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Some clarifications and harsh truths concerning reality
by Howard Weisman, DPM (no login)

I opened my own practice right away and worked at it day and night. I am extremely successful financially and I can help you all with my advice.

I AM SURE THE YOUNGER AND OLDER DOCTORS WILL REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE.

I learned everything I could about podiatry and billing as well as the podiatric business dynamics in my chosen community. I learned to maximize every dollar that I spend. I employ three DPM's (2 are PSR-12's and one is a PPMR) and I pay them on a 1099 basis, this helps me keep costs way down.

IF YOU "EMPLOY" THESE DOCTORS, THEN YOU "EMPLOY" THEM AND THEY ARE NOT "INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS". NO CPA, EXCEPT THE ONES AT ARTHUR ANDERSON, WOULD PERMIT THIS.
THERE IS NO WAY THAT THEY QUALIFY AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.

I offer catastrophic health insurance only

IF YOU OFFER INSURANCE, AREN'T THEY EMPLOYED RATHER THAN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS? WOULD ONE GIVE INSURANCE AS A BENEFIT TO A CORPORATION THAT ONE CONTRACTS WITH? NEVER.

ARE YOUNG PODIATRISTS THRILLED TO KNOW THAT THE BEST THEY CAN DO EMPLOYMENT WISE IS TO GET "CATASTROPHIC INSURANCE" RATHER THAN THE "GOOD KIND"?

REGULAR JOBS GIVE GOOD INSURANCE.

and I have incentive based vacation.
AN "INCENTIVE BASED" VACATION. WITH OR WITHOUT THE LEG IRONS?

When you are in business for yourself, you must be wary of every penny. I REFUSE to see patients for whom I cannot collect a fee.

PERSONALLY, THIS IS SAD. VERY SAD TO READ.

Yes, initially this seems harsh, but we as physicians are like every other business.

NO WE ARE NOT. I CAN SHOW YOU MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS THAT PROVE IT.

You have to think like that to make it in today's reduced reimbursement world. I also do free foot health seminars and have made it known to all of the general physicans that I will see all of their referalls on a same day basis. I billed 2.5 million in fees in 2001 and netted after taxes and all overhead including reinvestment into my business a clean $350,000. I work damn hard for this money, including at times doing my own fee collecting and emptying my own garbage, but it is worth it.


I am on the credentialing committee of 2 medical centers, and I will admit that we make it extremely difficult for FMG's as well as some DO's and even new DPM's to obtain admitting and practice privlidges. Is this fair? NO, but it is the reality today.

SIR, YOU MAY BE BREAKING THE LAW. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DO WHAT YOU STATE YOU ARE DOING. YOU ADMIT THAT YOU "MAKE IT EXTREAMELY DIFFICULT" FOR FMGs, DOs AND ESPECIALLY DPMs TO GET ADMITTING ...."

IT IS HARD TO LITIGATE AS THE HOSPITAL HAS PLENTY OF MONEY AND THE YOUNG DOCTOR HAS NOTHING.

HOWEVER, IF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CENTER FOR PEER REVIEW JUSTICE, INC. APPROVE, WE WOULD APPOINT A VERY COMPETENT LAWYER AND PAY FOR HIM. INDEED, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WILL WEIGH IN AND HELP, ALSO.

DEPENDING ON THE DETAILS, A MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT WOULD BE EXPECTED.

As podiatrists we have to play our role in the medical world. We have to cater to the generalist and not offend the orthopedist...this can be tough, but it is doable. YOu have to be willing to do primary care podiatry, as this continues to be our bread and butter. I have attained a practice wherby I do about 20-25 surgical procedures a month, operating 2 full days a week. I have my associates do routine care as well as fulfill my nurisng home contract obligations. My employess are paid well (average gross of $68,000 each last year working a 38 hour week). I think more of you need to whine less and work harder. You should donate more of your time and money to our political cause as well as the APMA and applicant recruitment, that is where we need your voice, not on some internet forum lambasting the profession that feeds your kids. I ofcourse welcome all comments.

Sincerely,

Howard Weisman, DPM
Valley Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C.

Posted on Aug 17, 2002, 9:01 AM
from IP address 192.234.106.2
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