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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
February 09, 2021 #6,882  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 residencies have a mandatory pain management rotation?
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC | |
PA Podiatrist Explains the "Pandemic Toes" Phenomenon
As you make your way from the kitchen back to the living room, you’re suddenly shrieking in pain: You stubbed your toe. Again. And it really, really hurts. Sound familiar? Believe it or not, one of the most common ailments doctors are seeing as a side-effect of working from home—and just being home so much in general—is toe and foot injuries, right up there with neck and back pain and Covid-somnia.
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Dr. Joseph Costello |
“Most people do not wear shoes while at home and walk around in their sock feet or bare feet, which leaves the toes unprotected and, consequently, very susceptible to not just stubs and broken toes, but cracked toenails, infections, and plantar fasciitis,” explains podiatrist Joseph Costello, DPM.
Source: Leigh Weingus, Parade [2/5/21]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
MN Podiatrist Re-imagines the Design and Comfort of the High Heel
Marion Parke, DPM, a former podiatric surgeon and founder of Marion Parke, is integrating her medical background with design skills to create modern shoes that are comfortable, practical, and fashionable. Dr. Parke continued to practice medicine while starting her company and designing her first shoe concept prototype.
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Dr. Marion Parke |
Parke applied her knowledge of the foot and ankle structure and function to develop a unique patent-pending insole and deliver shoes that are simultaneously innovative and chic. Besides her ecommerce store, she has a substantial wholesale business, including retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Farfetch, and Shopbop.
Source: Cheryl Robinson, Forbes [2/7/21]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE NEWS | |
Cuticle Oil Can Prevent Onychomycosis: NY Podiatrist
Dryness isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to your cuticles—they’re also vulnerable to fungal infections. But an ounce of prevention now can circumvent this problem. Dr.’s Remedy Caress Cuticle Oil, developed by podiatrist William Spielfogel, DPM, is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter anti-fungal cuticle oil. In addition to its 10 percent undecylenic acid, which is the strongest anti-fungal medicine available without a doctor’s visit, it is formulated with a trio of nourishing natural oils (lavender, grape seed, and tea tree). The intense hydration revives dry, cracked cuticles on contact.
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Dr. William Spielfogel |
Dr. Spielfogel, who’s the Chief of Podiatry at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, also offers this important bit of advice: Cutting your cuticles is pretty much the worst thing you can do to them. “The more you cut them, the more damage you do and the harder it is to stop,” he explains. “Instead, cuticles should be gently pushed back for a clean, polished look, and any excess should be lightly exfoliated.”
Source: Rachel Weingarten, Reader's Digest [2/5/21]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
2021 Remote Patient Monitoring Changes: Key Takeaways - Part 4
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.
4. Permitted consent obtainable at time of service
CMS has finalized the rule permitting providers to obtain patient consent to receive RPM services when services are initially furnished rather than in advance.
Source: Daniel Tashnek, JD, Physicians Practice [1/29/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Denials for E/M
We have been receiving denials from both Medicare and commercial insurances bundling E/M codes billed in conjunction with a nail avulsion (CPT 11730) or nail matrixectomy (CPT 11750). The diagnosis has been significantly different than the reason for the procedure. I have also billed the E/M code with either modifiers -24 or -25 and it continues to result in a denied E/M.
Robert Buckenberger, DPM, Fresno, CA
Query: The use of the -25 modifier is being very closely scrutinized by many carriers. Some have almost defaulted to deny all -25 modifier claims and they wait to see if the doctor appeals. Some are using various matrices that will kick out -25 modifier claims. For patients who are seen repeatedly for a condition, I have heard that some may allow a few claims with the -25 modifier paid and then they will switch to almost automatic denials for subsequent claims afterwards. Others use your -25 modifier profile and see how often you are billing the -25 modifier in general.
Check the EOMB and look for the specific denial code. That may give some insight as to why the claims are being denied. This will help you when you appeal; and I encourage you to do so. Make sure that the condition that you are treating IS SIGNIFICANT AND SEPARATELY IDENTIFIABLE for the nail procedure you mentioned in your post.
If you appeal and are successful, they may not deny future claims. It does cost the insurance carriers time and money to reprocess claims that are appealed. If they see that your charting and billing are correct, they may be less prone to automatically deny your claims. Appeal, appeal, appeal!
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Billing Policy for New Hires
When hiring an associate podiatrist in our practice, we have not allowed the new provider to see patients for whom they were not yet on the particular insurance panel (both primary and secondary insurance). We do pay podiatrists at their salary rate during this credentialing period which can range from 4-6 months. The rationale for this policy is that the provider would not be eligible for payment by the carrier and to bill the patient for an out-of-network service would be misleading to our patients.
I continue to hear from our new associates that their peers are hired and are billing immediately during the credentialing process under the name of one of their senior practitioners. I am uncertain whether the senior practitioner is signing or co-signing the chart at these practices as sending the claim in under the senior practitioners name would be fraudulent. Is anyone aware of a standard or acceptable practice relative to allowing a new hire to see patients in a practice prior to being credentialed by an insurance carrier?
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Social Deprivation and Diabetes-Related Foot Disease in Patients with Type 2 DM
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
Reiley J, et al. concluded in a population-based retrospective cohort study published in Diabetes Care (January 2021) that social deprivation is an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), peripheral neuropathy, foot ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, lower limb amputation, and gangrene in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes.
Considering the high individual and economic burdens of DFD, strategies targeting patients in socially deprived areas are needed to reduce health inequalities. The most deprived patients had the highest risk compared with those who had the least. DFD incidentally developed in 12.1% of the study population of more than 150,000 patients over 3.27 years.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: James DiResta, DPM, MPH
I always find the comments related to parity for podiatrists on PM News to be so interesting but unfortunately of such little value. I can't help but equate this to the "cowboy" activity of my early years in practice when EBM equated to "in my hands". Probably the lowest level of evidence, yet we listened to this as dogma, and yes we truly knew no better. Yet, today some of our most esteemed colleagues, and I might add some of the brightest in our profession, reflect on their own experiences alone when commenting on this topic and we need to be mindful of this before arriving at any conclusion.
The bias in their comments and the diversity of opinions on this topic are largely influenced by one’s age, previous and present level of training, provider practice experiences, socioeconomic status, and a host of other biases. What we ought to be doing is looking directly at our present cohort of podiatric medical students and ask ourselves if are we making their careers less valuable because...
Editor's note: Dr. DiResta's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Ronald Sage, DPM
I’m writing to add to the astute comments made by Drs. Jacobs and Markinson. When I entered podiatry school in1973, a pep talk to some of our class from Dr. Chuck Gudas promised that we were joining the “greatest profession in the world!” After 40 years of practicing and teaching podiatric medicine and surgery, I have not been disappointed. The evolution of this profession during my career was nothing short of remarkable. When I graduated, only a fortunate few filled the limited number of one, or rarely two, year residency training positions available. Hospital privileges were largely limited to small community institutions, in some cases struggling to fill their beds and operating rooms. We encountered all kinds of restrictions that would shock today's graduates of three year residencies.
Eventually, my DPM degree, and certification from what was then The American Board of Podiatric Surgery, were sufficient credentials to allow me medical and surgical privileges at an academic health science center. I treated everything from mycotic nails to...
Editor's note: Dr. Sage's extended-length letter can be read here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1C | |
From: Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM
When I read the parity discussion, I consider the multiple ways this term parity is understood. From a collegial equality perspective, I look back on the considerable effort it took to bring podiatry out of the antiquity of needing ortho approval to repair a hammertoe, and into a full scope and unrestricted surgical privilege within our specialty as it is today. My practice treats local doctors, their families, and their children. We receive hospital consults as a part of a limb salvage team. In short, I have never felt "less than" because I have never allowed it to be so. I feel, in this regard, parity with our colleagues is what the individual allows it to be.
Parity in pay, however, is a different story. We currently have no control over this. How, with significant focus on equality being present, are we still paid "less than"? How, technically, could a general surgeon perform and get paid more to repair a bunion than the best of us? This is completely irrational. This, I offer, is the true argument to be made about equality. The equality of the individual practitioner can be shaped by the individual. Pay inequality cannot.
Cosimo Ricciardi, DPM, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Foot Challenge of the Day
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| Bet you can't do this? |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Jimelle Rumberg
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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 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 - 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
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA
Immediate Full-time or Part-time. General podiatry. Offices in Durham and Oxford. Diabetic foot care, diabetic shoes, custom orthotics/AFO, reconstructive surgery, wound care, shockwave therapy, laser nail, hospital/surgery center. Ideal for experienced podiatrist or recent graduate. Salary plus bonus and benefits. Must have NC podiatry license and BC/BQ. oxfordjob123@gmail.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in New Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous, guaranteed bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and CME time off. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your Podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
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
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
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 - TEXAS
COVID Proof practice grossing 500K in 2020 - 2 ½ days weekly. Primarily biomechanics - orthopedics. Easily double gross by retaining surgery & wound care. Freestanding office included with 4+ TX rooms. No money down owner financing available. Can stay for transition. Contact fjhenry2111@yahoo.com
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
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 - 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.
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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