|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,674 Podiatrists Daily
January 08, 2014 #4,962  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
|
| EDITOR'S NOTE | |
Advance Notice - PM News will not be publishing from January 13-17th.
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Obamacare Means CA Podiatrist Can't Afford to See Himself
Under the affordable care act, podiatric surgeon, Dr. Michael Fishman of Los Alamitos, said he can no longer afford himself. Fishman’s patients were covered under PPO health insurance, but under the new restrictions under the Affordable Care Act some plans have been dropped, including the services provided by Dr. Fishman, which are no longer covered.
 |
|
Dr. Michael Fishman |
Fishman tells McIntyre in the Morning on KABC, that insurance companies dropped certain services; including Dr. Fishman’s, to still be able to make a profit themselves. “Once they did that, I received a letter in the mail that they are no longer providing our plans, but we can buy a new plan for around three times the price,” said Fishman. “With a deductible that is literally twice the amount.” Fishman said he fears that he will lose patients who are on PPOs because the provider network is also cut down.
Source: KABC [1/6/14]
|
|
| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MI Podiatrist Joins Staff at Advanced Center for Orthopedics
James W. Gallagher, DPM has joined the staff of Advanced Center for Orthopedics (ACO) in Marquette. A podiatrist who specializes in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders, Gallagher joins ACO's surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle program. He had practiced at Great Lakes Podiatry for the past 24 years, having completed his residency at the Hutzel Hospital, Detroit Medical Center.
 |
|
Dr. James W. Gallagher |
Dr. Gallagher received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State University. He is a board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is the only Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine practicing in the Upper Peninsula.
Source: The MiningJournal [1/6/14]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
TX Podiatrist Provides Healthy Foot Challenge to Seniors
Podiatrist Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour is encouraging all senior citizens and their caregivers to take part in the 2014 Healthy Foot Challenge. The challenge is aimed at raising awareness about the increasing need to practice proper foot care as a person ages. Complications from vascular disease that affect the feet are more common among the elderly, but preventative care outlined in the challenge can greatly reduce the problems associated with such diseases.
 |
|
Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour |
LaMour noted that January was the ideal time to launch the Healthy Foot Challenge. At the New Year, people are actively evaluating how they can create healthier habits. We wanted to use that opportunity to put focus on the importance of foot care for our elderly population. "We are dedicating the entire month of January to discussing and addressing these issues," says LaMour.
Source: Tutorial Finder [1/6/14]
|
|
| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
Growth in U.S. Health Spending Continues at Historically Slow Rate
New federal estimates show that U.S. health spending growth continued to grow at a historically low rate in 2012 even as the economy rebounded. The overall economy grew significantly faster than healthcare spending, which declined as a share of the nation's gross domestic product to 17.2% from 17.3% the prior year.
In the fourth straight year of slow growth, national health spending in 2012 increased 3.7%, while the overall economy, continuing its rebound from the Great Recession, grew 4.6%, according to newly released estimates by economists and statisticians at the CMS. Health spending as a percentage of GDP declined by 0.8%, CMS' data show. The last time such a decline occurred was 1997, said Aaron Catlin, a deputy director of the CMS National Health Statistics Group, on a call with reporters Monday announcing the figures.
Source: Melanie Evans, Modern Healthcare [1/6/14]
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Cast Re-application
I recently treated a young girl for a fracture with application of a below-the-knee non-weightbearing cast. Three days after the cast was applied, she tried to scratch an itch with a drumstick (the musical kind, not the chicken kind), and broke the drumstick off underneath the cast late at night, causing pain. She was referred to the emergency room which removed the cast, and the following day, presented to my office for re-application of another below-the-knee non-weight-bearing cast.
Are there any special codes to indicate to the insurance why the cast was removed after only 3 days and then re-applied? Do I simply still bill the cast application code as I did on the original claim?
David E Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN
Response: Presuming you billed for a fracture code, the initial procedure includes the cast, and therefore the initial application should not be reported.
The re-application of the cast is a subsequent application of a non-weight-bearing below-the-knee case which is billable as CPT 29405-58.
Walter Pedowitz, MD, Linden, NJ
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Don Peacock, DPM
The x-ray displays the optical illusion of avascular necrosis. The lack of pain will benefit your treatment plan. The factual conclusion is this is not a true AVN, but delayed healing due to partial vascular compromise. Presumably, the screw fixation has compromised the circulatory supply of the metatarsal in consort with soft tissue compromise in the lateral metatarsal head. The first thing you should do is remove the screw fixation with ensuing placement in a CAM walker weight-bearing and have the patient use a bone simulator. Splint the hallux in an over-corrected position. The bone healing is still in the plasticity stage, so take advantage of this to re-establish the correction.
It is improbable that this will result in a significant post-operative complication. The blood supply should return to the metatarsal head. I advise against using NSAIDs since they may retard bony healing. Hyperbaric oxygen will not help in this case.
I have viewed similar x-ray findings when I used absorbable fixation. These days, I mostly use minimally invasive surgery to correct bunion deformities utilizing a metatarsal head osteotomy which keeps the lateral cortex intact. In doing so, it is unlikely that AVN or compromised healing will occur. Most 1st metatarsal AVNs are caused by soft tissue damage and/or fixation which compromises the circulatory supply. Remember, Austin obtained no AVN or non-union in his 1,200 case paper. Also, he did not fixate the osteotomy.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Ira Weiner, DPM
Being certified in hyperbaric medicine, I can tell you, unfortunately, it will likely not be of any use. A leg chamber would not do any good either. Hyperbarics requires at least 2 ATM of pressure on the entire body in order to work and would be of little use in this case since the blood supply is likely compromised to the bone. Since AVN is not a reimbursable diagnosis, it would not be covered by her carrier and would likely be denied. If there is a facility in your area, she could try it on a cash basis, and it would require at least 20 treatments.
|
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLL) | |
From: Billie Bondar, DPM
Here are my questions regarding podiatrists getting dropped from networks: Which networks are doing this to our profession? What is the reason for it given to the provider, and did you attempt to appeal a termination status per the network? In what geographic area of the country is this affecting podiatrists? How do podiatrists intend to deal with the lack of private insurance patients? Is this occurring with other areas of medicine as well, and how are they addressing it? Why did APMA not give insight to this with all of the areas of important subjects that our elective board members are to address? It seems APMA has disappointed its members with lack of information involved with this subject. Why did this happen?
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
|
|
|
| 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
HOME FOOT CARE, INC. – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Be part of the fastest growing podiatric house call company on the West Coast! We need motivated, honest, caring podiatrists to treat our growing network of home patients located in the greater LA area. Flexible hours, independence and great compensation! If interested, send CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com. Check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Non-surgical associate wanted for busy Central Florida practice. Duties to include palliative care, diabetic foot care, wound care and minor office procedures. Competitive salary plus incentives, malpractice insurance, health insurance, fees and dues, are covered. Please reply to footcareforyou@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 - OHIO
Group practice in Ohio seeks a well-trained surgeon, PSR24/36 preferred. Our practice provides all of the latest technology needed to provide patients with the best care, including Lasers, PAD Testing, DME, EMR and Digital X-ray. Competitive compensation package including salary and bonus. Please send CV to: DPMgroup1@yahoo.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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Corsicana Foot and Ankle is seeking an PSR-24 associate with possible future partnership. Brand new state-of-the-art facility, one hour south of Dallas, complete with EMR, digital x-ray, PADnet, ultrasound and hospital privileges. Competitive salary with benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to footdoc3143@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBANY, NEW YORK
Exciting opportunity to join a busy, growing and progressive practice with great support staff. Need someone well qualified, motivated, ethical, and personable. Very competitive salary with bonuses. Please email cover letter and CV to Kfriedman@albanypodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.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
PODIATRY OFFICE FOR RENT IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
Open your own practice or become an associate. Turnkey Podiatry offices available for lease in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey, Start-of-the-art equipment. Full support, staff, advertising and management is available as an option. Send email to FootComfort@outlook.com or call 917 284-5096
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 one week (5x) 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.
|
| 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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
