RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 3

07/29/2010     

RE: Supergroup vs. IPA (James J DiResta, DPM)
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM,  Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM

In answer to the question regarding the different models in putting the "perfect" group together in your area, I did a special interview with David Helfman, CEO of Village Podiatry, where for 20 minutes he outlined the process and the model to begin the path of putting a super group together. The interview can be heard by clicking here.

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@yahoo.com

I think Dr. DiResta should be applauded for sounding the warning whistle. Podiatrists will either be included in the emerging Medical Home and Accountable Care Organization systems just around the corner in healthcare reform, or face, as Dr. DiRiesta states, “catastrophic consequences.” These organizations will have to include foot care services  – and if there is an area-wide, organized foot care IPA network focused on providing quality care at reasonable charges negotiating with these organizations – who would doubt that it will have an advantage over a solo podiatrist to gain foot care referrals. And if you are in an area where a foot care IPA is negotiating and you are not a part of it... well, forewarned Is forearmed.

In Las Vegas, we are well on the way to developing a podiatry-driven, multidisciplinary IPA with a primary focus on diabetic foot care. We will offer healthcare payers a coordinated care program capable of preventing serious complications and amputations. We are involving hospitals, surgicenters, and wound care centers in our IPA program, and even local and State of Nevada governmental health agencies are showing interest and support for what we are doing. No one has a crystal ball to foresee the future of podiatry – but, the old saying is ever true: There IS power in numbers.

Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, lrubindoc@aol.com