The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 29, 2010 #3,970 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Nothing Magical About Toning Shoes: FL Podiatrist

Tight buns. Toned, well-defined legs. Firm abs. Get it all, Skechers says, with the Shape-ups walking shoe. But wait, there's more: Strengthen cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, lose weight, reduce cellulite, all without having to run or even jog. Just walk around in a pair of Skechers Shape-ups. Wow! Well, not so fast. Critics say Skechers stepped out of bounds by overstating the benefits of its shoes (a condition the Consumer's Edge refers to as health benefit hyperbole or HBH).

Dr. Jeffrey Kopelman

"In theory, over the long haul, you may burn a few more calories," said Dr. Jeff Kopelman, a St. Petersburg podiatrist. "There's definitely nothing magical to help you lose weight." He says the shoe's curved, boatlike structure is "almost designed to throw you out of balance." Trying to get back in balance makes your muscles work harder and therefore can theoretically tone your body, he said. Kopelman tells his patients just to get a basic running shoe.

Source: Iavn Penn, The St. Petersburg Times [9/27/10]

Titanium Foam Replaces Injured Bones

Flexible, yet rigid like a human bone, and immediately capable of bearing loads: A new kind of implant, made of titanium foam, resembles the inside of a bone in terms of its structural configuration. This make it less stiff than conventional massive implants. It also promotes ingrowth into surrounding bones. The titanium foam is the result of a powder metallurgy-based molding process that has already proven its value in the industrial production of ceramic filters for aluminum casting. Open-cell polyurethane (PU) foams are saturated with a solution consisting of a binding medium and a fine titanium powder.

Titanium Foam

The powder cleaves to the cellular structures of the foams. The PU and binding agents are then vaporized. What remains is a semblance of the foam structures, which is ultimately sintered. Bone-like rigidity allows for stress forces to be transmitted; with the new formation of bone cells, it also fosters healing of the implant. Consequently, stress can and should be applied to the implant immediately after insertion.

Source: Dr. Peter Quadbeck via Larry Aronberg, DPM

Republican Victory in November Could Set The Stage for Healthcare Repeal in 2012

If Republicans win control of the House in November — an outcome many industry observers expect — they will be able to do something they haven’t yet been able to do: hold public hearings about the reform law. While such hearings would be largely rhetorical, they would give lawmakers a platform from which to publicly scrutinize provisions they don’t like. They also could call on various regulators, including the HHS secretary, to testify. Hearings, for example, might be held in response to large rate hikes if health insurers blame the increases on provisions of the reform law.

Even if Republicans take control of both houses of Congress, their majorities would be slim, giving them few options to change provisions of the law or affect how they are implemented, according to a recent research note by Carl McDonald, an equities analyst at Citigroup Investment Research. Moreover, most of the big decisions about the law have been made, “and implementation now rests in the hands of regulators,” he wrote. But it’s possible that a strong showing in the 2010 elections could embolden Republicans to make rescinding much or all of the reform law a major issue in the 2012 election cycle, suggests Henry Aaron, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C.

Source: Health Plan Week [9/20/10]

USB Drives for All Patients at New Medical Center

In the future, patients will carry all of their medical records on a USB drive or a smart phone. In Danbury, CT, the future is just days away. The Imed Center of Danbury, which will have its grand opening Oct. 2, will be a paperless office with no records room. When patients check-in at the office, they won't be handed a clipboard full of papers. Instead, they will type all of their information into a computer program -- if they haven't already done it at home.

Each patient will be issued a USB drive they can carry with them at all times. The USB drive is marked with a red cross -- the universal medical sign -- so if a patient is ever unconscious, paramedics will know it contains the patient's medical history. The USB drive can carry MRI scans, prescription charts and allergies, and other important information. This information can also be accessed by smart phone applications or through any web browser. Once the electronic records are digitally signed and locked, they become legal documents.

Source: Vinti Singh, Newstimes.com [9/27/10]

When You Forget Someone's Name

Face it, you cannot remember every name, every time. That is why you need to do more than work on strengthening your memory for names. You also need a recovery plan for the inevitable lapses.

Best bet: When you see a person at an event but cannot remember the person’s name, approach with your hand held out for shaking. Say: “Hi, (state your own name); how have you been?” Most of the time, the other person will respond by saying “Oh, hi, Tom. Meg Jones. I have been well, and you?”

Source: Adapted from The Productivity Handbook, Donald Wetmore, Random House Reference via Communication Briefings

Query: Meaningful Use Requirements

Is it necessary to have an integrated EMR and billing software to achieve meaningful use requirements in 2011 or is a stand-alone EMR satisfactory?

Mark K Johnson, DPM, West Plains, MO

Query: Coding an Instep Fasciotomy

I usually perform an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF), billing it as CPT 29893. What would be the correct CPT code for an instep fasciotomy (open release of the fascia) not performed with an endoscope?

Robert Gelles, DPM, Palos Heights, IL

Response: If a portion of the fascia is removed when performing the fasciotomy, then consider CPT 28060 (fasciectomy, plantar partial). If the entire fascia is stripped, then you would code, CPT 28062 (fasciectomy, radical).

Howard Zlotoff, DPM , Camp Hill, PA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Cosmetic Foot Surgery
From: Gary S Smith, DPM
 
I agree that people have a right to have surgery or do with their own bodies as they see fit, however, there are exceptions, including juveniles and people of questionable judgment as in psychological disorders. This is when the integrity and professionalism of the practitioner comes into play. Unfortunately, there are  too many surgeons out there who are willing to take advantage of somebody's insecurities and disorders for financial gain.

Physicians, once the example of moral character and good judgment, are now the opposite. This is why we are no longer respected. This is why we need these laws. While we are in the midst of a scope of practice struggle and reimbursement reform, I think it is a mistake for us to tout these podiatrists to the public and other medical professionals as the "masters" of our profession. You don't see the OB who created the "octomom" as the icon of that specialty.
 
Gary S Smith, DPM, Bradford, PA, penndoc@verizon.net

RE: AZ Scope of Practice (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Charles M Lombardi, DPM

I would like to ask Dr. Bijak some questions regarding his participation in the advancement of podiatry.

1) have you ever started a residency? 2) have you ever mentored a student? 3) have ever lobbied or donated money to a legislator to change a scope of practice? 4) have you ever opened up a hospital to privileges to podiatrists and got them full active staff and admitting privileges? 5) have you ever taught anyone about podiatry 6) have you spent half your weekends a year away to advance your profession? 7) have you attended any forums regarding the advancement of our profession or donated your time?
 
I may be wrong, but I think the only place I have ever seen or heard you is in this forum, and 90% of the time it is complaining about this profession. You have not put forth any effort to help in its advancement. Quite frankly, I am sick of your bellyaching if you're not going to get off your rump and help.
 
Charles M Lombardi, DPM, Bayside, NY, ChazDPM@aol.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST, FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice in Summer 2011. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in rearfoot and ankle reconstructive cases but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Rapidly growing well established practice seeking part-time leading to full-time. PSR 12-36. Great opportunity for highly motivated, personable individual. Please reply by emailing a CV to nursebsf@aol or fax (561) 498-9068.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Well-established group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

NORTHEAST OHIO PODIATRY OPPORTUNITY

Western Reserve Senior Care, an innovative home visit practice that makes visits to seniors in assisted living facilities and SNF’s, is recruiting for a Part-Time Podiatrist. Make a true difference as you make visits to homebound seniors while managing the full scope of podiatric disease. This opportunity offers a perfect balance of superb lifestyle and excellent compensation. Practice is affiliated with world class health systems in Cleveland, OH. Email CV to wmills@westernreserveseniorcare.com

PART TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED-LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, home, office etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com or call Terri at 323-353-8103.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHEAST COLORADO/SOUTHWEST NEBRASKA 
 
Practice is a good mix of biomechanics, diabetic care and surgery.  Revenue could be increased by well-trained surgeon. No HMO's. Low overhead. Only podiatrist in the area. Please contact mld9439@live.com for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURB

Great opportunity. Retiring after 38 years in practice at the same location. Practice is fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, computer network, orthotic scanner and state licensed ambulatory surgical center that is fully equipped. Owner will stay on as needed for easy transition. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NJ

Privileges available in a new 2 ORs. New certified multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center in Fairlawn, NJ - 8 minutes to the George Washington bridge. Specializing in podiatric surgery. Center will pick up and return patient home. Syndication is available. Center will accommodate doctors in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and long Island. Will assist in getting NJ License. Call for information (516)476-1815 e-mail podo2345@aol.com. To view center, go to FAIRLAWNASC.SHUTTERFLY.COM

MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE- MANHATTAN

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com

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