The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 12, 2012 #4,636 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IPMA Announces New Slate of Board of Directors

The Illionois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) has announced the new slate of directors and officers for 2012-2013, voted on and approved at a recent IPMA Annual Meeting.

New IPMA President, Dr. David Yeager, is sworn in by colleague and mentor Dr. Michael Wessels at IPMA’s Annual Business Meeting.

President- David Yeager, DPM
President -Elect Francis Rottier, DPM
Vice President - Brent Parry, DPM
Treasurer - Carlos Smith, DPM
Secretary - Helena Reid, DPM
Immediate Past President- Ada Paolucci, DPM

Directors At Large: Jeffery Alexander, DPM Khalid Husain, DPM, Jeffrey Baker, DPM, Douglas Pacaccio, DPM; Amanda Brazis, DPM, Jennifer Pacaccio, DPM; Kathleen Daly, DPM, and Eric Riley, DPM.

Fourth Year Students Sought for Clinical Skills Pilot Exam

The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) has reached a critical juncture  to address the goals of APMA’s Vision 2015. The NBPME has spent more than two years of investigation and deliberation with the assistance of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in their Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC) to determine the feasibility of instituting a test component for podiatric medical students comparable to that offered by CSEC to allopaths. After a successful pilot examination in February 2012, the Board has determined to run a second pilot examination. As before, the Board  needs the assistance of fourth-year students (Class of 2013) to participate at examination sites in either Philadelphia or Chicago next February.

Dr. Charles Lombardi

The pilot examination will involve ten patient encounters with typical podiatric presentations and will require a day to complete. The Board hopes to test up to 200 candidates to obtain usable statistical data for consideration of whether to pursue a live examination in 2014. Students will be offered a $100 honorarium, travel expenses, and entry in a drawing for an iPad. Interested students are asked to learn more details and obtain an application form at apmle.org. Charles Lombardi, DPM, chair of the NBPME committee reiterated the importance of this effort to the advancement of podiatric medicine. “This is an essential step in the NBPME’s contribution to Vision 2015."

GA Podiatrist Carries on Practice After Tragic Loss of His Mentor

Dr. Alap Shah has certainly had his share of adversity, first living through the terrorist attacks on New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, then losing Dr. James Bartley, Jr., the man who recruited him as a podiatrist straight out of residency, to a plane crash. But the Fort Worth, Texas, native hasn't let those heartbreaking experiences set him back. In fact, Shah said it all has made him that much stronger and appreciate life each and every day.

Dr. Alap Shah (photo Mike Haskey)

"I think it has made us stronger. We've all picked up the pieces and felt like, in honor of Dr. Barley, we just needed to carry this practice forward. When you overcome such tragedies, emotionally more than anything, you learn how to cope with certain things and everything else becomes pretty simple."

Source: Tony Adama, Ledger-Enquirer [12/9/12]

APMA Secures Aetna Settlement for Podiatrists 

Aetna has agreed to a $120 million settlement of a class action lawsuit pending in the federal court in New Jersey. The lawsuit alleges that Aetna used a faulty database to underpay claims for services from out-of-network providers. APMA acted as a plaintiff in this litigation, acting on behalf of its members.

The agreement reached with Aetna sets up three different funds totaling $120 million. The three funds consist of: a $60 million general fund for all class members against which claims can be made without any proof; a $40 million prove-up fund for subscribers; and a $20 million prove-up fund for providers. The Court will issue a notice explaining the terms of the settlement, including the procedures and time period for filing a claim for settlement funds, objecting to the settlement, or opting-out of the settlement.

Source: APMA Weekly Focus [12/10/12]

Query: Stage 2 Meaningful Use

I wonder if my fellow podiatrists understand that our government has moved the goal post with attestation for stage 2. When I gave in and purchased an EMR, I listened to many sales pitches. They all said the same thing about meaningful use: attest for stage 1 the first year and stage 2 after completing the second 12-month period. Now, CMS says you cannot attest for stage 2 until 2014. I am upset and wonder what others think.

Bill Lockner, DPM, Minneapolis, MN

Query: Incision and Drainage Deep Abscess

I performed an incision and drainage of a deep abscess on an inpatient, under sedation with local anesthesia, at our local hospital that required a 3 cm incision deepened into the interspace. I drained the 3rd intermetatarsal space and the adjacent 4th digit almost to the plantar surface of the foot. I cultured purulent exudate and then packed the wound prior to dressing. What would be the most precise code for this procedure?

Mark Davids, DPM, Deland, FL

Response: If the incision and drainage involved only a single bursal space, the coding would be CPT 28002 - incision and drainage below fascia, with or without tendon sheath involvement, foot; single bursal space.

The culturing and packing of the wound would be included in CPT 28002 performance.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: The Passing of Tracey Che, DPM

I'm totally devastated, terribly upset and sad to have to report the passing today of my "adopted" daughter, Dr. Tracey Che, just 50 years old. She was very close with my entire family, and we're obviously very upset, and are so saddened for her parents and twin brothers and their families. 

In spite of her hard life medically, she was a wonderful, upbeat and loving person to her friends, patients, colleagues, her own family, and us, her "adopted" family. Tracey's medical problems were certainly exacerbated by the many sessions she spent with me volunteering her podiatric services at Ground Zero post 9-11-01, but she never complained about nor regretted her time working there.  Tracey will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

For those interested, the Wake/Viewing will be at Weigand Bros. Funeral Directors, 49 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 (Tel: 516-746-4484), this Wednesday, December 12th, from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm.

Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY, afootdoc@hotmail.com

RE: Tibial Sesamoid Fracture (Terry Nayfa, DPM)
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM

1) For now, forget the orthotics. Try taping the foot/toe with a dancer's type pad and a turf toe type taping to off-load the sesamoid and limit 1st MPJ motion (daily and in sports).
2) Order an MRI to make sure the involvement is at the proximal sesamoid bone only.
3) Be certain you do not have any involvement of the flexor hallucis longus (tendinitis)
4) If you perform surgery and remove only the proximal sesamoid, make certain to place one or two "stay" sutures in the plantar medial ligament to tighten up the void.
5) After the patient heals from the surgery and returns to activity, continue taping for 6-8 weeks.

Note: From the limited information and zoomed in x-ray, it appears he has a rounded shape to the first metatarsal head and a slight hallux adductus. Removing the entire sesamoid (both pieces) in such a young active athlete could hasten the development of a hallux valgus as he ages. He should be informed of this before surgery.

Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA, keithgrnk@aol.com

RE: Tibial Sesamoid Fracture (Terry Nayfa, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
We have had great success in treating fractures of the sesamoids using the Exogen bone stimulator. The trick, however, is to maximally off-load the area in order to allow for healing. To this end, you need to have a good working relationship with the company that makes your custom orthotics and have them design a device that will take weight off of the first met head.

After the orthotic arrives, mark the area of the first met head and have the patient walk on the orthotic to make sure the correction is in the correct location. You may have to supplement even the best-made orthotic with layers of felt. Let the patient know that it may not be the most comfortable device, but unless the weight is off-loaded from the area, healing of the fracture will be impaired.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Diabetic Socks with Silicone Lining (Bruce M. Vinokur, DPM)
From: Sharon Root, DPM

Silipos makes an “Arthritic/Diabetic Gel Sock” with 1/16th inch silicone gel throughout the sole. Silipos products are available through Gill Podiatry, Moore Medical, Alimed, or Henry Schein.

Sharon Root, DPM, Succasunna, NJ, drsroot@verizon.net

RE: EMR and Healthcare Fraud (Robert Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Larry Kobak, DPM, JD

Dr. Robert Kornfeld is mistaken when he states that if you do not participate in an insurance company, you cannot be asked for any money back. Insurance companies DO audit non-participating providers. Additionally, they can and do ask for money back if they ascertain that the provider inappropriately billed patients. They can recoup this money on a theory of unjust enrichment and fraud among other legal theories. This is not uncommon. I encourage all practitioners to be knowledgeable and accurate in their billings whether or not they are a participating provider. Additionally, inaccurate billing can have repercussions on a practitioner's license. Forewarned is forearmed!

Larry Kobak, DPM, JD, Garden City, NY, lfkobak@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT WANTED - LASER, DIGITAL X-RAY

We are looking to buy a used Pinpointe laser for our facility. We are also interested in buying a used direct digital x-ray, possibly a 20/20 Imaging. If you have either of these equipments available, please contact us at info@somasurgerycenter.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  - NYC & QUEENS

P/T position available for PSR-3 MIN. Must have winning personality, highly skilled , ambitious and EXCELLENT work ethic. Hourly salary with % of net revenues generated. Possible F/T and partnership opportunity.
Email cover letter & resume to hansfeet@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 - NEW JERSEY

Associate wanted for well respected diverse podiatric practice. Requires professional who would like to develop his/her own practice within practice. Great opportunity for doctor looking for secure future financially and professionally. Send inquires and resume to: tgrazi6236@aol.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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Busy multi office practice with latest in technology EMR, digital X-rays. Looking for BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be able to handle rearfoot / ankle trauma and reconstructive cases. Paid vacation, health insurance and partnership available. New or experience practitioners welcomed. Email resume to: mny1029@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 - FLORIDA

Busy Central Florida 4 office Practice. Full time position available for a podiatrist with 3 years surgical training. E-mail your CV to: Atlanticfootfl@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

Do you want to practice in a fast paced office environment? Do you like all aspects of podiatric medicine? Very busy 2 office practice looking for associate to add to our group of 5. If you are a forward thinking, surgically trained podiatrist send your CV to giacalone@faant.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 - NEW YORK CITY / BROOKLYN

Full time office locations. Excellent opportunity for a motivated, ethical and enthusiastic associate to join a successful, well established hospital affiliated practice. Must be residency trained PSR 24/36.Board eligible/certified by ABPS preferred. Must be competent in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Competitive salary with incentives. Email CV to DRSTEVEMENNA@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 - MICHIGAN

Multi-doctor practice looking to add associate for two offices in Flint, MI. Partnership opportunity for right person. Needs to be proficient in forefoot surgery. Two docs already proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Competitive salary, paid vacation and seminars. Patient schedule available “now” from retiring associate. Email resume flintfootdocneeded@gmail.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.

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.

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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