The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 30, 2012 #4,475 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Flip-Flops Not Made for Everyday Walking: DC Podiatrist

Flip-flops are part of the summer uniform. But there are good reasons to avoid them. "Flip-flops are great for our business as podiatrists, but they are very bad for people's feet," says podiatrist Dr. Arnold Ravick of Capital Podiatry in D.C. 

Dr. Arnold Ravick

"They bend and fold so there is no control," Ravick says. "People fall out of them. People injure themselves. They are not made for a lot of walking and they are not made for support." He says the shoes are made to be worn on a hot pool deck or in a gym shower, and nothing more. Ravick says he has seen injuries where people try to mow the lawn wearing flip-flops "and roll over their foot with a lawn mower or have a rock or a piece of glass hit them."

Source: Paula Wolfson, wtop.com [5/28/12}

Aussie Podiatrist is Ocean Swimming Champion

Training on freezing mornings and facing horrendous surf conditions are enough to test the determination of any elite sportsperson. The risk of sharks and getting struck in the head by a wayward elbow add to the challenge. However, dedicated Ipswich ocean swimmer Shiralee Bielenberg is proof you don't need to live by the sea to excel in gruelling saltwater events. 

Shiralee Bielenberg (Photo Claudia Baxter)

Having won this year's Queensland ocean series in her age group (40-44 years), the Ipswich podiatrist is about to lunge feet first into a major international competition. She's leaving Australia on June 8 for two open water swims in Vanuatu - over 3.2km and 3.8km.

Source: David Lems, Daily News [5/28/12]

2012 PM Practice Management Survey Posted

We've just posted the 2012 PM Practice Management Survey. Click here to read it.  (Allow time for download)

Most Doctors Headed for Penalty Over Medicare Quality Reporting

Absent a significant change in the trajectory of Medicare’s physician quality reporting system, a large majority of doctors will set themselves up for future rate cuts by failing to report enough quality measures to the federal government in 2013.
 
A recent trends report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows that fewer than 200,000 physicians, out of the more than 600,000 who were eligible for the incentive program, reported PQRS measures in 2010. More than 125,000 physicians reporting as individuals met enough of the requirements to share a total of nearly $400 million in bonuses, but hundreds of thousands of eligible doctors did not attempt to meet the pay-for-reporting criteria. More than 50,000 tried for the bonuses but did not report enough quality measures to hit the minimum.

Source: Charles Fiegl, AM News [5/28/12]

Ease Patient Waits

Entertain patients while they wait. A chiropractor’s office in California displays a slideshow of inspirational quotes and beautiful photographs in the waiting room.  The result: Patients don’t mind waiting and are less stressed when it is time for their treatments. “Some patients don’t even leave when treatment ends,” says Dr. Stephen Ward. “They sit back down in the waiting room to watch more slides.”

Source: Adapted from “Black History and Natural Scenic Beauty: Learn the Wisdom of Great Black Leaders,” PRWeb via Communication Briefings

Query: Coding a Sinus Tarsi Evacuation

What would be the best code to use for an evacuation of the sinus tarsi?

Alan Pittle, DPM, El Paso, TX

Response: My opinion would be to use CPT 28020 - arthrotomy, including exploration, drainage, or removal of loose or foreign body, intertarsal or tarsal-metatarsal joint.

If tissue is excised for biopsy purposes, use CPT 28050 (arthrotomy with biopsy, intertarsal or tarsal-metatarsal joint).

Howard Zlotoff DPM, Camp Hill, PA

Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription

RE: Unethical Behavior by Foot Solutions (Lawrence Rubin, DPM)
From: Cam White

I'm in agreement with Dr. Lawrence Rubin. I have personally visited multiple Foot Solutions stores in my travels, and have yet to find a franchise that has been unethical in any manner. They are passionate about their business, are careful to measure feet and assess their client's needs within the scope of their certification. They maintain referral relationships with a network of local podiatrists, have very satisfied customers, and they stand behind their work.

The experiences that Drs. Mason and Nordeen are reporting are hardly indicative of the experiences I have witnessed. It is grossly unfair to generalize a few perceived negative experiences across a network of independently-owned stores.

Cam White, Novascarpa Group, LLC, camwhite.shoes@gmail.com

RE: Unethical Behavior By Foot Solutions (Peter Mason, DPM)
From: Ayne Furman, DPM

Over the last 6-8 months, I have had a number of new patients who have gone to the Alexandria Foot Solution store prior to seeing me and been  given a foot diagnosis, custom arches or what ever you want to call them (my patients tell me a mold was taken of their feet using a foam box), and of course expensive shoes. The diagnoses that my new patients tell me they were given are often incorrect. The custom arches often do not fit properly in the shoes Foot Solutions just sold to my patient.
 
Then there have been the existing patients who go to Foot Solutions to look for shoes. They are told by Foot Solution employees that the staff there are "experts" in orthotics! Or that my orthotics are no good and theirs are better. First, I do not believe what they are telling customers is ethical. Second, I feel that what they are doing by offering a diagnosis and then treating the condition is out of the scope of a shoe sales person or pedorthist, if they really are one.
 
I feel this is an issue that the APMA should investigate.
 
Ayne Furman, DPM, Alexandria, VA, l_foot_r@hotmail.com

RE: Clarification PDAC Coding Verification/Apology to Dr. Richie
From: Robert M. Gaynor, DPM

I sent a note to PM News regarding the PDAC letter that came out last week regarding the coding review for the L codes for AFOs. I mentioned the Richie Brace as it is the gold standard of all lower extremity braces. The Richie Brace is an excellent device as evidenced by all the other labs making a similar product. My posting was to convey that manufacturers have up to September 1, 2012 to get their custom AFOs PDAC-coded.
 
It was not my intention to incite the podiatric community as Dr. Kessleman wrote, but to inform them of the coding review which is what PM News is all about. Our company currently dispenses AFOs to our insurance patients whom we have contracts with in Florida. We did just add 2 AFO braces to our website this past week.

Again, I apologize for any distress I caused Dr. Richie and the readers of PM News about the remarks I made last week.
 
Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, President Dia-Foot, Wellington, FL, NAILCUTTER@aol.com

RE: Success Tips From the Masters (Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Ron Soave, DPM

While I have a great amount of respect for Dr. Markinson and his expertise in dermatopathology, I have to disagree with his editorial remarks that we're taking the course of imitating orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons.

We have excellent leaders in our profession who are at the forefront of foot and ankle surgery. This is becoming more evident with podiatrists being recruited into larger orthopedic practices to be their "foot and ankle" surgeon. Maybe it was just a poor choice of words, but to say we are imitating is an injustice to our Vision 2015 goal.

Ron Soave, DPM, Brooklyn, NY, rlsdpm@aol.com

RE: PA Podiatrist Discusses Home Treatment for Bromhidrosis (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Fay Sharit, DPM

After reading Dr. Kass's comments about a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's, I did a Google search and found this to be a myth that hasn't been confirmed by scientific studies. Here is a link to myths concerning Alzheimer's disease.

Fay Sharit, DPM, Hackensack, NJ, fsharit@optimum.net

RE: Industry Leaders Voice Optimism on Curbing Defensive Medicine
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

From the article quoted in Modern Healthcare, it is not clear whether the two experts who gave this testimony were reperesentatives of the insurance industry or healthcare providers. Insurance industry representatives have a vested interest in reducing utilization, so their opinion would be entirely predictable.
 
The one feature absolutely clear is that neither expert will assist in your defense in a malpractice suit brought against you because you allegedly failed to perform a "necessary" test or procedure.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, Rosey1@prodigy.net, San Jose, CA

GREAT OFFICE STAFF FOR HIRE - SOUTH JERSEY

Very experienced office staff needs jobs. Office is closing and they are experienced people to hire in South Jersey. E-mail for CV and or what you are looking for They know podiatry and are both certified podiatric medical assistants. They do billing, scheduling, chairside, and much more Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: AUTOMATIC X-RAY PROCESSOR

ALLPRO 2010, 4 years old, good working order. Pick up from NYC preferable. $1,200 Contact:DOC4FOOT@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: EPAT

(Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) for sale. D-Actor 200. This machine is still new. Purchased in late 2011.( new machines>30K). It is the conservative alternative to surgery. Treats Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, Achilles Tendonitis, Joint pain. Great Buy. $19,995 or best offer. Please call 713-541-3199 for more information. or email contactus@houstonfootankle.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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC

This is a great opportunity to expand or establish a new practice. Fully furnished, large modern Podiatric office in an upscale doorman building on the east side. Fully equipped and Wi-Fi ready. (Rent includes electricity and supplies). Available immediately for full or part time occupancy. Save up to $100,000 in initial costs and avoid any start-up mistakes. Email podofficenyc@gmail.com for further information. Price is considerably below market value. Confidentiality will be strictly upheld.

IMMEDIATE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - LONG ISLAND, NY

Established well-rounded practice looking to turn part-time practice into full-time. Located in sports complex with physical therapy and sports club. Graduating residents and experienced podiatrists may apply. Please email queries to podiatrypartnership@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

30 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established, diverse referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow ($400K net income after overhead). EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. Contact:mcrosby@picagroup.com or call (888) 776 2430.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is referred out. Financing available. Call 800-983-4194, or email: contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact:podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, two office group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Good mixture of general podiatry and surgery. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: toesrus7@yahoo.comASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Full and part-time opportunity available in 40 year old practice in downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art office with EMR and digital x-rays. Must be experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Competitive salary. Possible buy-in opportunity available. please email resume to dpm10019@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305. www.aggeus.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Associate wanted for hospital-based podiatry group practice. Full scope of practice. Surgical residency 24month+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958, e-mail us at contactus@alaskapodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a rapidly expanding multi-office practice in central New Jersey. Well established referral base with full admitting hospital privileges. Availability to become part owner of a multi-room, multi-specialty ASC. Excellent opportunity for the right doctor with potential to achieve $200K in the first year. Wonderful working conditions. Applicant must have at least PSR-24 surgical training. Valid NJ license and Medicare number is required. Applicant should also be familiar and competent in biomechanics, trauma, ESWT, PRP, wound care, and ultrasound diagnostics. Participating insurance #'s a plus. Please fax resume to: (609) 259-6637.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Full and Part-time opportunity to provide conservative, ethical podiatric care to residents in long-term care throughout Illinois . Full time position includes health, disability, 401, auto/travel expenses. Ideal Full-time candidate would be willing to travel 2-3 days per month, or be located in central or downstate IL. We have a 30 year history of providing exceptional care and service, with appropriate reimbursement. Please email queries or resumes to: gh@podiatryplus.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA

Three-office practice with hospital, surgical center & nursing home privileges. EMR since 2000. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, progressive practice. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Practice offers good mix of surgery, wound care, and general podiatry. Open to associate with potential future buy-in. Please forward your information and CV to footdocpa@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Looking to hire an associate who is caring, friendly, and holds a patient in the highest regard. I am a single practitioner with a large podiatry practice in Tampa, FL. Will provide an outstanding salary with additional incentives, excellent healthcare benefits, retirement and cell phone. Please email resume to:Heliodiety@aol.com or fax to 813-854-6105.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.com

LOCUM TENENS - TEXAS STATEWIDE

It is that time of year, and you want to go on vacation, but can't or won't leave your practice, I can help. Please contact me at: netexasl@gmail.com I will forward a CV

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's 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 13,500 DPM's. 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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