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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,679 Podiatrists Daily
November 27, 2013 #4,926  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2013- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
CO Podiatrist Discusses Osteoarthritis of Digits in Climbers
Osteoarthritis usually develops between ages 30 and 60, but it can strike even earlier. Genetics, personal anatomy, and injury history are the primary determining factors, but climbers can be especially susceptible. Dr. Yvonne Weber, a podiatrist and climber, says, “Hitting your toe against the rock [as in a lead fall] or rockfall hitting the toe can lead to osteoarthritis. Also, wearing super-tight or really flexible shoes and repeating the same move puts high torque on the joint.”
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Dr. Yvonne Weber |
Hallux rigidus frequently leads to bone spurring, a bony growth that’s painful and may require surgical treatment. Plus, by compensating for a sore toe while climbing or walking, you may overload other parts of the foot, possibly leading to neuroma (a tumor of nerve tissue) or hammer toe (deformation where toes are permanently bent). Pain, swelling, and decreased mobility in the joint are potential indicators of hallux rigidus. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis or have injured your big toe previously, Weber says, “Get an exam and x-ray, and you and the doctor can decide how seriously to take it.”
Source: Climbing Magazine [11/25/13]
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| APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS | |
OHFAMA Elects 2014 Officers
The following individuals were elected as officers and trustees of the Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association (OHFAMA) at the annual House of Delegates:
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Front Row (L-R): Drs. Corey Russell, Karen Kellogg, Richard Schilling, and Alan Block. Second Row (L-R) Drs. Chris Bohach, Sam Feinberg, Michael Bodman, and Richard Kunig. Third Row (L-R) Drs. Thomas McCabe, Kevin Schroeder, David Kaplansky, Marc Greenberg, and Brian Ash. Back Row (L-R) Dr. Derrick Jackson, Amanda Kamery, and Dr. Mark Gould. |
President – Karen Kellogg, DPM
First VP – Corey Russell, DPM
Second VP – Richard Schilling, DPM
Secretary/Treasurer – Alan Block, DPM
North Central Trustee - Chris Bohach, DPM, Northeast Trustee - Michael Bodman, DPM
Mideast Trustee - Richard Kunig, DPM, North West Trustee - Thomas McCabe, DPM
Midwest Trustee - Kevin Schroeder, DPM, Central Trustee - David Kaplansky, DPM
Southern Trustee Brian Ash, DPM, Eastern Trustee - Derrick Jackson, DPM
Young Member Trustee - Sam Feinberg, DPM
Northeast Trustee – Mark Gould, DPM
OPMSA Trustee - Amanda Kamery
Immediate Past President - Marc Greenberg, DPM
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| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
Minor Foot Problem Can be Life-Threatening to Diabetic: OK Podiatrist
A small cut, blister, callus, or simple corn on a foot can lead to a life-threatening health complication for someone with diabetes. Just two weeks after an unnamed patient with diabetes was warned by podiatrist Dr. Scott Kochenower that calluses on the bottom of one foot needed proper attention, the patient ended up in surgery losing half of that foot to a deep diabetic ulcer or infected wound that developed under the callus.
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Dr. Scott Kochenower |
Kochenower said the deep ulcer he found under his patient's callus is something he never hopes to see again, but that is wishful thinking on his part. "We see it all the time," he said. "They don't take care of themselves, so they don't notice it."
Source: The Lawton Constitution [11/25/13]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
UK Podiatrist Finds Comfortable High Heel Shoes
Women have been paying the price of wearing high heels for years suffering from sore feet, aching legs, and a bad back for a height and style boost. But now a brand says they can offer a three-and-a-half-inch shoe that is both comfortable and stylish. British brand Hotter have created the Boutique by Hotter collection which they describe as fashionable and elegant - but best of all comfy. Podiatrist Emma Supple put them to the test. She said, "When I wore them, I immediately felt the comfort of the cushioning. The stacked, blocked - yet elegant - heel was noticeably effective. No rubbing, full cushioning, and easy to walk on."
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Emma Supple |
The foot expert said she was "very impressed" with the fit and feel of the shoe - and was especially pleased they they are available in half sizes. Emma wore the shoes to a recent world conference in podiatry in Rome where she said had the opportunity to test the comfort of the shoes and see what her podiatrist peers thought of them. After putting them to the test, she concluded: "This is a well made, accessible, flexible high heel shoe."
Source: Lucy Waterlow, Daily Mail [11/25/13]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
FL Podiatrist Participates in Search and Rescue Mission
Last week, when a Lear 35 medical transport plane crashed just offshore from the coast of Florida, the Coast Guard and all its resources were called into action. Four people were on board the jet, including a physician and a nurse. Two bodies were found just after the crash, leaving two unaccounted for. Coast Guard Auxillarist Dr. Bret Ribotsky, a certified coxswain, participated in the search and rescue during the following days.
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Dr. Bret Ribotsky with airplane wreckage |
A debris field spread over 20 miles, and a Gulf Stream current of 3 knots made the search for the two missing members of the flight challenging. Add to that high winds and increasing seas. Ribotsky said, “I thank the many talented Coast Guard crew and the significant training that I received to help in the search and rescue.”
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Office Financial Policy
With the upcoming year will come insurance plans with higher deductible and higher co-pays. I am considering changes. We currently collect cash (i.e. co-pays, etc.) as patients leave the office. If I have a cash-only patient or a patient with a high deductible, we collect our fees prior to services being rendered. I have heard some colleagues collecting all cash owed on all patients prior to treatment. Some have patients put a credit card on file or use Care Credit or a similar service to improve cash flow. What are others planning to do?
Howard Gale, DPM, Statesboro, GA
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Unna Boot Application Coding
What is the correct way to bill application of bilateral Unna boots to Medicare? If I apply an Unna boot in the hospital setting, does it need a "-58" modifier with the "GP" modifier?
Scott Weiss, DPM, Darien, CT
Response: When applying Unna boots bilaterally for Medicare, it is CPT 29580-50 (1 unit). Make sure you increase the fee when you use the "-50" modifier since it represents 150% of a CPT 29580 value.
Never use modifier "-58" to represent bilateral procedures. It means a staged procedure was performed.
David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (ICD-10) | |
From: Paul Kinberg, DPM
You can go to nucc.org to see the new CMS 1500 mandated claim form that is being phased in starting January 1, 2014.
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The Traumatic & Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgical Fellowship Program sponsored by the Southeast Permanente Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia, is now accepting applications for the 2014-2015 training year.
Our fellowship program has recently been granted candidate status by the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and offers an exemplary opportunity for advanced lower extremity surgical training. The Southeast Permanente Medical Group (TSMPG) is one of the largest multi-specialty medical groups in Georgia, working with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan to provide medical care to members in metropolitan Atlanta. The foot & ankle fellow will be provided a broad-based clinical experience focused on adult reconstructive surgery, including sports-related injuries, Charcot reconstruction, total ankle replacement, and traumatic injuries of the lower leg, ankle and foot.
Interested senior residents can find a program application and other information on line at: www.acfas.org/fellowshiptucker/ Daniel J. Tucker, DPM, FACFAS, Director, Traumatic and Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgical Fellowship, The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, 770-677-6021 Daniel.J.Tucker@kp.org
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Carl Ganio, DPM
My personal small group plan (BC/BS Florida ) was also cancelled/eliminated. Under the Affordable Care Act, your new plan is considered "substandard" if it does NOT have all that is considered required under the ACA. My new plan has maternity, pediatric dental, and pediatric glasses, contraceptives, and maternity leave.
I am sure that the APMA plan will be required to have those things as well. If you get into the underwriting process quickly and complete it by December 15th, you may be able to get on a Non-ACA plan for one year, until December 2014, at which time your new plan will have to comply with Obamacare standards. For insuring 3 people, I may be saving $800 - $1,000 per month ... with a platinum plan...so have hope.
Editor's note: APMA has informed us that they do not sponsor a Blue Shield plan.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Steven King, DPM
We respect our APMA president for speaking on the important subject of patient stability and "proper footwear". These types of blanket statements do not always help us or our patients. What is this proper footwear he is speaking of? What clinical research have we supplied as a profession to make such a nebulous statement.
If we are expected to be the go to professionals for "proper foot care", then we must remember that shoes are orthotics by how they influence gait and stability.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA COMPONENTS | |
From: Marc Haspel, DPM
The point Dr. Kaplan has missed is that the essence of the lawsuit by NJPMS, as advised by legal counsel, is not truly about ESWT but rather the unfortunate infringement of scope of podiatric practice. A discussion on the merits of financially continuing to spend large sums of money when that is under attack would be more appropriate.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Dr. Bret Ribotsky's Aptly Named "Toy" Boat
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Talk about playing foot"seas" |
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHWEST QUEENS, NEW YORK
Busy, well established , fully equipped , newly redecorated office in good neighborhood. Grossing approximately $500k. Doctor relocating, but will stay on through July. Contact dfoot35@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET
Barely used PadNet machine for sale. Purchased in 2010 for $22k seeking $9,900 includes shipping. If interested email Dr. Eric Jamrok at drjamrok@yahoo.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET
Padnet vascular testing machine with updated security software (purchased in 2012). Perfect condition only used for training. We do not have the patient population to provide this valuable diagnostic tool. Purchased for 20K, asking 12K (and we will pay for shipping costs). Please contact vcrismali@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – USED PINPOINTE LASER AND 2 USED Q-CLEAR LASERS
Used Pinpointe Laser for Sale! $17,500. 2 Used Q-Clear Lasers for sale $9,000 each. Please call 202-255-6236 or email: cosmedresources@verizon.net
EQUIPMENT WANTED - LASER FOR TOENAILS
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE IN SW FLORIDA
Podiatrist to join a small group must be Florida licensed surgical privileges pending experience. Board Certification or Qualified preferred but not necessary. Some nursing home care and also limited traveling. Excellent pay and lifestyle. Send resume to 1Foot.Ankle@Gmail.com
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Largest podiatry group in Polk County featuring EMR, muscle laser therapy, digital x-rays, vascular and NCV studies, ultrasound machines, shockwave therapy, and much more. We are a very busy office so expect patients the day you start and a competitive salary with bonuses. E-mail CV tocontactus@flfootandankle.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
PODIATRIST WANTED - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Podiatrist for practice in long-term care facilities. Facilities include Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Board and Care homes. Professionally managed. Email interest and CV to: ZbubblesZ@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION -TAMPA BAY AREA
Excellent opportunity to join a well-established multi-office group practice in the beautiful Tampa Bay area starting July 2014. We are seeking a highly motivated, ethical and outgoing physician with Florida license to join our growing practice. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, bonus structure with partnership opportunity. Please email CV: Kpontious9@yahoo.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - BUFFALO AND CONNECTICUT
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes in Buffalo and Connecticut. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARKANSAS
Ethical, highly motivated, enthusiastic associate needed to join successful, well-established practice located in Northwest Arkansas. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rearfoot training preferred. The practice has an excellent working relationship with a high referral base from local PCPs and other specialists. Well-rounded practice incorporates general podiatry, surgery, wound care, and sports medicine. Salary plus excellent bonus potential for the right individual. Send CV to: footdocmanager@yahoo.com.
PART-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO, IL
part-time opportunity in Chicago to provide treatment to homebound patients. You can create your schedule- logistical support provided. Reimbursement is 40% of collection. If interested, please call 312-375-6430.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO
Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base. Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to: Ohiomedical@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND
Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rearfoot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual. Send CV to: dpmkthomas@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
DIABETES MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP - CENTRAL KENTUCKY
CVs and letters of interest are being accepted now for the most unique and well-rounded fellowship in podiatric medicine. This non-accredited, 1-year fellowship starts in July of 2014 and offers a wide variety of training opportunities that focus on diabetes, including diverse pathologies and unique medical and surgical opportunities. Regular surgical case load, intensive practice management, and the best prep for real world practice. Work with our on-staff certified orthotist, physical therapist, shoe store staff, MRI director, etc. Generous stipend, benefits, and free housing. Learn more at www.myhappyfoot.com (click the Fellowship Tab). Send CVs to jmoore@aappm.org.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $119 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.
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either timely or free of viruses.
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