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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,239 Subscribers Daily
January 29, 2016 #5,589  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 | |
FINAL CHANCE TO VOTE
Quick Poll
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Do you use diagnostic ultrasound in your practice? |
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| PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN CAUSES | |
IFAF Sponsors Yucatan Mission
The International Foot & Ankle Foundation for Education and Research (IFAF) helps sponsor several trips to the Yucatan for the Barry University's Yucatan Crippled Children's Project. This last trip included two full days of complex reconstructive surgery on 10 patients at the Mexican Orthopedic Red Cross Hospital, Directed by Adolfo Rocha Geded, MD, and a clinic day of evaluations of new children with lower extremity deformities, follow-up evaluations of previous surgeries, and treatment of several patients with foot and ankle problems for a total of 82 patients.
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Back row: Drs. Todd Chappell, Chad Seidenstricker, Keith Kashuk, Dock Dockery, Byron Hutchinson, Craig Clifford, Jose Martinez (Project Coordinator); Alejandro Cabrera Burgos (Clinic Director); Dr. Ralph Ramos; and Ravinder Reddy, DPM Front row: Drs. Mathew Johnstone, Larissa Rolin, Jody Brown; and Mario Vargas (Interpreter) |
The Seattle Team consisted of Drs. Dock Dockery (Team Leader), Byron Hutchinson (Senior Surgeon), Craig Clifford (Faculty Surgeon), Todd Chappell (St. Francis Hospital Resident), and Chad Seidenstricker (Swedish Hospital Resident).
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
IL Podiatrist Discusses Winter Footwear
Dr. Ryan Holmbeck, a podiatrist at Ankle N Foot Centers – which has five clinics across Chicago and its suburbs – said the right winter footwear is essential to one's overall health. "Keeping your feet dry in the winter months is perhaps even more important than keeping your feet dry in other seasons," Holmbeck said. "Cold, wet feet in winter months can lead to serious problems."
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Dr. Ryan Holmbeck |
For one, he said, chilly, moist feet can cause frostbite -- especially in those with diabetes. In addition, the cool, damp environment inside boots is perfect for fungal growth. This can infect the skin and lead to athlete's foot, or target the nails and cause thick discoloration. These infections are often difficult, costly and time-consuming to treat. They can also lead to bacterial infections of the feet or nails.
Source: Ryan Holmbeck, Daily Herald [1/26/16]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Twice a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
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Today's featured article |
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Gout-Like Symptoms Unresponsive to Therapy
A 64 year old white male who is a liver transplant patient and on multiple anti-rejection drugs was seen in my office with a painful red, hot, swollen left foot with the symptoms concentrating along the left 1st MPJ. He states that he had gout 10 years ago. He takes allopurinol 300mg. X-rays were negative for any bony destruction around the left 1st MPJ.
We treated him for acute gout with a cortisone injection (1x) and colchicine 0.6mg po x 3 days. He was provided an Unna boot application which was repeated 2-3x over a 10 day period until his edema, pain, and redness resolved. He was negative for a DVT. He healed uneventful on the left foot until he presented with the same problem on the right foot and he was treated the same way, but has not...
Editor's note: This extended-length query can be read here.
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: CPT 97597 and an E/M Code
Is it possible to bill CPT 97597 (selective debridement) of an ulcer along with an E/M code with a "-25" modifier? The debridement keeps getting denied. For example,
CPT 99212-25 ICD-10 M20.41 (other hammertoe(s) (acquired), right foot)
CPT 97597 ICD-10 L97.512
[L97.512: non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of right foot with fat layer exposed]
Pamela Eernisse, DPM, Chicago, IL
Response: Yes, you can bill the visit with a "-25" modifier on the same visit as a CPT 97597 - but be sure you meet the requirements of using a "-25" modifier. The "-25" indicates that the visit is significantly separate and identifiable from the procedure performed on the same day. A good way of making sure that your documentation supports both is to remove all documentation relating to the debridement.
Do you still have the history, exam, and medical decision-making (or any 2 of these 3 on an established patient visit) documented at a level to support the office visit code you want to bill? Do you clearly show the medical necessity of the visit, which is completely different from the history, exam, and medical decision-making? If so - then use the "-25" modifier - but I do not recommend automatically appending the "-25" modifier on codes just to get them paid.
Don Self, Don Self & Associates, Inc. Whitehouse, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Gerald Mauriello, Jr., DPM
Well said, Dr. Kass. The time is now. Our leadership must step up, create a viable, legal, and clear pathway to a DO/MD for practicing podiatrists and current students. In order for us to survive, we must step up and close this gap. This is the next logical and necessary step we must take as we continue to evolve from the chiropodist to physician. I will put my money where my mouth is and volunteer to create a group to get this done. Join me. Frankly, I'm tired of this debate; it's time to do, or do not. I say, let's do. These are exciting times. Let's not get bogged down in the quagmire that is negativity, but instead focus on the opportunity.
Gerald Mauriello, Jr., DPM, NY, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1 | |
From: Alan Sherman, DPM
Congratulations to two of the most talented executives working in the field of podiatry today, on their new collaboration, and to their respective companies. Ross Taubman and Bret Ribotsky have each made lasting and meaningful contributions to our field already, and their new collaboration, just announced in PM News yesterday, promises to facilitate and elevate the profession’s discussion on industry, risk management, and practice management issues.
Alliance partnerships, where the various professional associations and institutions in podiatry help them further each other’s particular goals, helps the entire profession succeed and grow, and generally costs nothing to do. It’s a healthy trend that we at PRESENT actively support with our own Alliance Partners program. Kudos to Taubman and Ribotsky…and best of luck to their companies on this worthwhile cooperative project.
Alan Sherman, DPM, CCMEP, Boca Raton, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Chuck Ross, DPM
Kudos to both PICA and Dr. Ribotsky for having the foresight to join together. This can only enhance both entities and provide an improved educational opportunity for the profession. Best wishes for continued success to both organizations.
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2A | |
From: Robert Boudreau, DPM
“We cannot move forward in the new healthcare era as podiatrists with a limited license to practice" - Sev Hrywnak, DPM, MD
Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't the PA (Physicians ASSISTANT) yet another "Limited License"? Who came up with this ridiculous idea? I'd like to offer other "Limited License" degree selections: DPM-DG dog groomer, DPM-BC barber college, DPM-SS salon stylist (and with additional training HC &P hair coloring and perms), DPM-LS legal secretary (or with a fellowship, DPM-LA legal assistant). Or better yet, just apply to nursing school, get your RN degree, and get additional training to be a nurse practitioner, DPM-FNP.
Perhaps many would want to earn additional degrees as some already have, producing Joe Insecure, DPM, BC, SS, HC&P, FNP. The problem with that is, those are all still LIMITED LICENSES. Here is my suggestion: If one wants to pursue an MD degree, apply to medical school, get accepted, work hard, and earn an MD degree. Don't bring the whole profession down by offering physicians ASSISTANT degrees.
Robert Boudreau, DPM, Tyler, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2B | |
From: John Martucci, BS
A new program (DPM-MD) or attaining or changing to an MD degree should not be a goal for podiatrists. Training has evolved greatly in the past decades, and while some federal and state laws can't keep up, podiatry should continue to progress. The profession should recognize and be proud of the strides podiatric medical training has made and continues to make. While an "MD" degree may look impressive on a resume, it does not ensure a level of expertise, training, and passion. I’m not convinced that this would lead to parity, but am confident that it would create a divide in a profession known for great unity. Proven expertise and training by podiatry's best should serve as examples to all medical practitioners and lawmakers, that the letters "DPM" are not representative of an archaic practice any longer, but a group of experts on the forefront of modern medicine.
As a current student, I study the same basic medical courses and will complete similar clinical rotations as my MD counterparts. In my opinion, there is no need to re-train and re-invest in another degree, and no future DPM student should have to do so. The foundation is here and is being built to best prepare and educate today’s DPMs for modern medicine. With the addition of DPM-MDs and more dual-degrees (DPM, MD), podiatry will be further complicated. Why devalue and desert a degree that alone is gaining great value and recognition each day?
John Martucci, BS, Podiatric Medical Student, Philadelphia, PA
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Worn by a shady lady? |
Source: Joaney Korevaar via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE TO BUY - FLORIDA
Are you looking to retire soon? experienced podiatrists looking to buy our first established practice, with great potential in the state of Florida. Open to any financing options. Your patients will be in excellent hands. Contact: sunshinefootdr@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET SYSTEM
Padnet System for Sale: $5,500. Complete system. The computer has been erased and it’s software updated by Padnet. I will include the rolling stand as well if the purchaser wants to pay the shipping or pick it up on the west coast of Florida. Contact: venicefootclinic@comcast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - MASSACHUSETTS - BOSTON SUBURBS
Established 25 yr old fulltime practice for sale. Owner preparing to retire. EMR in place with fully integrated system. Full range of services. High volume office with surgery component. Owner will transition for 6 months. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
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 – NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Established 30 year old practice for sale or for partnership with buy-in. Fully equipped modern upscale office. All the newest technology, including laser, diagnostic ultrasound, digital x-ray, and EMR System. Fully trained experienced staff. Contact drfoot44@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 2- ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE WANTED - WESTERN NY/PA
Busy multi-location practice seeks personable energetic hardworking podiatrist. Come utilize the full extent of your Podiatric training! Competitive salary, bonus, and partnership. NY/PA license required. Send CV to: jhs.podiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Seeking an associate to join our practice now or summer who is ethical, skilled, hard working, personable to join our team. Candidate must have a minimum PMSR/36 with RRA training. Must be BC or BQ. Open also to already established seasoned podiatrist. Email to: novapodjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - SOUTHWEST, FL
Associate position: now or July '16: must be BC or BQ by ABFAS, ability to work independently on complex cases. Hospital rounds, ER calls, great work ethic, team players needed. Fellowship experience preferred, not mandatory. LOI, LOR from director, CV. great salary + bonus, partnership buy-in. Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS
High Income Potential. One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a hard-working podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish-speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare123@gmail.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.
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 – MANHATTAN
Well-established practice on Park Avenue seeking long-term associate with good social and clinical skills. ACFAS Board Certification or Qualification with podiatric medical and surgical experience necessary. EHR and ICD-10 a must. No residents please. Please email CV and cover letter to healthyfeetny@gmail.com or fax to 212-889-6150.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA, PA
Philadelphia podiatry practice is looking for part-time to full time podiatrist to work 2-3 days per week. Multiple clinics and recovery centers. Someone already credentialed with local insurances, if not we will work to get you on as many plans as possible. Compensation package with bonus structure. Please submit CV to smithmedicalpc@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.
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.
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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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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