The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 19, 2012 #4,642 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CA Podiatrist Named Assistant Dean at WesternU

The College of Podiatric Medicine has announced that Dr. V. Kathleen Satterfield has been named to the position of Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Curriculum and Outcomes Assessment. Dr. Satterfield has a long history of accomplishments in the field of academic medicine coming to Western University in September 2010 from the San Antonio area, where she had previously worked at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center Orthopedic Department with Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless, who left there to become the Founding Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. V. Kathleen Satterfield

Dr. Satterfield is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). She also was named as a Distinguished Practitioner by the National Academies of Practice. The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (ACFAOM) is now headed by Dr. Satterfield, who was recently elected to her second term as President. She is a Past President of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and is scientific chairman of its educational conference.

U.S. and Canadian Podiatrists Visit UQTR Podiatry College

One of the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association's highlights for 2012 was arranging a special tour of the podiatric medicine program at the University of Quebec at Trois Rivieres (UQTR). Attendees included Dr. Joseph Caporusso, APMA President; Dr. Kathleen Satterfield, ACFAOM President; Dr. Anthony Iorio from NYCPM; Remi Tremblay, Vice Dean of the UQTR podiatry program; and Dr. Charles Faucher, President of the Quebec Ordre.

(L-R) back row: Jayne Jeneroux, Dr. Brad Sonnema, Charles Faucher; front row: Dr. Joseph Caporusso, Dr. Kathy Satterfield, Remi Tremblay, Drs. Tony Iorio, Francois Allart and Joseph Stern.

CPMA representatives included Dr. Joseph Stern, President; Dr. Brad Sonnema, Treasurer; and Jayne Jeneroux, Executive Director. The tour was conducted by NYCPM graduate Dr. Francois Allart, an instructor at UQTR.

LA Galaxy Team Podiatrist Celebrates MLS Championship

Veteran sports podiatrist and AAPSM member Dr. Howard Liebeskind recently celebrated his 4th Major League Soccer Championship as team podiatrist of the LA Galaxy. “It has been a privilege to serve as team podiatrist to the Los Angeles Galaxy over the past 16 seasons, but none has been personally more exciting than this year’s 2012 championship campaign,” says Liebeskind.

Dr. Howard Liebeskind (left center, holding cup) celebrates MLS championship

Dr. Liebeskind also serves as team podiatrist to the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Team, CD Chivas USA, Pepperdine University, and the UCLA Athletic Department.

NJ Podiatrist Fosters a Culture of Giving

Dr. Hal Ornstein believes that “80% of people don’t get that it is all about people and giving, it’s about saving souls. 20% get it, they understand when you give and when you care, you attract great things.” He is attempting to reach those 80% to show them what good they can do for their community and the rewards you receive when you give back. 

Dr. Hal Ornstein

Ornstein says, "it’s a culture at my practice; we look for opportunities to give back as a team.” He has a full-time marketing person who is there to implement the ideas that Hal and his staff come up with. Hurricane Katrina hit hard. They mobilized and raised $300,000 to help victims. He is consistently a drop-off point for those less fortunate - toys for the holidays, food for the victims of Sandy, cooking for the elderly and home-bound. He donates his time to residents who need medical care and have no insurance or means to pay for it, and he encourages other doctors to do the same.

Source: Susan Hecker, The Monmouth Business Times

RE: Strapping Denial When Injection Given
From: Michael Forman, DPM

Insurance companies are denying payment for a strapping when an injection is given as it is thought to be a dressing. Podiatrists know that a strapping is not a dressing. Other than a third-party payer who has a fiduciary interest, I know of no one who believes that a strapping is a dressing. Webster's and Dorland's Dictionaries define a dressing as a bandage over an open wound.
 
Insurance companies have told us how much money we are allowed to make. Now they are rewriting the English language. Have any of our national associations addressed this problem?
 
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, IM4MAN@aol.com

Query: UnitedHealthcare Neuroma Injection Denial

A recent audit from UnitedHealthcare resulted in denied payments for neuroma injections (CPT 64450) stating need for appropriate code to be billed. Can anyone tell me what is the appropriate code?

Syed Ghani, DPM, Eastpointe, MI

Response: Unless you are injecting "true" neuromas on the foot versus the more common neuromas of plantar common digital nerves, your CPT code is incorrect. Presuming the assessment is Morton's-type neuroma, your coding would be

CPT 64455 - injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, plantar common digital nerve(s) (e.g., Morton's neuroma)

This is typically allowed one injection payment per foot.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found here

APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Year-End Use of HSA Accounts (Keith L. Gurnick, DPM)
From: Jim Spitsen

I believe Dr. Gurnick is confusing HSA Accounts (Health Savings Accounts) with either Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Reimbursement Accounts, (HRA). Money in a Health Savings Account automatically rolls over year to year. There is no ‘use it or lose it’ provisions for Health Savings Accounts.  Once the money is in the account, it belongs to the account holder no matter who put the money in the account. An HSA could be a good way to shelter a few more dollars if you are maxed out on your IRA or 401k plan. Remember though, before you can open and fund a health savings account, you must have a qualified high deductible health plan in place.
 
The only account with a hard and fast ‘use it or lose it’ provision is the Flexible Spending Account. These accounts are funded only by the employee through payroll deductions, but if the money is not used, it reverts to the employer. Some employers allow a short grace period for unused funds. New rules for 2013 have been proposed that would allow some rollover of these dollars year to year in order to encourage employees to utilize FSAs, but there has been no action on the proposed changes yet.
 
Health Reimbursement Accounts are accounts funded by the employer, not the employee. Generally, the money does roll over year to year but there are some caveats with the rollover based on the employer and as long as you remain a member of the plan. If you had an HRA balance and were planning to leave your employer, you would want to use up those dollars before you left.
 
Jim Spitsen, Lincoln, NE, jim@hdiers.com

BP Gulf Coast Oil Spill Lawsuit
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM
 
Gulf Coast and wildlife aren’t the only victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion which occurred on April 20, 2010. If you are an individual or business that suffered any financial loss due to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coastlines and Gulf of Mexico coastline of Florida, you may be entitled to significant compensation. On June 4, 2012, BP set up a new Settlement Claims Facility called the Deepwater Horizon Court Supervised Settlement Facility. 

Service industries, including medical practices, may have secondarily suffered financial loss due to losses suffered by residents of a practitioner’s community. Persons or businesses many miles from the coast also could have been impacted. If you were adversely financially affected since April 20, 2010 and reside in the above states, you should be aware of this class action settlement.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM  Rockledge, FL  RASDPM32955@gmail.com

RE: Foot Powder for In-office Dispensing (Jason M. Grossman, DPM)
From: Avi Kornbluth

Gordon labs makes Bromi Talc, Bromi Talc Plus, and a spray (Gordon's No. 5). All these are available from all podiatric suppliers.
 
Avi Kornbluth, Henry Schein, Inc., avi.kornbluth@henryschein.com

RE: Efficacy of "Pain" Creams (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM

For a number of years, I've been using something I call "AMI-BAC Gel 2%." It's a compunded prescription containing baclofen USP powder 2%, amitriptyline HCL powder 2%, lecithin isopropyl palmitate oil in 2% pluronic gel. I've had amazing results from the diabetic population, with most informing me that a single application before going to bed relieves all (or in a fewer number of cases, almost all) of the pain they experience.

I've seen little benefit to the patients with non-DM polyneuropathy, such as hereditary, idiopathic, acquired, heavy-metal poisoning, and associated with HMSN I- VII (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies). 
 
I don’t know why this only seems to work on people with neuropathy connected with diabetes mellitus, but that’s what I’ve found.
 
David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX, David5603@pol.net

RE: Rental Real Estate Market (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: W. David Herbert DPM, JD

I have practiced both law and podiatry in California. I also owned several rental properties in California, including several thousand acres of ranch land. I believe California is one of the worst places to own rental property in! The California Civil Code contains over 100 pages of rights for tenants! States such as Wyoming are much better places to own rental property in!

W. David Herbert DPM, JD, Billings, MT, herbert.dpm.rn@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

If you are a graduating resident, in July, or an established practitioner (available now) and you are enthusiastic, personable, motivated and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position in our group with you. We are a 17-doctor group, with 12 locations. Significant patient flow already in place to keep you busy from the start! All the bells and whistles-EMR, digital x-rays, ultrasound, computerized scheduling, certified ambulatory surgical centers, hospital and physician referral base. Please send cover letter and resume to newdpm@footandankle-usa.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 - 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 – 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 - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

PODIATRISTS WANTED - NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Excellent opportunity for independent, professionally managed practice in skilled nursing facilities. E-mail interest and CV to ZBUBBLESZ@aol.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 - 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 - NORTHERN VA / DC METROPOLITAN AREA

Busy 20 years established practice with concentration in advanced surgical techniques. Opening new offices! Salary plus commission and benefits with excellent opportunity for growth and advancement in high demand market. PSR36/PM&S36 required. Send CV and certifications to practice manager joyce.kingsbury@patientaccountservices.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, six figure salary, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.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 o training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Full-Time or part-time. Looking for a highly motivated, surgical trained podiatrist in Orange County, NY (West Point). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. A busy practice that covers hospital in-patients, wound center, and ER calls. Must be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. 1 hour car ride from NYC and close to hiking, fishing, skiing and state parks. Email CV and contact info to: clsp4@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley. Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (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 - 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

NYC PODIATRY OFFICE FOR RENT/SHARE

BEST NYC location. FIFTH AVE/42ND ST. Turnkey operation with two fully equipped, built out exam rooms, third exam room if needed , X-ray, Shockwave, lasers  etc. Perfect for NEW PODIATRIST or SATELLITE  location. ALL you need is a PHONE ,and COMPUTER! Even has in-office Physical Therapist for you to work with! RENT includes all other standard  expenses (utilities, cleaning, waste disposal etc.) P/T, $2250. F/T., $3000 Please send inquiries to hansfeet2@gmail.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 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

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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