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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,675 Podiatrists Daily
January 04, 2014 #4,959  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| NEW CME ARTICLE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE | |
We’ve just posted the January 2014 CME titled:
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January 2014 CME |
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $179 (Less than $13 per credit)
http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
LAST DAY TO VOTE
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Salon Workers Need Foot-Friendly Surfaces: CA Podiatrist
Our feet work hard. And hairdressers, like chefs, retail sales people, and all professionals who stand for several hours a day, put the strength and structural resiliency of the human foot to the extreme test. So, as a hairdresser, it is no wonder that your feet ache at the end of a long day, and that, after a decade or more of working in a salon, your ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows, and wrists all begin to feel the cumulative effects of this work. "I view the human foot as an undervalued masterpiece of engineering. Once you begin to see your feet this way, you may feel a bit more compassion for these complex, fragile and sensitive structures which are the foundation of our posture and our primary means of locomotion," says podiatrist Dr. Robert Joseph.
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Dr. Robert Joseph |
"Most likely, your salon has cement floors. If you’re lucky, a more forgiving surface has been laid over a cement base. Even hardwoods yield more to your weight than ubiquitous concrete. In any case, create a foot-friendly surface around your work-station with supportive gel-pads. These are available in many thicknesses, colors, sizes, and price-points," says Dr. Joseph.
Source: Anne Moratto, Modern Salon [1/2/14]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
A.M. Best Affirms Excellent Ratings of PICA
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa-" of ProAssurance Casualty Company, ProAssurance Indemnity Company, Inc., and ProAssurance Specialty Insurance Company, Inc. Along with these rating actions, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of "a" of Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA) and the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of "a-" of PACO Assurance Company, Inc. (PACO) (both headquartered in Nashville, TN), also subsidiaries of PRA. The outlook for these ratings remains stable. A.M. Best Company is an insurance rating and information source.
Source: Hispanic Business [1/1/14]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Don’t Say This
Scratch the phrase “Don’t take this personally” from your vocabulary. If you are dealing with people, you can’t ask them not to take something personally. Prefacing your comments like that immediately causes others to brace themselves and bring up their defenses. They likely won’t perceive anything you have to say as constructive—and they’ll either resist your advice or tune it out altogether. It’s better to start with something like, “I want to share some feedback with you regarding …”
Source: Communication Briefings [December 2013]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Hyperbaric Oxygen for Possible AVN of 1st Met Head?
My patient is a 65 year old female with a possible AVN of the first met head post-Austin osteotomy with screw fixation, now two months post-op. X-rays taken at one month showed a significant increase in lucency of the first met head, as well as some closing of the joint. Screws are in place and there are no positional changes noted. Physical exam shows no erythema, minimal post-op edema, and no pain. She was weight-bearing in a short leg cast for the first month, and is now non-weight-bearing.
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(L-R) 2 weeks post-op and 4 weeks post-op |
The literature is fairly sparse on treatment other than continued non-weight-bearing, time and possibly NSAIDs. The patient approached me about using hyperbaric oxygen as a treatment option. She is willing to buy an at-home chamber, but needs an Rx from me. I could find no studies regarding this application (hip and talus yes). Does anyone have some insight into the use of hyperbaric oxygen or any other treatment options for this condition. Any recommendations for further diagnostic tests would also be appreciated.
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Dorsal Night Splint Coding
Can I please get clarification on the proper code for a dorsal night splint? Is it L4396 - Static ankle foot orthosis, including soft interface material, adjustable for fit, for positioning, pressure reduction, may be used for minimal ambulation, pre-fabricated, includes fitting and adjustment or L1930 - AFO, plastic or other material, pre-fabricated, includes fitting and adjustment?
PM News Subscriber
Response: Many of the pre-fabricated devices may be used for both ambulatory purposes and/or night-time use; the coding is dependent on which use is primary. If the use of the device is as a night splint, the coding is L4396.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Richard Raabe, DPM
I agree that a single payer system would be more efficient and the administration costs would be decreased and maybe remuneration would be increased. Heck, the most efficient, most desirable, happier for all, form of government is a benevolent dictator. We would get rid of politicians (and their salaries), payoffs, graft, and at the same time get things DONE, quickly, efficiently, and probably cheaper and help the people…but, what if the next guy isn’t so nice. He would get things done and be more efficient - if it benefited himself. He would tell you what he wanted, and you better give it to him - or else, you’re gone. We complain about this or that insurance company paying podiatrists less or not at all.
What if this one payer system says “No Podiatry” at all in one signature by a politician or appointee? No, give me 30 insurance companies who are inefficient and money-grubbing. They are all competing for the almighty dollar, and if one of their rules is no podiatry, then the people will decide to go to another or not. The problem before Obamacare was only a limited choice of medical insurance companies per state. I think that is one of the few things I agree with in the Affordable Care Act.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLL) | |
RE: Would You Change Occupations if You Could? (Alan Sherman, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM
To those on the Titanic as it's sinking: Be happy you were in an exclusive group, and think about the great ride you had before the iceberg. To say you should compare the unhappiness of others to assuage your own unhappiness is ludicrous and furthering podiatric delusion. When you're in Hell, its little consolation that you're higher up because you're standing on someone else's shoulders who's unhappy too.
The point is, you're all in Hell! Most podiatrists would love to have the MDs' problems. Yeah, Donald Trump is unhappy because his yacht is only 200 feet long. That makes me more happy, doesn't it? Right. Podiatry can solve its problems, but the APMA and colleges refuse to acknowledge the weaknesses in the profession, ergo, the status quo, unfulfilled dreams, academic vacuousness, and a questionable future.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida. Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to:scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA, FL
Ethical business-minded practitioner to join a small growing group in the Tampa Florida area. Owner/Buy-In should be your goal. Must have strong marketing skills and be willing to get out into the community. You will need strong business development and practice management skills with willingness to research and bring new ideas to the table. Write to us and explain why you want to join our practice and what you have to offer. I will assume that you have strong surgical skills so please elaborate on other qualities. Send CV and Check our website www.thetampapodiatrist.com/. Emaildocmkatz@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA
Group practice seeking personable well trained podiatrist. ABPS Qualified/Certified. Must be motivated with excellent clinical, charting and surgical skills – comfortable with all aspects of podiatry including limb salvage and flatfoot reconstruction. Practice has all modern conveniences and experienced support staff. Send email of intent (subject: New Associate) with CV:1footassociate@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – HARRISBURG, PA
Advanced Podiatry is seeking a full-time podiatrist in a professional environment for all ages in the office and nursing homes. Applicants must be BC/BE in ABPM or ABPS. Advanced Podiatry is located in Harrisburg, PA. Position pays salary plus benefits. If interested call 717-657-5050 or email at lvgreerdpm@verizon.net.
PRECEPTORSHIP POSITION – NYC AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Position open immediately for New York City and surrounding areas. Must be motivated, personable and able to travel to several offices as need arises. This is an opportunity to work with and learn from several different podiatrists. Please respond with resume to: podiatry8888@yahoo.com.
PODIATRY OFFICE FOR RENT - STATEN ISLAND, NY
1000 square foot (approximate) office in large modern medical center. Good parking, public transportation, 36 years as a podiatry office. 5 exam rooms, business office, lab, reception room, bathroom, central air. Great layout. Designed for Podiatry/medical. Call 212 794 0089
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 DPMs 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $125 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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| 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.
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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
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prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
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