The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 07, 2011 #4,299 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Childhood Obesity Affects Feet: OH Podiatrist

Arch pain afflicts many of the children treated by Darryl Haycock, DPM, FACFAS. The northwest Ohio foot and ankle surgeon says the average age of these boys and girls ranges from eight to 12, but he has treated some as young as four. "The numbers are definitely increasing. I treat four to five overweight children a week," he says. 

Dr. Darryl Haycock

Haycock notes that some overweight children suffer foot pain from congenital or inherited foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, pediatric flatfoot, and tarsal coalition, an abnormal connection between two or more bones in the back of the foot. Children with these deformities may be less active because of pain. Sometimes, a child will complain of calf or arch pain. This results from a flatfoot that is flexible. The collapsing of the arch can require more energy, making it more difficult for a child to walk and run.

Source: Bio-Medicine [11/05/11]

AAPPM Holds 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala

The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) ended its year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Gala event Friday evening during the annual AAPPM Fall Practice Management Conference held at the Lago Mar Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

The PodCats (L-R) Drs. Jeff Frederick, MaryBeth Crane, Jonathan Moore, Charles Greiner, Bill McCann, Jon Purdy, Ben Weaver, and John Guiliana. (Rear) Rem Jackson.

The November 3-6, 2011 conference attended by over 150 podiatric physicians, Executive Managers, Medical Assistants and exhibitors were on hand to celebrate AAPPM’s 50th during the Gala Reception and to view a special appearance by the PodCats, the premier musical group comprised of podiatrists displaying their musical talents.

AAPPM Event Raises Over $1,500 for Student Practice Management Initiatives

More than 60 people gathered to partake of the leaf and the grape at the “Wine and Cigars with the Stars” event at this weekend's American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) Fall Practice Management Workshop in Fort Lauderdale. 

Attendees at AAPPM Wine and Cigars Under The Stars Fundraiser

The event, which raised over $1,500 for AAPPM student practice management initiatives was sponsored by Bako Pathology Labs.

MN Clinic Adds Treadmill and Computerized Foot Sensors

Rochester's bustling northeast business district surrounding Whistle Binkies has a tenant that has been expanding instead of laying off workers during the past year. The Rochester Clinic has added psychiatry and neurology services at its multi-specialty facility during its first year of operation. "We added psychiatry because it's such a great need in the community," said podiatrist and clinic chief manager Dr. Jengyu Lai.

(L-R) Drs. Jengyu Lai and David Jones

The clinic held an open house Thursday, drawing a steady stream of visitors. One treatment room that drew a lot of attention includes a treadmill and computerized foot sensors used by the clinic's two podiatrists, Lai and his colleague, Dr. David Jones.

Source: Jeff Hansel, The Post-Bulletin (Rochester MN) [11/4/11]

AAPPM Fall Workshop Features Sun, Fun, and Education

The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) held its 2011 Fall Practice Management Workshop this past weekend at the Lago Mar Hotel in sunny Fort Lauderdale. “This annual conference provided to attendees dozens of winning practice management strategies to enhance the doctors' patient care and build doctor practices through expert lecturers, power pearls, short lectures, hands-on workshops, and roundtable discussions in all aspects of podiatric practice management," said Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman.  

Attendees at AAPPM Outdoor Workshop led by Rem Jackson

AAPPM returns to the Lago Mar for the Million Dollar Summit (Jan 5-8, 2012, followed by the AAPPM MidWinter Seminar in Pittsburgh (February 2–March 4, 2012), which is a traditional sellout.

Query: Insurance Request for Charts

I just received a request from an insurance company for 87 charts. When asked, they said they needed progress notes and were looking for chronic illness. They said that they would come to the office and scan the notes. Is this an unreasonable request? Are there precautions I need to take?

Name Witheld by Editor

Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. A request for 20 or more records is usually problematic. It generally indicates that the insurance company suspects fraud. The safest course of action is to immediately contact a healthcare attorney to protect your interests.   

Query: Hardship Exemption Extended Until November 8th

I have tried all weekend to enter the CMS website to apply for a hardship exemption from e-Prescribing and have not been able to enter the proper page to complete an application. Does anyone know what's up?

Art Hatfield, DPM, Long Beach, CA

Editor's note: The link for filing for a hardship exemption can be found by clicking here. Note: this site has experienced sporadic technical problems, so you should try it periodically until you get through.

RE: White Spot S/P Austin Bunionectomy (Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: Paul Busman DPM, RN

It looks like a patch of stratum corneum is absorbing moisture more than the surrounding areas for some reason. It's extra obvious due to your patient's dark skin. I'm not sure why this should be happening, but you might get a better idea by re-creating it in your office. Get the patient in a treatment chair and lay a couple of wet gauze sponges on the area while you treat another patient. Seeing the phenomenon in person should be better than relying on a photo. I suspect that this superficial layer will slough off eventually. 

Paul Busman DPM, RN,  Clifton Park, NY, paul@busmanwhistles.com

RE: Best Running Shoe for Orthotics (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Robert Chelin, DPM

Our practice is very involved in helping patients chose the right running shoes for their orthotics. Typically, a neutral cushioning shoe is recommended, e.g.,  Asics Cumulus or Nimbus, Saucony Triumph or ProGrid Ride, and New Balance 1080 or 850 series. Of course, other companies have neutral shoes, but these are my favorites and are quite accommodating to the situation. Just recently, we have tried the new maximalist shoes with orthotics, i.e., Hoku One, and have had great feedback.
 
Robert Chelin, DPM, Toronto, Canada, ft-biz@rogers.com

RE: Most Docs Would Limit Access Under SGR Cuts: Survey
From: Scott Shields DPM

With the pending cuts in Medicare reimbursement 27.4%, 29.5% or some other amount, I am interested in the general attitude of my colleagues. At what point do you personally reach your no go point? How far are you willing to allow the Medicare/Medicaid (private insurances will follow) to cut your fees and you stay on board? This is a serious problem that I have been wimpish on over and over. They cut my income 4–6 % a year, and I have taken it every time. Now, they are considering a substantial reduction at one time and then a freeze.

Will you take it? In less than two months, every one that is a Medicare provider will have to decide. I for one hope that it is a large reduction that will make it an easier decision. With a 10% cut, I may wimp out and swallow again. A one-time large cut and I am out. It would hurt me, but at least I can be in the driver's seat of my own business. I cannot take a 20 % cut in my Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. 

Has anyone actually analyzed the options? Are you going to drink the Koolaid again? At what point are you going to say, “I have had enough”? Let's see the collective wisdom of our great profession on this topic.

Scott Shields, DPM, Enid, OK, Shields1@suddenlinkmail.com

RE: Early Diagnosis of Bunions Can Prevent Surgery (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Jeff Root

Bunions may be caused by a variety of factors, abnormal or excessive pronation being one of them. Foot orthoses have proven to be capable of reducing pronation. However, we must be cautious about telling patients that orthoses can prevent bunions from forming, or that they can necessarily stop the progression of bunion deformities.

Just as high cholesterol and hypertension are risk factors for stroke or heart attack, one cannot tell the patient that reducing their cholesterol or blood pressure will prevent them from having a stroke or heart attack. It is far more appropriate to tell the patient that reducing their cholesterol or blood pressure will reduce their chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

It seems reasonable to tell patients that abnormal or excessive pronation is a risk factor for bunion...

Editor's note: Mr. Root's extended-length letter can be read here.

?? 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 $480K per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contact pistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

PRACTICE FOR SALE/LEASE - NORTHERN, NJ

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION , NY

Group of six… looking for number seven!  If you’re honest, motivated and looking for an exciting opportunity, let’s talk. Please forward CV to: info @ HVFA.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK 

Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

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 - 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 - 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

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: website Tel. 425-643-8901 isbinc2006@gmail.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 

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 - SUPERPULSE 45 WATT PEAK POWER  LASER ( LUMIX2)  Bill

Superpulse 45 watt peak power  Laser ( lumix2)  used once or twice. This is a real superpulse 910nw up to 100,000 HZ. Great Laser  Used in the super bowl by the Green Bay Packer Why am I selling? I have too many lasers in my office now ( six)   This is a great laser for plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Lightweight  portable. easy to use, fully programmable Sold to first person under  $$12,000 You will NEVER get a laser like this at this price. Enjoy. it I just have too many lasers.  David Zuckerman DPM footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER- USED K-LASERS

I have used K-laser for sale. Still in Warranty. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargeable 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 -  REVO VASCULAR SYSTEM

REVO vascular system for sale, 3 years old, excellent condition, all probes and digit sensors in excellent working condition. Asking $4,000 or best offer. Please contact drkhoury@nefas.us

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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