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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
February 11, 2021 #6,884  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 IN THE NEWS - PART 1 | |
Protect Your Feet From Frostbite: IL Podiatrist
As the temperature plunges and cold winds blow, so does the risk of frostbite. Skin exposed to extreme cold can develop frostbite in as little as five minutes, said FHN podiatrist Roland Tolliver, DPM. Though frostbite can happen to anyone, some conditions can make a person more susceptible: if you have diabetes, take blood thinners, or smoke, your circulatory system may not work as efficiently or you may suffer from neuropathy, which means you have lost some feeling in your extremities. Poor circulation and neuropathy put you at higher risk for developing frostbite.
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Dr. Roland Tolliver |
Dr. Tolliver said one of the first signs of frostbite can be skin that is itchy, burns, or is numb. The skin also may turn white or greyish yellow, and as more damage occurs, feel waxy or hard. At its most severe, frostbite can cause blistering and even gangrene. The key to staying safe from frostbite, Tolliver said, is just to be aware of any signals your body may be sending.
Source: Journal Standard [2/9/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 | |
Suspected Broken Toes Should be X-Rayed: CA Podiatrist
It’s especially important not to wait to get your toe checked out if you suspect it’s broken, because a podiatrist will need to take an x-ray to confirm that there was no deformity created by the injury. “Once the x-ray shows that the toe is stable, the doctor will let you know that there’s not much to do and it will heal in time,” explains Monara Dini, DPM.
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Dr. Monara Dini |
“But if you break your toe and you have a fracture that’s displaced, if it heals that way, you could have future problems. If seen early enough, the doctor can reduce the fracture for you. If it’s missed or delayed, it could cause bigger problems down the line.”
Source: Leigh Weingus, Parade [2/5/21]
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| REMEMBERING HISTORIC PODIATRISTS | |
African-American FL Podiatrist Remembered a Century Later
Dr. Ella Piper helped shape Southwest Florida, and today that same community she helped build continues to carry on her mission. “I think about it being 2021 and all the strides that all women and women of color have made, and still the things that Dr. Piper did stand the test of time,” said Shavon Chester, Board Member at The Dr. Ella Piper Center.
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Dr. Ella Piper |
Dr. Piper was an entrepreneur, she had a beauty shop, she was a podiatrist, and right here on the grounds of the Dr. Piper Center stood her bottling company. The legacy of Dr. Ella Piper not only lives on through her center but the entire Fort Myers community, including the Luminary Hotel who went the extra mile to pay their respects to a true visionary.
Source: Leslie DelasBour, Fox4-TV, [2/9/21]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Several times 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 |
Editor's note: Chrome recently changed the way .pdf files are displayed. If your browser opens up this file and it looks strange, simply click on the 3-bar menu option in the upper left and then click on the fit to page icon  or adjust the view size to a higher percentage. All future articles should automatically open at this percentage.
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
2021 Remote Patient Monitoring Changes: Key Takeaways - Part 6
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.
6. Clarification of Billing for Services
CMS clarified that only physicians and non-physician practitioners who are eligible to furnish evaluation and management services are permitted to bill RPM services using CPT 99453, 99454, 99091, 99457, and 99458. This aspect of the requirements was already well understood. In the correction document, the agency clarified its position that only a single practitioner can bill 99453 and 99454 during a 30-day period. This clarification runs counter to the enforcement and prior general understanding of the RPM codes and may warrant questioning the patient if they are already receiving RPM services from another practitioner during enrollment.
Source: Daniel Tashnek, JD, Physicians Practice [1/29/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Time to Use G Codes
I am curious when and how to bill G0127 or G0247 instead of the typical CPT 11071 when performing routine foot care. Any insight?
PM News Subscriber
Response: The definition of the codes are as follows:
G0127: Trimming of dystrophic nails, any number
G0247: Routine foot care by a physician of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation (LOPS) to include, the local care of superficial wounds (i.e. superficial to muscle and fascia) and at least the following if present: (1) local care of superficial wounds, (2) debridement of corns and calluses, and (3) trimming and debridement of nails
From the reading of the definition of G0247, it appears that this code is for diabetic patients and that all of the treatments listed within the HCPCS code (local care of superficial wounds, debridement of corns and calluses and trimming and debridement of nails) are inclusive under the one code. It does not appear that the services can be billed separately.
I have not seen the routine use of code G0247. Additionally, I am not sure what the subscriber is referring to regarding CPT 11071, as it is not a valid code. Billing of code G0127, as it is defined, is for the trimming of dystrophic nails. This can be used whether for “at risk foot care” or for the treatment of painful nails.
Alan Bass, DPM, CPC, Manalapan, NJ
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Nerve Entrapment
My patient is a 30+ y/o African-American lady who has had two previous tarsal tunnel releases with re-entrapment. Her PMH is unremarkable. Her previous surgical scars are heavy but not keloid. She has point tenderness distal to the tarsal tunnel where the nerve dives behind the muscle, mainly involving the medial branch.
I have not used any nerve conduit for many years but I am considering it on this case. I have used GraftJacket as well as products to decrease formation of excess scar tissue but there is just nothing that I could say gives consistently good results. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Prescription Orthotics Pearls
Prescription orthotics are a big part of our practice. We are always striving to get the orthotics to not only fit like a glove, but to do what we want them to do for the patient and to hit that target a high percent of the time. I would like to ask my colleagues to share one simple pearl that you've found to get orthotics right "most of the time."
Tom Silver, DPM, Minneapolis, MN
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
From: Kristin Happel
The short answer is that what your associates are hearing from their peers is not correct billing; unless these billings are being billed as "incident to." Every insurance company has their own requirements for what qualifies as "incident to" billing. Having a doctor who is not contracted with an insurance see a patient, then submitting that claim under a different rendering provider who IS contracted with that insurance to assure the claim is processed in-network is fraudulent, unless "incident to" requirements are met. Also of note, there is no credentialing/contracting process for almost all secondary/supplemental insurances.
Kristin Happel, Office Manager, Lake Zurich Foot Clinic
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I have been speaking with an esteemed colleague recently and the answer is simple. We are a medical specialty. This means that at some point, the podiatry schools need to be absorbed and made into allopathic medical schools or dissolved. This will not be an easy task but it is necessary. At that point, ALL medical students will have the opportunity to become podiatrists by doing a podiatric medicine and surgery residency. There should be fellowships for those that want to specialize. This will open up the door for a more robust profession which will have equal footing in the medical arena. The time has come.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
RE: It's Time for Parity with MDs and DOs (John Chisholm, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
I agree with almost everything Dr. Chisholm writes, namely that MD or DO degree for podiatrists means the end of any meaningful number actually ending up practicing podiatric medicine. DPM with a plenary license is the way to go. Taking and passing the USMLE? Wasn't there an experiment with that some time ago? Dr. Chisholm supports his assertions with the statement that "Podiatrists are the only group that completes a 4-4-3 model of education besides MDs and DOs. The final product of that model is indistinguishable from an MD and DO within their chosen field of specialty." This is again, a large strain on credibility. Except for the 4-4-3 years, the "indistinguishable" description is just not true.
I repeat that one may use the term "different," but superior, equal, and indistinguishable simply cannot be supported. I have the unique opportunity, as other podiatry colleagues do, to work in a highly charged academic and research environment that houses a nationally ranked medical school and residency programs with well over 1,000 residents. Medical students, interns, residents at all levels (from day one until they graduate) in dermatology and vascular surgery, and nurse practitioners interact with me on a regular basis.
Any assertion that their experience, work load, obligations, stress levels, etc. are indistinguishable from each other, as well as that of our podiatric medical students and residents, is just ridiculous. It’s all different. Not inferior or superior. To continue to use this as evidence of deserved parity just may backfire if anyone ever takes a close look. Let’s advance on our own merits and experience and stay away from comparisons that just don't hold up.
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE) | |
From: Wenjay Sung, DPM
Congratulations to Dr. Howard Liebeskind and the LA Lakers for their 2020 season, and thank you PM News for reminding the profession about the value top podiatrists can offer elite professional athletes. Hoping we can hear about the Tampa Bucs' podiatrist, soon. Kudos.
Wenjay Sung, DPM, Arcadia, CA
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Whew!! 2021 IS FINALLY HERE!!
The New, Exclusive, More Inclusive 2021 Podiatry Coding Manual
From Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC is available immediately!!
It is fully updated! It contains the most up-to-date information to aid in coding and billing for appropriate reimbursement and documentation to support what was billed including the 2021 E/M CHANGES. You will again see why so many podiatry offices across the country refer to this book as their “Bible” when it comes to billing, coding, and documentation.
Only $125 including shipping!!!
Available in Book and Flash Drive Formats
No credit card? No problem. Just mail a check or money order to:
Michael Warshaw, DPM, CPC, 2027 Bayside Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Beef Shoe - Bizarre Valentine's day gift? |
Source: Elvira Rajek via Virtual Shoe Museum
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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 – MCALLEN, TEXAS
Offering competitive compensation, Foot Center McAllen/Weslaco, a 40+ year, 2-location practice searching for highly motivated and responsible Associate. A great opportunity for those looking to join a well-established practice with huge potential for continued growth. Located in McAllen, Texas – ranked #3 of 150 cities in the U.S.A. according to U.S. News and World Report. Experienced, new graduates, or soon graduating 3rd-year-residents will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to Dr. Tin Quach to equach@mcallenfootcenter.com.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHOENIX AREA, AZ
Associate position with purchase options. Well-established practice. Board Qualified/Certified. AZ license required. Send CV to: Elkscent@aol.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 - 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
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 - ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY
38 year old practice well established high patient load and new patients. Focus on biomechanics, orthopedics, and general podiatric care with some surgery and wound care. Great potential for surgery, wound care and DME Will stay for transition. Contact sfessel@gmail.com
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 - SOUTHEAST MO
This solo practice is leading provider in market. Busy office based practice with opportunity for growth and expansion. Owner desires to transition and retire. Contact MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON, MA
If you have the personality to work well with others, this 0pportunity for an experienced podiatric surgeon to join this practice and become the owner is for you. Competitive compensation and benefits package. High volume of surgery with large referral base. Well established infrastructure and operating strategy. Owner financing available. Contact us now: MCrosby518@gmail.com
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 - 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.
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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
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