PM News –May 4, 2006 #2,572 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
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**********EDITOR'S NOTE**********
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---------PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS--------
Fashionistas Should Carry Moleskin in Their Handbags: PA
DPM
Sores, bumps, blisters - they've become an annual rite of
passage to
which women have grown so accustomed they don't even
complain. They
simply make do, armed with bandages in their handbags,
bunion
cushions in their desk drawers, and blister wraps at the
ready. "I
could say the best way to avoid all that would be to not
wear
strappy sandals," says JOSEPHINE T. DEPALMA, a
podiatrist with a
practice in Roxborough. "But I'm a woman, and I know
they're going
to wear them anyway."
Some women give their feet a one- or two-day break after
subjecting
them to new-shoe abuse, which DePalma says is good. Others
will try
to doctor their shoes themselves, wrapping the most
torturous areas
with adhesive tape or masking tape, and cramming cushy gel
inserts
into particularly punishing toes and heels. But for the most
part,
fashionistas just suck it up. "It's amazing how much
pain and denial
women put up with," DePalma says.
"Four-inch-heels with straps and
pointy toes? They say, 'Oh, these are so comfortable.'
Yeah, right."
DePalma is well aware of the prevalent thinking out there.
"So my
advice is for them to carry moleskin in their
handbags," she
says. "It's better than Band-Aids, a lot more
protective, and you
can cut it to any size you want."
Source: Tanya Barrientos, Philadelphia Inquirer, [5/2/06]
***THE RESULTS ARE IN - 7,000 NEW PATIENT REFERRALS
(Ad)***
The SureFit/Liberty referral program has referred 7,000 new
patients
to SureFit podiatrists in the first 4 months of operation.
"Clearly this is a win-win situation for you and the
patient. They
get a quality pair of shoes and insoles and you get
increased income
and a new patient in the process. I highly recommend that
you sign
up for this program today." -Scott Koppel, D.P.M.,
FACFAS, Florida
ARE YOU GETTING YOUR REFERRALS?
Call SureFit for more information on how you can participate
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PROFITABLE
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------------HOSPITAL NEWS --------------
AHA Issues Plan For Hospital Pricing Transparency
The American Hospital Association proposed a series of steps
to make
hospital prices more transparent. The plan includes federal
requirements that states work with hospital associations to
expand
current efforts to publish hospital charges and that states
work
with insurers to make information on enrollees'
out-of-pocket costs
available to consumers before medical visits.
In addition, the AHA proposed that the federal government
lead a
research effort to understand what pricing information
consumers
want and that the hospital industry work to create
consumer-friendly
language for the terms, definitions and explanations that
are common
on hospital bills. The AHA released the proposal at its
annual
membership meeting in Washington, saying it was ready to
work with
legislators to foster more "knowledgeable and
empowered consumers."
Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [5/1/06]
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mucous membranes. If redness or irritation occurs,
discontinue use.
See package insert at http://www.bradpha
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--------- MEETING NOTICES/ COURSES --------------
***INCREASE PRACTICE REVENUE AND EXPAND LOWER EXTREMITY
CARE***
Langer, Inc is offering FREE educational programs throughout
the US
in 2006 on "How to Incorporate Successful Revenue
Enhancement
Programs into Your Practice." Topics include: -Latest
trends in
AFO's, patient evaluation and reimbursement, including a
casting and
measurement workshop -Therapeutic Footwear & Birkenstock
Custom
Orthotic Sandals & Clogs -Incorporation of Langer and
Silipos DME
Soft Good Products RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR OUR UPCOMING FREE
SEMINARS!
**May 10th, 2006 - Renaissance Charleston Hotel, SC
**May 17th, 2006 - Chicago Marriott O'Hare, IL
**May 24th, 2006 - Milwaukee/Madison, Courtyard By
Marriott, Brookville, WI
**June 7th, 2006 - Philadelphia, PA
To Register call Annette Fernandes at 800-645-5520, ext.
180.
Refreshments will be served!
------------
For a list of all meetings go to:
www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
-------------QUERIES--------------
Query: Medinotes EMR Software
I am considering going with Medinotes EMR software and would
appreciate feedback about the program, its value in
improving
efficiency and bottom line in podiatry, and the quality of
their
support staff. If any Medinotes users had the opportunity to
go back
in time, would you use them again?
Stuart Goldman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, podmohel pol.net
------- CODINGLINE CORNER --------------
Query: Coding a Scar Excision or Revision
What CPT code(s) should be used revision or excision of
painful scar
located on the medial 1st metatarsal-phalangeal joint from
previous
bunion surgery?
Ed Orman, DPM, Baltimore, MD
Response: The appropriate coding will be dependent on the
method and
work involved to either excise or revise the scar.
A simple excision, CPT 1142x, involves full-thickness
excision of
the scar with simple closure (non-layered).
If the scar is excised, leaving a void that requires a
tissue
rearrangement, then bill CPT 14040, CPT 14041, as
appropriate. These
codes include the excision and the revision/rearrangement.
Make sure
your op report is sufficiently detailed to evidence
performance of
these codes.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA
Additional responses can be found at http://www.codingline.com
-----RESPONSES / COMMENTS------------
RE: ESWT For Patient on Coumadin (Sandy Schustek, DPM)
From: David Zuckerman DPM
FDA labeling for ESWT lists the use of Coumadin as a
pre-caution for
ESWT. What I do is in consultation and medical clearance
from the
physician treating your patient I have the patient go off
Coumadin
three days prior to the ESWT treatment.
I would follow the ESWL protocol that they used before if
this
worked well for your patient. I truly believe that you
don't need to
take a patient off Coumadin for ESWT for plantar fasciosis,
but I
have no studies to prove or confirm this opinion
David Zuckerman DPM, Woodbury, NJ, footcarecomcast.net
-------------
RE: Katrina Volunteers Still Needed
From: Donna M Alfieri, DPM
On the weekend of April 7, 2006 I traveled to Mississippi
with a
local church group. We were there to provide aid and
supplies to
families still suffering from the effects of Katrina. I was
asked,
along with a pulmonary doctor, to help in the D'Iberville
Free
Clinic, located in D'Iberville Mississippi (just outside of
Biloxi).
They are still in need of volunteer doctors and medical
supplies as
there are no practicing doctors in the town. If anyone is
interested
or can be of help I would be happy to forward them the
contact
information.
Donna M Alfieri, DPM, New York, NY, dmalfierigmail.com
-------------
RE: Fungus Pays the Bills
From: Michael Cohen, DPM
At the recent Midwest Podiatry Conference I attended a
lecture
titled "Surgery is fun.....but fungus pays the
bills." This sparked
my interest in many areas... I have recently hired a young
associate
and surgery is all he wants to do, and I keep telling him
that today
it is a loss leader.
The lecturer, Bret Ribotsky, DPM showed the cost of doing
surgery
(time away from office, follow-up care, etc.) and the
reimbursement
we get. He then showed the value of treating tinea pedis,
and how it
much more profitable then surgery. I learned a few new
points from
his lecture that I clearly missed in my years of practice.
1.
Always treat both feet when a patient has tinea; and 2.
Treat all
people who live in the same home. These two points alone
will
clearly pay the cost of attending the seminar and possible a
very
nice vacation in the future.
Michael Cohen, DPM, Hobbs, NM, Michaelcohenfeetgmail.com
-------------
RE: GHI's Orthotics Policy
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
In NY GHI allows their patients to obtain orthotics,
however, not
through the doctor, but rather through a company who they
have
contracted with. In order for the patient to get the
devices,
however, GHI wants the doctor to obtain the
pre-authorization for
the patient. I have spoken to some other doctors regarding
this
issue and asked for their opinions. Some told me they tell
the
patient the orthotics are not covered, and if they want them
they
must pay for them. Others told me they just don't bring the
orthotics up at all. The reasoning the doctors use is why
should
they sit on the phone and waste their time getting an
authorization
for someone else.
I am bothered by this whole situation because I agree with
the
reasoning of the doctors, but feel the ends don't justify
the means.
I think the patient becomes the victim. By the way, it turns
out the
orthotic supplier gets a $50 co-payment and about $256
dollars
payment from the insurance company. Why wouldn't the
insurance
company want to pay the doctors directly? It would save the
patient
time of having to run to multiple places, the patients would
be
happy, and the doctors would be happy. What benefit is the
insurance
company receiving here?
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckassaol.com
Editor's comment: In this age of managed care, it's all
about the
bottom line. Having the patient run to multiple places saves
the
insurance company money because it increases the likelihood
that the
patient will ever receive orthotics.
-----------CLASSIFIED ADS--------
ASSOCIATE POSITION –MANHATTAN
Wanted full-time associate for busy surgical practice with
a focus
on ambulatory surgery. We are willing to train in all
aspects of
office-based procedures. Please respond to Gary4baol.com.
------------
PODIATRY PRACTICE FOR SALE - NYC NASSAU/QUEENS BORDER
40 year old Practice General Care - Net $300K Good practice
for
Partnership 1 Partner in place. All information to be
e-mailed
Serious Inquiries Only!!!! Email: DPM1111optonline.net
---------
Associate Position-Kansas City, MO
Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist
to join
a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and
surgical
practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing
and
medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24.
Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus
structure,
benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to
816-455-8901.
----------
ASSOCIATE POSITION- PORTLAND, MAINE
Associate wanted to start immediately. Will lead to rapid
partnership. Diabetics, biomechanics, sports injuries and
surgery.
Buy-in for office condo a possibility. Office podiatry
skills
(residency experience, office observation or work)
important.
Surgical training with focus on core skills (bunions, met.
osteotomies, neuromas/neurolysis, tendon repairs) Contact
Robert
Kuvent, DPM, FACFAS FtFixrHotmail.com, please leave
day/evening
number, hospital name and residency director's name.
-------------
PRACTICE FOR SALE – Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas, 30 miles west of Kansas City. Well
established
practice, general and surgical. Gross 250K, Hospital
privileges,
Partnership in medical building. All interested parties
reply to
foothlrsunflower.com
-----------
OFFICE SPACE TO RENT – Bronx, NY
Office space for rent in the Bronx. Share office with
MD/General
Practitioner. Podiatrist leaving in June. e-mail
dturkeeaol.com
for more info.
-----------
ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEW ENGLAND
Associate wanted to start this summer. Routine care,
diabetics,
biomechanics, sports injuries and steady surgery. Buy-in
for
partnership and ownership of building a possibility.
PSR-24. Office
podiatry skills (residency experience, office observation or
work)
important. Surgical training with focus on core skills
(bunions,
met. osteotomies, neuromas/neurolysis, tendon repairs, some
rearfoot) is important. facne11aol.com, give evening
number (not
cell), hospital name and residency director's name.
-----------
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ESWT
If you are using or thinking of using ESWT, I have a new
machine
that has only been used twice. There is no Orbasone in the
country
priced like this one. Will provide training and
installation. Take a
look at http://www.orbasone.com.
Call 1-856-229-2939.
---------
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------------
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