The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

September 02, 2011 #4,249 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Flip-Flops Causing Increasing Number of Foot Problems: FL Podiatrist

Podiatrists warn that this summer everyone’s favorite flip-flops may be causing some serious damage. “Many people wear flip-flops as a replacement for their normal footgear because they are simple to wear, especially in Southwest Florida, where most are wearing more relaxed clothing,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kleiman, a local podiatrist with the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. “That’s where we find the problems.” 

Dr. Jeffrey Kleiman

“We’re probably seeing ten people a week with flip-flop related issues,” commented Dr. Kleiman. “We see an increasing number of patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. This can certainly result from wearing flip-flops frequently.”

Source: Julie Digby, Naplesnews.com [8/31/11]

ACFAS Testifies on PCDs at DME Hearing

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons testified Aug. 30 at the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors’ hearing in Baltimore on a proposed Medicare local carrier determination (LCD) that seeks to limit DPMs’ ability to prescribe pneumatic compression devices/therapy (PCDs). Kristin Hellquist Cunningham, ACFAS Director of Health Policy, Practice & Research, noted in her testimony that allowing DPMs to prescribe PCDs is clearly included in the DPMs’ scope of practice.

Many other stakeholders’ testimonies were akin to the ACFAS testimony, and those groups included manufacturers, legal experts, suppliers, and allopathic physicians. ACFAS testimony highlighted that DPMs are key to the healthcare team, in this case, to deliver wound care. There was no testimony presented that supported limiting DPMs’ prescribing authority for PCDs, and there was no evidence given to support this recommendation either.

Maryland DPMs Publish Foot Health Book

Maryland podiatrists Jonathan D. Rose, DPM, and Vincent J. Martorana have recently published The Foot Book: A Complete Guide to Healthy Feet (The Johns Hopkins University Press). The Foot Book is an all-inclusive resource for everyone suffering from foot and ankle disorders as well as for physicians and other medical personnel who care for feet. 

Drs. Jonathan Rose, Vincent Martorana with The Foot Book

Dr. Rose is in provate practice at Podiatry Associates in Baltimore, MD, and also practices at the Integrated Wound Healing Center at Franklin Square Hospital Center. Dr. Martorana, also at Podiatry Associates, is a podiatric consultant and section chief of podiatric surgery at Franklin Square Hospital Center.

CMS Releases Final Rule on eRx Incentive Program Changes

The CMS' final rule on changes to the federal e-prescribing incentive program for 2011 includes additional hardship exemptions and more time for providers to obtain such exemptions. The final rule also will extend the deadline for requesting significant-hardship exemptions to Nov. 1. The program creates financial incentives and penalties to encourage the use of digital prescriptions by healthcare providers participating in Medicare.

Under the final rule, issued Wednesday and scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Sept. 6, there are additional significant-hardship exemption categories to help providers avoid the Medicare payment cuts they would face beginning in 2012 for not meeting e-prescribing targets. The new exemptions apply to providers participating in the Medicare or Medicaid EHR incentive programs that adopt certified EHR technology.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [8/31/11]

EHR Vendors Take Aim at Proposed Patient-Level Data Rule

Electronic health-record system vendors are asking the CMS to roll back a proposed Medicare rule change that would require providers to report patient-level data for clinical quality improvement and rely on the reporting of aggregate quality data instead.

The vendors, members of the Electronic Health Record Association, an affiliate of the Chicago-based Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, stated in a news release that the proposed rule for the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System should be reconsidered "based on the burden it would impose on provider organizations and other considerations."

Source: Joseph Conn, Health IT Strategist [8/31/11]

Query: Shadowing By Potential Podiatry Students

A young man recently called my office to see if he could follow me around for a day while I saw patients. He is not a medical student but is thinking about going to podiatry school. I would like to encourage him, but I am concerned about the privacy issues, especially as concerns HIPAA. Does anyone have any advice?
 
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN

Editor's Note: PM News does not provide legal advice. You are commended for offering to open your office to potential podiatry students. This is the way many podiatrists, including PM's editor, became interested in this profession. The first recommendation is to first explain to the individual that everything he experiences is strictly confidential. You may want to draft a short agreement to that effect.

The next threshold is to ask every patient for permission for the individual to be present in the treatment room prior to allowing the potential student in the room. In most cases, patients will readily agree.

Query: CareTracker EHR Program

Is anyone else using the EHR program CareTracker by Ingenix? I am looking for tips on short cuts and/or work-around's for podiatry-specific information.

Bill Weis, DPM, Oak Creek, WI

RE: Nike's Use of Hazardous Materials
From: Steven King, DPM

Sports One Media today posted that "Adidas has become the latest company to pledge to eliminate the release of hazardous chemicals throughout its supply chain. Plotting a similar timeframe as Nike and Puma, Adidas promised to eliminate the discharges across both its entire supply chain and product life cycle by 2020. Its pledge comes seven weeks after a Greenpeace report linked Adidas and other apparel brands to suppliers releasing pollution into Chinese rivers."

Adidas and other shoe makers are pledging to eliminate toxic chemicals from their shoes and manufacturing. Why does it take Greenpeace pressure to make that kind of change? Why did the shoe makers keep the use of toxic chemicals a secret for so long?
 
Steven King, DPM, Wailuku,HI, kingetics@gmail.com

RE: CAM Walker for Achilles Injuries (Greg Caringi, DPM)
From: Vince Marino, DPM

Instead of spending a lot of money (> $100.00) on the Bledsoe Achilles Walking Boot, just use a regular Air Cam Boot from any company (Avg. Price about $39.00) and insert one or two “Adjust-A-Lift”  heel lifts (Cost about $6.00 each) into the heels and waalaa—same type of boot for 1/3 the price.
 
Vince Marino, DPM, San Francisco, CA, drmarino@marinofootandankle.com

RE: Medicare Proposes No Podiatric Coverage For Pneumatic Compression Therapy (Paul Kesselman, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Dr. Kesselman states, “So the question is not what organized podiatry has been doing…"

This is not a time to wonder whether or not organized podiatry is doing something for you, but to wonder whether you should be doing something for yourself and your colleagues!” Paying national and component dues should take all the wonder and question away from the practicing podiatrist. This IS the reason physicians pays these dues. Issues like this should be brought to the attention of the podiatrist who is otherwise tied up running a practice and seeing patients. The podiatrist should not have the burden of finding out where and how to respond individually to these national issues.

APMA, more recently, has done a fairly decent job of alerting our profession to these types of issues and sending out the response letter and links. These issues arise all the time. It is nearly impossible for the individual doctor to keep up with the constant barrage of detrimental issues and fight them on their own.

A doctor’s time would be better spent keeping an eye on the APMA and their state component body to see how they handle these large and significant issues. If our paid watchdogs are doing their duty, the podiatrist should rest easily knowing all that can be done on their behalf is being done. The doctor should expect to be appropriately educated on the issue at hand, informed on what their organizations are doing about it, and what options are available for them individually to help in the fight. Now is the time to hold the organizations accountable for fighting the good fight, not Medicare.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Louboutin Shoes

Now every woman can experience what it's like to be a ballet dancer!

Source: NY Daily News

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is $130K on 2 half days per week. Asking $100K. Real estate available for purchase. Please call 800-983-4194, or emailcontactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ARKANSAS

Busy, well established practice of 13 years grosses 160K/year for the past 5 years, while working 3.5 days/week. Nursing homes available. 50% Medicare, average of 15 new patients/week. Doctor retiring. Please call 800-983-4194 for more details, or emailcontactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

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

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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