The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 12, 2011 #4,303 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist to Appear on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'

Jersey City resident Dr. Denise Bonnin will be a contestant on ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." The show will air at 12:30 p.m., this Friday, Nov. 11. 

Dr. Denise Bonnin stands with Emmy-award winning host, Meredith Vieira (Photo Courtesy of ABC Studios).

"It was a lot of fun, and surreal...I can't wait to watch on Friday because I can barely remember what it was like to be on the show," Bonnin said. Denise couldn't disclose if she won big or not, but she said that if she did win big, she would pay off her $200,000 worth of podiatry school student loans, and buy a house closer to her family.

Source: Adam Maher, The Jersey Journal [11/9/11]

PICA Scholarships Awarded to BUSPM Seniors

Two seniors in the Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM) were awarded the Podiatric Insurance Company of America (PICA) Group Scholarship award for 2011. William Burmeister and Titorya Stover, both fourth-year podiatric medical students, will each receive a $2,500 scholarship used to defray the cost of tuition. BUSPM’s full-time podiatric clinical faculty chose Burmeister and Stover as this year’s recipients based upon their excellent performance in third-year clinical rotations throughout the academic year.
 

BUSPM Seniors William Burmeister and Titorya Stover

In 2010, Burmeister was part of a student research team that was awarded the $10,000 Dr. James V. Stelnicki Scholarship for Excellence in Lower Extremity Vascular Medicine for submission of their research paper titled, “Variations of the Origin of the Arcuate Artery.” Titorya, who currently serves as class of 2012 secretary, was awarded the Dr. Patricia Kopenhaver Scholarship in 2010 for her outstanding scholastic performance and personal achievement.

APMA Kicks "Knock Your Socks Off" Campaign

APMA's "Knock Your Socks Off" campaign urges people with diabetes to take one simple action to help avoid some of the most serious diabetes complications: Get an annual foot exam from a podiatrist, as it can reduce amputation rates by 45 to 85 percent according to the CDC. 

Dr. Michael King

"Your feet are a mirror of your health—especially when you have or are at risk for diabetes," said Dr. Michael King, APMA president. "The 'Knock Your Socks Off' campaign encourages people with diabetes to get an annual foot examination by today's podiatrist, particularly if you are part of the Hispanic community. Getting a foot exam, along with maintaining a good diet and proper exercise, is vital to staying in control of diabetes and living a healthy life."

Source: Sacramento Bee [11/10/11]

PA Podiatrist Concerned About Financial Health of Consumers

Despite storm clouds threatening the economic horizon, an investment strategist offered a "partly sunny" forecast Wednesday to the Bethlehem Rotary Club. But he cautioned: "Carry an umbrella." Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist for Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, pitched his outlook on a day the Dow Jones industrials fell 389 points.

Dr. Edwin Hart

One small-business owner attending the luncheon was concerned about the financial shape of consumers, especially young people, many of whom are burdened by credit card debt and student loans. Dr. Edwin Hart said he worries those factors will weigh down personal spending and hurt businesses as a result. “It’s great that corporate America is doing well, but the consumer has to be financially healthy,” said Hart, who owns a podiatry practice on Easton Avenue.

Source: Tom Zanki, The Express-Times [11/10/11]

OCR to Begin HIPAA Compliance Audits This Month

The Office for Civil Rights at HHS will begin pilot audits this month to test compliance by hospitals, office-based physicians, health plans and other "covered entities" with privacy and security rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Initially, 20 audits are planned; the first round of audits will serve to test audit protocols, and each audit in the first round will include a site visit. The OCR will complete as many as 150 audits by the end of December 2012, according to the agency's website.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [11/9/11]

Query: 1st MPJ Arthrodesis

I have recently read two conflicting technical pointers in performing a 1st MPJ arthrodesis. Both authors are well-respected podiatric surgeons. Each of the articles were dealing with crossed screw fixation. One author stated, "make sure to cross the screws at the joint level"; the other author stated the exact opposite. So which is it, and why? Does it matter?

Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

Query: Podiatry-Specific Coding App

Does anyone have a podiatry-specific coding App for the iPhone?

Eric Hart, DPM, Bismarck, ND

RE: Lateral Knee Pain, Right Side (Michael H. Warheit, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
It makes good sense in this case to refer the patient to a knee specialist. There are three professions that deal with knee pain. You can refer to an orthopedist, physiatrist, or rheumatologist. All three of these professions treat knee pain, and practitioners are adept at determining the cause of the patient's problem. What is important is for the clinician to determine if there is a structural abnormality causing the knee pain, such as a torn meniscus or degenerative changes. There are excellent surgical and medical treatments that can make a difference for the patient, and early intervention could be important.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Brewer's Yeast for Hyperhydrosis (David Alper, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

Brewer's yeast has been used for calming overactive thyroid, which in many cases has been thought to be the mechanism of hyperhidrosis. What I have found to be the case, more often than not, is adrenal stress as the cause (seen as elevations in cortisol as well as excitatory neurotransmitter dominance). Needless to say, adrenal stress will have a direct feedback loop to the thyroid. My experience is that hyperhidrosis is better controlled by targeting adrenal function rather than thyroid function.

Teaching your patients stress reduction techniques, encouraging regular exercise to liberate endorphins and adaptogens to dampen stress signaling have proven very helpful in my practice. For your patients who do not want to use aluminum products or formaldehyde topically, I have found that arrowroot powder (available at your local health food store) is great at wicking moisture away from the feet. You can combine it with any essential oil for a fresh scent.
 
Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: IACS Physician Quality Reporting
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM

I thought PM News readers would be interested in this item from CMS: What is the IACS (Individuals Authorized Access to the CMS Computer Services system) and how does it relate to the Physician Quality Reporting System (Physician Quality Reporting, previously called PQRI) and the Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program?

IACS is the CMS enterprise Identity Management and Authentication system which implements the security requirements of Federal legislation, Federal Standards, and CMS policy. An IACS account is required to access TIN-level feedback reports. The IACS Quick Reference User Guides can be found on the Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals Quality Reporting Portal at qualitynet.org/pqri. The QualityNet Help Desk is available to assist eligible professionals with: general IACS questions; registering/creating an IACS account; accessing an IACS account; changing an IACS account; and approving users into an organization. They are available from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday at 1-866-288-8912 or TTY 1-877-715-6222 or via e-mail to Qnetsupport@sdps.org

Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL, footfixr@consolidated.net

RE: Service to Determine Deductibles and Co-Pays? (Eric Trattner, DPM, William Tenney, DPM)
From: Marc Katz, DPM

It is admirable that these doctors have provided a service to benefit physicians. However, there is no service that can guarantee accuracy and up-to-date data. With that being said, we use CSNAP for Medicare, UHC, BCBS, and other carriers have a calculator for this purpose. Billing programs have access to data. And finally, you can request a fee schedule from each carrier specific to your codes.

We have used this method with excellent success. We do this the day before patients arrive. Patients understand that they will pay their co-pay and deductible at their visit. They are fully informed. The real key is friendly but aggressive and knowledgeable front office staff and a system that monitors daily receivables closely.

In these days of increasing costs and lower reimbursement, I prefer my method. I have no desire to shell out more money for a service that already exists.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

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

In response to Dr. Shavelson’s letter on PM News dated 11/10/11, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be an authority on biomechanics. However, as someone who has been involved in the prescription foot orthotic industry for approximately thirty-five years, I have more than a passive interest in biomechanics. I am proud of the base of knowledge I have acquired, and I find it extremely beneficial in discussing prescription foot orthotic therapy with my clients and in interacting with others who share my interest in biomechanics and foot orthotic therapy.

From time to time, I take the opportunity to post comments on PM News and other public podiatry or biomechanics-related forums. I don’t expect my comments or opinions to be judged based on my father’s name, my name or my reputation, but rather on the caliber of their content. Some of my greatest learning opportunities have come as a...

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

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 - ILLINOIS PERMANENT P/T

Podiatrist needed for Medinah Spine/Rehab/Podiatry. Upper middle class suburb multi-disciplinary established office seeks perm P/T podiatrist to service established podiatry practice. Please call SueL 630-529-0077 or fax resume to: 630-529-0087.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

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

SPACE AVAILABLE IN MULTI-DISCIPLINE WELLNESS CENTER- WHITE PLAINS, NY

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

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 - 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

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 contactpistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ

Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is $130K on 2 half days per week. Priced for quick sale. Real estate available for purchase. Please call 800-983-4194, or  e-mail contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.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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