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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 23,047 Subscribers Daily
February 04, 2021 #6,879  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2021- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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Should podiatry present itself as a profession or a medical specialty?
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
Building Strength and Flexibility Reduces Running Injuries: NC Podiatrist
Foot health is a topic that matters to every runner. Foot injuries tend to be among the most common injuries for runners. Why? Studies show that the ground impacts forces two to three times our body weight. That is a lot of stress. "One of the things that is overlooked by many runners is strength and flexibility of the foot," says Bill Johncock, DPM.
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Dr. Bill Johncock |
"If there is not good strength and flexibility, the chances of injury are much higher. One of the things I recommend is the mobo board. I use it myself to help strengthen my foot," says Dr. Johncock.
Source: Andi and Zach, AtoZRunning Podcast [2/1/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
HS Football Injury Inspired Career of PA Podiatrist
When Jared Cicero, DPM was a junior at Pottsville Area High School, he broke his ankle playing football in the state championship game. The difficult experience, however, would help direct his life. The medical care Cicero received inspired him to pursue a career as a podiatrist.
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Dr. Jared Cicero (photo: David McKeown) |
On July 1, Dr. Cicero, 30, started work at Integrated Surgical Specialists’ office in East Norwegian Township, following a three-year residency at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to his residency, he earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2017 from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.
Source: Christine Lee, Republican-Herald [1/31/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2 | |
TN Podiatrist Joins Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers
Tatum Brace, DPM recently joined Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers in Nashville, TN. Dr. Brace earned her podiatric medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Tatum Brace |
Dr. Brace completed her podiatric residency at Baylor Scott and White Health in Temple, TX.
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Running In Worn Sneakers Can Be Costly: IL Podiatrist
Whether you’re trying to save up for a big purchase, are looking to spend less to pay off debt, or are just frugal by nature, there are plenty of ways you can save money. However, some money-saving measures are just not worth it.
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Dr. Lisa Schoene |
One of the biggest mistakes is running your sneakers into the ground. Yes, running shoes are expensive, but keeping yours too long can lead to injuries. “A new shoe is always cheaper than a doctor’s visit,” podiatrist and athletic trainer Lisa Schoene, DPM told SELF.
Source: Gabrielle Olya, SELF via MSN Money [2/2/21]
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| RELEVANT CASE REPORTS | |
Hepatitis C–Induced Necrolytic Acral Erythema
Moffat GT, et al. reported in JAMA a case in a 32-year-old Nigerian woman presenting with dull pain, pruritus, and discoloration of the dorsal aspect of both feet for 18 months. She had a red blood cell transfusion as a child. The lesions started as small papules on the dorsal right great toe and left third toe that gradually spread across the dorsum of her feet over the following 12 months. An over-the-counter antifungal ointment was unhelpful. Her primary care physician completed a biopsy, diagnosed verruca plantaris, and prescribed topical salicylic acid twice daily for 4 weeks. The lesions did not improve, and her foot pain worsened. Subsequent treatment with topical liquid nitrogen cryotherapy was ineffective. Three months after cryotherapy, the lesions had been stable in size for the previous 6 months, without bleeding, discharge, or change in color with dull, constant non-radiating pain which improved when soaking her feet in water but worsened with any type of topical pressure or wrapping.
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Hepatitis C–Induced Necrolytic Acral Erythema |
Physical examination revealed multiple well-circumscribed, scaly plaques with cobblestone surfaces on the dorsal aspects of the forefoot and midfoot bilaterally. Findings were more severe on the right and left rearfoot. On serologic testing, she was positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to her childhood transfusion. A punch biopsy of the right foot lesion revealed psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, parakeratosis, eosinophils, papillary dermal inflammation, and intraepidermal necrosis. The diagnosis was hepatitis C–induced necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) and she was treated with oral zinc monotherapy twice daily. After 3 months of therapy, the lesions substantially improved.
Source: Dr. Leonard Levy via JAMA
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
2021 Remote Patient Monitoring Changes: Key Takeaways - Part 1
In December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule final rule. Within the final rule were some significant changes concerning remote patient/physiological monitoring (RPM) and the provision of other remote services. Here are the most significant takeaways from the final rule.
1. Revised definition of interactive communication - In the final rule, CMS declared that for CPT codes 99457 and 99458, an "interactive communication" is defined as a conversation occurring in real time that includes synchronous, two-way interactions that can be enhanced with video or other kinds of data. In addition to the new definition, CMS originally stated that it expected all time spent towards 99457 and 99458 to be "interactive communication." This caused quite a commotion as it meant that activities such as text messaging, care planning, and general care management would no longer be countable towards RPM billing codes.
Fortunately, CMS issued a correction document on January 19 where the agency clarified that the 20 minutes of time associated with 99457 and 99458 “should include care management services and synchronous, real-time interactions.”
Source: Daniel Tashnek, JD, Physicians Practice [1/29/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Preventative Care Coding
I recently saw a new patient with Oxford insurance for a tinea problem. A prescription was given and options for additional treatments were discussed. We billed his insurance for an initial office visit. The visit was allowed by insurance and the payment was applied to his deductible. He was billed by us. He checked with Oxford and is now telling us that “preventive” care is not subject to the deductible and would like me to resubmit to Oxford telling them that the visit was for “preventive” care. My opinion is that “preventive” care does not really apply to a specialist and that I could not undo what I already submitted. Can we bill for “preventive” care and, if so, is it possible to resubmit the claim?
PM News Subscriber
Response: The first thing I would do is see if you can get Oxford’s definition of preventative care. The definition of routine care (which may apply to preventative care) is care rendered in the absence of illness, injury, or symptom. So if the patient presented with an itchy rash or was concerned about why his/her foot looked unusual, then this clearly would not be preventative as they presented with a symptom.
Most preventative care clauses in insurance company regulations refer to a yearly physical examination or eye exam, etc. Your situation would not qualify. Patients request that we bill routine foot care differently so it will be paid, or date things differently, etc. Ultimately, you will be liable financially for any errors. I doubt that the patient would reimburse you. Stick to your guns and protect yourself and your practice. Most insurance plans (medical, home, auto, etc.) have deductibles. Would the mechanic or contractor play games with the deductible? Doubtful. This is what takes the fun out of practice. Explain that this is not preventative care by the way you interpret the situation, and billing differently puts your practice at risk. If they get upset and threaten to leave, so be it. This is not the type of patient you want in your practice anyway.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Prurigo Nodularis/Picker's Nodule
Recently, I surgically excised a skin lesion on a 62 year old well-controlled diabetic female. The pathology report came back: prurigo nodularis/Picker's nodule with underlying scar/granulation tissue and fat necrosis. Should I have any concerns as to the post-op course? It has been three weeks and healing has been uneventful.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
I echo Dr. Cox’s sentiments. In residency, I too was treated as a medical equal and did six months of internal medicine alongside the medical residents. We were expected to perform no differently than they.
Anyone in practice knows the vast differences in state laws. In a few states, a podiatrist can do soft tissue procedures on the hand, where in my state, I can’t trim a fingernail. The podiatrist is also aware of anatomic barriers that cross the legal procedural boundary, which at times may be necessary to perform in the OR. It really is rather strange that a podiatrist can perform reconstructive surgeries, but if an infection traverses the ankle, the surgeon is in a legal dilemma as to how to proceed. To a more profound extent, many podiatrists can’t even give an injection elsewhere in the body but a pharmacist can.
There are numerous other reasons to become mainstream physicians such as achieving meaningful use, payer parity, medical community acceptance, as well as joining forces in legislative struggles. To affect change necessitates a change in our training, which I think is paramount in this day and age of medicine. I’ll leave the logistical debate to others.
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: Randall Brower, DPM
I have to push back a bit regarding the whole parity argument. This argument is frankly old and tired. We are podiatrists. I did a 3-year residency in Detroit at DMC from 2001-2004. Yes, the first year, we did a 4-8 week course of internal medicine, ICU, ER, trauma, general, vascular and plastic surgery rotations. Yes, we have a very small overview knowledge of these general medicine and surgical specialties. But, Dr. Cox, what do you want to do with a parity degree?
We are both somewhere between 15-20 years in practice. Medications, disease management, and surgical approaches have changed significantly in the past 2 decades for all specialties. I think you might be overstating that you, or I, have vastly more knowledge in medical treatment of...
Editor's note: Dr. Brower's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
Sorry Dr. Finer, but I believe you are conflating separate issues with Rohadur, so don't send out a blast e-mail to the P.I. attorneys just yet. The vacuumed-pressed, ground, finished, and polished Rohadur acrylic orthotic was not carcinogenic to patients who were using the orthotics in their shoes.
It was the manufacturing process of producing the Rohadur material at the Rohm & Haas plant in Germany that was deemed to be potentially carcinogenic to their employees, mostly arising from the chemical nature of the methyl methacrylate fumes that were emitted into the air and potentially inhaled into their lungs. Rohm & Haas made the decision to discontinue manufacturing the product solely due to the fact that...
Editor's note: Dr. Gurnick'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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Perfect for viewing Jaws? |
Source: cicihot.com
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MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $249 (less than $17 per CECH)
podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
* NY podiatrists whose licenses expire from 3/2/20-5/1/21 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – CT, DE, OH, MO, TN, FL
PediRite provides care to nursing home residents. Excellent opportunities working in our contracted facilities. Flexible scheduling, very lucrative commissions! Great match if you have open days/hours in your schedule. Work available in DE, OH, MO, TN, PA, CT. Resume to sara@sightrite.com (ongoing opportunities in all states)
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK
Seeking a highly motivated individual interested in evolving in private practice to a wealthy and knowledgeable affiliate entity with a large surgical based podiatry group. Surgeons with a two or three year residency preferred. Come join and Let’s keep New Yorkers on their feet! Please email your CV at podiatrynewyork@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico has an exciting position open for a board qualified or board-certified foot and ankle surgeon to start in the fall of 2021. You can view our website at footanklenm.com. Spanish speaking and Fellowship is a plus but not a requirement. Billing/coding experience is preferred. Compensation is a competitive salary plus a percentage bonus structure to start. Please email CV and cover letter to rrivera@footanklenm.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – KENTUCKY
Associate position available for a compassionate physician for busy, well-established office in beautiful Central Kentucky. Extensive range of services offered with ancillary services onsite and hospital surgical privileges available. Enormous potential for rapid growth. Generous salary with incentive/full benefits and partnership opportunity. Email CV and cover letter to: Kyfootdr@gmail.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - MINNESOTA, MASSACHUSETTS, and RHODE ISLAND
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities in Minnesota, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK
We are a high-volume, diversified, multi-office podiatry practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Ample growth opportunity for a personable and highly-motivated DPM. Please forward CV to: jobs@hvfa.com
MOTIVATED PODIATRIST WANTED - CENTRAL TEXAS
Seeking full-time motivated podiatrist to join our busy practice in Waco, Texas. Candidates should be proficient in diagnosing/treating all foot and ankle related pathology including trauma, rear foot and ankle reconstruction, forefoot procedures, wound care, and diabetic foot related conditions. We are offering a competitive compensation package. Specific details of the compensation package will be discussed with interested qualified candidates. Please email your CV to aszanto@wacofootcare.com www.wacopodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ABINGDON, MARYLAND
Immediate associate position for a well-trained, highly motivated and compassionate individual. Rapidly growing, well established practice with a loyal patient following and strong physician referral base. Offering competitive salary with bonus structure, 401K, PTO, CME allowance, health (including vision and dental) and malpractice insurance. All aspects of podiatry with emphasis on wound care/diabetic surgery/limb salvage. Please email cover letter and CV to michael@mkblockdpm.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ELGIN, IL
Busy, well-established, diversified practice seeking to add a podiatrist to the team. Must be proficient in surgical and non-surgical aspects of podiatry. Full hospital and surgical center privileges available. Send CV to coryjacobydpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GREATER HARTFORD, CT
Our four-doctor practice is looking for an associate to join us this coming Summer. Competitive six figure salary with a bonus structure, health insurance, 401-k and vacation benefits. You must be personable. Surgical training is desired. Send resume to latifdpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH FLORIDA
South Florida based podiatry practice hiring DPM to assist with Home Visits and possibly some facility and office-based work. Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Part time to start hopefully blooming into full time. Competitive salary and flexible hours. Please send CV to ifaglobal12@gmail.com to apply.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NE FLORIDA
Energetic, compassionate, teachable and hardworking individual. Full or part time position in a growing practice. Competitive salary and benefits package. Must be BQ/BC. Please email CV, Reference letters, and a brief essay or video as to what makes you a good candidate for this position. nffhumanresourcesac@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW FLORIDA/COASTAL ALABAMA
Busy, well-established practice, EHR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Offering competitive six-figure salary w/bonus structure, health/malpractice insurance, and PTO. PSR-36 required. Partnership path to motivated and compassionate associate. Must obtain Florida and Alabama licenses. Send CV: Brentmharwood@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST, FL
Immediate position for busy practice in Sunny Southwest, FL. ABFAS RRA BC/BQ. EMR, E x-rays, US, DME. Base salary + bonus w, PTO, 401K, fees, health benefits. Also 1 ACFAS credentialed fellowship avail, must be BQ ACFAS by start of program 8/2021: DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION WITH OPTION TO BUY – BRONX, NY
Full time or part time with option to purchase. Co-Op City, Bronx New York. Established in 1969. Full scope of podiatry. MUST PARTICIPATE IN INSURANCE PLANS. Pleasant office; great patients; Great opportunity. Call or text 914-772-3842 or email: Lwolstein@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLEETWOOD, PENNSYLVANIA- SOUTHEASTERN PA
Suburban 3 office practice looking for a full-time, motivated, outgoing associate for immediate opening leading to possible partnership. Well trained surgically & board qualified/certified. Competitive salary, bonus, health insurance, and malpractice insurance. Email CV to Kathy.Geist@FleetwoodFootcare.com
GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN RURAL NORTH CAROLINA
20+ year old practice in North Carolina, all aspects of podiatry. Loyal patient following, physician referral base. EHR, staff in place. Low overhead. Great potential for any type of podiatrist. Will stay for transition if desired. 252-813-3136.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MIAMI, FL
We are a growing practice in Miami, FL with three podiatrists working in 1 office and on staff at 3 hospitals. Attractive Salary Practice is equipped with certified EMR, digital x-ra, and laser. Send CV to JenniferRoselloDPM@gmail.com
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2021. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. Working with infectious disease, dermatology, as well as, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE employer.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 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 davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA
Motivated Seller. General podiatric 53 year old practice for sale in Van Nuys California, next to hospital. Great growth potential. Will stay to help transition. Call Ron Miller at 310-980-1822 or email to remillerdpm@sbcglobal.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - TARZANA, CALIFORNIA
Thriving practice for sale in optimum location next to pharmacy and across from major hospital in Tarzana California Established 1982 Ground floor free parking Patients are PPO Medicare and cash Serious inquires only text 818 451-8441.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NW NEW JERSEY
35 year old practice, all aspects of podiatry.Loyal patient following, large physician referral base. EHR, staff in place. Low overhead. Great potential for surgically oriented podiatrist. Will stay for transition if desired. 201-317-0758
PRACTICE FOR SALE - MANHATTAN EAST SIDE
Part-time practice opportunity on Manhattan's upper east side. Hospital and public transportation one block away. Ground floor. Fully furnished. Expansion of hours possible. Contact 917-841-6805.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA
Well established practice with sustained high income, great location. Diverse surgical and general practice with full hospital privileges available, Digital x-ray, ultrasound, DME program, EMR linked to National billing company. Willing to stay for transition. Email: officemail1@cox.net
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
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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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