The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 23, 2012 #4,620 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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 We wish all our readers and families a Happy Thanksgiving

IN Podiatrist Holds 15th Annual Sock and Shoe Drive

For the 15th consecutive year, local podiatrist Dr. Todd Hovermale, his office staff, and the Salvation Army are sponsoring the “Cover My Feet” program.

Dr. Todd Hovermale

The program helps provide shoes and socks for needy Anderson children ages newborn to 12 years.

Source: Herald Bulletin [11/20/12]

Estimated Cost of SGR Patch Surges

A new Congressional Budget Office estimate calculates that the cost of a one-year suspension of the scheduled 27% Medicare pay cut to physicians called for by the sustainable growth-rate formula has risen more than 36%.

According to numbers supplied to Modern Healthcare by the office of Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), a physician and chairman of the Congressional Healthcare Caucus, the cost of a one-year "patch" with no increase in payment has risen to $25.2 billion from the previous estimate of $18.5 billion. The latest numbers have led to more calls for repealing the SGR and for coming up with a more predictable method for calculating Medicare payment.

Source: Andis Robeznieks, Modern Physician.com [11/21/12]

HHS Releases Proposed ACA Insurance Regulations

HHS on Tuesday issued highly anticipated regulations to implement provisions of the 2010 healthcare reform law related to health insurance market reforms. Starting in 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will make it illegal for health insurance companies to discriminate against people who have pre-existing conditions, which HHS estimates affect some 129 million non-elderly Americans.

In the proposed rule, health insurance issuers would generally be barred from denying coverage for such conditions, and individuals would have new special enrollment opportunities in the individual market when they have certain losses of other coverage. Under the regulation, insurance companies will be permitted to vary premiums within limits based on age, tobacco use, family size, and geography. Health insurance companies will no longer be able to use factors such as pre-existing conditions, health status, claims history, gender, and occupation as reasons to increase premiums.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [11/20/12]

When Is It Okay to Date a Patient?

To the besotted poet, love is intoxicating, exasperating, invigorating. To the doctor, if the would-be paramour is a patient -- it's also unethical. But physician responses to Medscape's 2012 ethics survey clearly indicate that many physicians aren't willing to condemn every romance. When asked, "Is it ever acceptable to become involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with a patient?" more than two thirds (68%) of the 24,000 doctors who responded resoundingly say "no."

In contrast, nearly one third are more nuanced in their view. Only a tiny minority (1%) give romance with current patients a green light, but a sizable share (22%) say that a romantic relationship with a former patient may be acceptable, as long as at least 6 months have passed since the professional relationship was terminated. Another 9% say the ethics depend on the situation.

Source: Shelly Reese, Medscape News [11/15/12]

Set High Bars in Job Ads

If you list the minimum qualifications for a position, as many  employment ads do, the candidates who apply will be minimally qualified. Instead, describe what you expect the person you hire to do. Describe the goals that the person will have to meet or exceed. Examples: The person hired for this position will have superior typing and computer skills. The person hired must be able to learn how to use electronic medical records.

Then during the interviews, ask candidates how they will reach each of those goals. The answers will reveal whom you should hire.

Source:  Adapted from “The 4 Landmines of Hiring,” Brad Remillard,The Organized Executive via Communication Briefings

RE: EMR Auditing (James Breedlove, DPM)
From:  Mark J. Tuccio, DPM

“Hi, we’re from the government and we’re here to help.” That line, along with any other you care  to add, tells it all. The devil is ALWAYS in the details, especially when it APPEARS that you will get something that seems too good to be true. When we studied the requirement for MU, particularly the security portion that was available at the time, we understood that we were sorely lacking in some areas.

Instead of ignoring our deficiencies and hoping the feds wouldn’t show up and see if we were telling the truth after we attested, or that...

Editor's note: Dr. Tuccio's extended-length letter can be read here.

Groundbreaking Treatment for Hobbit Boy

This is the unfortunate teenager whose feet have grown too large to fit any shoes. Teenager Xiao Meng, who has been nicknamed Hobbit boy by schoolmates, was born with congenital neurofibromatosis - a genetic condition which causes the feet to swell abnormally.

Xiao Meng was born with congenital neurofibromatosis

Doctors first plan to cut away the excess growths from his feet before allowing half a year for recovery. Doctor Tang Yujin said: 'We can treat the condition, and when that is stable, we plan to reduce the size of his feet so they look and feel more normal.'

Source: Amanda Williams, Daily Mail [11/21/12] via Dr. Jay Sung

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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH FLORIDA

Busy multi office practice needs 3 year surgically trained Podiatrist to join five doctor practice. Benefits include Salary, Bonus, Health Insurance, Pension Plan and CME. Digital x-Ray and EMR in all offices.  If interested please send a CV and letter of interest to alvatore1@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to: Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NC PIEDMONT

Excellent opportunity for highly motivated, ethical, and personable PSR 24/36. This well established, 3-physician practice has excellent rapport with physician community, multiple office locations, and hospital privileges. Intent is an associate leading to partnership for the right individual. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV to dpmassociatenc@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA

We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial to join our growing practice. Must have great people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Send your CV and cover letter to: cvpodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD, AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON

Busy office with good steady referral sources looking to expand. Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with good personality and hard work ethic. New main and satellite offices. Email: office.pfac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW JERSEY - PASSAIC COUNTY

Associate Position Available leading to Practice Purchase. 25 year old well established general, well rounded practice seeking residency trained, ABPS eligible/certified podiatrist. Must be able to perform general foot procedures/surgeries without assistance. Well equipped office with digital x-ray, ultrasound, Doppler, 3 treatment rooms. Hospital Privileges available. Must be logical, Ethical and hard working. Pay commensurate with performance. Call 201 986-1900 ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.Com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Welcome to paradise! Immediate opening in a busy, multi-location practice. Six figure income potential possible for the motivated individual in the first year. Surgical training a plus. Hospital privileges available, depending on training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to: Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com


ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977  

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to : practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty . New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

PEDORTHIST WANTED – NEW JERSEY

Certified pedorthist interested in part owning-working in a therapeutic shoe store in busy podiatrist's office. Please email to advancedfoot1@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 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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