The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 13, 2012 #4,637 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OK Podiatrists Sponsor Shoe Drive for the Homeless

Green Country Podiatry is sponsoring a shoe drive to benefit those in need at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. In volunteering at the Day Center's clinic each year, Dr. Maureen Crotty said she and her colleague Dr. David Francis have noticed that women, men, and children who use the center really have a need for proper footwear.

Drs. David Francis and Maureen Crotty

"We are continuing our support of a shoe drive for the fifth year because it is a worthwhile cause."

Source: Bravetta Hassell, Tulsa World [12/11/12]

Aussie Podiatrist Offers Party Season Foot Health Tips

Those killer stilettos sitting in your closet may look smokin' hot, but the resulting corns and calluses are not a great look. With party season upon us, we asked podiatrist Kate McArthur-Jones for her top tips to taking the strain off. "A brilliantly easy way to help relieve the tension in foot and calf muscles is to simply rotate your feet from the ankles, while laying in bed."

Kate McArthur-Jone

Another idea for soothing aches and pains is to place feet in a foot bath with Epsom Salts and spend five minutes massaging the soles. Top tip: "A great foot strengthening exercise that I recommend is pick up a towel using your toes, and drag it back and forth for a minute. Try doing this for each foot, every day of the week (taking the weekends off!)," says McArthur-Jones.

Source: Woman's Day

How the 'Fiscal Cliff' Affects Healthcare

The impending "fiscal cliff" is a package of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes set to kick in next month unless President Barack Obama and Capitol Hill agree on a way to stop them. Under the series of automatic spending cuts known as "sequestration," Medicare providers would be subject to an across-the-board 2 percent payment cut, or $11 billion in fiscal 2013.

Physicians who accept Medicare patients would face the 2 percent cut on top of an already scheduled 27 percent reduction in January unless Congress steps in to stop it. Medicaid does not face any automatic cuts starting Jan. 1. The Supreme Court's ruling made the health law’s Medicaid expansion optional for states, so there’s concern that any reductions in federal Medicaid spending might make governors even more reluctant to expand the federal-state program.

Source: Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News via Medscape News [12/6/12]

Private Practice: The End Is Near

That hissing sound you are hearing right now is the final bit of air leaking out of the private practice of medicine. Faced with a perfect storm of escalating costs, crashing reimbursements, patient consumerism, and a government mandate to push physicians into the public realm, more and more doctors have abandoned the world of Marcus Welby, M.D. for the apparent safety of Grey's Anatomy. The general drift to hospital employment that has marked the past few years has now escalated to a stampede, with the introduction of Obamacare and the targeted small business tax increases that loom on the horizon.

In their 2012 annual report on medical recruitment incentives, Merritt Hawkins notes that 63% of its search assignments in 2011/12 featured hospital employment of the physician, up from 56% the previous year and only 11% eight years ago. In a 2011 survey of final-year US medical residents, Merritt Hawkins also found that the majority preferred hospital employment to private practice. Nearly one half of all senior residents polled said that they were unprepared for the business side of medicine.

Source: Raymond Rocco Monto, MD, Medscape News [12/7/12]

Deliver Holiday Gifts to Referrers in January

Most physicians and their TEAMs are overdosed on sweets and gifts during the holiday season. Most gifts to referring physicians are sent in the month of December. The problem is that with so many coming in, they all blend together. In many cases, the physicians and staff do not know where a particular gift even came from.

Consider giving your gifts to referring physicians toward the end of January. The gift will surely get attention at that time and be appreciated since it will stand out as a sole treat. Write a nice note on a piece of holiday paper with a message such as, “Thank you for all of your support. Here is something to welcome in a “Sweet New Year.”  It is even more effective if you deliver the gift(s) yourself.
 
Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ

Query: Dry Erase Podiatric Diagram Boards

Does anyone know where I can order dry erase podiatric diagram boards?

David Mader, DPM, Naugatuck, CT

Query: Adding a Pedorthist to a Podiatry Office

We are thinking of adding a pedorthist in our office. What experiences have others had who have done this?

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ

RE: Stage 2 Meaningful Use (Bill Lockner, DPM)
From: Alan Bass, DPM 

The confusion is between the stage and the year. There will be 3 stages to meaningful use, but we are currently still in stage one, and those eligible providers who began in 2011 will have just finished year 2 of stage one. 2013 will be the third year of stage one with stage 2 beginning in 2014. Currently, all the parameters remain the same with some of the thresholds changing in 2014 with the beginning of stage 2. You can attest for year 2 at the beginning of 2013, and attest for year 3 at the beginning of 2014.
 
Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: Stage 2 Meaningful Use (Bill Lockner, DPM)
From: Mark K. Johnson, DPM

There may be more shifting sands as well between Stages 2 and 3 of Meaningful Use. The delay of Stage 2 to 2014 was announced months ago, however, staying in Stage 1 in 2013 may be "better" for two reasons. First, the incentive payments are "front loaded" to the early years of attestation. Second, CMS plans a 90-day interval for Stage 2 attestations in 2014 ONLY, rather than 12 months. 

Regarding the purchase expenses of EMR, we are transitioning to the very cost-effective (i.e. free) EMR Practice Fusion in January 2013, and will gladly navigate its somewhat scaled-down but certified architecture.

Mark K. Johnson, DPM, West Plains, MO, DDR004@centurytel.net

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

Dr. Kobak is mistaken when he assumes my position to be that insurance companies cannot audit out-of-network providers. I specifically stated that if money is demanded back by an insurance company, it is the patient who will need to refund it, either to the insurance company or to me. Our patients sign a contract prior to any treatment that specifically states that in the event of any insurance company demand for recoupement, the patient remains solely responsible to this office for the full amount of the fee for services.

What I was saying is that when a doctor does not participate with any insurance companies and has signed absolutely no contracts and sets his fees based on his unique expenses, training and self-value, then there is no one who can interfere with the doctor/patient relationship, be it medical or financial.
 
My assertion that there is no need for fraud in this situation stands. We bill for what we do. We code accordingly. Our charts state exactly what was actually done in the treatment room. OUR contract is with OUR patient, not with a third party.

Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

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.

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.

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

POSITIONS AVAILABLE- NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, BUFFALO, CONNECTICUT, BOSTON

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Positions in Buffalo to be filled immediately with other locations made available for the right candidate. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.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

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