The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 23, 2011 #4,267 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Australian Podiatry Council Lobbies for More Medicare-Covered Visits

The Australian Podiatry Council is lobbying the federal government to make visits to podiatrists more accessible for people by increasing the number of visits covered by Medicare. Medicare only covers five visits a year. 

Dr. Elizabeth Sarkady

Dr. Elizabeth Sarkady says she wanted Medicare to provide cover for 12 visits a year to allow podiatrists to be able to educate people about self-management. She says all diabetes sufferers are at risk of foot problems, but podiatrists can help them manage the risks with regular visits. People with diabetes can develop a range of foot problems including ulcers, calluses and poor circulation, which in extreme cases can result in amputation.

Source: Wyndham Weekly, [9/21/11]

APMA & CPME Receive CMS Approval for Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residencies

APMA and CPME have achieved significant progress toward Vision 2015 yesterday by receiving full Graduate Medical Education funding from CMS for the three-year Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residency (PMSR), effective July 1, 2013. Full reimbursement from CMS paves the way for an increased number of residency positions available to graduates of podiatric medical colleges. This major advance also secures fair reimbursement for our residents and recognition within the healthcare community of podiatric medicine's rigorous education, training, and experience.
 
APMA and CPME have advocated for full funding of the PMSR for several months through extensive communication with CMS. This is a significant victory for our residency programs and for the podiatric medical profession as we continue to work toward the goals of Vision 2015.

NJ Podiatrist Lectures to AAPPM Scholl Chapter Students

Dr. Hal Ornstein, Chairman of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) recently spoke at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. In attendance were over 100 students from the Student Chapter of the AAPPM, who listened to and interacted with Dr. Ornstein as he discussed how bright the future is and ways to get on the path of success, happiness, and peace.  

(L-R) Michael Budzinski, Samantha Dolph, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Carly Kriedberg, Jarod Spencer (back), Michelle Leonard (front), David Vieweger

"It is so amazing to be reminded that there is a big picture outside the walls of the library or classroom. It is very easy to get caught up in the stress and negativity that often surrounds residency. The other students in attendance also felt renewed in a sense, knowing that there is a bright light at the end of this road. The best part is that we're in control of getting there and beyond," said Carly Kriedberg, President of the Scholl AAPPM Student Chapter.

Former NJ podiatrist, 100, dies in Car Crash

A 100-year-old former podiatrist died in a car accident Tuesday afternoon when the car in which he was a passenger slammed into a tree on Cropwell Road in Cherry Hill.

Dr. David Redlus, a Camden County podiatrist who retired at 90, was a passenger in a 2005 Toyota Prius that drifted off the roadway around 3:52 p.m. as it headed north on Cropwell Road. The car struck a tree on the driver's side.

Query: Lymphoid Aggregates in Cancellous Bone
 
I received a pathology report following a routine bunionectomy that stated: "There are several foci within the cancellous bony region of lymphoid aggregates. The aggregates consist of small compact lymphocytes  No normal marrow elements are found. The possibility of a small cell lymphoma or other lymphoma-type is raised. The patient should have a CBC with differential to evaluate for CLL/SLL."

When I spoke to our hospital pathologist, I told him that I had never seen such an unusual pathology report in 30 years of practice. He agreed. The patient's recent CBC-differential on PAT was normal. The bone appeared normal at surgery. The patient has no related symptoms. Has anyone ever received a similar report? Does anyone have any insight as to the significance of such a finding with a normal CBC-differential?
 
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA

RE: Yellow Hands & Feet (Greg Caringi, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

Consider carotenemia, which is associated with high vitamin A in take, which may have many sources, such as carrots, and carotene containing nutritional supplements. Other fruits and vegetable intake may be involved. Basically, the differentiation from jaundice clinically is that carotenemia does not affect the sclera. Some diseases, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, eating disorders, and renal issues may cause carotenemia not related to dietary intake. In palms and soles, the discoloration tends to be more prominent due to thicker stratum corneum in these areas. The presentation is completely benign.

Carotenemia can be verified by a high serum beta-carotene level, a normal or slightly elevated vitamin A level, and normal liver function test results. Accumulation of beta-carotene in the skin is delayed by up to 2 weeks compared to the serum. Because of the lipophilic nature of carotenoids, sufficient amounts can remain in tissue for several months, causing yellow skin even after serum carotene levels return to normal. Concise but more complete information on this can be found here. 

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

Query: Paying an Associate

When hiring an associate into the practice, is it legal to pay a straight percentage of collections? Does it matter if the associate is salaried or an independent contractor?  Does it matter if the practice is a PC or not?
 
Barry Finkelstein, DPM, Bronx, NY

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. The laws regarding compensation to podiatrists vary from state to state, so it's recommended that DPMs  check with a healthcare attorney in their state. The rules determining whether an associate can be paid as an independent contractor are determined by the IRS. 

RE: Getting the Stimulus Money (Jordan Sheff, DPM)
From: Ron Werter DPM, Joseph Borreggine, DPM

It seems that dealing with the government is just too complicated to do by yourself. Just changing your address is  a complicated process. I think you need the full cooperation of your EHR vendor because there are somethings you cannot do on your own.

I'm very satisfied with my EHR program, Sammy/ICS software. They basically hold your hand through the entire process.It appears that they've set up systems within the program to let you know what you're supposed to do and to make sure you do it correctly.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with ICS software.
 
Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY, hawkeyedpm@aol.com

Click here for details.  

Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL, footfixr@consolidated.net

RE: Demeaning Invesco Ad (Joan Williams, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

This is the first time I've seen this ad, and I find it offensive. It depicts podiatrists as unfocused individuals. As an APMA member, I would like to see APMA investigate this ad from Invesco and provide us all with a report.
 
Bruce Pinker, DPM, White Plains, NY, docpinker@yahoo.com

I dont feel like this ad is demeaning to podiatry. The point of the message is that you should not take investing advice from anyone who is not a financial professional, just like you would not take foot care advice from your accountant. I think the add  is pretty funny.  If you are not used to being the brunt of a joke by now, you are in the wrong profession. Do good work, be proud of what you do, help people, laugh your way to the bank. 

Robert P. Thiele, DPM, Denville, NJ, drthiele@comcast.net

Invesco Stadium was dumped by the Denver Bronco Network and the City of Denver. This is some consolation for our brused egos!

G. Stephen Gill, DPM, Denver, CO, www.g_gill@comcast.net

RE: Midmark Footrest Slider Repair (Justin Sussner, DPM)
From: Jerry Peterson, DPM

I repaired mine myself and it was quite easy. You buy the kit from Midmark directly. If you have a pop rivet tool, a screw driver, and about an hour or so, you can install it yourself with the instructions given as long as you are reasonably handy. The kit wasn't cheap (over $100) but it beats fussing with the sliding foot rest which is VERY annoying. I would call Midmark directly and talk with the service people. They were very helpful to me.
 
Jerry Peterson, DPM, West Lynn, OR, DRP@ifixft.com

RE: MedPac Mulls 'Doc Fix' With No Raises for 10 Years
From:  Dennis Shavelson, DPM

Since we are specialists, let’s look at the first of the three 6% annual cuts to your income that MedPac suggests. A practice grossing $100,000 with a 50% overhead ($50,000) reaps a net of $50,000.  A 6% drop = $94,000 gross - $50,000 overhead reaps a net of $44,000, a 12% drop in your income.
 
Many insurance companies pay some percentage of Medicare, so this will reflect down the HMOitis food chain. Now multiply that by three years. It comes to over a 20% pay cut, which will then stay permanent for seven years! Now configure that to your gross and how that will impact your current lifestyle and welcome yourself to your future life.
 
The conclusion is that since we cannot stop HMOitis, we have to find income streams in practice that we can control if we wish to avoid downsizing our lives. Discuss this with your spouse before continuing to behave like an ostrich, because I suspect that s/he will be thinking more clearly than you about the need to change our practice lives.
 
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, DrSha@foothelpers.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ULTRASOUND, CRYO-PAC, FLOUROSCAN

Ultrasound w/printer, Cryo-Pac w/two probes, Flouroscan w/printer. There may be other surgical equipment as well. Please contact Jolene as young_jolene@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

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 - 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-mail c ontactus@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 fe-mail  your CV, letter of intent and references to: Pafootdocs@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Well-established successful Park Avenue podiatry practice is recruiting an In-Network, skilled and well-trained DPM with a minimum of 3 years of experience. Must be experienced in rear and forefoot reconstruction. Must be self-motivated and great with patients. Practice facilities and technologies include: in-office Physical Therapy, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and Electronic Medical Records. MRI, and Private Operating Room. Please E-mail CV to sjohnson@parkavemed.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION , NY

Unique opportunity for the right person! We are a high-volume, diversified, multi-office practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Ample growth opportunities for a personable and highly-motivated DPM. Please forward CV to:healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
 
Upstate practice seeking PSR-24/36 trained associate. Full-time position with partnership opportunity. Must be ethical, highly-motivated with strong surgical and medical skills. Please send CV to palpodiatry@att.net

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 - TEXAS (HOUSTON AREA)  

Become a “SUCCESS”! Multi-professional podiatric practice seeks personable, talented, enthusiastic physicians with expertise in any of these areas: 1. Biomechanics 2. Geriatrics  3. Pediatrics 4. Trauma. Send CV and letter of intent to: sierrajip@gmail.com

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

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.

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