The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 05, 2011 #4,271 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CO Podiatrist Repairs Ankle Ligaments Arthroscopically

Dr. Ben Wehrli at Animas Foot and Ankle is apparently the only surgeon in Colorado who repairs the ligaments on the outside of the ankle through arthroscopic surgery. The procedure involves three tiny incisions – for tools and a scope – instead of the more-invasive scalpel surgery practiced traditionally. 

Dr. Ben Wehrli (Photo Jerry McBride)

Wehrli learned the procedure, called arthroscopic ankle ligament stabilization, in Naples, FL, from Dr. Eung Soo Kim, the South Korean orthopedic surgeon who developed it. “I think ankle ligament stabilization using a scope will be the method of the future,” said Wehrli, who estimates he performs four or five such surgeries a month. “It’s just a matter of more surgeons undergoing the training.”

Source: Dale Rodebaugh, The Durango Herald [10/3/11] 

Australian Podiatrists Take Fight Against Diabetes to the Airwaves

Australia’s podiatrists have stepped up the fight against diabetes amputations, with a major series of television and radio Community Service Announcements (CSA) to be broadcast nationwide. The advertisements will be on screens and radios starting this week as part of the Australasian Podiatry Council’s 2011 Foot Health Month. 

Rachael Bradhurst

The television CSA features the President of Sports Podiatry Queensland, Rachael Bradhurst. The CSAs feature Ms. Bradhurst and three patients who either believe their foot was saved, or would have been saved, by seeing a podiatrist. It is the first time CSAs have been created by the Australasian Podiatry Council.

MI Podiatrist Joins Staff of Hospital's Wound Center

Dr. Brent Van Til has joined the staff of Allegan General Hospital’s Wound Healing Center. Van Til will see patients at the center, which specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Dr. Brent Van Til

Van Til is a podiatrist who practices at the Holland Foot and Ankle Center, which has an office in Allegan. He has a doctorate in podiatric medicine from the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University in Iowa. He will receive specialized training and updates on new wound care therapies at the National Healing Institute at Ohio State University.

Source: Al Jones, Kalamazoo Gazette [10/3/11]

HHS Wants to Give Patients Test Results Straight from Lab

Proposed changes to federal regulations would override existing laws in 20 states and give patients access to laboratory test results without having first to talk with the physicians who ordered the tests. The Dept. of Health and Human Services said its proposal, announced in September, could enable wider deployment of personal health record systems and give patients more control over their healthcare information. Yet some physicians say the changes could come at a cost, because life-altering test results delivered without the context of a doctor's explanation may increase patient anxiety and degrade the physician-patient relationship.
 
In 13 states, labs are forbidden from sending test results directly to patients, according to HHS. The results must go to the ordering physician or another authorized health care entity. Seven states allow labs to send test results to patients, but only with the approval of the ordering physician.

Source: Kevin B. O'Reilly, AM News [10/3/11]

Hire with an Eye Toward Service

To hire candidates who can interact effectively with customers, ask pointed and specific questions. Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, recommends inquiries like these:  

• “What constitutes excellent patient service?” Look for answers that recognize the importance of cultivating lasting relationships.
•  “How did you handle a difficult patient?” Pay attention to how the candidate defines someone who is “difficult.”
•  “In jobs where you’ve had patient-service responsibilities, what did and didn’t you like about those roles?” “Beware of people who dislike working with ‘difficult’ patients or colleagues. The most patient-oriented professionals tend to relish the challenge of appeasing difficult people,” says Messmer.

Source: Adapted from “Building a CustomerOriented Culture Through Targeted Hiring,” Max Messmer via Communication Briefings

Query: Painful 1st MTPJ

I have a 50 year old healthy, physically active man who has had a painful left 1st MTPJ for over two years. Conservative treatments have helped temporarily, but the pain has returned to pre-treatment levels. 

Painful 1st MTPJ

Physical examination reveals limited ROM available (approx. 30 degrees of dorsiflexion) with crepitus noted. Gait analysis reveals hyperpronation and a biomechanically 'hypermobile'1st ray. I would like to know how my colleagues would treat this patient.

Name Withheld

Query: GY Modifier - Wrong Denial Message

Recently, I have noticed that my billed CPT 11719, CPT 11721 codes appended with "GY" modifiers are being rejected as "requiring a date last seen." Doesn't the "GY" modifier convey an understanding that the patient is statutorily not covered for routine foot care, and not necessarily even being followed by a PCP?

Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA

Response: You are correct. You will need to contact your Medicare carrier and explain to them that you provided a statutorily non-covered service. There should be no request for a “date last seen”. If they will not correct this error over the phone, appeal it. Also, contact your state CAC representative in Virginia and request that they help resolve this issue.

David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD

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RE: Is Podiatry Turning Away from Biomechanics?
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

As podiatry evolves and students enter with higher GPAs, MCAT scores, and hard science backgrounds, they are critically evaluating biomechanical theories with the same eye as real sciences. They realize that biomechanics is full of contradictory theories, inaccurate measurements, and a myriad of lab and OTC options.

With the move to become more like physicians and spend more time in hospitals, treating trauma, infections, and limb-salvaging diseases along with complex surgery, biomechanical interest in the arch support (orthotic) arena is waning. The consequences of being unschooled in medicine and surgery are much more acute than the consequences of  where to put a "post' on a shoe support. CPeds and lab owners often write in this blog adding to or correcting podiatrists. I believe it's time to leave the biomechanics of supports and shoes to them and the biomechanics of surgery to the podiatrists. I do believe there is a difference between the two.

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: NJ Podiatrist Honored as Outstanding Volunteer Physician
From: Lynn Homisak

My personal congratulations to Dr. Martin J. Carey on receiving the 2011 Outstanding Volunteer Physician by Volunteers In Medicine of Cape May County, NJ. The true definition of a “volunteer” is giving and doing for others because in your heart you want to. You see a need…not because you think it will win you awards and recognition from your patients and peers or put more money in your pocket.

Dr. Carey is one such individual. He is not only personally deserving of this honor, but his altruism and dedicated patient care are a positive reflection on our entire podiatric profession! Thank you, Dr. Carey, for making us ALL look good!

Lynn Homisak, Renton, WA, lynn@soshms.com

RE: OH Court Rules That Podiatrists Need ABPS Certification for Staff Privileges
From: Randall Brower, DPM

Many hospitals are requiring board certification within 5 years of completion of residency for active privileges.  This is largely due to the fact that all surgical specialties have a 5-year certification deadline. Of course, podiatry is different - it's 7 years. In order to align ourselves with every other allopathic certification organization, to absolve the risk of hospitals refusing staff privileging, and to remove one less obstacle frustrating us from main stream medicine, I call upon ABPS to require certification within 5 years.

If not, what if a podiatrist gets certified in foot and rearfoot surgery by ABPS at year 6 or 7? What good does this certification do if it doesn't translate into privileging? I'm sick of seeing special "podiatrist" sections of hospital bylaws that exist to accommodate our lack of past educational conformity. Conforming to the 5 year standard would make our transition to mainstream medicine easier.

Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ, footdoctor33@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

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

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-mail contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.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. Great opportunity for husband/wife business team. DPM relocating out-of-state for family. Contact:nanetter@zoomtown.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, DC

Well-established busy group practice is expanding and seeking a minimum PSR 24 trained podiatrist. Progressive practice with 2 office-based ASC's and hospital privileges. Opportunity toward partnership. Fax resume to 301-926-7787 or email mlmltm@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for busy surgery practice looking for BQ/BC by ABPS in RRA candidate for associate position. Bilingual a plus. Must be comfortable in complex reconstructive ankle and hindfoot cases. Ankle replacement certification a plus but not necessary. email CV and samples of RRA cases done recently to: susmitad86@yahoo.com

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking associate physician to join practice to cover nursing home facilities. Comprehensive package including Salary, Travel and Bonus benefits. Email cover letter and CV to melissafoot@pol.net.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OCEAN COUNTY, NJ

Immediate opening for 8 year old established practice. Two offices and nursing homes. Surgical privileges at local hospitals available. FT/ PT or coverage doctor. Flexible days/hours. Close to the beach and boardwalks. Inquire at chirokid2@yahoo.com or call 216 401 7285.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH WEST FLORIDA

Full-time associate positions for an established group practice in Southwest Florida. Willing to train the right new graduates. Job will involved all aspects of podiatric care. You must be ambitious, hard-working and should have good people skills. Please e-mail your resume/CV tocontactus@ankleandfoot.net

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Well-established, rapidly growing practice. Motivated, ethical and personable with well-trained PSR-24/36. Modern office with complete EMR, digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, and laser. Competitive salary/benefits package. If interested please email your CV, letter of intent and references to: NHFootDoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a Well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and current photo to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Podiatrist needed in Nassau county to start immediately. Flexible hours 2 days a week. Please emailpittpod@gmail.com with inquiries.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA/N.W. FLORIDA- TALLAHASSEE AREA

Home of Florida State University. Great university town! Well established full scope solo physician with busy practice. Looking for a full time associate leading to partnership in a short time. Great general practice with 2 locations. Staff privileges with 2 local hospitals and 2 surgery centers. Offering competitive salary, health insurance. Will need forefoot and rearfoot surgical competency. Friendly office with fun staff that’s easy to work with. Call/Text – 850-510-4371.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Experienced, preferably board certified podiatrist, wanted for diversified growing practice located in Nassau County, New York. Energetic DPM. Please send CV to jobke@aol.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 - 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 - NORTH CENTRAL NJ

Well established busy solo physician seeking a well trained podiatrist (PMS 36) to join our growing practice. Bilingual English Spanish a big +. Competitive salary/benefits package. Send CV to fax 732-520-6468 or send to fjr20032003@yahoo.com.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 tobblock@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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