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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 14,864 Podiatrists Daily
October 23, 2013 #4,896  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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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
FL Podiatrist Appointed to ACS Board of Directors
Dr. Loan Lam, founder and owner of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center serving Naples and Marco Island, again has been appointed for a three-year term starting in 2014 to serve on the American Cancer Society (ACS) Florida Division Board of Directors. Dr. Lam is one of three members appointed from Southwest Florida and the only physician from the region.
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Dr. Loan Lam |
Dr. Lam has been an active participant in support of the American Cancer Society since her arrival in Southwest Florida in 2007, serving on last year’s ACS 100th Birthday Committee; Chair of the Marco Island Unit Board of the American Cancer Society; and chair of the 2011 and 2012 Marco Island Relay for Life, one of the top 15 relays events in Florida for the past three years in terms of amount of money raised. She recently completed her term as the Marco Island Noontime Rotary Club President for 2012-2013, and will be the 2014-2015 Assistant Governor for Rotary Area 1.
Source: Marco Island News [10/21/13]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
Aetrex Introduces Stretchable Shoe
Apex Foot Health & Wellness, a division of Aetrex Worldwide Inc. has announced the launch of the Apex T2000 to the Stretchables Collection, shoes that provide maximum protection and optimum comfort for individuals suffering from diabetes, arthritis, or swollen feet. The new addition is designed to limit stress at the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain. The collection includes a single hook and loop strap style that offers adjustability and allows easy entry, even for problem feet.
The Apex Stretchables offer 1/2” removable depth and are constructed with 3 layers that can be removed to provide fitting flexibility and accommodate custom orthotics. Designed from seamless stretchable uppers with smooth insides, the shoes conform to the foot and are safe for people with neuropathy. The soft fabric linings wick away moisture, and the tiny vents allow air to flow through promoting a dry and healthy environment for the foot. The shoes are machine washable. The Apex T2000 is PDAC verified for A5500.
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| SUCCESS TIPS FROM THE MASTERS | |
Bret Ribotsky: What is the best way to obtain comprehensive surgical privileges?
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Dr. Charles Zelen |
Charles Zelen: I encourage all those graduating from a 3-year program to make sure your logs are full of the cases you want to do. If your logs are a little light, consider doing a fellowship. I believe the depth and breath of your surgical log will make a difference where you practice and for doing the cases you want to do.
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(L-R) Dr. Vincent Hetherington, Fatima Cassim, Prof. Stuart Baird, and Christine Kuberka-Wiese |
Meet the Masters tonight will feature interviews of world podiatry academic leaders held at the World Congress of Podiatry. You can register for this event by clicking here
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Questions to Ask Before Firing - Part 1
Turnover is tough and can put you in a pretty rough spot. However, holding on to a bad employee can be much more detrimental to your long-term success. When you are considering letting go of a staff member, ask yourself these questions to make sure you’ve done everything you can to improve the person’s performance.
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Did I effectively onboard the employee? Be honest. When you hired the person, did you offer plenty of training—or did you throw the person to the wolves? Did you establish a mentor for the newbie in case he or she had questions or difficulties? If you failed to offer new employees support in those early weeks, you set them up for failure.
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Does the employee understand the expectations of the job? If you haven’t been clear about the job requirements and your goals for the employee, you may be able to turn the problem around. Meet with the employee to explain exactly what he or she needs to do to improve.
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Have I set my expectations too high? Ensure that your goals and requirements for the job are realistic, especially given the salary, skill, and experience level of the employee.
Source: Adapted from “10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Letting an Employee Go,” Lisa Girard, Entrepreneur via Communication Briefings [October 2013]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Transient 4th Digit Pain
A 64 year old Caucasian female presented with a chief complaint of a painful 4th toe ONLY when sitting on the floor or arising in the morning. The pain lasts for 10 seconds and then resolves spontaneously. She has a previous history of breast CA (resolved), HTN, hypercholesterolemia, and a trigger finger. She does not smoke or consume alcohol or caffeine. She is taking carvedilol, lisinopril, and CoQ 10. Comments?
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Saddle Bone Deformity
The physician is going to perform a surgery for correcting a saddle bone deformity. We have searched for a CPT code, but have come up empty. Has anyone every heard of this type of surgery?
Billing Staff, Office of Amanda Bartell, DPM, Jacksonville, FL
Response: Saddle bone deformity usually refers to dorsal osteophytes at the first metatarsal cuneiform joint. If this the case, coding should be CPT 28122 (ostectomy metatarsal or tarsal bone excluding talus and calcaneus).
Howard Zlotoff, DPM , Camp Hill, PA
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: Paul Busman DPM, RN
The risk is probably minimal but since the Pfizer website says that Celebrex should be avoided in sulfa sensitive individuals, it would make sense to seek an alternative.
Paul Busman DPM, RN, Clifton Park, NY, paul@busmanwhistles.com
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: Podiatry's Identity Problem
From: Lee Reiter, DPM
I enjoyed the editorial in the recent (October 2013) PM ("Podiatry's Identity Problem"). I have found that as a young practitioner (from student, resident, and onwards), if you are proud to be a podiatrist, then other specialists give respect to you.
Interestingly, the trust that is earned is through our knowledge of biomechanics and wound healing, as was mentioned, and it seems that our surgical knowledge is nearly unquestioned--in a positive way--by the medical community, in general.
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Post Graduate Fellowships
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery - This fellowship is a one-year experience during which the Fellow will develop a rational approach to revisional and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. The Fellow will function as an Instructor / Clinical and participate in the teaching of Podiatric medical students and residents, and have ample opportunity to be involved in clinical and basic research projects. The fellowship will provide the Podiatric Surgeon, further expertise in Charcot reconstruction, trauma and deformity correction.
Duration: 1 year (7/1/14 – 6/30/15) Application Deadline: 12/01/2013 Interviews: TBD Stipend: $44,100/Year. Requirements: Completion of 3-year residency; a commitment to a part-time/full-time academic career in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Texas License eligible & ABPS Board Qualification eligible in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (Test dates & Application Deadlines TBA).
Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Thomas Zgonis, DPM, FACFAS, Associate Professor, Fellowship Director, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio 7703 Floyd Curl Drive (MSC 7776) San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900 Email: Zgonis@uthscsa.edu Phone: (210) 567-5174 Fax: (210)567-4891.
All faculty appointments are designated as security sensitive positions.
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Marc Jay Pinsky, DPM
The response on ICD-10 coding sounds nice and simplistic. However, VERY few solo practitioners have the extra money lying around to hire a professional coder to do the job they or their office staff have previously provided. The reality is that ALL docs should be taking the time now to go Dx-by-Dx and see what the appropriate ICD-10 crosswalk is. You will be pleasantly surprised to find out how few Dx codes you actually use on a daily basis and that many ICD-9 codes have only a single ICD-10 equivalent.
When I switched from paper charts to EHR charting and did the required documentation needed for meaningful use, my daily patient load was forced to decrease. Otherwise, I would never...
Editor's note: Dr. Pinsky's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) | |
From Edmond F. Mertzenich, DPM, MBA
I had a similar eye-opening experience happen to me earlier this year when I went in for a routine physical. My insurance was billed by the local lab - about $950 for CBC, CMP, thyroid, lipid Panel, and urinalysis. Luckily, the insurance was able to get that reduced to about $450, which I paid because my deductible was not met. This whole thing left me feeling like I can’t afford to stay healthy, let alone get ill. God forbid what non-routine tests are going to cost. Imagine what our patients think when they get clobbered by costs like this.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Kudos to JT Smith, et al. at the Brigham hospital for conducting this study which correlated vitamin D deficiencies with certain types of foot and ankle fractures. In our practice, we order Vit D 25 studies on any patient presenting with signs of pedal osteopenea, with or without a history of foot or ankle fractures or sprains. In almost all cases, if we see it in the foot, the lab tests come back positive for a vitamin D deficiency.
If the levels are below 20, we prescribe 50,000 units of Vit D to be taken one per week along with a daily OTC supplement of three to five thousand units of vitamin D 3 to be taken daily. Because the research in how to raise the levels and whether doing such will prevent foot injuries is scant, it is likely that different doctors will have different protocols for raising vitamin D levels in order to prevent pedal osseous pathology.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
RECONSTRUCTIVE FELLOWSHIP POSITION – SOUTHWEST, FL
R U a SuperStar? PM&S36 or PSR24. prerequisite. Hardworking w/o Ego. ABPS BC/BQ required RRA. 1 year Fellowship will entail Ring, Rods, complex reconstructive planning/procedures and practice management. Research projects and posters to present at yearly fellowship conference. Send CV, Tell why you are a superstar. mny1029@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - 2012 PINPOINTE FOOTLASER
FDA-cleared treatment for toenail fungus. Used only 30 times. Doc closing practice. Paid 66K asking 37K 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 -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 - MEDICAL CABINETS AND PODIATRY CHAIRS
Medical cabinets, podiatry chairs and sonicator for sale (Long Island Office). Click here for photos and details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL NY SYRACUSE SUBURB
Disability forces quick sale of well-established 25+ year practice. Grossing 460,000. Fully equipped with pedorthist on staff. Brick building with apartment above office rented to same tenant 10+ years. Will sell practice and lease space or sell building along with this well rounded practice. High physician referral base. Respond to: instepwithpodiatry@gmail.com
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 - LONG ISLAND, NY
Busy Nassau County NY office, experienced in all phases of podiatry, preferably board certified, excellent salary, email CV to jobke@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TX
Are you looking for a permanent practice home? Do you have great biomechanics skills and maybe not so interested in ankle surgery? Are you highly motivated and ready to work in the Grapevine, Keller or Bedford area? If you answered yes to any of these questions, email: newfaantassociate@yahoo.com Put Hire Me in the subject line.
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 POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA
Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to: 123bunion@gmail.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 – NEW YORK AND/OR NEW JERSEY
Hard work, grueling hours, and low pay. Seeking a top producer only. We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic associate to join our well-established practice. Send resume to footcomfort@outlook.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.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
CENTRAL KENTUCKY DIABETES MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
Directed by Dr. Jonathan Moore of Cumberland Foot and Ankle Centers of Kentucky, this non-accredited, 1-year fellowship starts in July and offers a wide variety of training opportunities that focus on diabetes, but span a wide variety of pathologies and unique training opportunities. Work hands-on with our office administration team to learn ICD-10. Our on-staff certified orthotist, physical therapist, shoe store staff, MRI director and other team members will make this the most valuable training year of your career. Generous stipend, benefits, and free housing. Learn more at www.myhappyfoot.com (click the Fellowship Tab). Send CVs to jmoore@aappm.org.
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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