PM News –May 8, 2006 #2,575 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply
key. Please visit our sponsors at
http://www.podi
atrym.com/sponsors.cfm
COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without
the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
---------PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS--------
IN DPM Mystery Writer Signs Three-Book Contract
DR. BRANDT DODSON, Welborn Clinic podiatrist, has recently
signed a
three-book contract with Harvest House Publishers for a
series of
mystery novels that are set in Indianapolis. The books will
feature
private investigator Colton Parker. The first book,
"Original Sin,"
is available in area stores and all Internet book sites.
Source: RedOrbit [5/6/06]
**** New! Rx Only Keralac(Tm) (50% Urea) NAILSTIK (Ad) *****
Keralac(tm) NAILSTIK delivers the power of 50% Urea solution
in an
innovative, easy-to-use, no-mess applicator providing a new
twist in
the treatment of problem nails. Keralac (tm) NAILSTIK is
preferred
by 77% of patients over brush-based therapies, and 85% of
patients
agree that is easier to apply topical medication using the
NAILSTIK
than the brush.* Keralac (tm) NAILSTIK is available in a
carton of 6
NAILSTIKS - a complete course of therapy.
For samples, call the Doak Dermatologics Customer Service
Center
toll-free at 1-800-405-DOAK, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
to 5
p.m., ET, or see your local Doak Representative. Keralac(tm)
NAILSTIK is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes,
lips, or
mucous membranes. If redness or irritation occurs,
discontinue use.
See package insert at http://www.bradpha
rm.com/kn/kn.htm for full
Prescribing Information. *Data on file
-------- PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW ----------
Judge Upholds Most Charges Against NJ DPM
A state Superior Court judge ruled Friday that most of the
charges
against RONALD SOLLITTO, the podiatrist who lost the lengthy
civil
case involving widow Madeleine Stockdale's will, can stand.
In his
ruling, Judge Ira E. Kreizman rejected defense motions that
pretrial
publicity and bias affected the grand jury and that Sollitto
was
denied the chance to testify before the same grand jury.
Sollitto faces a number of criminal charges, including
conspiracy to
commit theft by deception and theft by deception.
Kreizman's ruling
also means criminal charges will stand against Michael A.
Casale,
the attorney who prepared a Stockdale will that made
Sollitto the
main beneficiary of her estate. An appeal seemed likely.
"Needless to say, I'm disappointed in the judge's
ruling and I will
recommend to Dr. Sollitto that he immediately appeal,"
John S.
Furlong, Sollitto's attorney, said outside the courtroom
Friday. "That said, I'm not surprised by the ruling.
There appears
to be a concerted effort to bring this case to a criminal
trial even
though the dispute at the end of the day is civil."
Source: Scott Ferguson, Asbury Park Press [5/6/06]
***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
in this
powerful practice building program. SureFit is the Easiest
System,
and now with a free REFERRAL Service it is also the MOST
PROFITABLE
program you can join. Please visit http://www.surefitlab.com/
for
more, or call 1-800-298-6050.
----------MEDICARE NEWS-----------
Bush Plan Would Eliminate Provider Increases and Raise
Premiums For
Wealthy
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan says Congress should pass
President
Bush's proposals that would eliminate increases in Medicare
provider
payments and require higher-income beneficiaries to pay
higher
Medicare premiums. Speaking at an event at the American
Enterprise
Institute, McClellan says the two proposals, which are
included in
Bush's fiscal year 2007 budget, would help lower Medicare
costs and
might avoid the need to make more drastic spending cuts in
the
future. He adds the financial problems predicted in the
annual
report from Medicare trustees justify the need for Congress
to pass
Bush's proposals.
Source: American Health Line [5/3/06]
-------------MANAGED CARE NEWS -------------------
Larger Share of Docs Shun Managed Care
A larger percentage of doctors are forgoing managed-care
contracts,
a trend that could trigger an increase in out-of-pocket
costs for
consumers and reduce overall patient access to doctors,
according to
a new survey by the Washington-based Center for Studying
Health
System Change. The study found that the proportion of
physicians
without any managed-care contracts, which remained steady
through
the mid-1990s, rose from 9.2% in 2000-01 to 11.5% in
2004-05.
Paul Ginsburg, president of the center, a non-partisan
research
organization, called it a "small but statistically
significant
increase" in the share of doctors who have opted out
of managed-care
contracts. The study, based on the organization's
nationally
representative survey of physicians, found that doctors
without
managed-care contracts tend to be older, work part time,
lack board
certification and practice in solo or two-physician groups.
Source: Michael Romano, Modern Healthcare [5/4/06]
------------ MEETING REPORT --------------------
AAPPM/AAPSM Meeting Draws Rave Reviews
Beautiful weather and the splendor of Baltimore's Inner
Harbor
complemented another first-class practice management meeting
presented by the American Academy of Podiatric Practice
Management
(AAPPM). Adding to the mix was a variety of sports medicine
lecturers by members of the American Academy of Podiatric
Sports
Medicine (AAPSM). Attendees left the seminar with many new
ideas to
implement in their practices.
Upcoming AAPPM meeting include a Summer Boot Camp (July
22-23)
and a Residents Meeting (August 26) both in Pittsburgh, PA
and a
Full Practice Management Workshop (Nov 9 to 12) in Ft.
Lauderdale,
FL. See http://aappm.net for
details.
--------- MEETING NOTICES/ COURSES --------------
GOLDFARB FOUNDATION MEETING - JUNE 16-18, 2006
Ben Franklin once said, "We must all hang
together, or
assuredly we shall hang separately." He may not have
been
specifically talking about the Goldfarb Foundation's June
16—18,
2006, "Common Surgical Procedures of the Foot &
Ankle Forum," but
it's relevant in many aspects: There is strength in
numbers, a
place to gather, don't have to `hang' alone; Compare
surgical
procedures examined in lectures with those performed in
podiatric
offices; The forum will be held at the Radisson
Plaza-Warwick Hotel
in Philadelphia—Franklin's old stomping ground and a highly
inspiring city; and Philadelphia is celebrating this
founding
father's 300th birthday, much celebration going on.
Join your colleagues, bring the family to explore
Philly like
you never have, and bring your own cases/x-rays to make the
learning
experience richer. 12 CMEs. Visit http://www.goldfarb
foundation.org
or contact Lara at 800-841-3668, x14.
------------
For a list of all meetings go to:
www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
-------------QUERIES--------------
Query: Weil Osteotomy Technique
In performing Weil lesser met osteotomies, I often get hung
up and
delayed in terms of op time between placing the provisional
(k-wire
placed distally) and the permanent fixation (I use
self-tapping
OsteoMed 2.4 or 2.0 lag screws placed so as to not violate
the joint
nor plantar plate). I'd appreciate any technique tips.
Sometimes,
the distal fragment wants to rotate out of place, so I have
been
using Homan retractors while placing the screw.
Also, in doing more than one, has anyone had complications
using an
incision placed between the lesser mets?
William W. Godfrey, DPM, williamtrekkie earthlink.net
******** AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME(Ad) ***********
You can Earn 15 CPME-Approved CME credits Online for only
$129
http://www.podiatrym
.com/cme.cfm
Choose any or all of over 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates
Online
------- CODINGLINE CORNER --------------
Query: Bone Biopsy Coding
I am looking for the proper CPT code for a bone biopsy. The
biopsy
was performed with a Jamshidi needle, through a minimal
incision.
Please let me know if the code changes for different parts
of the
foot.
Steven Adler, DPM, Pearl River, NY
Response: CPT 20220 - biopsy, bone, trocar, or needle;
superficial
(e.g., ilium, sternum, spinous process, ribs) – specifically
defines
the procedure you performed.
Because access to bone on the foot would be superficial, and
you are
neither describing performance of a bone marrow biopsy nor
an open
bone biopsy, CPT 20220 would be the code for any separate
needle
removal of bone for biopsy exam performed on the foot.
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA
--------RESPONSES / COMMENTS------------
RE: David Zych, APMA News Editor Retires
From: Dean M. Wakefield
David Zych, APMA's director of publications and long-time
editor of
APMA News, is retiring this week after 37 years of service
to APMA.
He is the only editor APMA News has ever had; he was the
editor when
it was created as an offshoot of news pages which appeared
in the
Journal of the American Podiatry Association, took it from a
newsprint tabloid to a glossy paper tabloid, and then to its
current
format. He has served this marvelous profession with utmost
distinction.
He has many admirers, but as his supervisor for 11 years, I
will
take a back seat to none of them. He has made APMA News a
premier
publication, with imagination, creativity, and plain hard
work.
David has always said he intended to retire at 65, and he's
doing
it. I cannot imagine, however, that a man with such a work
ethic
will not find a new challenge to master as successfully as
he has
this one.
Dean M. Wakefield, APMA Director of Public Affairs Emeritus
Editor's comment: We add our kudos to David for his
remarkable
record of accomplishments. Thankfully, he has assured us
that he
intends to remain active in podiatry, and we are all the
better for
this.
-------------
RE: Pharmacy for 4% ETOH (Michael Piccarelli, DPM)
From: G. Dock Dockery, DPM
Why look for a pharmacy to mix up your 4% alcohol solutions?
Just do
it yourself; it's very easy. Order a few 1-cc vials of
dehydrated
alcohol from Moore Medical or Surgical Supply Service, at
about $8
per vial or $80 per box of ten vials. Order a 50-cc bottle
of local
anesthetic, with or without epinephrine, and withdraw 2-cc
leaving
48-cc of local anesthetic. Then add two vials (or 2-cc) of
the
dehydrated alcohol to the local anesthetic. This will give
you a 4%
by volume concentration of alcohol. Put on a new label and
you are
ready to go.
G. Dock Dockery, DPM, Seattle, WA, Gdockdockeryaol.com
--------------
RE: Fungus Pays the Bills
From: Multiple Respondents
Does anyone want to be known as the podiatric expert in
fungus? Does
anyone really think your reputation and status in your
medical
community will be elevated by this behavior? The answer,
quite
simply, is yes.
I would like to nominate myself as the "King of
Fungus" for our
profession. Just perform a Medline search and you will find
that I
have published more articles on onychomycosis in JAPMA than
any
other podiatrist and have even won three Stickel awards for
articles
on fungus. Unfortunately, I am reading way too many e-mails
about
how certain podiatrists think they are too good to treat
fungus or
cut toenails. This is a tragedy and may be the downfall of
our
profession. When you read the medical literature on fungus
and
onychomycosis, 99.99% of all published articles are written
by non-
podiatrists, specifically dermatologists, internists, and
even
nurses. How can our profession even think about advanced
rearfoot
and ankle surgery, without even mastering something as basic
as
fungus?
It was not my first choice to become an expert on fungus
when I
first started my career, I wanted to be a surgical stud like
Dr. E
Dalton McGlamry. I completed an advanced PSR-24 surgical
residency,
became board certified by both the ABPS and ABPOPPM, and I
have
taught as an adjunct professor at Barry University for the
past 15
years. I was on staff at eight hospitals, took ER call, and
performed almost every foot and ankle surgery. Around 1995,
I began
to notice that the insurance companies were not paying as
much for
surgery as they used to and began to increase pay for office
visits.
In addition, my South Florida practice was being flooded
with
onychomycosis. After much debate, I decided to embrace
fungus and
found that it was more profitable to treat onychomycosis
than it was
to concentrate on surgery, when you make a balanced
comparison.
Our profession is fortunate that podiatrists like Bret
Ribotsky, DPM
are sharing their knowledge about the financial value of
treating
fungus conditions. I would highly suggest Dr. Smith and
others who
attend these lectures to take good notes; you may need to
refer to
them in the near future.
William P. Scherer, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
Dr. Michael Cohen's enthusiasm at learning the financial
realities
of surgery against office practice of treating fungal
infections may
have detracted from the totality of Bret Ribotsky's
intended
message. I am sure that Dr. Ribotsky encourages the
integration of
ALL of podiatric dermatology, not just fungal infections,
into daily
podiatric practice. Dr. Smith's views address his more
individual
preference for the variety a podiatric practice can afford.
These
things are highly personal and are dependent on many
factors.
To wit, Dr. Heather Snyder and her husband, both DPM's in
Virginia,
are happy to ALMOST GROSS $200,000 per year TOGETHER in
their
exclusively non-surgical practice and not working weekends.
On Long
Island, with two kids in college, and a modest home, this
would be
foreclosure time. Although I take issue that Dr. Smith felt
compelled to trivialize the importance of expertise in
mycology to
make his point, he is absolutely correct that piecemeal
financial
analyses obscure the large picture, but this is true of more
experienced practitioners like him who are in business for
many
years.
Younger DPMs, however, must heed Dr. Ribotsky's advice much
more
vigorously because we are now in times where many needed
podiatric
services are economically hurtful to a practice, and doing
them in
volume compounds the loss. This concept is extremely
difficult for
medical providers of all types to grasp, and may even be
contrary to
some portions of our oath.
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, New York, NY, profpodaol.com
Dr. Ribotsky reminded us: "We should evaluate all
members of a
family when we identify a contagious disease; this makes
good
medical sense."
This is not only true of tinea pedis, but also with
verrucae. During
my own treatment of this lesion, I frequently contracted
infections
on my own hands. If this is not "proof" for the
infectious nature of
this virus, I don't know what is. Eventually, I put on
rubber gloves
when treating warts, which helped considerably. It is also
vital to
have the virus treated on OTHER areas of the body besides
the feet,
to have any hope of clearing it up.
Sometimes this means a referral to another doctor, say if
the
lesions are on the patent's hands or even their genitalia.
(One can
politely ask patients if they "think" they have
other lesions
elsewhere...it is not necessary to examine them for this).
I wish I had brought in other family members, or at least
conducted
a survey, when confronting verrucae. We all have seen some
pretty
resistant cases. It's no favor to our patients to ignore
another
transferring infecting source.
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1prodigy.net
-----------CLASSIFIED ADS-----------
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Mature 3 DPM general podiatry and surgery practice in the
Rio Grande
Valley of Texas is seeking a DPM to fill an Associate
position,
partnership will be considered after a period of 2-3 years.
Applicants should have at least 2 years of residency
training and
enjoy diabetic foot and wound care. Diverse patient
populations.
(VA, Community Health Clinics, Hospitals and 3 offices) Good
practice environment in hospitals and community. Salary,
bonus and
benefit package offered. Interested DPMs should send a
letter of
intent along with a current C.V. to Complete Family Foot
Care, 812
Lindberg Ave. McAllen, TX 78501. Fax 956 971-9109
-------------
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.
-----------
ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEW ENGLAND
Associate wanted. Podiatry group - Full scope foot and ankle
practice, successful and growing podiatric medical and
surgical
practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing
and
medical knowledge Wonderful place to raise a family.
Partnership
opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits
Requirements minimum of PSR-24. Board qualified –
personable, desire
to excel, enjoys New England weather. Fax CV to
401-679-0062.
-------------
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.
-----------------
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 –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
-----------
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 7,000 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 7,000 DPM's. Write
bblockpodiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or
display
ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekaganaol.com
------------
Current Topics Discussed on [Codingline-L]
http://
www.codingline.com/pmnews.php?t=topics
[Codingline-L] registration is fast and easy.
To register, click here:
http
://www.codingline.com/pmnews.php?t=subscribe
-- Upcoming Codingline.com/LOJON Events and Announcements
http://
www.codingline.com/pmnews.php?t=events
NOTE: All Codingline.com/LOJON registrant information is
held in the
strictest confidence and not sold or passed on to outside
vendors.
*Codingline.com and [Codingline-L] are divisions of LOJON,
LLC.
-----------------------------------
Disclaimer - Acceptance and publication by this newsletter
of an
advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply
endorsement or
approval by Kane Communications of the company, product,
content or
ideas expressed in this newsletter. Any information
pertaining to
legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice,
which can
only be obtained via individual consultation with an
attorney.
Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with
your
State CAC.
Guidelines 1) Notes should be original and may not be
submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission. 2) Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 300 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL
OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION
THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient
or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to
the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in
error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to
delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to
be
either timely or free of viruses.
To Post a message, send it to: bblockprodigy.net
To Unsubscribe, send a message to: bblockprodigy.net
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.
yahoo.com/group/pm-news/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
pm-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.c
om/info/terms/
|