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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 14,601 Podiatrists Daily
September 28, 2013 #4,875 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
PA Podiatrist Treats Undiagnosed Diabetics at Homeless Shelter
Numbness in one foot can mean you ruptured a disc in your back to that side. Blood blisters nestled inside calluses can reveal undiagnosed diabetes. When any kind of medical attention is rare -- as is often the case for the chronically homeless -- undiagnosed diabetes can be life-threatening. Those blood blisters were a red flag for Dr. Barbara Black as she preformed foot screenings on homeless men and women Wednesday at Project Homeless Connect.
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Dr. Barbara Black |
When she spotted the blisters, Black, a podiatrist, explained the risk, and a volunteer assisting the man or woman would help them schedule an appointment to check for diabetes. Often the feet Black saw Wednesday were swollen. Most of the men and women who sat before her get around on foot. All that walking, and standing on hard sidewalks and pavement, can wear on feet. "I know their feet are their cars, so I can't stop them," Black said. "I just try to keep them going."
Source: Jeff Frantz, The Patriot News [9/26/13]
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
FINAL DAY TO VOTE
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
NY Podiatrist Offers Post-Race Tips
RocRun interviewed Dr. Robert Russo, president of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) to answer questions submitted by runners of Sunday's races about how to care for their feet post-run. Q: What are the first things a runner should do for their feet following a long-distance race?
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Dr. Robert Russo |
A: Immediately after the race, work on rehydration. Drink something like Gatorade that will re-hydrate and replenish essential minerals. Eat quickly to replenish your nutritional stores. And take immediate care of injuries. Something minor like a blister or chaffing can turn into a big problem if not taken care of immediately.
Source: Caurie Putnam, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle [9/25/13]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Annual Foot Exam Recommended for Diabetics: Qatar Podiatrist
People with diabetes have been advised by experts at the Hamad General Hospital’s (HGH) Podiatry Clinic to get annual foot check-ups. The clinic sees about 70 patients a day, including a large number of diabetics. “If diabetic patients don’t take good care of their feet, they are putting themselves at high risk of losing one foot or both feet. If they see any foot injury, they should come directly to the clinic,” says Dr. Talal Khader Talal, Head of Podiatric Services at HGH.
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Dr. Talal Khader Talal |
“Even small cuts can lead to serious infections, and patients might not notice the injury or feel any discomfort from the wound, leaving it to worsen. This makes future treatment much longer and harder for the patient,” says Dr Talal.
Source: The Qatar Peninsular [9/26/13]
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| PODIATRIST AND FOOTWEAR | |
High Heels Not Appropriate for Children: CA Podiatrist
Participating in beauty pageants has harmful effects on children. Most of the beauty products young girls in beauty pageants use are not designed for children, which can harm their sensitive skin and hair. For example, hair spray, which contains phthalates or plasticizers, can act as hormone disruptors, as Travis Stork of CBS's The Doctors reported.
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Dr. Wen-Yin Choi |
High heels are not appropriate for children either. According to Dr. Wen-Yin Choi, doctor of podiatric medicine, a board-qualified podiatrist, the unnatural position of their feet can directly cause or contribute to temporary problems like calluses, or more long-term damage to posture.
Source: The Minaret [9/26/13]
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| MEETING NEWS | |
WVS Meeting Holds First-Ever Limb Salvage Sessions
Scenic Jasper, Alberta Canada was the site for this year's Western Vascular Society (WVS). For the first time ever, an entire session was dedicated to diabetic limb salvage and team-oriented models of care, specifically. "What we are seeing now is a proliferation of university and integrated community programs adopting models of care that marry podiatric and vascular surgery, among other specialties, to help heal wounds and prevent amputations," noted Joseph Mills, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, who serves as President of the WVS.
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(L-R) Drs. Joseph Mills and David Armstrong |
The sessions featured a final program of noted invited surgeon researchers. Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the University of Arizona's Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) was the first invited podiatric surgeon at the WVS. Data presented at the symposium will be submitted for potential publication later this year in the Journal of Vascular Surgery.
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: AM 10-Second Digital Contraction
A 64 year old alert female presented with a complaint of the 4th right digit contracted in dorsiflexion in the AM, lasting approximately 10 seconds with acute pain. Then it spontaneously resolves with no further incidents or pain during the day until the following AM. Pertinent hx; 1997 post LT temporal lobe AVM repair, RT median N-carpal tunnel, RT trigger finger, post-concussive syndrome with vertigo, nocturnal leg cramps. No alcohol, drugs, tobacco, coffee. Meds: Carvedilol, lisinopril.
Two years ago, She had a compression neuroma of the 3rd left interspace which was untreated and resolved with a change in footgear. I am puzzled by the solitary digital contracture, and quite frankly do not have a clue as to where I might begin.
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: HIPAA and Sale of Office Records
I am considering retiring in the near future. I have a small, non-surgical practice. Is it a violation of the privacy laws to offer to sell the patient list?
Name Withheld
Editor's Comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Selling patient records as part of the sale of a practice is subject to both the HIPAA Privacy Rules and state privacy rules. Since state privacy rules trump HIPAA, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare attorney in your state when selling or transferring records. Not only is written permission of the patient required, but the selling doctor is still responsible for providing a patient with a copy of any medical record for the statutory period in that state. Transfer of records and/or data also requires the execution of a business associate agreement.
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Digital Radiography
Several individual practices including mine are interested in converting to digital radiography. Any advice on the subject would be much appreciated.
Michael J Marcus, DPM, Montebello/Irvine, CA
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Debridement Post Phenol Matrixectomy
How would you correctly bill for a debridement of tissue post-matrixectomy (phenol technique), CPT 11750, for Medicare?
Amy Dunetz, DPM, Aventura, FL
Response: Presuming the patient is being seen in the post-operative period, I would bill it either as CPT 99024 (post-operative follow-up visit, normally included in the surgical package) to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a post-operative period for a reason(s) related to the original procedure or CPT 99499 (unlisted evaluation and management service).
In either case, unless there is something horrible going on post-operatively, I typically do not charge for those one-minute quick, superficial debridements. Those two codes are set in my computer system to bill as zero dollars and not to send a form to the insurance company.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
If this were my child, I would have a plastic reconstructive surgeon pull down a gastrocnemius (or other suitable muscle structure) muscle flap to cover the defect and then overlay a skin graft. Amputation is the last consideration. With microsurgical techniques available now, this wound looks salvageable with appropriate debridement and advancement of vascularized muscle/cutaneous flaps.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PRACTICE MANAGEMENT) | |
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM
The thread on Recall Systems is quite timely considering the upcoming Stage 2 of Meaningful Use. One of the Stage 2 measures relates to patient recalls. 2014 certified software will be required to provide you with a report that assists you with this issue. The measure is called "Use clinically relevant information to identify patients who should receive reminders for preventive/follow-up care and send these patients the reminders, per patient preference."
Your EHR program will produce a report of all patients who have been in at least twice within the past 24 months, but do not have a scheduled appointment. You will be able to utilize this list to reach out to patients who have not been back to your office. In addition to enhancing quality of care and patient engagement, this particular measure has the capability of enhancing the bottom line of practices which utilize the tool regularly.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL LEGAL) | |
From: Al Musella, DPM, Ron Werter, DPM
Dr Brody is correct. I have been using DBAN for many years before the harsh HIPAA regulations came out. The penalties are so severe that it is worth purchasing the $35 program Dr. Brody mentioned. I probably will still use DBAN, but then have the drives shredded so I have an audit trail. See greenchiprecycling.com/mobile-hard-drive-shredding.php for info on the process. I never used them and am not recommending them - I'm just showing you what the benefits are.
Even though it may seem politically correct to donate a used computer for charity, my computers are replaced when it's more economical to replace them instead of upgrading them. That being said, they are typically not of any use to anyone locally, so they get disposed of as trash.
I take the hard drive out, and keep the drive in a locked cabinet. My plan is to someday either get a carbide drill bit and perforate the case and disks a number of times, or to use my wood splitting sledge to make sure the drive and disks are quite inoperative.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM
The report is mostly correct. But it is important to clear up a few points. First, software is not being certified for Stage 2. Software is being certified for 2014. In 2014, providers must use 2014 certified software whether they are at Stage 1 or Stage 2. That means that even if you currently have software that is "Certified for Stage 1", you will not be able to use that version in 2014 for the second year of Stage 1.
Second, in 2014 you only need to meet Meaningful Use for either ...
Editor's note: Dr. Brody's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
NEW YORK PODIATRIST SOUGHT FOR PART-TIME WORK
at two different multi-disciplinary practices. These practices are interested in expanding their current medical services to include podiatric diagnosis and rehabilitation. Interest in biomechanics and sports medicine key. Surgical skill set not as important. Must be personable and have willingness to learn. Bronx, Long Island and Brooklyn areas possible, depending on your location. If interested, please send resume and short statement concerning your interest in this area of specialization. Podiatry8888@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - CHICAGO
Chicago practice has 2 part-time house calls positions available. You'll make at least $3,000 per months working your own hours. Full logistical support provided. Great moonlighting opportunity for 2nd and 3rd year residents -IL license required; we'll provide malpractice insurance . Contact: dpms2@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION- DAYTON, OHIO
Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base. Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to: Ohiomedical@aol.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED: DPM NOT INTERESTED IN BONE SURGERY - ONTARIO, CANADA
Rare, Unique Opportunity Join my well established, dynamic and successful practice in a most amazing cosmopolitan city- Ottawa, Canada. The successful candidate will be permitted to perform soft tissue surgery including sinus tarsi stent implants. I do in-office osseous surgery (bunions, hammertoes, etc.). New DPMs in Ontario permitted bone surgery pending legislative changes. We also provide full orthopaedic and rehabilitative services, routine care and laser for onychomycosis. Remuneration is generous and commensurate with experience and productivity. Visit www.feetdocs.com and submit resumes and queries to dgreenberg@feetdocs.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – RICHMOND, VA
Virginia-Richmond- Motivated DPM Independent contractor needed for busy practice to work in our 2 offices. Outside retirement facilities are an option. Hospital and surgery center privileges available. Send CV to PO Box 8211, Richmond,Va 23226 or email: feet22@verizon.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHWEST, FL
R U a SuperStar? PM&S36 or PSR24. Comfort W Recon surgery. Hardworking w/o Ego. Excellent salary, benefits, chance at partnership. ABPS BC/BQ required RRA. Send CV, Tell why you are a superstar. mny1029@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA
A well-established, Midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NY
Busy well, established multi-specialty practice in Upstate New York looking for an additional podiatric physician. Work with our three podiatric physicians that have a combined practice experience of over 100 years. Very busy practice with a high volume of surgical cases. Working with three local hospitals. Foot, Rear Foot & Ankle Surgical procedures. Outstanding opportunity, Excellent salary and benefits. Advanced wound care. Broad based referrals. Opportunity for partnership. Electronic medical records. NYS Finger Lake Region. University atmosphere. Recreational, Social, Educational Opportunities. Please send CV to: associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base salary, percentage, benefits including 401K. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to: Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com
PODIATRIST WANTED - MN
We are seeking highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic associate’s to join our successful, well-established practice, we currently have 6 locations and plans to add more, throughout Minnesota. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. This opportunity offers an excellent salary, bonus and % commission with benefits, also an opportunity to become an associate down the road. PPMR/PSR required. Email CV to: kpepple@midwestpodiatrycenters.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE – MANHATTAN
Excellent opportunity to join a Midtown Park Ave practice. Surgery only. You need to do forefoot surgery well. Must be ABPS board qualified or certified. CV to mailto: nealblitz@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)
Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to: Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC METRO AREA
Must participate with HealthFirst, Affinity, Fidelis health plans (2 of 3 OK). Preferably on staff at Bronx or Manhattan hospitals or surgicenters. Excellent opportunity for quick partnership. email CV to: rrranch7@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to: cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)
Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Podiatry Management Services provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARIZONA
Immediate opening for a full time podiatrist in a rapidly expanding multi-office practice in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona. Compensation is performance based with patients scheduled from day 1 but must be entrepreneurial and an ambitious individual who can provide excellent care and expand already existing patient base. Should be familiar and competent in podiatric surgery, biomechanics, trauma, PRP, wound care, and ultrasound diagnostics. Send CV to: ArizonaFootAnkle@gmail.com
PINPOINTE FOOT LASER FOR SALE $18,000
Eyewear, thermometer and new fiber included. Lowest priced unit on the market Manuals Included: Yes - Under Warranty: No. Questions and Inquiries - please contact elizaseattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE. 980 LASER
This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts toenail problems , two year plus warranty, MSRP: 18,500 E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing .
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - 2012 PINPOINTE FOOTLASER
FDA-cleared treatment for toenail fungus. Used only 30 times. Doc closing practice. Paid 66K asking 46K or best offer. Buyer pays shipping from Arizona. rmfleck@cableone.net or call Robin at 928-443-0943 Thursday or Fridays 8-5.PST.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – USED PINPOINTE LASER
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - FOX DIODE 1064nm LASER FOR SALE
Like new, under warranty, excellent results for onychomycosis, verrucae, spider veins. Portable, many extras. $9800. 727-586-3668 or 727-321-3100.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,500 DPMs 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 14,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $119 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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| Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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