The Voice of Podiatrists

September 13, 2006 #2,688 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NH Podiatrist Diagnoses Ewing’s Sarcoma

Holly Young of the University of New Hampshire volleyball team recently won her battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of children’s bone cancer, after a lung scan she was deemed “cancer free” on August 21, 2006.

Dr. Kenneth Leavitt

Kenneth Leavitt, a podiatrist at Baptist Hospital was the first to discover the tumor in her leg after taking x-rays and set up an appointment with Dr. Mark Gebhardt, the chief of orthopedic oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Source: Univ of New Hampshire Athletics [9/12/06]

NC Podiatrist Uses Biometric Time Clock

Punching the finger clock It’s a trick as old as the punch clock: you want to sneak out of work early and, promising to return the favor in the future, ask a co-worker to punch out for you at the end of the shift. No one is the wiser. Except, that is, for employers who realize they are losing many hours of productivity they are paying for.

Now many of them are ripping out their punch clocks and installing time and attendance systems that require a fingerprint scan. Clarence Stewart, a podiatrist in Raleigh, NC, installed a such a system three years ago for his practice, which employs 24 people in four offices, replacing another PC-based system that required an ID number.

Dr. Stewart says his workers’ time sheets now reflect the hours they have worked more accurately. “I’m in a big practice, and some people work here for a long time and they become friends,” he says. “They know how to beat the system. But no one can fake a fingerprint.”

Source: David S. Joachim, The New York Times, [9/12/06]

Private Health Plans Growing at Fastest Rate Ever: McClellan

According to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, enrollment in private health plans is growing at the fastest rate ever -- 26% in 2006. About half the growth is in HMOs and PPOs, while the other half is in fee-for-service plans, he said. McClellan also said the federal government is saving $26 monthly for each beneficiary enrolled in a Medicare managed care plan, which amounts to billions of dollars in annual savings.

Source: CQ HealthBeat via American Health Line [9/12/06]

Query: Shoe Store Attached to Office

I am building a new office with an 1,300 sq. ft. extra building. Can someone with experience on having a full-service foot products/shoe store and/or foot spa attached to their office provide some advice and guidelines.

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ, toetoe@optonline.com

Query: PA’s as Assistant Surgeons

Can you bill out physician assistants as assistant surgeons? If so, how? Do you sign them up with the insurance companies?

Jim Malone, DPM, Bakersfield, CA

Response: Physician assistants (PA) are that and that only. They are licensed in their state to perform their duties under the direction/supervision of a physician. As far as I am aware, podiatrists are not categorized as physicians, in most states, for this purpose. Therefore, not only shouldn't you bill for their service, but they may not even be licensed to work with you.

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD

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

RE: Codingline is NOT The Coding Institute
From: Harry Goldsmith, DPM

It has come to our attention that some podiatrists seem to be confused regarding what are two different and independent companies, Codingline and The Coding Institute (Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert). Please be advised that Codingline is not the same company as The Coding Institute (Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert) nor is it affiliated in any way with The Coding Institute (Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert) nor does it share, literally or philosophically, the business and subscription practices of The Coding Institute (Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert).

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, CEO, Codingline

RE: Scope of Practice Legislation
From: Daniel Alan Chaskin, DPM

NY and other states have a problem of not being licensed to treat the foot and ankle. This situation can be changed. If every podiatrist had ten patients telephone their state representative and express their support of legislation allowing podiatrists to treat the foot and ankle, it would be an effective approach towards changing state law. This would actually be more effective than just having podiatrists contact their state representatives, which could be viewed as self-serving. Naturally, podiatrists would need to educate patients to the fact that podiatrists are trained and, in other states, have the ability to treat the foot and ankle, and even the leg.

For example, in NY, if the patients of podiatrists were to contact their state representatives in support of Assembly bill 4697 and Senate bill 6789 it would go a long way to securing passage.

Daniel Alan Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, podiatrist1@optonline.net

RE: Volunteers Sought for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer NY Podiatry Team

For 2 days and 39.3 miles, over 3,000 people will participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York. Their bodies and their feet may take a beating, but their spirit will inspire you. Volunteers are sought to provide podiatry services to support these amazing walkers raising millions of dollars for breast cancer treatments, research, education and awareness. Tend to sprains, strains, and blisters – Volunteer your time and Join our Podiatry Crew for the weekend of Oct 7-8. For more information and to register Call 212-586-8720 or e-mail crew.newyork@avonwalk.org

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

EQUIPMENT WANTED - X-RAY Machine

I am looking for a used x-ray unit, preferably no older than 15 years. EXCEL units or units of this type are appropriate for my needs. If you have a unit, with or without the stand, please e'mail a picture and relevant information to me at drkarendpm@aol.com I can also be reached at 619-892-3549. Shipping would be to Southern CA.

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-office@usa.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/ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP - WASHINGTON, DC

A 26 year old practice for sale in hospital's attached medical building. Fully equipped. All aspects of podiatric medicine;surgery. Large diabetic practice with wound care clinic. Large referral base with loyal patients. Charcot, forefoot, rearfoot, orthopedics. Residency required for privileges. Moving but will stay for transition. Associateship until purchase. Will finance sale with adequate down-payment. Serious inquires only. Contact scottr0666@yahoo.com

SEEKING ASSOCIATE POSITION IN TEXAS, DFW AREA

PSR-24 trained podiatrist seeking a FT associate position with possibility of future partnership. Trained in all aspects of podiatric medicine including forefoot and rearfoot surgery, and diabetic limb salvage. Email: fixfeet@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – FLORIDA

Florida License / Medicare and Medicaid numbers in effect and active. High income potential for hard working, ethical and honest DPM great for semi-retired. Transportation a must. FAX CV or Resume to 1-727-785-4697.

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 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN INDIANA

Established, respected solo podiatry practice immediately available in scenic southern Indiana. Fully equipped attractive building conveniently located on an active corner with great staff, loyal patients and excellent referral base. Includes relationships with local assisted living and nursing homes. Practice and building available for $200,000. Serious inquiries preferred e-mail to: dhall@cmbuck.com

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

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