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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 22,000 Subscribers Daily
July 17, 2026 #8,315  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management® https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2026- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL (SUBMITTED BY PM NEWS READER) | |
Last Chance to Vote
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What term best describes your professional title? |
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| APMA NEWS | |
Medicare Payment Update: Impact on Podiatric Physicians
Important Takeaways
CMS Medicare payment proposal: CMS’s proposed Medicare payment policies would reduce reimbursement associated with services performed in non-facility settings by podiatric physicians by an estimated 6%, depending on practice mix. The cuts are driven in part by a proposal to reduce payment when separately identifiable E/M visits and procedures are furnished during the same session. APMA will vigorously oppose these proposed reductions.
Physician Payment Reform Bill: Congressional physician leaders introduced legislation to tie Medicare payment updates to inflation and reduce administrative burdens. APMA has been actively engaged with Congress and national stakeholders on these reforms.
Source: APMA [716/26]
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| PODIATRIC SUPER GROUPS IN THE NEWS | |
Upperline Health Acquires Ankle & Foot Associates (Georgia)
Upperline Health has announced the July 15, 2026, acquisition of Ankle & Foot Associates, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to high-quality podiatric care in the region. This partnership brings 11 experienced providers across 10 clinic locations into the Upperline Health network, strengthening its commitment to delivering comprehensive foot and ankle care.
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Dr. David Murphy |
"Our acquisition of Ankle & Foot Associates, led by senior partner David Murphy, DPM, allows us to further the footprint of Upperline and enhance the value-based model for podiatric medicine and surgery that is being proven to improve outcomes." — Michael King, DPM, Chief Medical Officer, Podiatry, Upperline Health
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Comparative Outcomes of Lower Extremity Fractures in T1 & T2 Diabetics
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes following orthopedic trauma. Although both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus increase complication risk after lower extremity fracture fixation, their relative impacts remain poorly characterized. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to compare post-operative outcomes in patients with T1DM and T2DM who underwent surgical fixation of lower extremity fractures.
Conclusions: T1DM confers a distinctly higher risk of infection, limb loss, and mortality following operative fixation of lower extremity fractures compared to T2DM, despite similar baseline characteristics after matching. These findings highlight the need for diabetes-subtype-specific peri-operative management strategies to optimize outcomes in this high-risk population, T1DM and T2DM, who underwent surgical fixation of lower extremity fractures.
Source: Orthopedics [7/7/26] via Dr. Brent Rubin
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Places to Look for Revenue Cycle Leaks Before They Drain Your Practice
2. Build a payer tracking table for down-coding behavior
One-off catches do not scale. A simple tracking table turns scattered anecdotes into a pattern you can act on. Give it four columns: the payer, the claim adjustment reason code (CARC) and remittance advice remark code (RARC) combination it uses, whether the payer actually changed the procedure code, and any notes on when the behavior started.
Filled in over a few weeks, the table tells a story. Humana's CO-131 with N22 began in 2022, Anthem's CO-186 in 2021, and some payers down-code without changing the code at all. That record is exactly what you want in hand for a call with a payer rep or for the next contract negotiation, when "it feels like you are paying us less" becomes "here are 1,400 claims where you adjudicated a different code than we submitted."
Source: Keith A. Reynolds, Physicians Practice
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| FINANCIAL TIP OF THE DAY |
5 Ways To Increase Your Investment Income In Retirement
Finding income investments in retirement requires a careful balance. Here are five ways to boost your cash flow without taking on unnecessary risk.
3. Municipal bonds
Municipal bonds, or munis, can be especially useful if you want to increase the amount of income you keep after taxes. The interest on these government-issued bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax. In some cases, bonds issued in an investor's home state might also be exempt from state income tax.
This tax treatment can make munis more valuable for retirees in higher tax brackets, but they're not automatically the best income choice. The trick is to compare a muni's tax-free yield with the after-tax yield available from taxable alternatives such as certificates of deposit (CDs), Treasuries, or money market funds. To do this, take the municipal bond's yield and divide it by one minus your marginal federal tax rate. For example, if the muni yields 3.5% and you're in the 32% federal tax bracket, your taxable-equivalent yield is 5.15%, or 0.035 / (1-0.32). If this is higher than the yields offered elsewhere, the municipal bond could be a tax-savvy choice.
Source: Coryanne Hicks, Kiplinger [July 2026]
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| SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM | |
Here are some valuable tips that have aided Savannah Santiago, DPM in navigating her experiences as a student and a resident:
8. Medications matter—a lot
Even seemingly benign medications can wreak havoc on memory and cognition in older patients. The biggest culprits I saw were Tylenol PM and Benadryl, both notorious for contributing to delirium. I even encountered patients who accidentally took the wrong formulation (Tylenol PM instead of plain Tylenol) and ended up mildly delirious.
The lesson: be thoughtful not just about what we prescribe, but also about how medications are packaged, labeled, and administered. Small details can have outsized effects in this population. It also is SO important to weigh the risk vs benefits of a medication. Does the benefit of the patient taking a medication outweigh the risk or possible side-effects and the impact on the patient it can have.
Source: This series is adapted from and courtesy of PRESENT eLearning Systems.
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| CODING & BILLING Q&As FROM CODINGHELPLINE.COM | |
Query: "I've always documented it this way."
When accepted documentation practices no longer meet today's standards, what comes next?
Codinghelpline com Subscriber
Response from Codinghelpline.com: The notion that documentation standards never change is no longer realistic. While many providers have documented services the same way for years, healthcare documentation requirements continually evolve as Medicare regulations, payer policies, coverage criteria, and clinical guidelines are updated.
As a result, the statement, "I've always documented it this way," may not be an effective defense during an audit. Even documentation that has been accepted for years may no longer support medical necessity or satisfy current coverage requirements. Missing a single required element can result in a denial, recoupment of payment, or unfavorable audit finding.
The best approach is to routinely verify the current documentation and coverage requirements for the specific payer, whether Medicare or a commercial insurer, and ensure that your documentation reflects the most recent policies, medical necessity criteria, and billing guidance. Periodic documentation reviews and provider education are essential to maintaining compliance in the ever changing regulatory environment.
David Freedman, DPM, Silver Spring, MD
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC STUDENT ENROLLMENT) | |
RE: Podiatry's Student Enrollment Crisis
From: Seymoure Balaj,DPM
These statistics are from local Wayne State Medical School - Just one school. Look at the numbers!
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Wane State Medical School Class of 2030 |
This represents more applications to one medical college than all 11 podiatry schools combined! It tells you where the interest is and where the best go.
Seymoure Balaj, DPM, Southfield, MI
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
Let me say from the outset, that no one should ever be dissuaded from contacting their Congressional delegation about what they perceive as an unfair practice by CMS or any other Federal agency. That being said, the times are much different now than they were prior to the President’s State of The Union Address this past winter. Also Dr. Smith and Name Withheld DO NOT have the same scenario!
Having spent almost a decade on the DME Medicare Council, meeting with the NPE program directors, I am happy to provide some insight into their thinking and what is going on at CMS. I too have also been a victim of having my Medicare number stolen and having had numerous DME billed under my MCR number, which I both never received and never needed. So I support the Federal Government’s initiative to combat DME...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter appears here.
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| OBITUARIES | |
RE: The Passing of John Marcus Warren, Sr.. DPM
Dr. John M. Warren Sr., born in St. Louis, Missouri, and longtime resident of Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. Dr. Warren was a trailblazer, recognized as one of the first African American podiatrists in the State of Minnesota. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy in World War II (1944-1946).
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Dr. John Warren Sr. |
Throughout his life, he was admired for his dedication to his profession, his service to his country, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Source: Washburn McReavy Funeral Home
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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This shoe comes with its own starting block! |
Source: Chris van den Elzen via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETINGS & WEBINARS
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can earn over 43 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $299 (NOTE: TOKENS EXPIRE 12/31/2027)
podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE | |
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 22,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.'
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SPOKANE, WA
35 year established and turnkey practice in Spokane, WA grossing $800k/year. Owner wants to cut back or retire. Wanting to pay it forward by offering the same work-life balance opportunity that I have enjoyed. Enjoy low cost of living, minimal traffic, access to mountains, lakes and four seasons. Email Thomasink50@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - GEORGIA
Thirty year established podiatry practice with solid revenue and referral base, loyal patients, and seamless transition. Seller will continue to practice to ease transition. Located in a vibrant medical market near desirable Watkinsville, offering excellent quality of life. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE FOR SALE - SEATTLE-AREA
100% private insurance, no government payers. Located one block from hospital in affluent waterfront community. Current collections approximately $225K with documented history exceeding $1M annually. Two high-resolution ultrasound systems, experienced MA, outsourced billing. Retiring owner. Significant growth opportunity for motivated podiatrist should double gross at one year after being added to my group for insurance credentialing. Building lease available with future ownership options. Asking $150,000. Contact mkuzel2000@yahoo.com or call 425 775-1505 (M,W,TH 11-4 PDT).
ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE FOR SALE – PHOENIX, ARIZONA AREA
Exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established podiatry practice with two locations serving the greater Phoenix area. The practice generates approximately $750,000 in average annual gross revenue and has a strong referral base with an established patient population. Services include general podiatry, foot and ankle surgery, and sports medicine. This is a turnkey operation with trained staff and established systems already in place. Significant growth potential exists for an individual practitioner or group. The seller is motivated for an immediate sale and is willing to carry financing for qualified buyers. Serious inquiries only. Confidential financial details are available upon execution of a confidentiality agreement. Contact: manager@arcadiafootandankle.com
ESTABLISHED PRACTICE FOR SALE - MANHATTAN
An exceptional turnkey opportunity with significant growth potential. The practice currently operates on a part-time schedule, offering a seamless transition to full-time operations. Includes reasonable rent and a well-established, high-volume DME component. Ideal for someone looking for growth. Serious inquiries only: tristatepod@gmail.com
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS | |
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether yo have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - FOOT HILLS OF NORTH CAROLINA
Position is available for a provider who currently holds or is in the process of acquiring an NC license. Our practice covers forefoot, rearfoot, ankle, and wound care. Hospital privileges at two local hospitals and an ambulatory center, as well as access to an in-office OR. We offer a competitive package including: Salary with a bonus structure - Malpractice and health insurance - 401K - Paid holidays and vacation. Enjoy small-town living conveniently located just 40 miles from Charlotte, NC. If you are interested, please contact me at mauney.jeff@gmail.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST – QUEEN CREEK, AZ
Well-established podiatry practice seeking a motivated full-time associate. Strong referral base, high patient volume, and outstanding professional growth opportunities. Excellent compensation and benefits package. Modern office with advanced technology, supportive staff, established referral network, and surgical opportunities. Please submit your CV to oprice@impressionfoot.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CLEVELAND, OH
Great opportunity to settle in the Cleveland area. Well established two office practice seeking full-time associate. In search of a self-motivated individual with well rounded office and surgical experience. Board qualified/certified required. We offer a very generous pay structure based on production and 401k contributions. Send CV to JHFootcare@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - MICHIGAN
Growing multi-physician practice in Michigan seeking full-time podiatrist. No schedule competition means rapid individual growth. Features digital X-rays, EHR, full-scope podiatry, and contractual buy-in option. Competitive salary, bonuses, benefits. Email CV to michiganpod1@gmail.com
PODIATRIST POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON AREA
Seeking position to go alongside 4 other DPMs in the Portland area. Looking for a highly motivated, patient focused, and collaborative doctor. We offer immediate patient volume in well-established clinics, knowledgeable assistants, competitive salary, new technology, and bonuses on productivity. Send CV to drtrev@elitefaor.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS
Come Home to The Woodlands! Become one of the Best in one of the Best Communities to live and work in The United States. We are seeking the immediate hire of a personable, well-rounded physician and surgeon to join our practice. Excellent compensation and benefits package offered. Please send your resume to: alexandra@nevillefeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - DALLAS, TX METROPLEX
Established 3 location practice in Dallas metroplex is seeking a motivated, hardworking DPM for full-time or part-time employment. Practice includes general podiatry with foot/ankle cases, competitive salary with performance bonus. To apply, please submit CV to: IFAPODIATRST@GMAIL.COM
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH MIAMI BEACH
Available Immediately. North Miami Beach area. Needed part -time podiatrist , 1-2 days/week, house calls in North Dade/Broward counties; supplies and EMR are provided; pay structure is flexible depending on preferences. Please text to 312-375-6430.
ASSOCIATE POSITION FT/PT - SOUTH JERSEY
Join our well-established podiatric group practice serving the community for over 45 years. We seek a motivated, compassionate, ethical team player proficient in all aspects of podiatric medicine, including routine foot care. A New Jersey license and enrollment with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Aetna is preferred but not required. ABFAS BQ/BC. Hospital affiliation with Podiatric residency. Full-time salary $150,000 plus a $10,000 sign-on bonus, performance bonuses, malpractice, health, dental, 401(k), paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, CME allowance, and no nights or weekends. Part-time compensation negotiable. Send CV w/References to: JayBizfootdoc@comcast.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON BAYS, LONG ISLAND
Busy Hampton Bays, Long Island podiatry practice seeks part-time associate for immediate opportunity. Enjoy strong patient volume, supportive team, and flexible scheduling. Full-time opportunity and future partnership available for the right candidate. Email CV and inquiries to fmmikekatz@aol.com if interested. Competitive compensation with established referral base and excellent growth potential.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NJ
Seeking associates, full/part time, in fast-growing podiatry practice in Northern NJ. New Jersey License, base salary, plus bonus structure up to $400k a year with competitive benefits. High volume foot and ankle pathologies and surgeries. Potential for ownership in the practice and out-patient surgical center. Send your CV Kmercado@footandankleps.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Awesome opportunity to join a well-rounded, growing, podiatry practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. We are looking for an associate who is hardworking part time/ full time. Working with awesome office staff, EMR, and latest technology. Competitive salary andincentives. NC license is a must. Please send contact info and cv to iiicmstewart@aol.com or call 252-813-3136.
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – AL, AZ, GA, IA, KS, MO, NE, OK, SC & TN
Aria Care Partners is seeking Mobile Podiatrists to work 1-2 days/week in skilled nursing facilities. You will have autonomy and focus on clinical care while we take care of all scheduling and billing. Guaranteed daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Electronic charting and all equipment provided. Make a true difference in an under-served population. New graduates or experienced practitioners are welcome! Email CV to: kcampbell@aria.care
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITIES – MULTIPLE STATES
US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS), the nation's largest podiatric group, is hiring! We have immediate and future openings in MD, MO, NC, VA, & WV—ideal for doctors ready now or upcoming graduates. Join a team committed to advanced technology, top-tier care, and long-term growth. Must be licensed or in process. Email cover letter and resume to: recruiting@us-fas.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA
Established foot and ankle practice in North Carolina is seeking a full-time, board-certified or board-eligible podiatrist for a non-surgical role focused on routine foot care, diabetic nail and foot care, and non-surgical wound management. Competitive salary and benefits. Submit your CV to tfac.marketing@conehealth.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN - SEATTLE, WA AREA
Established podiatry practice seeks a motivated full-time Associate. All aspects of foot/ankle care. Diverse mix of foot and ankle surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic limb salvage, and general podiatry with strong referrals, experienced staff, and competitive compensation and benefits. Submit your CV to pnwfajob@gmail.com
MOBILE POSITIONS - DAYTONA, JACKSONVILLE, NAPLES, ORLANDO, PANHANDLE, SARASOTA, TAMPA
Responsible DPM/NP/PA team players. Home visits, ILF/ALF/Rehab. Paid travel. No call. No ER. Half days or 9-5. Weekends optional. Autonomy. Potential commission up to $230K+/yr based on availability and performance. Serious FL licensed applicants email contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN MICHIGAN
Join Advanas Foot & Ankle Specialists, serving southern Michigan for 25+ years, 5 practice locations from Kalamazoo to the northern Indiana. Looking to be an owner, this practice is for you. Huge opportunity for surgery, must be surgical board qualified/certified. Seeking motivated positively influenced associate for our team. Send CV: clinicalmanager@advanas.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA
Join a busy practice with four podiatrists in two office locations. Central Coast Foot Clinics has been in operation for over 34 years. Excellent long-term opportunity for a well-trained podiatrist with enormous potential in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery in all age groups. Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande lie on the beautiful Central Coast of California. The position is full time and will be paid a salary the first year and then transition to compensation based on production thereafter. For more information, please email Scott Adams, DPM at Drseadams@gmail.com. Please include your CV.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – EUGENE, OR
Tracktown USA! Seeking full-time rearfoot associate to join our team, ABFAS BQ/BC. Both strong clinical and surgical skills are required. 1-2 years out of residency preferred. Compensation with base and bonus structure. Benefits: insurance, paid vacation/holidays, paid CME, malpractice. Buy-in possible/suggested. Enjoy: skiing, world class road, gravel and mountain biking, fly fishing, sailing, surfing, the Oregon Coast, University of Oregon Ducks, minor league baseball, great live music, Eugene Ballet, Eugene Symphony. CV to dustydock@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FULL TIME OR PART TIME PHILADELPHIA, PA
Established practice seeking a motivated, hardworking DPM for full-time or part-time employment. Practice includes comprehensive clinical and surgical foot/ankle cases, resident training, competitive salary, and performance-based bonus structure. To apply, please submit CV to: adnanmalik88@gmail.com
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| Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. 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.
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.
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