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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,238 Subscribers Daily
January 13, 2016 #5,576  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2016- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Should Dr. Scholl's be allowed to advertise "custom-fit orthotics"? |
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
There is a Rising Number of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Brunei Podiatrist
A total of 85 "initial patients" out of 400 visitors to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital’s Podiatry Unit from June to November 2015 were treated for diabetic foot ulcers. "Initial patients" refers to new cases or cases that have been treated and cured in the past but symptoms have returned. Dr. Norafizah Hj Zaine, a podiatrist specializing in the diabetic foot, said that this number will increase as the prevalence of diabetes increases in Brunei.
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Dr. Norafizah examines diabetic patient (Photo: James Hong) |
Citing the International Diabetes Federation: Diabetes Atlas Seventh Edition 2015, Dr. Norafizah said the national diabetes prevalence estimate in Brunei was 10.7 per cent of the population in 2010 and is expected to rise to 13.4 per cent by 2030.
Source: Julius Hong and Bandar Seri Begawan, The Brunei Times [1/12/16]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
UT Podiatrist Opens Foot Clinic
Canyon Foot and Ankle has opened in Spanish Fork, UT. With a "conservative-first" approach, Dr. Levi J. Berry works with each patient to find the best possible treatment.
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Dr. Levi Berry (with giant scissors) |
During his comprehensive residency training, Dr. Berry received certifications in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. He is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is board qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is on staff at Timpanogos Regional Hospital.
Source: Serve Daily [1/9/16]
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Alternatives When Faced with Disability
I'm a 59 year old practitioner in practice for 31 years and have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis came approximately one year ago. In the past year, I have stopped doing surgery, but have continued with and maintain a busy office-based practice. I actually feel better now than I have in years. While I enjoy practicing, I am losing my passion with my limitations. I would like to hear what others in my situation have done with sudden disability.
I am collecting on a small disability policy, which will sustain me until age 65 and allow me to continue practicing podiatry, but not surgery. What other avenues are there open to me within the profession and what are available outside the profession? I have always enjoyed my profession but am struggling and am lost with alternatives.
PS. If you do not have disability insurance, get it now !!
Name Withheld
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Waiver of Co-Pays
Medicare does not allow the routine waiver of co-pays and deductibles, but it my understanding that it doesn't say to what lengths we must go to collect. Is asking for the payment enough? Is one mailed statement enough? Also, I have read where a practitioner may forgive the co-payment in consideration of a particular patient's financial hardship; for example, patients seen in a group home or psychiatric setting. What would need to be done to prove financial hardship?
J. Lovejoy, Office of Charles Perry, DPM, Cambridge, OH
Response: This is right from the CMS Handbook:
"Providers must collect the unmet deductible and coinsurance from the patient. Consistently waiving these charges could be construed as program abuse. If the patient is unable to pay, you may ask him or her to sign a waiver outlining their financial hardship. If no waiver is signed, the patient's medical record should reflect that there were normal/reasonable attempts to collect from the patient prior to writing-off the charge."
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: The Importance of H.R. 3016
From: Evan Meltzer, DPM
I believe that all podiatrists should be aware that a very important bill is being considered by Congress. H.R. 3016, AKA the Provider Pay Equity Act has passed the House Veterans Affairs Committee and will hopefully be on the schedule for voting by the full House. If passed, it will bring the pay level of podiatrists working for the VA commensurate with physicians' pay in the VA. The Senate has several sponsors for their version of this bill if the House passes H.R.3016.
I urge all non-government podiatrists to write to their Congressional representatives in support of this bill (government employees cannot lobby Congress directly, but their spouses can!). If passed, this bill will, no doubt, have a trickle-down effect to other government agencies such as DOD, IHS, and the military.
Evan Meltzer, DPM, San Antonio, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH
I concur with Dr. Chaskin. Dr. Ross Taubman has personally picked up every one of my calls to him. Not only that, he did his due diligence and got back to me with answers to my questions personally. My hat is off to Dr. Taubman on a job well done. Ross is a breath of fresh air in our profession.
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS PM NEWS (QUICK POLLS) - PART 1A | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Dr. Forman's comment on the legal action brought by Dr. Weil is important. I suspect that many of us have not seen the actual kiosk at their local Walmart. If the Scholls "custom foot orthotics" were a matter of a person stepping on an electronic mat which then carved out an orthotic, Dr. Weil's lawsuit would be tossed out of court as being bogus. What Dr. Scholls is doing is having a person stand on a mat which then takes some measurements and recommends one of their pre-fabricated devices. They promote this as being "custom fit".
There is no semblance of customization with any of their off-the-shelf products. I hope that podiatry organizations in other states will follow what Dr. Weil is doing and initiate their own legal actions. The departments of consumer affairs in various states should also get involved.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS) - PART 1B | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
I congratulate Dr. Weil on bringing this suit. I notice in Dr. Forman's response though he changes the verbiage of his own statement. He first uses the words custom-fit orthotics and then asks how many podiatrists make custom orthotics in this manner. It appears to me the question revolves around the definition of custom fit vs. custom orthotics. Can a pre-fabricated device, if there are a few versions, qualify as a custom fit? I think this is the heart of the question that a jury will have to decide.
Other good points to bring up are whether the devices if custom can be dispensed without the patient/client being see by a doctor? Does Dr. Scholls enter into a doctor/patient relationship when the patient or consumer step onto the scan? What if the patient/customer picks out the wrong device and it causes harm? There is no question that I side with Dr. Weil and wish him the utmost luck in this endeavor. While, I am told associations cannot back him in the suit, I am wondering if individual podiatrists can?
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Ray Margiano, PhD
My name is Raymond Margiano, PhD, and I am the CEO and founder of Foot Solutions. My background includes over 30 years in the footwear and orthotic industry.
The comments about Foot Solutions from David T. Weiss are completely unfounded and not based on facts. We have a very unique model that has nothing to do with the lawsuit filed against Dr. Scholls and is nothing like Good Feet as well. Unlike Dr. Scholl’s or Good Feet, we absolutely make true custom orthotics and...
Editor's note: Dr. Mangano's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Dubbed Attacking Forward, is this the latest style in women's combat shoes? |
Source: WXY via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
FELLOWSHIP – DIABETIC FOOT & WOUND (TEXAS)
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2016. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to latonya.rosales@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
LIMB SALVAGE FELLOWSHIP – UCSF -SAN FRANCISCO
UCSF is currently accepting applications for its 12 month Limb Salvage fellowship beginning July 1, 2016. The Fellowship focuses on Research and advanced techniques in limb salvage. The fellow will receive: $60,000 salary and benefits with at least 1 fully funded conference to attend. Please submit a Letter of interest, CV, and 3 Letters of recommendation to: Alex Reyzelman, DPM, at alexander.reyzelman@ucsf.edu.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Multi doctor group has an associate position available to join our busy practice. Candidate must have a minimum PMSR/36 with RRA training. Our practice is extremely diversified with all aspects of podiatry including wound care. If you are well trained, outgoing, personable and would like to join our team, please e-mail a cover letter and your cv to joinourgroup2016@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - CALIFORNIA
Busy three office practice in Santa Cruz County, California seeking new associate. Must be BQ or BC. Full scope of patient care. Competitive salary, and health insurance. Come join us on the beautiful California coast. Please forward cover letter and CV to skyandellie@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
Well-established group practice in Ohio seeks a well-trained surgeon, PSR24/36. Our practice provides all of the latest technology needed to provide patients with the best care, including ultrasound, lasers, PAD testing, DME, EMR and digital x-ray. Competitive compensation package including salary base $120,000 and bonus. Please send CV to: DPMgroup1@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS - DALLAS SUBURBS
Seeking well rounded individual to join our well established, modern practice. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Very competitive salary with bonus structure and benefits. Early partnership opportunity for the right person. This is a rare opportunity. Please send letter of interest and CV to: Podiatrysbest@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Established practice seeking ethical, skilled, hard working associate in summer 2016. Must be BQ(or BC) ABFAS and 3 year residency trained. Competitive salary and benefits with bonus and early partnership opportunities. Should have strong interest in advanced wound care. Great location and community. Forward cover letter and CV to: scsoledocs@gmail.com.
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Available in busy three office practice Leading to Partnership. Position available for graduate in 2016. Two locations in Indianapolis and 1 location outside of Metro area. Competitive salary and benefit package including 401, profit sharing, Health insurance. Surgery Center Ownership Available If interested forward letter and resume to Imalament1@comcast.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY / NEW JERSEY
Highly ethical and motivated practitioner sought. Experienced, assertive, podiatric surgeon wanted. All aspects of forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery. Board qualified or certified. Please send C.V. tobunioncenter135@yahoo.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Eau Claire areas of Wisconsin. High earning potential with competitive benefits as part of a 40 year old company for the right candidates. Contact ckestner@preferredpodiatry.com for additional information.
PART-TIME PODIATRIST POSITION - NORTHEAST TEXAS
Incredible opportunity for an ethical, self-motivating individual. Part time position with clinic patients waiting to be seen. You pick the days and we will supply the patients. This is a great chance for supplemental income in an well established podiatry practice. Please send your CV to tw.dpfc@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details,click here or write to:bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where you can see 0-50 patients daily, average 100 new patients monthly, have zero accounts receivable, gross $440K per year, live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing and boating on your doorstep? Contact pistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – PENNSYLVANIA
Great opportunity for a new practitioner to step into a busy group practice with one doctor retiring. Practice is well established with a good mix of RFC, rearfoot and forefoot surgery, wound care, and diabetic foot care. Full EHR implementation. Practice is in a medical office building with many specialties providing an excellent referral base. Great small town to work in and raise a family. Approx 45 minutes to Baltimore Owner willing to finance and stay during transition. Contact: papodiatry616@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Practice available in a small town in Central Florida. Podiatrist retiring. Was full 4 day practice but now 2 days due to illness. Easily expanded. Same location over 30 years. Surgical and hospital privileges available but not required. Purchase equipment and assume patient care . Send inquiries to: DDave9388@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Happy New Year! Owner desires to sell and transition from practice. Practice open full-time, recently implemented EHR and attested for MU Stage 1. Approximately one mile from newly constructed hospital. Opportunity to grow surgical volume and patient base. Priced to sell. Contact: Mike Crosby at MCrosby518@gmail.com.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details,click here or write to:bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. 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.
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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