The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

September 01, 2011 #4,248 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Well-Made Shoes Help Keep Children's Feet Safe: APMA President

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) wants to remind those heading back to the classroom that a sturdy shoe can go a long way toward avoiding injury now that school is back in session. While price isn't necessarily indicative of quality, certain shoe characteristics are better for growing feet.

Dr. Michael King

"A pair of well-made shoes can keep children safe from foot problems such as sprains and strains -- both in class and on the playground," said Michael J. King, DPM, APMA President. "Checking for three different aspects of a shoe's design makes it easy for parents to distinguish which models are foot-friendly."

Source: Morningstar.com [8/30/11]

APMA Testifies on Pneumatic Compression Device LCD 

APMA Director of Scientific Affairs James Christina, DPM, was in Baltimore today testifying before the Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier Committee (DMERC) meeting in opposition to a proposed local coverage determination (LCD) that would prevent podiatrists from prescribing pneumatic compression devices. APMA also is submitting written comments to CMS.

Dr. James Christina

The proposed LCD would limit the ability to prescribe pneumatic compression therapy to "MDs, DOs, NPs, CNS, and PAs enrolled in Medicare and authorized by Medicare to prescribe as 'physicians.'" APMA strongly disagrees with the proposed LCD's specific exclusion of podiatrists as prescribers and is concerned that the proposal is outside the scope of an LCD. An LCD should address how to use a given therapy -- not who may prescribe it.

AZ Podiatrist Keynotes Japanese Seminar on Limb Salvage

The massive Convention Hall in Saga Japan was the venue for the 5th Symposium on Japanese Foot Care. Chaired by renowned reconstructive surgeons Profs. Tetsuji Uemura and Takehiko Ohura, the meeting featured a keynote by Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona.

(L-R) Drs. Tetsuji Uemura, David Armstrong, and Takehiko Ohura

Armstrong discussed the disturbing demographic trends, worldwide. He went on to discuss works at SALSA and other teams that are trying to counter these trends, particularly in diabetes and amputation prevention. Armstrong's keynote was followed by a special seminar for key medical leaders throughout Japan hosted by Saga University.

Healthcare Fraud Prosecutions on Pace to Rise 85%

New government statistics show federal healthcare fraud prosecutions in the first eight months of 2011 are on pace to rise 85% over last year due in large part to ramped-up enforcement efforts under the Obama administration.
 
The statistics, released by the non-partisan Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), show 903 prosecutions so far this year. That's a 24% increase over the total for all of fiscal year 2010, when 731 people were prosecuted for health fraud through federal agencies across the country. Prosecutions have gone up 71% from five years ago, according to TRAC.

Source: Kelly Kennedy, USA Today [8/29/11] via Khurram Khan, DPM

Capture Your Audience's Attention

Capture attention in the opening seconds of your presentation. Imagine that audience members hold remote controls that would allow them to switch you off at any second, just like a TV show. Plan an opening that will hold their interest.

Source: Adapted from “How Can You Grab Your Audience?” Patricia Fripp, SpeakerFrippNews via Communications Briefings

RE: EMR Incentive Received (Rhonda Eichenberger, DPM)
From: Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM,

I too had my EHR Incentive check deposited into my account yesterday. So, the money should be forthcoming to those who qualify.
     
Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM, Amherst, NY, ktg13@aol.com
 
I too have been anxiously awaiting my meaningful use payment from Medicare. It finally came yesterday.

Charles Morelli DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: PA's CHIP Program
From Gary S Smith,DPM

My son came home from school yesterday with a flyer sent to all parents saying that ALL kids in PA are now eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program provides for health, dental, and eye insurance regardless of parents' income. The notice provided an 800 number to call. CHIP pays significantly less than most insurances.

I bet that all businesses in PA will no longer cover children with their parents on health insurance within five years. Why should they pay extra for that when the children are covered for free (or close to it) elsewhere. This will force most pediatricians who are already burdened with an overwhelming amount of patients on Medicare Advantage out of business. How long will it be before everybody is covered by CHIP?
 
Gary S Smith, DPM, Bradford, PA, penndoc@verizon.net

RE: CAM Walker for Achilles Injuries (Greg Caringi, DPM)
From: James Sang, DPM

The best recommendation for CAM walker-type immobilization for Achilles tendon injuries would be the Bledsoe Achilles Boot. This boot has four 10 degree wedges in the heel to allow for gradual dorsiflexion of the foot and ankle. I have used this product successfully with many of my patients.
 
James Sang, DPM, Boston, MA, drsang@gmail.com

RE: Dragon Medical Practice Edition Version 11 Coming in September (Robert Kuvent, DPM)
From: Matthew Etheridge, DPM

I just upgraded to Dragon 10 Medical, and all I can say is wow. I've used various versions of Dragon in the past. I do have Version 10 preferred with several voice commands that I've used for some time.  After our IT guy installed it, I loaded the podiatry vocabulary and have only sent a handful of charts to our transcriptionist. I dictate most charts. I dictate directly into our EMR (MicroMD). 

The only problem I have with the Medical Version is I can't use my voice commands (mainly normal findings and various procedures) currently in our EHR. Our IT guy is working on this. I wish I had switched to the medical version when it first came out. It required very little training. The only recurring text problem I have is when I say "lower extremity or lower extremities" it transcribes "some 70 or some 70s." I've since fixed that problem by training the phrase which is very simple to do. 

Matthew Etheridge, DPM, Pensacola, FL, matthewetheridge@bellsouth.net

RE: NY Podiatrist Provides Nail Salon Safety Tips
From: Susan Scanlon, DPM

PM News often runs stories with DPMs recommending that folks bring their own instruments to nail salons. In Washington State, that is an illegal practice. The Dept. of Licensing figures patients are not sterilizing their instruments and THEY introduce bacteria into the salon. I wonder if all of those who recommend that practice are familiar with the regulations in their own states. 

Susan Scanlan, DPM, Seattle, WA, nwpodiatry@aol.com

RE: Medicare Proposes No Podiatric Coverage For Pneumatic Compression Therapy (Donald Arenson, DPM,)
From: Michael J. King, DPM

I would like to respond to Dr. Arenson, who asked, “Where are you APMA?” in regards to the proposed pneumatic compression therapy local coverage determination (LCD). APMA is where it always is: in the fray, fighting for podiatrists’ rights as physicians.

The proposed LCD would limit the ability to prescribe pneumatic compression therapy to “MDs, DOs, NPs, CNS and PAs enrolled in Medicare and authorized by Medicare to prescribe as 'physicians.'” APMA strongly disagrees with the proposed LCD’s specific exclusion of podiatrists as prescribers and is concerned that the proposal is outside the scope of an LCD. An LCD should address how to use a given therapy— not who may prescribe it.

APMA is working closely with our Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) members to address the issue and has been since the proposed LCD was released. We also are addressing the issue directly with CMS. CMS’ process allows us to...
 
Editor's Note: Dr. King's extended-length note can be read here.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN OH

Busy, well-established, full-time home visit practice. 100% referral-based. Wound care, pain management, routine care & DME’s. Excellent income, low overhead. DPM relocating out-of-state for family. Contact:  nanetter@zoomtown.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON AREA

8 miles north of Boston with sublease available in a modern medical building. Presently working 3 days/week, grossing $300,00 annually with easy potential for full-time. All office and podiatric equipment, instruments, digital x ray, furniture, etc. are included. Turn-key operation. Please e mailfootdoc71@aol.com or call 781 279-2332.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL PA
 
Martin Foot and Ankle, largest provider of foot and ankle care in South Central Pennsylvania, is seeking a full-time associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, in-office Physical Therapy, six appointment locations, in-office MRI, digital x-ray, PSSD and PVR testing, diagnostic ultrasound, and Electronic Medical Records. We are looking to hire candidates with a minimum of a three-year surgical residency. Experience in rear foot and forefoot reconstruction, including complex nerve releases of the foot and leg, Charcot arthropathy, and arthrodesis is helpful.  E-mail CV to mfatrans@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OKLAHOMA

Looking for OK licensed podiatrist to take over half of a million dollar/year practice in Central Oklahoma. Transition for full takeover by Jan 1, 2012.  Will interview in OKC Saturday Sept 3rd and in Tulsa , Saturday, Sept 10th. Great opportunity. Call (918) 931-1425.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

High Income Potential. One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a hard-working podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish-speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 4 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume toseattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - SO. CAL

Position open for podiatry associate in Southern California. Applicant must be highly motivated and available for long term employment. This practice is extremely busy and requires a hard work ethic and desire to practice in a group practice environment. Excellent salary and benefit package offered. Please e-mail resume to footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NE GEORGIA

Immediate opening in established practice for PSR-36 or experienced doctor who is ABPS qualified or certified. Hosp./ASC privileges available. Excellent opportunity for partnership or purchase of practice. Contact dpm1942@hushmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. Extremely competitive base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Knoxville is consistently ranked in top 5 places in U.S. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume toddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Busy upper east side podiatry practice seeking In-Network Podiatrist. Please email CV toinstitutebeaute@aol.com "Attn: Podiatrist" in the subject line.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Incredible opportunity for the right person to integrate long-term into a well established practice. Must be personable, highly motivated and bright individual with outstanding surgical and non-surgical ability. Excellent salary and benefits. Email CV and salary requirements to Marylandfootcare@live.com

 OFFICE TO SHARE - NYC (GRAMERCY)

Perfect for doctor looking to expand or to begin own practice. Terms are flexible. Beautiful, new fully supplied 1000 sq. foot. Two treatment rooms, lab, office and a large reception area. All equipment and X-ray on site.  Office is fully wired. Confidentiality upheld.  Please email: footpfc55@yahoo.com for further information.

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

SUB LEASING TIME on MRI (NYC)

.31 tesla extremity MRI in state-of-the-art midtown Manhattan office location. Lease time on magnet in compliance with the Stark laws. This magnet is the only one that will be accepted by Medicare and all other insurance as of 2012. Why not bill out for your own MRI's??? Email today dri@myfcny.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER

I have a class four pain laser for sale. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargable and can be move from room to room or office to office. This isn't the cold laser that you see. It is a 10 watt laser. We have used this laser on NFL sports players. For those that understand a good laser. E-mail David Zuckerman, DPM for Details and pricing. footcare@comcast.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 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 12,500 DPM's. Write tobblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 for a 50-word ad THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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