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The Voice of Podiatrists
August 31, 2006 #2,677 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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SUREFIT NOW OFFERS PREFABRICATED HEAT MOLDABLE INSERTS
Now you can offer your prefabricated insert patients the stylish shoes and high quality products that have made SureFit the leading company in the industry. Choose from our new 2006 high style comfort shoe selection including our exclusive UltraLite Shoes. Lightweight materials and special construction combine to create shoes that are so light they almost feel weightless.
All of SureFit's diabetic shoes and inserts have been approved by Medicare. SureFit's industry wide reputation for high quality and Medicare compliance keeps your practice secure. Exceptional Fit, Quality and Comfort : Priced for Enhanced Profitability Contact us for a copy of our new 2006 high style catalogue. Please visit http://www.surefitlab.com/ for more, or call 1-800-298-6050.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
NY Podiatrist Offers Tips for Avoiding Foot Fungus in Communal Bathrooms
In the next few weeks, many college students will leave the comforts of home to live in a dorm with hundreds of their peers. Getting away from mom and dad may be great, but dorm life also has its downfalls, including the foot fungus and wart-causing virus that can be picked up in communal bathrooms/showers.
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Dr. Oliver Zong |
"Shared showers are one of the easier places to contract fungus and bacteria because the wet, steamy atmosphere is a great place for them to breed," explains Oliver Zong, D.P.M., New York City podiatrist and foot surgeon. He offers these five tips for keeping feet fungus-free:
1) Cover Up: Never go barefoot! 2) Scrub Your Feet 3) Wear the Right Socks 4) Give 'Em Some Air 5) Know Your Feet: Check your feet and toenails regularly for any abnormalities and have any skin growths checked by a podiatrist.
Source: Health News Digest [8/28/06]
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UNITED HEALTHCARE POLICY RE: ESWT
WHAT YOU CAN DO
As of October 2006, United HealthCare (UHC) will no longer cover ESWT. Many of you use ESWT and your patients have benefited by ESWT since its FDA approval 4 years ago. To find out more about fighting UHC’s policy decision click on www.unitedshockwave.com/UHC to see how you can help change this misguided policy decision.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
For information about ESWT and/or United Shockwave Therapies, visit our website at www.unitedshockwave.com or call 847.544.5867.
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PODIATRIC HISTORY |
IL Podiatrist Office Featured in Museum Exhibit
The newest exhibit at the Western Illinois Museum opened last week and grand opening welcomed visitors on Saturday. "Ills, Drills and Pills: A Look Back at Our Health Professions" recaptures the medical and pharmaceutical world of the 20th century in west-central Illinois.
Included is an office recreation for podiatrist Dr. C.J. Meyer Jr. Many of the instruments and tools used in the various professions also are on display.
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Recreation of Dr. C.J. Meyer's Office |
Dr. Meyer began his practice in 1937 after graduating from the Illinois College of Chiropody and Foot Surgery in Chicago. His office re-creation includes his original patient chair, along with medical books and equipment.
Source: Macomb Daily Journal, IL [8/29/06]
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New Custom Diabetic Inserts For Only $22 A Pair
Orthofeet is glad to announce its new custom diabetic inserts, which received SADMARC Code verification A5513. These custom inserts are fabricated by the most advanced computerized system, with arch filler and forefoot accommodations, for superior support and protection.
- Now you can offer your patients state of the art prefab and custom inserts along with the best fitting diabetic shoes, and save: Stretchable Shoes - $42.00 a pair; Leather Shoes - $48.00 to $52.00 a pair; Prefab Inserts - $8.95 a pair; Custom Inserts - $22.00 a pair;
100% Medicare Compliant http://www.orthofeet.com/ ----------------- 800-524-2845
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
Surgeon Experience Counts As Much as Age: Study
A surgeon's experience is more relevant to patient outcomes than the surgeon's age, according to a study in the September Annals of Surgery. University of Michigan researchers examined outcomes based on surgeons' ages for 461,000 Medicare patients receiving one of eight common cardiovascular or cancer surgeries between 1998 and 1999.
Surgeon age was not associated with higher mortality for most procedures, the exceptions being carotid endarterectomies, coronary artery bypass grafts and pancreatectomies. Overall, the volume of procedures performed by a surgeon was a better indicator of patient mortality. The researchers said they undertook the study because recent research indicated older physicians may provide worse primary care, but the effect of age on surgeons' performance had not been studied. They advised patients to look at risk-adjusted outcomes and hospital and surgical volume statistics rather than age when choosing a surgeon.
Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Healthcare [8/29/06]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
What’s New in Treating Heel Pain?
The American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM) is launching its new Clinical Encounter Series in two unique and rewarding CME programs on Heel Pain – October 28 in San Francisco; November 11 in Miami. Early Bird ACFAOM Member registration fee - $175 by September 8 – students & residents are free. Recognized national faculty will engaged participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas and hands-on workshops – 8 CE contact hours. Mark your calendar and register now at http://www.acfaom.org/heelpain.shtml
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Source For Surgical Loupes
Are there any podiatrists using "loupes" in surgery? If so what brand? Where can I buy them?
Judy Hodgins, DPM, Dunn, NC, jfootdoc@bellsouth.net
Query: Pet-Friendly Policy?
Many people believe a dog-friendly workplace is an important employee benefit. Has anyone allowed employees to bring their dogs (or cats) to the office -- and if so, how has that worked out?
Bob Levoy, Great Neck, NY, b.levoy@att.net
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PM SURVEY WEEKLY CONTEST
Congratulations to Alan K. Mauser, DPM of Louisville, KY, winner of last week’s survey contest, who will receive an autographed copy of rare out-of-print copy of the textbook "Podiatric Marketing and Practice Management" Edited by Barry Block, DPM, JD.
This week's prize is PictZar Software (Value $795.00). Pictzar is easy to use, state-of-the-art software that is being utilized by wound care specialists nationally to accurately measure wounds on digital photographs and monitor progress. Measurements (area, width, length, and/or circumference) are performed using any computer and include area (4 color), depth field, and est. volume. PictZar provides ideal documentation for Medicare and insurance reimbursement. Pictzar also exports data to generate quick reports (including pictures and %area change) for referring physicians. Visit www.PictZar.com for further information.
To enter, simple complete our practice survey at www.podiatrym.com and send your name, address, and question #45 from the survey to bblock@podiatrym.com. All entries are eligible for our grand prize of a one-week Windjammer Caribbean Cruise. Don’t forget to vote for next year’s inductee into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. This year, we’ve opened a new category for non-podiatrists.
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Heel Debridement - Calcanectomy Coding
Four weeks ago I took a patient to the operating room for debridement of soft tissue and a superficial portion of the calcaneus. The patient was billed using CPT 11044 (debridement, skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone).
Two weeks later, the patient was brought back to the OR and a partial calcanectomy was performed. The wound was closed at that time. What CPT code would I use for the second procedure? Michael Fein, DPM, Bethel, CT
Response: I would recommend using CPT 28120 (partial excision of bone [craterization, saucerization bone], talus or calcaneus) for the second surgery.
The previous debridement code, CPT 11044, has a 10 day follow-up period (Medicare) so two weeks afterward you would not be in its surgical global period.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA
Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 15 CPME-Approved CME credits Online for only $129 http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm Choose any or all of over 20 CME articles posted You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Onycholysis in a 2-year-old (Jay Kerner, DPM) From: Palmer Branch, DPM
One often overlooked thing to check in this patient is tight shoes. The repetitive trauma to the toenails can cause loss of the nails. As the father of a rapidly growing 2-year-old myself, I can attest that the feet can outgrow shoes in just a couple of months. Most of us who have been in practice for a while have also seen repetitive nail loss in runners due to poor shoe fit as well. Of course, be sure to do X-rays to rule-out a subungual exostosis or other bony abnormality. Vitamin deficiency or systemic cause of nail loss would tend to be in multiple nails, but the lesser toenails in your clinical picture appear normal.
Palmer Branch, DPM, Chattanooga, TN, drcuboid@aol.com
RE: Competitive Bidding
In my answer to a query on competitive bidding yesterday, I inadvertently left out therapeutic shoes as one type of DME that would NOT be subjected to competitive bidding. Please accept my apologies for any confusion.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net
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CLASSIFIED |
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.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR POSITION AVAILABLE- GREATER ST. LOUIS MISSOURI AREA
Immediate full-time position available in the long term care field. One of the largest providers of long term care servicein the midwest. Corporate support with 10+ years in the business. Competitive compensation and assistant provided. Fax resumes to (636)281-1808.
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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