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The Voice of Podiatrists
August 30, 2006 #2,676 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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FAST RELIEF for PTTD and Ankle Sprains
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DPM-Connecticut:
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Call PAL right now to help your patients and practice!
800.447.0151
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Flip-Flops also a Driving/Cycling Hazard: AZ Podiatrist
Flip-flops are one of the summer's hottest shoe styles, but doctors worry about the possible health problems they cause. "Flip-flops are not good for everyday wear because they don't fasten securely to the foot," said Dr. Raymond Botte, a Fountain Hills, AZ podiatrist.
Flip-flops can cause pain in the back of the legs. They also slide off easily and do not protect against stubbed toes or twisted ankles. "Running in flip-flops is a bad idea because it is easy to twist over the foot, resulting in a sprained ankle," Botte added. Even ailments such as bruised heels, shin splints, stress fractures and tendonitis can result from wearing flip-flops.
Not only do doctors warn about the health problems flip-flops can cause, but also about other dangers. "Flip-flops can get caught underneath the pedals of a car and in the spokes and chain of a bike," Botte said. For general use, Botte suggested a good quality athletic shoe. "Sandals are better for the beach or pool," he said. "Brands like Reebok and Nike make athletic shoes that are better for everyday wear," he said.
Source: Jennifer O'Connor, State Press and State Press Magazine (Arizona State University) (AZ) [8/28/06]
Crocs Better Option Than Flip-Flops: VA Podiatrist
Not only are Crocs all the rage with kids, but doctors said they could be good for adults too, especially those with foot problems. "It's a thick bottom, so it's basically like walking on a sponge all day long," said Dr. Jay Tischler, a Virginia Beach podiatrist.
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Dr. Jay Tischler |
Tischler said Crocs have arch support which helps when pounding the pavement. And they come in three different types, including one for diabetics. "For the diabetic, it seems to be helping tremendously, due to the fact that there is no irritation," Tischler said. "A lot of diabetics have no feeling, so they don't know if it’s comfortable or not."
If diabetics have no feeling in their toes, that can lead to irritation and then ulceration. "[That] can lead to infection in the bone which can lead to amputation," Tischler said. He said the wide toe box and more supportive structure make Crocs a better option than flip flops or dress shoes with little support.
Source: News Channel 3 Hampton Roads (VA) [8/28/06]
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COMPARE SAFESTEP TO ALL OTHER SHOE PROGRAMS AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
Why SafeStep? SafeStep offers the most shoe styles, the lowest prices and provides the easiest, most profitable way to participate in the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program. Shoes from $39, custom inserts from $69/3 prs. Earn as much as $200 for at-risk diabetic patients you fit with shoes and inserts. SafeStep features Aetrex Ariya, Aetrex Athletic, Apex Ambulator Biomechanical, Apex Ambulator Conform, OrthoFeet, Brooks, Pedors, New Balance, Hush Puppies, Soft Spots, Acor and Santuit. Need a DME Supplier Number? SafeStep sends you the forms you need -already filled out! - FREE electronic Medicare billing FREE billing of Richie and Arizona AFO's - FREE annual patient reminder letters for new shoes - Easy, no-cost returns. GET 5 FREE SAMPLE SHOES WHEN YOU REGISTER. For More Information and to Register for FREE. www.SafeStep.net 866-712-STEP
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APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS |
Correction
Dr. Scott Aronson’s name was inadvertently omitted from the recently published list of newly elected trustees of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society.
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PM NEWS ON THE ROAD |
PM News Editor Barry Block, DPM will be lecturing at the following venues
Oct 22, 2006 – 2006 Symposium on the Geriatric Foot and Ankle, NYC, NY (The Future of Podiatry)
Nov 11, 2006 - AAPPM – Fall Practice Management Workshop Ft. Lauderdale, FL (10 Ways to Supercharge Your Practice)
Nov 19, 2006- American Academy of Continuing Podiatric Education, Teaneck, NJ (The Future of Continuing Medical Education)
Jan 13, 2007 – Super Bones/ Super Skin Bahamas (Learn More/ Earn More)
Jan 18, 2007- Codingline Seminar NY (Pre Clinical Conference), NYC, NY (Multiple topics)
Feb 10, 2006 -New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association, Albuquerque, NM (Multiple topics)
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MEETINGS / COURSES
SAVE THE DATE!! SCHOLL COLLEGE PRE-CERTIFICATION PEDORTHIC COURSE FOR PODIATRISTS September 14-18, 2006
The William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science This program will allow podiatrists, upon completion and passing of course exams, to sit for the Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) exam on November 4, 2006, plus be awarded 50 CE contact hours. The program will primarily cover BCP rules and regulations, pedorthic practice management, orthotic manufacturing, and hands-on shoe modifications. Seminar Information: Ellie Wydeven (847-578-8410), www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Competitive Bidding
A fellow DPM and I are quite confused and concerned about the competitive bidding issue as it affects podiatrists. Our practices significantly incorporate Colorado/Arizona, Richie Brace, as well as Polymem and other advanced wound care products. We are concerned how this will affect our ability to provide these services.
We recently contacted several organizations regarding this issue and no one was able to give us information regarding this potential change. Can you advise?
Name Withheld
Response: It is not unexpected that you would be concerned about how these sweeping changes will affect your practices. I can, however, at this point tell you that competitive bidding in its current formulation will not affect your ability to provide custom orthotics/prosthetics, therapeutic inserts or surgical dressings.
Possibly also interfering with your ability to provide DME are the enhanced quality standards that the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) 2003 has mandated. At the present time, these new enhanced “Quality Standards” will affect all suppliers of DME. The most frequent outstanding questions are:
1) Who will provide the credentialing and how often will this be necessary? 2) What costs will be involved in maintaining your credentialing? 3) Will DPM’s, MD’s and DO’s in solo office practice who only provide DME to their patients be exempt?
The answers to these questions are currently in a state of flux. The best answers I can provide now are that:
1) CMS has a deadline of October 1 for 10 companies to submit their bids for credentialing all DME companies. 2) An overly conservative estimate is that it may cost a few thousand dollars to become credentialed. 3) At the present time I would suggest that all DPM’s, MD’s and DO’s who provide DME as an ancillary service be prepared to submit a credentialing application. As this policy implementation is still in a state of flux it is best to stay in touch with this and other similar publications.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE: -
o 2007 Medicare Proposed Rules o Abrasion Arthroplasty Ankle o Coding Ingrown Nail Procedures o Medicare - Cast Supply Payment o Celestone Soluspan Code
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – UPSTATE NY
Podiatrist wanted for busy practice in growing community in mid-eastern New York State, near Saratoga Springs and Albany. Grow into and eventually own practice. New office building with 4 tx rooms, state-of-the-art surgery center available, privileges at three area hospitals and nursing homes. No limit to what you will earn percentage base. Call 518-692-9134 for more info.
ASSOCIATE POSITION -ARIZONA
Seeking an experienced podiatrist versed in all aspects of podiatry with current AZ License. The right person will join as a salary associate leading to partial ownership in a group practice. Podiatry practice is well established over 25 years, successful and a large volume in the Phoenix metro area. Position available immediately. Email CV and inquiries to: pprac4sl@cox.net
HOUSE CALL PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
House Call practice for sale which includes approx. 400 patients and continued referrals. Perfect for solo practitioner. Extremely easy and profitable practice to run. Yearly gross of over $200K. Current DPM is retiring. Financials will also be provided. Please contact ccipinc@ccipinc.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY
Seeking associate for practice in Ocean County area. Seeking a hardworking, ethical, energetic and well trained (PSR 24/36) individual. MUST be willing to do all aspects of podiatry! Competitive salary and benefits package. E-mail CV to NJFEET@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTH FLORIDA
Miami-Dade and SW Ft. Lauderdale, well established surgical practice for sale. This one has everything. Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Trauma, ER, General Podiatry. Participates in all local and national managed care plans. $850,000 but will discount depending on amount up front. Mature, serious inquires with business experience preferred. Email response to podfootdocs@aol.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTH FLORIDA
Miami-Dade and SW Ft. Lauderdale, well established surgical practice needs part-time podiatrists to assist in surgical cases and patient volume. Email response to podfootdocs@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND
Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com
HOUSE CALL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- CHICAGO / NORTHWEST INDIANA
Chicago-Home Physicians specializes in house calls to the elderly homebound. Full and part-time positions available in Chicago/Northwest IN. Competitive Compensation, including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax-773-486-3548. E-mail sschneider@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TUCSON, AZ
Associate needed for practice in Tucson and Southern Arizona, seeking a hardworking, ethical, and well trained individual. MUST be willing to do all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery, competitive salary is negotiable. E-mail CV to drd@premiersurgeons.com
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,500 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 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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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
either timely or free of viruses.
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