The Voice of Podiatrists

September 07, 2006 #2, 683 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.

We've just mailed the September issue of Podiatry Management. In it you'll find the first part of our popular America's Most Influential Podiatrists List, which we initially published in 2001. This year's list has been expanded to 175 DPM's, of which approximately 50 were nominated by PM News subscribers.

This month's theme is orthotics and includes several informative articles on this topic. Additionally, you'll find our usual array of stellar columnists and features.

25% Complain of Corns, Calluses, Dry Skin: CT Podiatrist

Dr. Jeffrey Best, a Norwalk, CT podiatrist, said that 25 percent of his patients complain about their calluses, corns and dryness. Unattractive feet could be one reason why pedicures have become one of the most popular spa treatments, adding to the booming $11 billion spa industry.

Today's pedicures are no longer just about pretty toenails. Dry, cracked and sometimes painful feet and heels not only detract from the foot's appearance, but can also lead to infections. To achieve a safe and healthy home pedicure, Best recommends the use of podiatrist-approved instruments.

Source: Clebourne News

AAHHP Elects New Officers

The American Association of Hospital and Healthcare Podiatrists has announced its new officers for 2006-8.

President: Larry Santi, DPM
Vice President: Joseph Steiner, DPM
Executive Director: Frank Rinaldi, DPM
Trustees: Mark Berger, DPM, Barry Block, DPM, JD, Ken Indahl, DPM, Lauren Schwartz, DPM

SC High Court Halts Out-Of-State Expert Witness Rule

South Carolina's Supreme Court has stopped the state's medical board from enforcing a new law that requires out-of-state physicians to obtain a license to serve as expert witnesses.

In its Aug. 24 order, the court said the measure "has the potential to substantially impair the orderly administration of justice." The court said the law casts doubt on a physician's ability to offer testimony if the physician lives outside the state, and it fails to address certain situations such as a physician who at one time was licensed in South Carolina but has since moved to another state.

The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners said the law is intended to make physicians accountable for what they say as expert witnesses, not discourage them from appearing as experts.

Source: Damon Adams, AMNews staff [9/11/06]

QUERIES

Query: Best Mixture For Spider Veins?

What is the consensus of the best mixture to use when injecting spider varicosities? Sodium mruate, Sotrdecol, saline and what concentration?

Barry Kaye, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, Classicboats4425@aol.com

Query: Source For Cadaver Feet

I have gone to workshops in the past where cadaver feet were brought in . I was wondering if anyone can help me regarding how to go about getting a cadaver foot for teaching a procedure.

Jeff Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

RE: New CMS-1500 Claim Form

The CMS-1500 claim form (the form used by Medicare and most private insurance companies) will soon be changed to accommodate the new NPI numbers. The current form is known as CMS-1500 (12/90) while the new form is known as CMS-1500 (08/05). Here is the timeline for implementation:

October 1, 2006: Health plans, clearinghouses, and other information support vendors should be ready to handle and accept the revised CMS-1500 (08/05) claim form.

October 1, 2006 – January 31, 2007: Providers can use either the current CMS-1500 (12/90) version or the revised CMS-1500 (08/05) version of the claim form.

February 1, 2007: The current CMS-1500 (12/90) version of the claim form is discontinued; only the revised CMS-1500 (08/05) form is to be used. All rebilling of claims should use the revised CMS-1500 (08/05) form from this date forward, even though earlier submissions may have been on the current CMS-1500 (12/90) claim form.

Mark Schilansky, DPM, Catskill, NY

Codingline subscription information can be found at http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Autologous Platelet Injections (Bruce Lebowitz, DPM)
From: Nat Chotechuang, DPM

We have two patients in our practice who have had an autologous platelet concentrate injection for plantar fasciitis, and both have had remarkable improvement. We have a lab tech come to our office to draw the patient's blood and process it. I have another patient with chronic peroneal tenosynovitis who will receive this treatment pending insurance prior authorization. The process is a little involved and expensive, but so far the results have been promising.

Nat Chotechuang, DPM, Bend, OR, natchot@hotmail.com

RE: Donation of Supplies Sought
From: Steven Wiener, DPM

Dear Fellow Podiatrists,

I am volunteering at a primary health care clinic for the uninsured which treats over 3,000 patients/year. These patients must have a job which does not provide health benefits and make less than $20,000/year for a family of 4. Please consider sending the below wish list of Podiatry items to: Shepherds Free Clinic C/O Dr. Steven Wiener, 2800 Kirk Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218. Donations are tax-deductible if accompanied by an itemized statement of value. Items needed include:

1. Palliative instruments: Nail Cutters , B-P Handles, 10 blades, Mini handle and 62/67 blades, tissue nippers. curettes, nail splitters, and hemostats.
2. Surgical shoes, BKO's, Unna boots, cotton-tip applicators, stockinette, Kling, gauze sponges, Band-aids, Pads, felt, moleskin, stockinette,
syringes 3/5/cc, injectables- Xylocaine, Kenalog, & Marcaine.
3. Podiatry drills, autoclave, mandrels, burrs, heat gun, sanding discs, Plastazote.
4. Diabetic shoes that may have been returned or not used, innersoles. OTC orthotics, casting material- fiberglass/plaster.
5. Sample creams, anti-fungals, and Betadine products.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Steven Wiener, DPM, Baltimore, MD, footmansteve@adelphia.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BERKELEY CALIFORNIA

Well-established office in professional medical building; Biomechanics, Geriatrics and General Podiatry; Excellent growth potential for surgery; Payor base MC, PPO, and self-pay (NO HMOs); Reliable referrals from local physicians; Electronic billing in-house; Transition terms negotiable. Send letter of intent to: foot4sale@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - AUSTIN TX MOBILE PRACTICE

Full or part-time; Texas license. Fine working conditions with excellent support staff and pay. Mobile podiatry clinic and House calls. http://www.footmobile.com Fax CV 210.495.6484

ASSOCIATE POSITON - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW ENGLAND

Opportunity in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with large office and surgicenter, latest technology, great staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals, full scope practice. Opportunity for partnership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and contact info to: footdoc@usa.net

DOCTOR’S OFFICE LARGE ROOM FOR RENT NY (FLATIRON) $2000

Medical office space available to share in a great building in the Flatiron District of NYC. Amenities include: 24-hour doorman and elevator access. Room is large, recently renovated, has a sink with working plumbing, central air (CAC), and audio with volume control. Space is also available at the reception bay. Rent- $2000/month if full-time; less if part-time. All utilities except phone included. Dr. Christopher Anselmi 212-475-8104 anselmic@hss.edu

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 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

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 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

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

• 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.