The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 14, 2009 #3,701 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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We’ve just posted another November 2009 CME titled:

By Robert G. Smith DPM, MSc, RPh

 You can Earn 30 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online

 Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $139

Hereditary Tendencies Lead to Structural Deformities: MO Podiatrist

Women, rejoice! If you’re tired of being told that your foot problems are caused by your Laboutins, meet Dr. John Dailey. “Shoes, no matter how high the heel or pointy the toe, don’t cause foot problems,” says Dailey, medical director of The Missouri Foot & Ankle Institute in Washington, MO. “Shoes can make a problem worse, but the problem itself is caused by hereditary tendencies that lead to structural deformities.”

Dr. John Dailey

Dailey says that knee, hip and back pain can often be traced to the feet, even when the patient has no foot pain. “Structural problems in the lower extremities can cause pain all over your body,” he explains. “I’ve got nothing against chiropractic, but if you see a chiropractor for back pain and he or she manipulates your back, you’ll be okay for a day or so, but the pain will return if it’s caused by structural problems in the foot. “

“Computerized gait analysis uses in-shoe pressure mapping and three-dimensional motion cameras to identify orthopedic problems related to the way a person walks,” Dailey says. “It’s used with many patients, including those with diabetes and poor sensation who are prone to foot ulcers; those who’ve had full or partial amputation, which alters weight distribution patterns; and arthritis patients with alterations in joint integrity or function that alter the weight-bearing surface of the foot.”

Source: Tony DiMartino, Ladue News [11/12/09]

IPMA Plans 3rd Annual Call-In

The Illinois Podiatric Medical Association will conduct its third annual call-in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to help provide advice and referrals to residents with questions about foot care and to draw attention to the role it plays in diabetes management.

Dr. Joseph Borreggine

“During last year’s event, one out of every four callers had diabetes or was prediabetic” said IPMA President Joseph Borreggine, of Charleston. The IPMA volunteers fielded more than 150 questions last year during the call-in event and this year IPMA members believe the demand will rise because many residents have been negatively impacted by the recession.

Source: Associated Press [11/12/09]

CT Podiatrist Enjoys Big Apple Timeshare

There is a new building on West 57th Street in Manhattan, a block from Bulgari and Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue, and about the same distance to Central Park and Carnegie Hall. The project, West 57th Street by Hilton Club, which opened in July, is not the first time-share building to stake out ground in New York City. Harvey and Myrna Lederman are among West 57th Street’s initial owners; they bought four weeks at the property after trying out Hilton’s first Manhattan time share in 2002.

Dr. Harvey Lederman and his wife, Myrna, at their time share on West 57th Street in Manhattan (Photo Michael Nagel)

“We love the city, and we like to be here as much as we can,” said Dr. Lederman, a podiatrist from Bloomfield, CT. He and his wife spend a week in the city in June, another week in December, and celebrate their anniversary, Valentine’s Day and other special occasions in the city, so owning a time share has given them something of a part-time pied-à-terre. “We live in a beautiful part of Connecticut,” he said. “Our roots are there. And yet we can come down here often, so we have the best of both worlds.”

Source: Susan Stellin, The New York Times [11/13/09]
 

Query: Backlit Scanner

I am looking for recommendations for a backlit scanner to use when a patient brings in a film x-ray. Standard document scanners do not work well.
 
Robert Kuvent, DPM, Chandler, AZ
 

Query: Global Period for CPT 11750

Is there any global period for CPT 11750 (excision of nail and nail matrix, partial or complete, [e.g., ingrown or deformed nail] for permanent removal)?

Peter Park, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

Response: The global period, as defined by Medicare, is 10 days.

For all other plans, you would have to contact each one individually to find out if they follow the Medicare global day period, or have one assigned of their own.

Karen Hurley, CMM, CPC-I, Waldorf, MD

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: The Application of EBM to Orthotic Therapy (Mr. Jeff Root)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

"Res ipsa loquitor." It speaks for itself. Mr. Root correctly elucidates the variance in orthotics and biomechanical techniques, modalities, labs, theories.. ad infinitum. We have a "Good Feet Store" in our area,  advertising on radio and TV with a myriad of positive testamonials, even from medical professionals. Again, I say, call them "custom"orthotics, do plaster casts, do computer scans, cast weight-bearing or not, neutral position, or what have you. I suspect the coefficient of variation between success between these modalities is too insignificant to consider this a valid science. Nail cutting and orthotics will be the anchors that keep podiatric medicine as an "allied health" field. 

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

RE: Delayed Medicare Payments
From: Palmer Branch, DPM
 
In tracking my A/R, I just noticed that my local Medicare carrier appears to have just started to delay all but a few small payments over the past 2 - 3 weeks or so without warning as they do at the end of many calendar years. I have confirmed this with some of my local colleagues, but the Medicare website did not mention it. Typically, I tack on at least a few extra weeks for anticipating time of payment of claims when this starts to happen. Although I'm sure many of you may have already noticed this, I just thought that it might be a nice gesture on my part to bring it up when I saw it for practice budget planning purposes.  
 
Palmer Branch, DPM, Cumming, GA, drcuboid@aol.com
 

RE: PECOS and DME Confusion
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM

So, let me get this straight, a DMEPOS policy was created in the last few years and implemented to help reduce Medicare fraud and abuse. This policy requires DME suppliers who were not physicians to participate in the competitive bidding, credentialing process and obtaining a surety bond to maintain and qualify for continued reimbursement. This was a good idea. Fortunately, the podiatric profession is not part of this process because of the hard work performed by the APMA on our behalf; a major victory and a great cost saving to all of us who are DME suppliers.

But, this celebratory victory has possibly come to an end sooner than we think. The reason: a relatively new...

Editor's Note: Dr. Borreggine's extended-length letter appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=30412&start=1

RE: Edwin Probber, DPM

I, as well as many colleagues over the years, feel grateful for having had the opportunity to have Ed Probber in our lives. I had the pleasure to know Ed and his family for over 25 years not only on a professional basis, but personal as well. He was a true visionary who was way ahead of his time. He was Tony Robbins, Steven Covey, Dale Carnegie, and many others all in one.
 
I wish everyone to know that I had the pleasure of reuniting with Ed and Ellen in Fort Lauderdale about one year ago. His persona, feistiness, and smile were indeed present. For those who never had the opportunity to meet Ed, he was truly a very special person who truly cared about and loved our profession of podiatric medicine and surgery. Let’s celebrate the life of Ed Probber.
 
Lawrence Kales, DPM, Hudson, FL
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO 
 
PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Office and diagnostic equipment state-of-the-art. Full benefit package included. If interested, please fax your curriculum vitae to 847.352.0270 or email to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA
 
Well-established, state-of-the-art medical-surgical podiatry practice seeking well-trained motivated individual to work full-time with future partnership possible. Will start with full schedule. PSR-24 a minimum. Email resume to Howard4624@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MINNESOTA

Well-established podiatry clinic located in the Twin Cities area has an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist. The clinic is located just minutes from a surgery center as well as 2 major hospitals. Associate position is also open for partnership or purchase. Please email CV and inquires to rmccoy@associatedpodiatrists.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW IOWA (SIOUX CITY AREA)

Well-established, diverse, growing practice. Excellent referral base. Seeking an ethical, hardworking, motivated, caring podiatrist to fill a full-time position. Multiple hospital affiliations. Generous income with room for growth, leading to partnership for the right candidate. See our community www.siouxlandchamber.com. Fax CV, resume, three references to 712-258-9977.

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - INDIANA/OHIO

PrimeSource Healthcare is a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created an immediate need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Indiana/Ohio. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to kwright@pshcs.com. Visit us at pshcs.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

SEEKING ASSOCIATE - MIAMI, FL

Buy-in and purchase if you are interested. Well-rounded practice (EMR, Digital X-R) seeing 250+ pts/wk .30 yrs same location. Competitive salary + benefits + incentives. I am winding down my practice after 30 yrs. Will feed you my surgical load until you generate your own. Send resume to doctorinhialeah@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Part Time/Full Time well-trained, ethical and hard working graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency to join our growing multi-location practice. Good mix of Surgery/Pediatric/General Podiatry. ER/Hospital Call a must. Very modern offices with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. Base salary, bonus structure, benefits. Current AZ License a Must. Please e-mail CV and references to azpodiatrists@hotmail.com

DIABETIC RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM - FLORIDA AND GEORGIA

Seeking DPM to join our program due to a high demand for Podiatric Care to off-site settings in SNF, ALFs and House Calls. Applicants must be willing to travel and must have experience. Current State License, Medicare and Medicaid numbers required. Seeking highly motivated individuals who can be team players, yet work independently. Must have strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. APPLY: Fax CV to: 866-258-9993 include 3 professional references. Please provide the geographic area where you can provide services. Further information call 800-779-8551 or email: info@DROPInternational.org. Visit our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION – RESEDA, CA

Podiatrist needed in Reseda, CA office 2-3 days/wk, 6hrs/day @ $375/day to senior community. Please have an active Medicare #. Position starts immediately. Please email CVs to coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY

Busy medical office in Brooklyn seeking part-time podiatrist. Good conditions. (718) 259-6666 phone (718)259-7000 fax, email zg0109@yahoo.com

PODIATRISTS CHICAGO/NW IND/BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone-773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK

Full-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATION POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA

Cornerstone Health Care, one of the largest physician-owned and managed multispecialty groups in the Southeast, is seeking two podiatrists for offices located in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. Cornerstone has over 280 providers in 60 locations. Physicians benefit from centralized billing, contracting, and human resource, while maintaining autonomy over office practices. A state-of-the-art EMR system by Allscripts provides instant access to all Cornerstone patient records. Send CV to page.redpath@cornerstonehealthcare.com

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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 11,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 ext 110.

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