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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,830 Podiatrists Daily
January 14, 2015 #5,269  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- 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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How many hospitals do you have admitting privileges at? |
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
Scholl College Student Leaders Recognized
Third-year students at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL, were honored for their leadership as Designated Student Leaders at a special luncheon in December.
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Han Nguyen, Joel Ang, Brittany Lang, Craig Wirt, Jillian Jadzak, Dr. Neil L. Horsley, Sara Zaidi, Blair Hendershot, Mary Cobb-Hubert, Sheela Chockalingam, Rebecca Burmeister, and Daniel Hallman. |
The students provide leadership and classroom coordination for their peers in the Biomechanics and Surgery Capstones. Each student was presented a certificate and token of appreciation by Dr. Neil Horsley, Chair of the Department of Podiatric Surgery and Applied Biomechanics.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
Hockey Background Led MI Podiatrist into Sports Medicine
As a native Canadian, it’s probably natural that Dr. Darryl Martins is a lifelong hockey lover. In fact, he even played junior hockey and was on his university’s team while an undergraduate student in Toronto. Martins first became interested in foot and ankle issues because in hockey, foot and ankle injuries are common, he said. And with sports medicine being his special passion, his goal is to get people who suffer sports injuries “active and free and able to do what they want to do.”
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Dr. Darryl Martins (Photo: Bashar Alshabi) |
Martins was born and raised in Toronto and received his undergraduate degree in kinesiology from York University. He earned his podiatric medical degree at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia and did his residency at Kaiser Permanente and Providence hospitals in Los Angeles. He is board-certified in diabetic limb salvage and preservation, by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: Sue Van Fleet, The Daily Telegram [1/12/15]
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| PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE | |
PA Podiatrist's License Suspended for Violation of the Domestic Relations Code
The Department of State took disciplinary actions against 23 licensed or commissioned professionals and organizations in the midstate in December, Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele announced. Among them was Dr. Fredric A. Malmberg of York, who was suspended immediately by the Board of Podiatry for a violation of the domestic relations code in York County.
Source: John Hilton, Central Pennsylvania Business Journal [1/12/15]
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
1 In 4 New Doctors Would Change Careers If They Could Start Over
Even as doctors enter a medical field with more paying patients under the Affordable Care Act and unprecedented numbers of job opportunities, 25 percent of “newly trained physicians” would still choose another field if they could, according to a new analysis. More than 60 percent of doctors-in-training who were in the final year of their medical residency last year received at least 50 job solicitations during their training, according to a survey by physician staffing firm MerrittHawkins. Another 46 percent received at least 100 job solicitations.
The 2015 survey of residents in their final year of medical residency, which tallied more than 1,200 responses last year from a sampling of 24,000, indicates that young doctors are ready to enter a world of “9 to 5” employment rather than launching their own private practice. More than 90 percent said they preferred employment with a salary rather than an “independent practice income guarantee.
Source: Bruce Japsen, Forbes [1/11/15]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
RE: Stenosing Tenosynovitis?
A 49 year old female patient has been suffering with plantar foot pain for approximately 3 years. She has bilateral pain that seems to run deep along the plantar surface of the foot. The pain gets worse as the day goes by. She does not have classic plantar fasciitis, and the pain is most pronounced in the arch area, distal to the heel, and extending to the metatarsal heads. No focal pain is elicited with palpation. MRIs were ordered which demonstrated tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons. No plantar fibromas were seen. We considered tarsal tunnel syndrome, as she did have some radiating pain along the medial ankle as well. But we have sent her for 3 neuro work-ups and all have come back completely negative for both PT nerve impingement and for small fiber disease.
She is a healthy lady who used to exercise regularly before the foot pain. She has no other known problems except for Raynaud's phenomenon. She has no history of trauma. She tried arch supports (custom and accommodative) and reports that they did not help, and even found that the harder arch supports made the pain worse. I tried a steroid injection to the tarsal tunnel, and she reported only a few hours of relief. After reviewing the literature, I think this may be a stenosing tenosynovitis that is restricting the motion of the flexor tendons, causing her to develop pain. Short of fileting open the plantar surface of both feet, does anyone have any ideas about what might be causing this, or how to treat stenosis of these flexor tendons?
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Medicare: *-59* Modifier - Allowed or Not?
I have heard conflicting advice regarding being able to use the "-59" modifier with Medicare. Are we allowed to use it only under certain circumstances or at our discretion or not at all?
Andrew Resler, DPM, New Windsor, NY
Response: Well, you have to meet the criteria for the use of modifier "-59" in order to use it in the first place. If another modifier -- for example modifier "-51" or "-76" - appropriately describe the special circumstances, then you shouldn't be using modifier "-59" at all. But if your question had to do with using modifier "-59" instead of the new "X" modifiers, then, yes, at this point in time, you can use EITHER "-59" or the applicable "X" modifiers.
I'm telling my clients to stick with modifier "-59" until CMS comes out with better clarification for how the "X" modifiers should be used. That transmittal last year was confusing and in some cases, redundant (meaning it looked like they were telling you that two of the 4 modifiers could apply to the same kind of situation). I'd hate to start using the "X" modifiers only to find out that CMS meant something entirely different by the definitions for some or all of them. Essentially, the most conservative way to go is to stick with modifier "-59" until CMS tells you that "-59" can no longer be used. Hopefully, by that time, they'll have figured out what they really want to accomplish with the "X" modifiers and will have done a better job of communicating their intent to the provider community.
Joan Gilhooly, CPC, CPCO, Lebanon, OH
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: Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM
Regarding Dr. Rees’ statement that Medicare was the worst paying insurance in the early days, like Dr. Weil, Sr., I was there too. He sure was one of my best students of x-ray interpretation in the classrooms and clinics at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine! Please take a walk with me into that past.
At that time, Medicare paid on what it called, the "Reasonable Charge" basis. This name was later changed to "Usual and Customary." All physician charges for every CPT (HCPCS) code in every geographic Medicare locale were tabulated, and Medicare based its maximum allowances at 80% of the 75th percentile of charges minus the...
Editor's note: Dr. Rubin's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) | |
From: James Koon, DPM
I have been using Dragon Medical Dictate for 3 years now. It helps. It doesn't get it all right every time, but you learn what it will do and what it won't do. You learn to speak to it. You learn how to get out of it what you need. Like anything, it has its learning curve. It works well with our EHR (MacPractice MD) and probably will with most every program. What it affords me is the ability to have individualized notes. While there are certain instances where pull-down macros can still be used at various parts of the documentation, most all of the narrative is just that - no canned notes.
Does it save me time? Yes. Is it worth it? To me, yes. Is it going to make it to where you simply speak into the microphone and voilà! Everything is beautiful and perfect? No.
James Koon, DPM, Winter Haven, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1 | |
From: Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM
Congratulations to Bob Hilkemann on his election to the Nebraska Sate Legislature. It is great to see my classmates making a difference in our lives.
Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM, Buffalo, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2 | |
From: Ron Freireich, DPM
This past weekend, I finished reading The One Thing by Gary Keller. In Chapter 17, The Four Thieves, he describes The Four Thieves of Productivity, the fourth one being Environment Doesn't Support Your Goals. He defines your Environment as “who you see and what you experience everyday.” He further states “Anyone and anything at anytime can become a thief, diverting your attention away from your most important work and stealing your productivity right from under your nose.”
CMS and private insurances companies are diverting our attention away from our most important work, which we have...
Editor's note: Dr. Freireich's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 3 | |
From: Neil H Hecht, DPM
According to the article reported in PM News, it appears as if Stage 2 of Meaningful Use is a massive failure. If 96% of the “eligible professionals” have not yet attested as of December 1, 2014 and 55% “do not plan to attest”, it would seem that MU2 has completely failed in its efforts to improve our practice of medicine. After all, it is “meaningful”, no?
So, because we are supposed to practice “evidence-based medicine”, should not CMS also practice some “evidence-based” engagements with its direction of our practices? i.e.: if 96% of the doctors haven’t attested, isn’t that evidence enough of the failure of MU2 as a program? On the other hand, if paranoia permits, is this just the governmental plan to pay us less and less until we leave Medicare or medical practice altogether? Comments?
Neil H Hecht, DPM, Tarzana, CA
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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The shoe preferred by "slip and fall" attorneys? |
Source: dogonews
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS | |
SPACE AVAILABLE – CHICAGO
Seeking motivated podiatrist who wants to be successful for large multidisciplinary healthcare facility. Please email WestLoop@SportsInjuryCenters.com or call 312.346.WELL"
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
30 year old general podiatry practice. State-of-the-art medical suite renovated 4 years ago Modern equipment, prime location, large physician referral base, full hospital privileges. No house calls, nursing homes or hospital ER call. Established patient base and unique opportunity for surgically-oriented podiatrist in the Berkshires (Western MA) Priced to sell and will transition, if desired. Additional info best achieved via conversation. Contact: dross@albany.twcbc.com or cross12@nycap.rr.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN JOSE, CA
Podiatry and Mani Pedi Spa Practice for sale. Located on the campus of Good Samaritan Hospital for 7 years with a strong Brand Name and internet presence. This mostly cash practice consists of office based Podiatry care plus Manicures, Pedicures, and Skin Care with a fully trained staff. The sale includes a modern office with four treatment rooms, patient’s lists on EMR, web site and a Pinpoint Foot Laser. This is a “turn-key” practice with15 to 20 patients coming in every day. Ready for full-time expansion. Email: schrisdpm@sbcglobal.net Website: www.NeatFeetPlus.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS/FT WORTH MID-CITIES
This practice has been a satellite location and is growing more than we can staff it. Grosses $100,000 on less than one day per week. Will consider selling the practice assets on an individual basis.Tammi@AshtonPodiatry.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - GEORGIA
Metro Atlanta area in Powder Springs and Roswell, GA. Established practices for more than 30 yrs available for sale, together or independently. Medium-size podiatry practice looking to downsize and these two practices are immediately available. All equipment offered with purchase. Current physician and staff will assist with transition for a successful acquisition, if desired. 3 yr gross annual averages are: $645k combined, $352k Roswell, $293k Powder Springs. Both of these locations have been open part time, but are busy practices with the patient demand for growth. Leases assumable in both locations, real estate purchase opportunity in Roswell available, if desired. Serious Inquiries only. KLBouchard@aafccpc.com or 770-255-0422.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - NEUROGENIX 4000PRO
Like new, lightly used. Console, pads, start kit & instructions manual. Amazing results on DPN and other neuropathies. Asking $9,000 OBO new over $ 18,000 Kevin K. Lam, DPM Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR MULTI-FUNCTION LASER
Q-Clear Laser Multi-function laser, FDA-cleared Fungus Toenails, and Warts. Less than three years old. Excellent condition, includes training certification and marketing materials. e-mail Footcare@comcast. net
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MULTIPLE ITEMS
PADNET $14,000 OBO Cost $28,000, Autoclave Ritter/MidmarkM 9 $2,000, Fluoroscan Premier Purchased used 1 year ago $20,000. Email Tajranier@aol.com
TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE
Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2015. The Fellowship includes advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org
DIABETIC FOOT AND WOUND FELLOWSHIP – DALLAS, TX
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. 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 amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOME FOOT CARE, INC.-GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
Join the fastest growing podiatric house call company on the West coast! Part/full time, we schedule around you & your area, EMR, electronic billing, payment monthly, excellent road support staff. great for new graduates, semi-retired, building own practice, or anyone looking to make extra income. email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee 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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHEASTERN PA
General and surgical podiatry practice providing comprehensive patient care with hospital privileges available. Must be surgically trained. Send letter and CV to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Full Time position for someone who is motivated, and enjoys all aspects of podiatry. Must be board qualified. Great office with wonderful staff, EHR, Digital x-ray, and much more. Salary plus bonus. Email Resume: NJfootdr722@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY-NJ-PA TRI-STATE AREA
Orange County NY, Milford PA and Sparta NJ. 60 miles north of NYC. Terrific opportunity. Practice that has strong business operations, experienced support staff, exceptional customer service, is positioned well for changing healthcare and has an excellent reputation. Great schools and fantastic areas for families. (PMSR RRA cert) required. Generous salary, incentive bonus/benefits. Partnership opportunity. Serious inquires only. Summer 2015. Please email letter of intent, CV to footfracture@gmail.com
FULL-TIME PODIATRIC SURGEON - PROVIDENCE VA
Providence VA Medical Center is seeking a full-time Foot/Ankle Surgeon (Board Certified/Board Eligible) to practice in Podiatric Surgical Section. Expected to work in an integrated health care delivery system with focus in both inpatient/outpatient. Responsibilities: working in a multidisciplinary clinic setting with large patient volumes, teaching students, resident and fellows, performing foot and ankle surgery, rotating on-call responsibility and tan active role in both academic/research programs. Benefits package includes 5 weeks vacation, up to 5% matching on 401(k) type plan, free parking, and a competitive salary scale. Up to $157,000 salary. Send resume to: Michele.Gilbault@va.gov
ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Well established high volume Podiatric Surgical practice seeking associate to join 4 doctor/2 office opportunity. Excellent salary plus incentives and great benefits. All Board Certified Fellow Podiatric Surgeons highly respected in the medical community. Prefer forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgical trained practitioners only. Please email CV and references to medical 622@aol.com. If you are seeking a position in July 2015 when you finish your residency, this is an opportunity you should investigate.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA
Atlanta and surrounding counties. Immediate opening in established, multi-location, large group practice with access to multiple ancillary services including surgery centers, vascular and others. Seeking board eligible/certified, PSR-36 trained podiatrist with experience in foot and ankle trauma, diabetic wound care and reconstruction. Must be personable, self-motivated and hard-working. Spanish speaking preferred. Georgia medical license required. Please e-mail your CV to dfell@vpcenters.com or fax to (404) 446-1957.
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. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to: scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Busy Podiatry Practice in New Jersey with 3 offices looking for full time associate starting July 1 2015. Salary plus incentive offered. Please -email resume to: njpodiatrists@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FORT WORTH, TX
25-year-old practice is seeking a personable, hard-working, self-motivated individual looking to practice in Fort Worth Texas. Candidate must be board qualified/certified by ABFAS. Office is state-of-the-art offering EMR, digital x-ray and orthotics, ultrasound, multiple lasers. Full-service opportunity including pediatrics, DME, wound care, hospital consultation, surgery center membership opportunities, pharmacy ownership opportunity, ancillary income opportunity. In MS Word format, Please email resume/CV, photo and References to gbeededpm@sbcglobal.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAVANNAH, GA
Practice serving Savannah and the Low Country seeking a second, full or part-time Board-eligible/certified podiatrist. Practice has solid patient and physician referral base. Surgery, general podiatry, wound care and specializing in diabetic foot care. Service area nursing homes. Superior Medical Assistants, Scribe, scheduling, administrative support and EMR technology. Income guarantee the first two years with bonus potential. Offer generous benefit package and moving allowance. Great opportunity for highly motivated and ethical professional, with excellent patient skills. Bilingual ability a plus. Send CV and location to U.W. Plummer at antiochmedicalassociates@yahoo.com. For additional information contact U.W. Plummer at 912-927-8011.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NJ - MORRIS COUNTY
31 year old established, respected office with 4 DPMs. Large referral base from PCPs, Vascular, Peds and Orthopedists. A well-rounded hospital and surgical center based podiatry practice encompassing all aspects of foot and ankle care. Large number of new patients weekly, solid surgical schedule. Large modern office with digital x-rays and EMR. Involved with residency program. Looking for a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking serious associates only leading to partnership. Must have PMSR/RRA or equivalent training. Very competitive compensation package. Starting July 2015. Please email CV and references to Northnjpod1@gmail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 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 16,000 DPMs. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com 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.
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