The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

August 18, 2010 #3,934 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2010- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Classified Ads Now Listed by Category

We've restructured our popular classified ads section found at the bottom of PM News. Ads will now be separated into distinct alphabetical categories, such as Associate Position, Equipment for Sale, Fellowships, Practice for Sale, and Space Available. This should make navigating this section much easier.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Chen, DPM of Waynesville, MO, winner of an autographed copy of Podiatric Marketing and Practice Management by Barry Block, DPM, JD.   

We encourage you to participate in this important survey at www.podiatrym.com/survey Completing this anonymous survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the February 2011 issue of PM. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes. Enter by sending Question #43 (no answer necessary) to bblock@podiatrym.com along with your name and address.

This week's prize is a free one-week classified ad in PM News, the fastest way to find an associate, sell your  equipment, or your practice (value $99). 

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

Fungal Nails Win As Ugliest Toe Condition: NY Podiatrist

Even celebrities get blisters, bunions, corns, or crusty toenails, and podiatrists like Dr. Howard Dinowitz of Brooklyn say unsightly digits are one of his most common patient complaints. What wins top spot in the ugly toe hall of fame? “Hands down, fungus wins for ugly toes,” he says. “Fungus breaks the integrity of the outer lying nail, causing it to yellow, thicken, and crumble. I’ve had people come in with fungus nails that have been untreated for 20 or 30 years. We have to use a drill to file them down.”

Dr. Howard Dinowitz

Both resistant and resilient, toenail fungus can affect one nail or all 10, and is usually inherited (thanks Grandpa!). It can also be triggered by trauma, such as dropping a 10-pound can of paint on your toe. “Once you break that keratin layer, the fungus will attack like little Pac-Men,” says Dinowitz.

Source: Diane Mapes, MSNBC [8/11/10]

Podology Students Spain and Italy Spend a Week at NYCPM Skills Lab

The New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) recently hosted thirty-six podology students and seven professors from Spain in cooperation with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, providing them the opportunity to attend a challenging week-long course on anatomical dissection and surgical skills taught in the College’s state-of-the-art Bako Anatomy Lab. The following week, ten students from several universities in Italy arrived at NYCPM for a similar week-long course.

Podology students and professors from Spain in NYCPM’s state-of-the-art Bako Anatomy Lab.

Michael J. Trepal, DPM, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at NYCPM, directs this semi-annual program of visiting students, now in its nineteenth year. Professors Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo, DPM, PhD, a graduate of NYCPM, and Marta Losa Iglesias, PhD, work closely with Dr. Trepal to direct the Spanish program. Also teaching the students from Spain were professors Kevin Jules, DPM, and Daria Dykyj, PhD. The course work involved lower extremity cadaver dissection as well as videotaped demonstrations. Teaching the Italian students were faculty members Anthony V. D’Antoni, DC, PhD, Daria Dykyj, PhD, and Maria C. Moschella, PhD.  Tara Giorgini, DPM, MD was a guest lecturer.

Lack of Research to Prove That Injuries are Caused by Running Shoes: PA Podiatrist 

Barefoot running is rare in competition, but has gained interest, spurred by the 2009 bestseller Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen (Knopf) by Christopher McDougall. Athletic shoemakers quickly caught on. A variety of "minimalist" shoes are available that mimic barefoot running, but give feet some protection. Still, the overall number of barefoot runners is small and will probably remain so, said podiatrist William Lenz. In practice in the Pittsburgh region for 29 years, Dr. Lenz said there is no research that proves injuries are caused by running shoes and not the running itself.

Dr. William Lenz

"Anything we do repetitively creates microtrauma," he said. "If half the world starts barefoot running, then we'll have some clear data to show whether it's really avoiding injuries." Lenz said barefoot running makes sense mechanically, but causes injuries such as cuts and bruising, which makes it impractical for a lot of people. "I think it will remain a small fringe of people," he said.

Source: Kerri Pepoy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [8/15/10]

The Process of Merging – Part 4a

You have collected all the pertinent documents on each practice and it’s time to start the process of merging. The facilitator will need to meet with the leadership team and go through all the documents and put together a grid and decide if there is any doctor or group you feel shouldn’t be involved and why. It is strongly recommended that you perform some form of personality assessment such as www.physiciandna.com on each physician who wants to join the group. This will help you understand behavioral patterns and make sure that you put the right physicians in the right place on the team. It’s very important since some of the merged physicians might be unfamiliar with each other. Thus, you need to understand underlying behavioral traits that could be potential red flags that could be identified early on in the process.

The facilitator should now have enough information with the leadership team to start the pricing process. You will need to meet with your selected lead healthcare attorney and CPA firm to start getting pricing on the start-up costs for putting this merger together. Pricing will vary depending on the size of the merger.

Source: David Helfman, DPM, CEO, Village Podiatry Centers, PC, dhelfman@vpcenters.com

FL Docs Voice ‘No Confidence' in AMA

The Florida Medical Association sent a letter of “no confidence” to the American Medical Association expressing its feelings that the AMA did not represent doctors' wishes during the healthcare reform debate. “It is important that the FMA continues to advocate for Florida's physicians and our 20,000-plus members and ensure that Florida's physicians stay engaged as we develop federal policy and advocacy positions on behalf of organized medicine,” said Madelyn Butler, FMA president, in a news release. “Therefore, the FMA will continue to send a delegation to the AMA's annual and interim meetings.”

Originally, some doctors wanted the FMA to sever all relations with the AMA, said Tampa orthopedic surgeon Michael Wasylik, an FMA delegate who also served as an alternate delegate at the AMA House of Delegates meeting this past June. A vote to break off from the AMA, however, was never taken. Instead, Wasylik said, neurosurgeon David McKalip introduced a substitute resolution to send a no-confidence letter to the AMA leadership.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare [8/16/10]

Double-Check Information

Double-check information that you cannot afford to have wrong.  When you record a phone number or insurance number, read it back to the person to guarantee that what you typed or wrote is correct. Make sure that handwriting will be legible for the next person too.

Source: Adapted from “Mistakes Can Kill Your Business,” Jim Olsztynski, National Driller via Communication Briefings

Query: Beechstreet

I'm participating in Beechstreet, and now with Multiplan because Multiplan bought out Beechstreet. I'm not really sure what this does for me. I do get patients into the office because they see my name in the associated Beechstreet list, but many of the patients and my staff assume that I accept assignment on them because I'm in the "book."  But it seems that the plans that I'm not in, I'm still not in, and the allowance ( a lesser amount) is applied to the deductible. The patients then get annoyed because they are sent a bill for a doctor "in the network." I'm getting the feeling that these types of networks are only good for the insurance companies and the Beechstreet/Multiplan networks because they sell lower payouts and costs to the corporate subscriber.

I'm not sure what I would gain or lose by dropping out of these types of "networks." Does anyone have experience with doing this?
 
Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY

Query: Hammertoe w/implant or ORIF 

A patient presented with an old fracture of the second toe, and underwent surgical correction to correct the deformed articular fracture of the PIP joint. An implant was used to replace the PIP joint. Should this be billed as a "hammertoe correction with implant", or as an ORIF of the digit?

Mark Landry, DPM, Lenexa, KS

Response: This is an "old" fracture, so it would be incorrect to describe or code this as an open reduction with internal fixation. An ORIF does not properly reflect the sevice you rendered.

It seems from your post that at some time in the remote past, the patient sustained a fracture which did not heal properly with regard to alignment, resulting in a hammertoe deformity. This is what you are now correcting.

I would recommend CPT 28285 (correction of hammertoe). The use of the implant does not change the CPT code.

Tony Poggio, DPM. Alameda, CA

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

RE: Passing of Klaus Schreiner

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Klaus Schreiner. Klaus and I began our long business relationship and friendship shortly after I opened Earthwalk, 15 years ago. Klaus told many stories of growing up in Germany during the Nazi regime. He survived the horrors of that era, and always showed kindness and respect for everyone he encountered. He was a gentle and honorable man - a true aristocrat.  He will be sincerely missed.

Susan L. Bartos, President, Earthwalk Orthotics, Inc.

PODIATRY POSITION AVAILABLE – WISCONSIN

Affinity Medical Group, an integrated health care organization in East Central Wisconsin, is seeking a BC/BE Podiatrist for our Appleton location. This is a General Podiatric practice opportunity including routine care, sports medicine, and surgery. The Appleton area offers a unique quality of life, combining a family centered, university community with all season recreation, a nationally acclaimed educational system, and a diverse and growing economy and population. For information, contact or send your CV, to: Sara Roth, Affinity Medical Group, Physician Recruitment, Phone: 800-722-9989; Fax: 920-727-4350; E-mail: sroth@affinityhealth.org Visit our website at: www.affinityhealth.org EOE.

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Associate needed in Upper West Side area one day a week for house calls. Earn reasonable income with virtually no overhead. Immediate employment available. Call me ASAP 201-491-2173 or email myfootdoctor2@aol.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE NEEDED FREDERICK/HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC needs full-time DPM at least PMS 36 to join premier group in Frederick/Hagerstown, MD. ASC, EMR, DR-digital radiography and ultrasound, Vascular/nerve testing, DME, retail store, strong hospital affiliations, salary, bonus and benefits. Respond to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE NEEDED FREDERICK/HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC needs full-time DPM at least PMS 36 to join premier group in Frederick/Hagerstown, MD. ASC, EMR, DR-digital radiography and ultrasound, Vascular/nerve testing, DME, retail store, strong hospital affiliations, salary, bonus and benefits. Respond to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Busy, well-established for 35 years, multi-site practice in upstate New York looking for licensed podiatrist who is ready for a thriving practice. Must be highly motivated, personable and great with patients. Competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV or letter of interest to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Fredericks premier group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA

Golf, Boating and Beaches - Great opportunity to join a well established Podiatry Practice. Excellent mix office/surgery, motivated experienced staff. Seeking full time Associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits, early buy-in for the right hard-working, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA AREA

Full-time associate with opportunity for partnership with group practice. Candidate must be trained in all phases of podiatry including wound care, surgery, and routine podiatric care. Candidate must have a positive and energetic attitude with a desire to grow in our practice. If interested please email your CV to BergD@readinghospital.org

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

2 PDM electric chairs- Philips Oralix x-ray on mobile stand-- x-ray processor-Wall lights & mobile OR light assorted cabinets -- All in excellent shape- Immediate discount available before all gets placed in storage! NY-Tri State area, just above Westchester County respond to podassociate@aol.com for prices.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY - OHIO

UH Richmond Medical Center is announcing a Podiatry Fellowship: INFECTIOUS DISEASE/WOUND CARE. Accepting applications now for the one year (9/1/10 to 8/31/11) fellowship. Fax a letter of intent and CV to 440-585-6141 attention Donna Ayres. Applicants must have completed a PM&S 36 or equivalent. Interviews are scheduled 8/20/10. This fellowship includes all aspects of a multidisciplinary faculty and clinical opportunities in medical and surgical wound management. Weekly schedule includes surgery, fellow’s clinic time as well as journal club and one research project. The Fellowship has been approved with provisional status by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MASSACHUSETTS

Solo Practice Grossing over $700K yearly 4 days a week. Mostly surgical with heavy emphasis on peripheral nerve patients and pediatrics. General bread and butter podiatry as well. No Medicaid very little Medicare. Very modern office. 30 minutes north of Boston. Modern new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network. Website included. Option to buy the condo 3500sq ft. Have PICA practice evaluation to show you. Call 978-944-7789 for details.

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (LAWRENCE COUNTY)

Active, established practice includes office building and property ( appraised at 110k) with all equipment and shelf stock included. Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Patients on schedule 1 day/ week grossed over 250k last year. 125k OBO Call 931-446-5724 or email mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS, TX

Prestigious North Dallas location; 24 year old practice; excellent mix of hospital surgery, office surgery, orthotics, general podiatry, web site, electronic claim submission. Retiring owner will stay for transition. Owner financing available. dallasfootdr@yahoo.com

MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE- MANHATTAN

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to 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

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.