|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,605 Podiatrists Daily
October 29, 2014 #5,203  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
|
What is your policy on cellphone use by patients? |
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
MD Podiatrist Diagnoses and Treats Young Athlete With Bone Marrow Edema
Lauren Mingo, 10, of Clinton says she isn’t “soft” like other girls her age — she’s aggressive and competitive, qualities that help her shine as a backup quarterback on her tackle football team. “When I hit them hard, they hit me hard back,” Lauren said. So when Lauren was diagnosed last year with transient bone marrow edema — a painful condition resulting from an increase of blood flow in the bone — and had an epileptic seizure in May, she reacted just like she would on the field. She pushed back. Lauren’s parents took her to Kensington-based podiatrist Dr. Gene Mirkin last September, who diagnosed her with transient bone marrow edema.
 |
|
Dr. Gene Mirkin |
The condition may be caused by trauma from intense running or jumping and is very rare in children, Mirkin said. The diagnosis forced her to sit out of most of baseball season and wear a boot to stabilize her foot. Mirkin said patients can recover in as little as two to three months or as long as a year.
Source: Kirsten Petersen, Maryland Gazette [10/27/14]
|
|
|
| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
PA Podiatrist to Present Diabetes Update
The Ahmad Memorial Diabetes Update will be held Nov. 5 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) McKeesport. Dr. Jessica Sciulli, a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at UPMC McKeesport, will discuss how diabetes affects the body, types of diabetes, and the importance of early detection for proper management and treatment. Sciulli credits awareness for the decline in complications. “I think there are more programs that raise awareness about diabetes,” she said. “More primary care physicians are referring their patients to specialists, and that's important.”
 |
|
Dr. Jessica Sciulli |
Sciulli said the services at UPMC McKeesport have had a positive impact on patients. “The wound care center has been important for patients, especially the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. It's a good team effort there,” she said.
Source: Carol Waterloo Frazier, Pittsburgh Tribune [10/27/14]
|
|
|
| MEETING NEWS | |
AAFAS Holds MIS Lab in Chicago
On October 24th and 25th, the Academy of Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Surgery (AAFAS) taught minimally invasive foot surgery to 31 attendees (including one doctor from Australia) at the Advance Surgical Center in Chicago. The center is known for minimally invasive procedures performed by orthopedists, general surgeons, and neurosurgeons. There was an intensive cadaver lab and academic lectures on forefoot and rearfoot MIS procedures, including flatfoot, cavus, heel, bunions, hammertoes, and tarsal tunnel procedures.
 |
|
Attendees at AAFAS cadaver lab |
The morning started out with three surgical bunion cases and one hammertoe case supervised by Dr. Victor Horsley, the new president of the AAFAS, and was followed by lectures, sawbones, and cadaver lab. There was also a lecture on the direction of podiatric medicine and how all of surgery is gravitating toward fixed fees for surgical procedures. This will mean that surgical centers and hospitals will exclude podiatrists who use expensive fixation. This is why it is critical for all podiatric surgeons to learn minimally invasive foot surgery in order to be able to do surgery on their patients.
|
|
| PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER | |
Alleged Negligent Foot Surgery (MA)
Facts: Christine Shay, a 40-year old female, reportedly suffered improperly performed and unnecessary elective foot surgeries while under the medical care of defendant podiatrist working as an agent/employee of defendant Podiatry PC. Shay said she presented for care to defendant in early 2006 due to complaints of foot pain. At the initial visit, defendant diagnosed her with hammertoe deformities on her toes and recommended surgery to correct misalignment of her left great toe.
Defendant performed the first surgery a few days later by removing a wedge....
Editor's note: The complete jury verdict reporter can be read here.
Result: The jury found defendant was not negligent
($0).
Plaintiff's expert witnesses: James Connor, DPM, Cherry Hill, NJ and Robert Greene, DPM, Worchester, MA
Defendant's expert witnesses: James Ioli, DPM, Michael Kennedy, MD, Natick, MA
|
|
| MEDICAL LIABILITY NEWS | |
Public Citizen Decries Fall in Malpractice Awards, but AMA Debunks Report
In spite of a small jump last year, medical malpractice payments seem to be trending downward, although medical errors remain a major problem, according to a report from the consumer group Public Citizen. But the American Medical Association, a long-time critic of the consumer group and its methods, questioned the validity of the report. While noting a small increase in malpractice payments, the first in a decade, Public Citizen said it is troubled by the overall decline in the volume and value of such claims over the last 15 years, because it found no sign that the actual incidence of medical errors is falling. If anything, the group said, "the actual crisis over avoidable medical errors is worse than we ever knew."
A representative of the American Medical Association told MedPage Today via email that any study using data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) was "inherently flawed." The spokesperson added, "The Government Accountability Office has determined that the NPDB is riddled with duplicate entries, inaccurate data, and incomplete and inappropriate information." "Less than 10% of medical liability claims were decided by a trial verdict, and the vast majority of them -- 89% -- were won by the physician defendant in the case," the spokesperson added.
Source: Shannon Firth, Medpage Today [10/25/14]
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Repair of Non-union Toe
I cannot find a code for a surgery performed on a patient. The surgery was to repair a non-union proximal interphalangeal joint. There is a code for a non-union repair of tarsal bones (CPT 28320), but not of the interphalangeal joint. What code do you suggest?
Walter Warren, DPM, Seymour, IN
Response: The closest thing I can relate for surgery to repair a non-union proximal interphalangeal joint is CPT 28525 - open treatment of fracture, phalanx or phalanges, other than great toe, with or without internal or external fixation, each. An interphalangeal joint involves two phalanges; this code allows for the repair of phalanges in my opinion.
David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
From: George Jacobson, DPM
Dr. Kesselman's remarks are excellent as usual, but his last sentence, "However, if you understand the paperwork flow which is required, there is a good bet you will be paid," should have ended with after review and appeal, there is a good bet you will be paid 450 days later. With automatic, rubber stamped denials, waiting for the appeal just isn't worth the hassle and exposure.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM
I think that it would be foolish to use things which are not exactly made and sold according to medical equipment and device specifications. Why risk your entire practice on patients trying to save money?
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS) | |
RE: What is your policy on cellphone use by patients?
From: Joe Hylinski, DPM
On a recent doctor visit, I couldn't believe that it could get this bad, but seeing is believing.
 |
|
Cell Phone Notice to Patients |
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Celebrity Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Charlton Heston's sandals from Ben-Hur |
These are the sandals Charlton Heston wore in the classic movie Ben Hur. They still have sand in the soles.
Editor's note: Dr. Miltchin has the largest private collection of celebrity shoes in the world.
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS |
SPACE TO SHARE - MANHATTAN AND LI
Desirable locations on Upper East Side, Gramercy, the Financial District, and Plainview (North Shore Long Island). Extremity MRI and cat scan available in selected offices. Call 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LONG ISLAND
30+ year old practice located on a busy street. Referrals from Doctors, Senior residence and Hospital in the community. Neighborhood is very family oriented. Good mix of general podiatry, sports injuries, DME; seniors, working population and children. Please contact: drlschwartz@hotmail.com.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PINPOINTE LASER
Pinpointe laser for sale in excellent condition. Consolidating offices, so I have an extra one. $10,000 (new is $71,000) Will train. Mwolpafootdoc@yahoo.com
ASC STAFF PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NEW JERSEY
Fair Lawn ASC (ambulatory surgical center) is accepting applications for staff privileges. NJ license needed. Patient transportation available in the tri state area. Equity buy-in available. Call 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALGARY, ALBERTA
Growing new practice is seeking a highly motivated associate. State-of-the-art office (5 exam rooms, 1 surgical suite), EMR, digital x-rays, Cutera Genesis Plus laser, shockwave therapy and orthotic scanners. Must have excellent bedside manner and people skills. Please e-mail CV to info@alpinefootankle.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BRIDGEVIEW, IL
Seeking a highly motivated Podiatrist for a part-time position (two to three days a week) mainly performing home visits, with potential for growth. Transportation, equipment, and a medical assistant are provided to assist the podiatrist. Call 708-477-6512 or email podiatry_123@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN
Professional Foot & Ankle Centers of Davison and Lapeer is seeking personable and self-motivated associate(s) looking to build a career and long-term relationship/partnership. Must have PM&S 36 or equivalent training with a good work ethic and strong surgical skills. ER call and affiliation with a major wound care center is available. Modern offices with EMR and a fantastic staff. Competitive salary, bonus, benefits. E-mail CV with cover letter to: contactus@professionalfoot.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PART TIME – NEW JERSEY
Very busy practice is seeking a PT associate in the Toms River, NJ area. Office is state of the art with electronic EHR, digital x-rays, ultrasound and fully trained medical assistants. High RNC. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Please email toesec@aol.com. Looking for associate to start ASAP.
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Beautiful mountain area near Asheville. Two doctor, busy, established practice looking for associate with long term goal of partnership. Growing two-office practice that is looking to expand days and hours in both locations. Ideal candidate would have a three year residency and a combination of surgical and in-office skills to meet the needs of our patients in this rapidly growing area. EMR, laser and modern up-to-date office features. Offer to include salary, bonus and benefits. Please send CV to drh@mountainpodiatry.net
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 - SEATTLE WA AREA
General podiatry practice with offices in Kirkland, Everett and Renton seeking an associate. Must be board qualified or certified by ABFAS. Must be self-motivated, Office is state of art with EHR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, laser. Salary with bonus and benefits. Email resume with cover letter:seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS-BASED PODIATRY GROUP SEEKING FULL-TIME HOSPITALIST PODIATRIST
Very busy established practice has an immediate position available for a full-time hospital on-call podiatrist. We service two of the largest hospital organizations in Indianapolis and are in need of a hospital podiatrist to manage a high volume call schedule with 2 office clinic days per week. PSR-24 Required. Base salary plus commission, benefits and malpractice included. Contact Marla Watson, Practice Manager:marlakwatson@aol.com.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 16,000 DPMs. For details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
|
| 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.
| | Guidelines |
- 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.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
