office of Tamara Whitaker Bay, DPM, Kalamazoo MI

Response: If you look in the CPT book (professional edition), there are illustrations that show examples of the various combinations of multiple osteotomies that could apply. While a metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomy combination is not one, the others include variations using these. Yes, CPT 28299 (bunionectomy with double osteotomy) is the correct code.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Painful Bunion and Hammertoe (Mario Dickins, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

With the existing met elevatus and IM, consider a "Green-Laird" type osteotomy to plantarflex the met and reduce the IM. I don't think an implant is needed.

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY rbijak@aol.com

RE: EMR Stimulus Money (Frank Lattarulo, DPM)
From: Joshua Kaye, DPM

Simply completing a 90-day period of reporting does not necessarily result in your receiving the CMS stimulus funds. The charting must be accomplished to show MU (meaningful use). Most software programs will automatically let you know when the required MU criteria have been met.  Once you have achieved MU, then you need to complete the required documentation on this webpage. You can find helpful information at cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EHRIncentivePrograms/index.html?redirect=/ehrincentiveprograms/ or by calling CMS at 888.734.6433. 

You will be required to copy the same numerators and denominators generated from your EMR program into the CMS website. Once that is completed, the CMS website should notify you immediately if you are successful. If successful, you will then receive your incentive funds in about eight weeks. 
 
Joshua Kaye, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, jk@joshuakaye.com

RE:  EMR Stimulus Money (Frank Lattarulo, DPM)
From: Bruce Krell, DPM, Alan Bass, DPM

Click Here. Follow the directions and within a few short weeks, a check will arrive in your mail box. Attached to it will be the biggest risk you will ever undertake in your career.

Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ, footdoc352@cox.net

Reporting your Meaningful Use and Quality Measures for your CMS incentive is actually pretty simple. The first thing is you must have your PECOS username and password in order to register. You will also need the 15 digits unique ID number for your EHR program. Registration for the CMS incentive program is done here. Once you register, you will be able to the attest with your data. Just print them out and have them next to you when you go to attest. You will be filling in the numbers from your reports (numerators and denominators). Remember, for the meaningful use measures, your numbers must exceed the thresholds set, while for quality measures, you must just have findings for the 3 Core quality measures and 3 additional ones. 
 
I attested for my first year incentive last year and received my first year incentive check 8 weeks after attesting.
 
Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: What is CaFFE?
From: David Mullens, DPM

While speaking with various podiatrists at the “Western” in June, one fact was perfectly clear. Most of the people I spoke with could not answer the simple question: What is the CaFFE? Here is the answer: The CaFFE (California Foundation For Excellence in Podiatric Medicine) is the non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation, established to provide scholarship money for podiatric students – at both California schools of podiatric medicine: CSPM and WUCPM. For a good overview of who we are and what we do, please visit the CaFFE website at caffepm.org.

Currently, the CaFFE has two practical goals. First, we want to continually improve the quality of our applicant pool, and a generous scholarship offer is an incredibly powerful tool in attracting the best undergraduate students. Second, we want to decrease our schools’ dependence on tuition, and once a CaFFE scholarship fund has $15,000 in contributions - that fund generates a $1,000 a year scholarship in perpetuity. With each fully funded scholarship, we are $1,000 a year closer to long-term stability and $1,000 a year further away from complete reliance on tuition.

So what is the CaFFE? The CaFFE is the tool that gives each generation of podiatric physicians the opportunity to leave podiatric medicine better than we found it. 

Dave Mullens, DPM, Chair, CaFFEadmin@mullenslawoffice.com

RE: 3-WEA Antiseptic (Theresa Hughes, DPM)
From: Susan Warner, DPM

I spoke with the owner of Mowbray Company 2 weeks ago. He is trying to sell the company and ceased production of 3-WEA a few months ago. If he can sell the business, perhaps the new owner will again produce it. If he cannot, perhaps the patent will be sold to another manufacturer.  He has no 3-WEA in reserve. It has all been sold to suppliers.

Yesterday, Chicago Medical Supply allowed me to order 2 bottles of 3-WEA, and I received it today. I don't know if they have more in stock or not, but you should call them. They are the only supplier that still has any.

Susan Warner, DPM, Bloomfield, IA, susie0616@cs.com

EQUIPMENT WANTED - MUSCULAR SKELETAL ULTRASOUND MACHINE

We are looking to buy a used muscular skeletal ultrasound machine. Please contact me at rmattsson@flfootandankle.com or call (863) 299-4551 ext 170.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET

Rarely used- excellent condition. Padnet for sale. Asking $10,000. Contact us at 516-220-8258.

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

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

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

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

A well-established, solo-physician practice seeking a Full-Time Associate Podiatrist. Applicant should be: well trained physician, personable and motivated individual with sound surgical skills. Applicant must have completed a 24-36 month residency. Practice offers a state-of-the-art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary and benefits. Partnership opportunities available. E-mail your letter of interest with resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311.

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 - NORTHERN, NJ

Part-time or-full time. This position can and will lead to purchase of practice if so desired. Well-equipped modern office. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, etc. Individual must be well-trained and be ABPS Qualified/Certified. Must be competent in general foot care and be able to do routine foot surgery without help. Call: 201-986-1900.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC

Prominent two office (3 practitioner) podiatric medical group seeking well rounded, personable individual with good medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, board qualified or certified foot and ankle surgeon. Salary with benefits package. Serious inquiries to ponyrunner66@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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Part-time associate position making home visits in Manhattan. Email: drmstempler@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Can you handle a challenge? Associate wanted for amazingly busy practice. Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, and surgically trained, but conservatively minded. We have a wonderful environment, great team plus great pay in Oradell, Bergen County, NJ. Full-time, some evenings and Saturdays. Call 201-261-9445 or fax resume to 201- 261-0058.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YONKERS, NY

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 - 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 POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY

Full-time position available with excellent salary in a state-of-art-office. Please email your resume to: irenefootcare@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.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.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students

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