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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily
October 31, 2011 #4,293  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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| EDITOR'S NOTE | |
Addendum to ACFAOM Election Story
The following podiatrists were re-elected to serve on The Board of Directors of the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM): Robert Christman, DPM, Michael Robinson, DPM, JD, and George Wallace, DPM.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Early Diagnosis of Bunions Can Prevent Surgery: CA Podiatrist
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), 55% of women in the United States have bunions. "Since wearing shoes that cause the toes to be squeezed together is a common factor in bunions, it explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women," said Dr. Kamran Jamshidinia, a podiatrist at La Peer Health Systems.
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Dr. Kamran Jamshidinia |
"It is important for women to be aware of the fact that high heels, specifically shoes with a heel over two inches in height, can cause foot deformities. If women are knowledgeable about the cause of bunions, they will be able to make smarter footwear choices and have custom-molded orthotics made to prevent the progression of these unsightly and often very painful deformities. And, if they have already started to develop bunions, recognizing them in the early stages will allow for non-surgical treatments to be more effective," said Dr. Jamshidinia.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle [10/19/11]
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CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o Post-Op Ankle Blocks
o eRx Prescribing Exception
o Bunionectomy & Hammertoe Coding
o Ankle Fracture Coding Question
o Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
WesternU Inaugural Class Achieves 100% Pass Rate on APMLE Part I
The inaugural podiatric class (2013) of Western University has achieved a 100% pass rate on Part I of the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) as of October 27, 2011.
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Dr. Lawrence Harkless |
Dean Lawrence Harkless, DPM was informed that this is only the second time in the history of the exam that a college has attained this pass rate. "This achievement validates the curricular innovations that were implemented emphasizing case-based learning, critical thinking skills, life-long learning, and humanism," said Harkless.
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| APMA COMPONENT NEWS | |
ACFAOM Presents PM Editor With Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Membership
One of the highlights of the 2011 American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine's (ACFAOM) Annual Meeting was the "roasting" of PM editor Barry H. Block, DPM, JD. After a ceremonial crowning, emcee Dr. Bret Ribotsky, along with Drs. Brad Bakotic and JAPMA editor Warren Joseph proceeded to poke some fun at Block. Videos were sent in from Drs. David Armstrong, Ollie Foster, Glenn Gastwirth, Harry Goldsmith, Eric Hubbard, Jon Purdy, Lee Rogers, and Ross Taubman. Block promised to get his revenge by publishing articles from the roasters without editing them.
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(L-R) Drs. Bret Ribotsky, Barry Block, and Kirk Geter |
After The ceremony concluded, Block became the first podiatrist in ACFAOM's history to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary membership.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
OH Podiatrist Sponsors 14th Annual Candy Exchange
The 14th annual Halloween candy exchange party for children with diabetes and their families will take place at the offices of Achilles Foot & Ankle Surgery on Sunday, Oct. 30. Dr. Bruce Blank organizes the event to give children with diabetes an opportunity to celebrate the spooky holiday with non-sugary treats that are suitable for people with their medical condition. Children are encouraged to wear costumes to the Halloween party.
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Dr. Bruce Blank |
Blank donates all of the candy and treats collected at his offices in St. Clairsville, Martins Ferry, and Wheeling to the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling so that its patrons also can have Halloween goodies to enjoy.
Source: Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer [10/27/11]
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| MEETING NEWS | |
New Format Wows ACFAOM Meeting Attendees
Attendees to the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine's (ACFAOM) Annual Meeting were treated to a new and unique learning experience. After being divided into small groups of eight, participants were presented with real and interesting cases. This was followed by a faculty discussion and a Q & A session. "We received overwhelmingly positive feedback," said ACFAOM president Kathleen Satterfield, DPM.
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Dr. Jason Hanft |
Other session included practical presentations and hands-on workshops on topics including biomechanics, billing, EMR, ultrasound, and wound healing by nationally-known speakers.
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Service to Determine Deductibles and Co-Pays?
I have recently noted an increase in the number of patients who have NOT met their deductible or have provided inaccurate information regarding their co-pays. We are now billing them in ever-increasing numbers.
Are there any services that we can subscribe to that will provide immediate information as to what the appropriate co-pay and/or deductibles are at the time of the office visit?
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL ) - PART ! | |
RE: ACell (Saera Arain-Saleem, DPM)
From: Jefferson J. Mennuti, DPM
There is no indication to use Acell for a bunionectomy. There are forums that discuss using Acell powder during hair transplants, as there is little to no scarring with its use. Is there a purpose for using Acell matristem for a bunionectomy? If your patient is interested in a cosmetic scar, then she would have to pay cash. As far as I know, insurance will not cover Acell application for bunionectomy incisions. If she is willing to pay cash, I see no reason why it cannot be used. You sprinkle some powder over the incision site prior to dressing it.
Let’s face facts: regenerative medicine is...
Editor's note: Dr. Mennuti's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL ) - PART 2 | |
RE: Excellent Article on MRI Over-Usage in Sports Medicine
From: Rich Rettig, DPM
Here is an excellent article that I recommend from the New York Times regarding overuse of MRIs in sports medicine. There are a lot of references to the foot and ankle.
Rich Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, rettigdpm@gmail.com
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL ) | |
RE: SuperGroup Formation In Maryland (Robert Kuvent, DPM)
From: Ira Baum, DPM
For those interested in joining a SuperGroup, please don't misunderstand me. Having been a pioneer in the SuperGroup concept for podiatry, I wish success to all those who endeavor to participate in a group. It is the right thing to do and it is the right time to do it. To Dr. Kuvent: economies of scale, ancillary services, quality assurance committees, and much more were in our charter.
Someone once said, getting podiatrists together to do something is like herding cats. It can be done, but keep in mind, each member is starting from a different place financially and professionally, each member has their own motives to participate, and some members will be good honest members and some not so good and/or honest members. If I can give you some advice, two of the most important components of the group are a good board of directors and an excellent, beyond great, CEO.
Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
RE: Defendant's Experts Deserve a Medal (Pete Harvey, DPM, Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
I still remember the early 1980s when all we could buy in New York was med mal coverage from shady offshore companies who charged us rates that were through the roof. Today's rates are relatively stable, and there is competition in the insurance market. This stabilization is not due to "medal-deserving” defense witnesses or colleagues like Dr. Markinson who are honest plaintiff witnesses. The major factor that has contributed to the lowering of our premiums is managed care, which has taken away the cash incentive for doing massive, often unnecessary, elective foot surgeries. Since we are doing fewer surgeries than we did 25 years ago, there is less litigation.
The other factor is that insurance companies can no longer settle bogus cases out of court without the doctors' permission. Hence, plaintiff attorneys know that they are not going to make quick bucks just for filing the paper work and settling dozens of cases out of court. An attorney representing a plaintiff will think twice if he knows that it will cost him 35K or more to take a case all the way, when statistics are showing that doctors are winning these baseless cases.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS | |
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 - NORTHERN, NJ
Well-rounded practice. No Nursing Homes or House Calls. All phases of foot and ankle care. Must have good surgical skills and like treating patients. Applicants must take care when doing both Surgery and/or Routine Foot Care. Must be ethical, logical and thoughtful when treating patients. This position can lead to purchase of practice. Send CV to ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND
Multi-office group seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer person with frame and trauma experience. Our practice is state-of-the-art and has all modalities: EMR, PadNnet, on-site billing, diagnostic US, PRP, digital x-ray, etc. Excellent salary, bonus structure and benefits with partnership available. Please forward CV and letter of intent to docsbnb@aol.com
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 to contactus@ankleandfoot.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Immediate position for associate to potential partnership available for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be a PSR 24 or PM&S 36 graduate. Salary with bonus. Email CV and samples recent cases done recently to: susmitad86@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC and SW CONNECTICUT
If you are hard-working, motivated, loyal, honest, well-trained, have some common and business sense, and have good interpersonal skills, I have a good job for you. Position is PT to start in NYC, and full-time w/CT license (or when you obtain CT license). Must be ABPS certified/ qualified. We treat from skin-to-bone and from toe-to-ankle. Work w/ nursing homes, multi-specialty medical, and orthopedic practices. Well-respected by the medical community for what we do as DPMs. Potential long-term stable career position for the right person. $50/h to start ($104K for 40h week). Email CV & letter of interest to DPMAssociate@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA - SAVANNAH
Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net
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 toddavidphawk@yahoo.com
SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI
Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PODIATRY OFFICE TO SHARE - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Fully equipped podiatry office in North Gate area of Seattle. Office located in medical professional building near I-5. Office has 3 treatment rooms, 3 physical therapy rooms, direct digital x-ray, PAD- net, NCV testing equipment, physical therapy equipment. Please contact us:http://podiatrym.com/go.cfm?n=852 Tel. 425-643-8901 isbinc2006@gmail.com
FOOT SKELETONS FOR SALE
The Anthropology Department at St. John Fisher College (Rochester, New York) has many sets of specimen-quality, disarticulated human foot (and hand) skeletons. The department (NYDOH licensed) is selling them to institutions that will use them in medical research or instruction to support an endowed fund for a lectureship series. Contact: Dr. John Rhoades, Chair, Anthropology Department, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY 14618 jrhoades@sjfc.edu
SUB LEASING TIME on MRI (NYC)
Don't refer out $$ when they can go into your pocket. Beautiful state-of-the-art 5th Avenue medical office is offering lease time on a .31 tesla Esaote extremity MRI, complaint with Stark laws. This particular magnet is the only one accepted by insurances and Medicare as of 2012. For more information email dri@myfcny.com.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - (2) MICRO-VAS UNITS
Less than one year old. Barely used and in excellent condition. We have seen remarkable improvement in Diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, fibromyalgias, and atypical neuropathies. Also works great to reduce limb edema. Can be used for acute & chronic conditions. Selling $10K each, or both for $17.5K. Contact: coastalmgr@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – 2 MICROVAS UNITS
2 used Microvas units (approximately 5 years old) for sale at $7,000 each plus shipping. Each unit includes 1 carrying case, 8 flex cable leads, 1 battery charger. Paid $16,000, for each machine. Great way to add therapy modality to your practice. Contact: DrBlatstein@comcast.net
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 - ENTIRE PUTNAM COUNTY, NY OFFICE
Moving from location. 3 PDM chairs, 3 cabinets, sterilizer, waiting room chairs, surgical light, Stryker power equipment, x-ray view boxes, and all other office furniture. Priced to sell. Available after December 23rd. email marshall39@hotmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CRYOPAC, LASER UNITS
1 Cryopac unit for cryosurgery with 3 probes for sale at $1,000 - 1 Class III ML830 nm laser for sale $1,000 - used for pain management and inflammation control, great cash generator.. Contact: klamdpm@hotmail.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 – NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where...you can see 0-50 patients daily * average 100 new patients monthly * have zero accounts receivable * gross $480 M per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contactpistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.
PRACTICE FOR SALE/LEASE - NORTHERN, NJ
Part-time practice for sale or lease. Flexible terms, will consider lease with option for sale. Structured for a fast sale, first option on real estate. Great opportunity for a start-up or satellite with immediate income. Call 201-573-0555 or 551-574-0776 billfeet@aol.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 to bblock@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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| 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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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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