The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 18, 2009 #3,496 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Moderation is the Key to High-Heel Use: NY Podiatrist

Podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM says her Manhattan practice routinely treats well-heeled women who limp into her office suffering from everything from hammertoes to pinched nerves to permanently shortened Achilles tendons – conditions that keep Sutera in the O.R. three days a week. Her practice has tripled in the last three years, she says, proving that apparently you can put a price on pain.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

According to Dr. Sutera, when it comes to high heels, size definitely matters – as does how long you wear them. “Any heels over 3 inches with a pointy forefoot” are the very worst a woman can wear, she explains, adding “Moderation is the key.” Sutera herself typically wears high-fashion heels at work (her office has a foot-friendly cork floor). But she puts on a “commuter shoe” – a sneaker or rubber-soled flat with shock absorption – for trips to and from the office.
  
Source: Lisa Earle McLeod, Pink Magazine [Feb/Mar 2009]
 

Cornelius Elected Vice Chair of OR Medical Board

Dr. Lisa Cornelius has been elected Vice-Chair of the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners. In 2006, she became the first podiatric physician appointed to the Board. Initially, podiatry did not have a vote on the Board but due, in part, to her fine representation of our profession and legislation in 2007, she  gained a vote as a full member of the Board. 

Dr. Lisa Cornelius

Dr. Cornelius served on the Advisory Council from 2003 until 2005 when the Council was sunsetted by the new position on the Board of Medical Examiners.  Dr. Cornelius practices in Corvalis, Oregon and has also served as Vice President of the Oregon Podiatric Medical Association. She is a graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine and is Board certified by ABPS.
 

CA Podiatrist Has "Tasty" Stimulus for Economy

It's all about finding some way to stand out," says Dr. Mark Wolpa, CEO and Founder of Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy, as to why his chocolate-foot-themed business has had a 100% increase in sales from businesses and job-seekers this quarter. "The fourth quarter is our busiest time, but since January we have been very busy with new customers who are trying to stimulate their business or find jobs," says Wolpa.

Dr. Mark Wolpa

"We receive orders daily from people who want our life-size chocolate feet to send to a business or prospective employer with a note that says 'Thanks for letting me get my foot in the door,'" says Wolpa.

Dr. Wolpa is Chief of the Podiatry Dept. at Alta Bates Summit Hospital in Berkeley and has authored books and articles, including a children's book, Tommy's Toe-rific Adventures. He has patented a sports innersole, has a medical device that is patent pending, and is one of the first doctors to offer a new laser technology to treat fungal toenails. Wolpa's candy company was featured on the Food Network television show and he also appeared on the To Tell the Truth quiz show.

Source: AOL Money & Finance [3/5/09]
 

P4P Gains Momentum, But Toward What?

Today, there seem to be more questions than answers about pay-for-performance than ever before. Physician and hospital payment performance initiatives have been under way for six years but their long-term impact remains unclear. Meanwhile, the debate continues over whether these programs truly improve quality and efficiency and lower costs.

The fourth Pay for Performance Summit, held at the San Francisco Hyatt Regency March 9-11, played host to this continued debate. With more than 100 pay-for-performance programs nationwide today, the findings are mixed, said Cheryl Damberg, senior researcher at RAND Corp. in Santa Monica, CA. “This is a big social experiment,” Damberg said. “Why is this not working in the way we thought it might work?” she asked the audience. “Trying to tease apart the P4P effect is really challenging.”

The Integrated Healthcare Association, which hosts the pay-for-performance summit, released a white paper on California pay-for-performance programs concluding that no major breakthroughs on quality have been achieved so far. Weak incentives and limited scope of measures contributed to the problems in California’s programs, Damberg said in a paper published in Health Affairs about California's program. “Absent total payment reform, pay-for-performance will never get us where we need to be,” said Barry Bershow, medical director of quality and informatics at Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis.

Source: Rebecca Vesely, Modern Healthcare [3/16/09]

Query: Potential Discontinuance of Medinotes Support 
 
I have been using Medinotes software to do my charting for many years and have been happy with the program. The company was bought out by a larger medical software manufacturer and recently we received a letter from the company saying that in the not too distant future, they will stop supporting Medinotes and will require that  Medinotes users  convert to their own software system called Peak Practice. It is rumored that this conversion will involve a very hefty fee which most likely will be far more expensive than most other note-taking programs cost. Has anyone using Medinotes given any thoughts to alternative options?   
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
 

Query: CAM Walker After Base Wedge Osteotomy

I have a patient who is post-base wedge osteotomy for a bunion. I placed her in a CAM walker.

How would one bill this item (i.e., diagnosis code and modifier appended to the CAM walker code)?

David Sands, DPM, Great Neck, NY

Response: An osteotomy is a surgical fracture/incision of bone. The patient, in this case, would therefore eligible under ICD-9 825.25 (fracture of metatarsal bones, closed).

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
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RE: Naltrexone for Neuropathy (Marc Haspel, DPM)
From: Gerald Mauriello, Jr., DPM, MA

I have no experience using low-dose Naltrexone for neuropathy.  However, what prompted this e-mail is Dr. Haspel’s description of idiopathic neuropathy. Does anyone have any experience with nerve biopsy in this case? My experience is limited, but with good results.
 
Gerald Mauriello, Jr., DPM, MA, Philadelphia, PA drmauriello@gmail.com

RE: MA Bans Gifts to Providers; Disclosure Required (Scott Matthews, DPM, MD)
From:  Alan Kalker, DPM

Dr. Matthews wrote:"Has Massachusetts also outlawed campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry to all their elected officials?” I agree that they should. But two wrongs don't make a right. It is an unpopular opinion in the medical world, but we really should stop accepting goodies from pharmaceutical companies. Even if you don't get the ethics, at least get the politics. It smells bad to our patients. It makes us look greedy. The media is all over it and frankly they are right.

The fact is that most doctors believe that while others might be affected by pharma's goodies, 95% believe that they themselves are not. Yet every study that has actually looked at the subject has shown that most doctors are in fact swayed and rarely to the benefit of their patients. Why do you think the pharmaceutical industry spends millions and millions every year taking us to dinner? We can afford to buy our own lunches, dinners and pens. And we should.  Here’s a site all doctors should review. 

Alan Kalker, DPM, Middleton, WI, ajkalker@wisc.edu

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHANDLER/GILBERT/PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Seeking a well-trained, ethical and hard working graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency to join our growing multi-location practice. This is a practice with a nice mix of 35% surgery/trauma, 20% diabetic/wounds, 25% biomechanics, 20% pediatric. ER Call. Opportunity for partnership at 2 surgery centers. Very modern offices with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing Machine. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. Board eligible/certified a plus. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to FootAnkleAZ@aol.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI   
 
Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – CALIFORNIA

Three podiatrists needed for busy North Hollywood office. Full-time Monday-Friday 8am-2:30pm.  No weekends and no call. Pay negotiable. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Please email resume and salary request to Coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY?

Our practice continues to grow and we’re in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York State. This is a great career opportunity for the right person(s), with an excellent compensation package available. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion; good insurance climate. 352-357-7499 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ASSOCIATE WITH PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 
 
Seeking quality-oriented, associate for a fast-paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. This is a long term position for the right person; with a partnership opportunity. Emphasis on diabetic foot care, foot surgery and wound care. Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. If you are highly motivated, ethical, and have good communication and clinical skills, please forward your letter of intent and your C.V. to fax# 734 981-0487 or e-mail cfsdr@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE or ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTHEAST OHIO 

Well-established, two-office practice in Southeast Ohio for sale. Seller currently works 3.5 days per week. Gross >$300K, Net ~$140K.  Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition, Ohio Licensure. Contact seller at bjadpm@hotmail.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NAPLES, FL

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base salary, percentage, benefits including 401K. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE OR ASSOCIATE-SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN-BRIGHTON

Outstanding opportunity. Eleven year established-earn 200K. Excellent location in mid to high income growth area. Turn-key, all equipment and furniture included. High quality 1,350 sf build-out. Large illuminated sign on busy main road, convenient parking. Must sacrifice due to illness. Will stay for transition or partner if wanted. Priced to sell. Call (248) 565-5266. Docpod@aol.com

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