The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 19, 2011 #4,263 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Ballet Flats as Bad as Flip-Flops or UGGs

Those cute little roll-up ballet flats that women carry in purses to slide on during foot-pain emergencies rapidly have achieved most-favored streetwear status among millions — and worst-footwear status among podiatrists. 

Dr. Kendrick Whitney

"They're just as bad as flip-flops and UGGs" — long on doctors' worst-footwear lists — says podiatrist Dr. Kendrick Whitney of Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine.

Source: Sharon L. Peters, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review [9/16/11]

CMS Issues ICD-10 Transition Guide

The CMS has issued new guidance on implementing the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, procedure and diagnostic codes that healthcare providers are mandated to adopt as of Oct. 1, 2013.

The seven-page guide includes direction on terminology to use on claims that span the days just before and after the Oct. 1, 2013 transition from the currently used ICD-9 codes to the new, expanded ICD-10 codes.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [9/16/11]

As CME Funding Shifts from Industry, Others Foot the Bill

Drug- and device-makers' financial support for continuing medical education fell for the third straight year in 2010, reaching its lowest level since 2002. With industry support falling to $830 million -- 31% lower than the high-water mark of $1.2 billion in 2007 -- CME providers are relying more heavily on the fees they charge physicians. Those fees are $20 to $50 per credit hour. Annual CME requirements range from 15 to 50 credit hours, depending on the state.

Payments from doctors, hospitals, medical schools and other sources rose 9% from 2009 to 2010 and now account for more than half of accredited CME providers' revenue. Commercial support made up 37% of the $2.2 billion in 2010 CME funding, down from 47% in 2007, according to data released in August by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

Source: Kevin B. O'Reilly, AM News [9/12/11]

Former Shoe Exec Sentenced for Medicare Fraud

The founder of a Mequon company that sells special shoes and inserts for diabetics was sentenced this week to a year and a day in federal prison for mail fraud related to improper Medicare reimbursements in 2006. Rickey Kanter, 62, the former owner and CEO of Dr. Comfort, was also fined $50,000. Kanter had agreed in April to plead guilty and pay a $27 million civil fine. According to the U.S. attorney's office in Milwaukee, Dr. Comfort began selling diabetic shoe inserts that did not conform to Medicare requirements. A double-blinded study by Dr. David Armstrong, however, showed that there was no statistically significant differences in pressure reduction between the compliant and non-complant insoles.

As part of his plea deal, Kanter cannot participate in any federal healthcare programs for 15 years. Two former employees who blew the whistle on the scheme shared $4.8 million from the civil recovery under the False Claims Act. In March, Dr. Comfort announced it was being acquired by a California company, DJO Global Inc., for $254.6 million in cash.

Source: Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel [9/16/11]

Excessive Removal of Bone (NY) $1.5 million

Facts: On March 25, 2005, plaintiff Ann Marie Flannery, 37, underwent a Lapidus bunionectomy to her right foot. The procedure was performed by defendant podiatrist.

Flannery claimed that during the procedure, too much bone had been removed from the first ray, specifically the medial cuneiform. In addition, she claimed that the first metatarsal was improperly positioned. She claimed that, when weight-bearing, the forces of her foot shifted to the second and third metatarsals, causing pain, discomfort, and irritation whenever she walked.

Flannery underwent corrective surgery a year later to...

Editor's note: The full version of this jury verdict reporter can be read here.

Result: The jury found for the plaintiffs. It awarded damages of $1.55 million.

Plaintiff's expert: Robyn Joseph, DPM, Great Neck, NY
Defendant's expert: Edwin Wolf, DPM. New York, NY

Drive Retention with 4 Simple Steps

Adopt these strategies to retain staff and boost their productivity:

1. Chart careers. Seventy-eight percent of employees who stay put say that their current employers offer them long-term career opportunities. Only 26% of employees who plan to leave feel that way.
2. Give kudos. Sixty percent of workers who stay with their employer are satisfied with how they’re recognized. Only 20% of employees who
plan to leave are content.
3. Communicate more. About two-thirds of workers who plan to remain with their employer say management does a good job of communicating. Less than one-third of those planning to leave believe that.
4. Balance work and life. More than two-thirds—69%—of workers who plan to stay feel that management generally understands the
problems they face in their jobs and offers a supportive culture. But only one out of three workers who are planning to leave has a similar
feeling.

Source: Adapted from “Resolutions to Retain Talent, Engage Workers,” Towers Watson via Communication Briefings

RE: Professional Attire (Alan Mauder, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
The issue of disease control and professional attire has been discussed both here and in many other publications. Dangerous bacteria not only travel on doctors' hands but can hitch rides on ties, sports jackets, and other articles of clothing. I recently observed an infectious disease specialist making rounds at a hospital. He was impeccably dressed. Wearing his designer suit, he entered each room housing an infected patient. He examined each person and ultimately prescribed appropriate antimicrobials. The patients were impressed. "--well dressed man, he must be a good specialist."
 
What is beyond appearances? This man is confronting and touching patients with MRSA infections, pneumonia, TB, strep, and hepatitis all day long. People cough on him. Does anyone think that he has his expensive suit dry cleaned every day?
 
I am not fashion conscious and don't see as many infected patients as the ID doctor, yet I wear scrubs and whites at work and wash them out with strong detergent every single day. I'd rather sacrifice appearance for patient safety and well-being.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: APMA Nixes MD/DO Referendum
From: Kevin Lam, DPM

I applaud Dr Lam for his response. This has been my cry to the APMA for years. Unfortunately, I am often reminded by patients, hospital OR staff, and physicians that they don't have a clue what podiatrists are capable of treating. I am tired of seeing a patient with a cast on one foot for a fracture (treated by the " bone specialist") who is then sent to me to have the callus pared down. Invariably, the response by the patient after my 15 minutes of educating him about podiatry is that he " had no idea", or "wished that he had known."

Yes, I do think that we as providers of care have a responsibility of educating within our communities, BUT I believe that this should be a major emphasis on the part of the APMA as well. 

Stephen Kominsky, DPM, Washington, DC, sjkom120@aol.com

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Designed by Kobi Levi

When you get too drunk to stand, the bartender can simply lean you backwards and cart you away!

Source: Submitted by Dr. Stuart Steinberg

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH DALLAS, TX

Great opportunity; 26 year old solo practice, reasonably priced. General practice consisting of hospital surgery, office surgery, orthotics, children, adults, geriatrics. Turn-key office located in medical building inside Loop 635. Will consider owner finance with down-payment.dallasfootdr@yahoo.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 - 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. Priced for quick sale. Real estate available for purchase. Please call 800-983-4194, or e-mailcontactus@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 e-mailcontactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (LEHIGH VALLEY)

Well-established, rapidly growing practice with multiple offices. Motivated, ethical and personable with well-trained PSR-24/36. Modern office’s with complete EMR, digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, and laser. Competitive salary/benefits package with partnership opportunity. If interested please fax your CV, letter of intent and references to: 610-432-4887.

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 - NORTH OF BOSTON

Seeking part-time podiatrist for both office and nursing home work. North Andover, MA (North of Boston) Could lead to possible partnership for the right person. jmclaughlin19@yahoo.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 to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Experienced podiatrist wanted – Position available for per diem podiatrist (weekly and vacation coverage) in Park Avenue office. Seeking experienced, kind and well-trained podiatrist with out-of-network capability. Starting at $50/hour. Please fax CV to 212-889-6150.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON

Busy office with good steady referral sources looking to expand. Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with good personality and hard work ethics. New main and satellite offices. mail: office.pfac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK

Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

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 to bblock@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.

• 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.