The Voice of Podiatrists

October 05, 2006 #2,706 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

We've just posted the October CME titled "Selecting the Proper Athletic Shoe" by Mark Caselli, DPM.

You can Earn 15 CPME-Approved CME credits Online for only $129
http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
Choose any or all of over 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online

Supportive Shoe Inserts Can Provide Relief: TX Podiatrist

Inserts can ease shoe-related problems or make some shoes more bearable. While gel inserts only provide extra cushion, arch support inserts are available from brands like Superfoot and Dr. Scholl’s.

Allan Sherman, a North Dallas podiatrist, said he recommends them for someone experiencing discomfort, but said that the inserts aren’t necessary for everyone. Some people are more prone to foot trouble if they have flexible ankles or flatfoot, both of which require more support.

Source: Alicia Kania. The Shorthorn [10/4/06]

Medical Errors: Factor in Many Malpractice Claims, Study Finds

Physician errors are a factor in about 60% of medical malpractice claims that involved patients allegedly injured because of missed or delayed diagnoses, according to a study published on Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

For the study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston reviewed 307 claims from four large malpractice insurers that were closed between 1984 and 2004, 181 of which involved alleged diagnostic errors that injured patients. Researchers ignored the outcomes of the claims.

Although most of the claims involved several factors, the study finds that the major ones involved physician errors. According to the study:
- 100 claims involved failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests
- 81 claims involved failure to establish a plan for appropriate follow-up care; - 76 claims involved failure to obtain an adequate patient history or perform an adequate physical examination; and
- 67 claims involved improper interpretation of diagnostic tests.

The main factors that contributed to the physician errors included failures in judgment (79%), memory problems (59%), lack of knowledge (48%), patient-related issues (46%) and patient handoffs from other physicians (20%), the study finds.

Source: AP/Long Island Newsday via American Healthline [10/4/06]

Podiatry an Intrinsic Part of New Cardiovascular Horizons

The New Cardiovascular Horizons meeting, the fourth-largest cardiovascular conference in the nation, will bring 3,500 physicians to the New Orleans Marriott Nov. 1-4. The educational multidisciplinary conference will encompass the management, treatment and evaluation of all fields of medicine, with a primary focus on peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular disease. The second International Critical Limb Ischemia Summit will be held in conjunction with NCVH. Leaders in all specialties will share information regarding the prevention and treatment of the 250,000 amputations occurring yearly in the United States and Europe.

“The conference is the only truly multidisciplinary conference in the country where nurses, doctors, cardiologists, surgeons and podiatrists are all coming together to come up with the best treatment solutions for cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, wound care and limb salvage,” said Dr. David Allie, conference co-chairman and director of cardiothoracic and endovascular therapy at Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Lafayette.

NCVH encompasses podiatry, wound care, diabetes, and includes sessions for the cath lab tech, registered nurse, paramedic and the entire range of cardiovascular healthcare providers. Continuing medical education and continuing education units Medical professionals wishing to attend the conference can register at www.newcvhorizons.com or by calling (337) 261-0944.

Source: New Orleans City Business [10/4/06]

Query: Billing Patients Via E-Mail

I am looking for advice/information on the legalities of e-mailing bills to patients. Is it possible to set up a system where, if a patient consents to allowing us to do so, we send them their bills via e-mail to help save money on printing out the bills and the postage required? It seems like a huge waste of staff time, paper and postage in this day and age to still send bills via postal when so much is now done electronically.

Daniel Shanahan, DPM, Commerce Twp., MI

Editor’s note: PM News does not provide legal advice. Once patients provide you with their e-mail addresses, there is no difference between sending them a printed letter or an electronic one. The key is to ask for e-mail addresses as part of your initial intake or prior to billing. E-mailing patients by obtaining their e-mail addresses from an outside source raises CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 issues.

Your idea of e-billing makes good financial sense. You don’t need a computer program to do this, but perhaps one of our readers can suggest a billing program which includes this handy feature.

RE: Insurance Credentialing Firms (Name Withheld)
From: Alan Berman, DPM, Marcia Holmes

I use my hospital IPA staff for this same service-- The cost is $100 per year no limit on applications (not per application) -- they come back typed & all pertinent diplomas/licenses, etc. are attached-- all I do is review & sign. Money well spent IMO

Alan Berman, DPM, Brewster, NY, Anbdpm@aol.com

I have never heard of a private credentialing service; however we have been using CAQH Universal Credentialing Service which is free. Most all major insurance companies we are contracted with are also using this service.

To begin the process, go to this url: htpps://caqh.geoaccess.com/OAS/

Once you have been accepted, you will have to re-attest info every 90 days. It has saved us a tremendous amount of time with re-credentialing.

Marcia Holmes, Southern Ohio Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc., southernohiofootandankle@yahoo.com

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well established podiatry practice in Mt. Airy, North Carolina that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to come on board to take over patient care. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away in January 2006, leaving approximately 3,500 patients without a podiatrist to care for them. This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin work in an extremely busy podiatric practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.com

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Merging practice and I have an office full of equipment for sale. No reasonable offer refused. Great for new practitioner or second office.Two older PDM treatment chairs. One surgical table, also great for orthotic casting. Variety of hand surgical tools, waiting room chairs, cast cutter, etc. Call and ask! Need to clear out office by Nov 1, so I'm motivated...Paul Busman DPM Troy, NY 518-272-6881, 518-229-6668 Cell.

NURSING HOME ASSOCIATE NEEDED- PHILA AREA

Extremely high volume nursing home and home care practice. Well-established and respected Suburban Philadelphia practice seeking an associate who is hardworking. Full-time or part-time available. Very busy practice which can be worked every day and be very lucrative for a hard-working individual. No nursing home further than ½ hour away from office. Email CV and contact info to: mrgpod@hotmail.com or fax CV to 610-668-5175

PRACTICE FOR SALE/ASSOCIATE/PARTNERSHIP - WASHINGTON, DC

Established busy practice for sale in hospital's medical building. Fully equipped. All aspects of podiatric medicine/surgery. Large diabetic practice with wound care clinic. Large referral base. Hospital to be renovated and expanded. Charcot, forefoot, rearfoot, orthopedics. Residency required for privileges. Moving - will stay for transition. Associateship until purchase. Unbelievable potential to expand. Will finance sale with adequate down-payment. Serious inquires only. Contact scottr0666@yahoo.com

IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE NEEDED - PHILLY SUBURBS

High volume office-based practice suburban Philadelphia. Very diverse, all ages seen. Sports medicine, trauma, forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Full-time office, near hospitals for surgery, consults, and in-house pt. care. Candidate must be hard-working dedicated to pt. care and well-trained. Needs to be personable. PSR12/24/36 Board Certified/Eligible required for a fast-paced, fun atmosphere to work. Email CV and contact info to: mrgpod@hotmail.com or fax CV to 610-668-5175

POSITION WANTED - SOUTHEAST

Seeking position as associate, partner or to purchase practice. Licensed in FL, GA, AL, and TN. 35+ years of active practice in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Available immediately (770) 403-2874 or handor@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TEXAS

Practice for sale in fast growing suburb of Dallas, TX. Fully furnished office in medical building on busy street. General Podiatry, including routine care, orthotics, surgery, etc. Currently part-time office, can be full-time. Hospital privileges available. Excellent Opportunity. Must sell fast. Please respond to: P.O. Box 796757, Dallas, TX 75379 or fax contact info to: (972)267-1815.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – FLORIDA

High Income position for ethical hard working podiatrist, great for semi-retired or to supplement office practice, part time. Must have Florida license and active Medicare/Medicaid numbers. FAX CV or Resume to 727-785-4697

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75

PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,500 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 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com

• 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.