The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 28, 2012 #4,624 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Aussie Podiatrist Testifies as Forensic Witness in Murder Trial

Yesterday, Brett Peter Cowan, 43, was clean-shaven and neatly dressed in the dock at his committal hearing after he was last year charged with Daniel Morcombe's murder, child stealing, deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment of a child under 16, and misconduct with his corpse between December 7 and December 25, 2003.

Dr. Paul Bennett

North Coast Regional Command Forensic Services Co-ordinator Inspector Arthur van Panhuis told the court police identified three main crime scenes on an overgrown property once used for sand mining. He revealed police found bone fragments, including a tibia belonging to Daniel, Rip Curl shorts, a pair of his Globe sneakers, a belt and underwear. Forensic podiatrist Dr. Paul Bennett faced lengthy cross-examination from defense lawyer Michael Bosscher over the method he used to determine that the Globe sneakers uncovered belonged to Daniel.

Source: Brooke Baskin, The Courier-Mail [11/27/12]

OPMSA and AAWP Hold First Ever Symposium at KSUCPM

On Saturday, November 17th , the student-run organizations of the Ohio Podiatric Medical Students Association (OPMSA) and the American Association of Women Podiatrists (AAWP) held their annual Clinical Symposium. This year’s event included 7 CME hours, hosted 95 total attendees, and was the first ever clinical symposium held at the new Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. 

(L-R) Drs. Melissa Lockwood and Hal Ornstein with third year podiatry students Kayla O’Malley, Saleena Niehaus, and Courtney Thenn.

Students of the college welcomed eight guest lecturers who spoke on topics such as diabetic ankle fractures, barefoot running, plantar fasciitis, and Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy. Drs. Melissa Lockwood and Hal Ornstein each gave presentations emphasizing the importance of practice management. 

IA Podiatrist Elected to IPMS Board

Dr. David Schroeder, Davenport, was elected to a three-year term on the board of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society. He is a graduate of the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Columbus-Cuneo-Cabrini Medical Center (Chicago, IL). Dr. Gregg Corrigan, Davenport, is a current member of the board. 

Dr. David Schroeder

The Iowa Podiatric Medical Society is the professional organization representing more than 135 medical and surgical specialists of the foot and ankle, located throughout the state of Iowa.

Source: Quad City Times [11/25/12]

CA Podiatrist to Launch Her Own Shoe Line

Podiatrist Dr. Michele Summers is exchanging her prescription pad for a sketch pad. This spring, she will launch 34 Minutes, a collection of high-end looks featuring a patent-pending comfort system. According to Summers, she coined the brand’s name after a group of podiatrists surveyed 4,000 women and found that 34 minutes was the amount of time it took for them to experience foot pain from wearing high heels.

Dr. Michele Summers and 34 Minutes Shoes

To help remedy the situation, she developed a series of fashion-driven looks featuring a built-in orthotic with arch support and heel-to-toe Poron. Included in the debut collection are ladylike ballet flats, open-toe slingbacks, and 4-inch pumps with hidden platforms, all retailing from $180 to $270. “I like classics such as peep-toe pumps,” said Summers. “I’m trying to improve on what women are [already] wearing. I’ve made shoes pretty and sexy on the outside.”

Source: Barbara-Schneider-Levy, Footwear News [11/26/12]

Son of CA Podiatrist Wants to Follow in Father's Footsteps

In an age where most get their news online, and those who do subscribe to printed newspapers get them from “independent delivery contractors,” it’s rare to find a kid doing what used to be a common childhood job: Paperboy. But one neighborhood of Newport Beach Independent readers still get their local news delivered each week, by 13-year-old Sam Roth. It also “trains you to work,” he said, or teaches work ethics, his dad, Dr. Ivar Roth, explained. “He’s learning that (it’s important) to do the job correctly,” the proud father said.

Sam Roth

Like father, like son: Ivar Roth was also a paperboy when he was a kid. Growing up, Ivar Roth delivered a local community paper around his Whittier neighborhood. He delivered papers until he was about 16 or 17, he said. “I wanted to work from the time I was a little kid,” the elder Roth said. “It really does come down to responsibility and work ethic and that really stuck with me, so I thought it’d be a good thing for Sam.” The straight-A student also wants to follow his podiatrist father’s footsteps in other ways too. “I want to be a foot doctor, like Dad,” Sam said.

Source: Sara Hall, Newport Beach Independent [11/23/12]

HHS Warns Providers Not to Use EHRs "to Game the System"

In the 1890s, Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch robbed slow trains using fast horses and six-shooters. Today, the government is hinting that hospitals and physicians are robbing Medicare at the speed of electricity, using electronic health-record systems and billing software.

The head of the American Hospital Association, in a Nov. 12 letter to HHS and the U.S. Justice Department, said the AHA wants to join forces with the feds in designing an EHR advisory group on billing codes. The letter was the AHA's second response to a letter sent to several hospital associations by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder warning them of “troubling indications” that some healthcare providers are using EHRs “to game the system."

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [11/24/12]

Query: Bone Resection Coding

In order to re-establish a metatarsal parabola, I resected approximately 50% of the 1st metatarsal as well as part of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsals that had ankylosed together after a previous resection/amputation for osteomyelitis.

Afterward, the stump was closed primarily and two plantar ulcers debrided. There is no evidence of osteomyelitis present in this surgery. What would be the most appropriate procedure and diagnosis codes? The previous surgery was over one year ago.

Carlos Dimidjian, DPM, Big Spring, TX

Response: Based upon your post, it was not clear how much bone was resected, especially on the lesser metatarsal heads. There are metatarsal partial ostectomy codes you could choose from, but those have 90-day global periods assigned (Medicare). With possible ongoing ulcer treatment, closure, etc., other work may be required.

I suggest CPT 11044 or CPT 11047, depending on the debrided size of the surgical site(s). Bone debridement coding has no global days, so other services would be payable as needed. This could include the bone work and ulcer debridement.

Tony Poggio, DPM,Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
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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 - PUERTO RICO

Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 year old hospital-based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of high risk diabetic foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.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 - 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 - 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

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 - 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.

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

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.

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