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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,198 Subscribers Daily
February 16, 2016 #5,601  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 |
Quick Poll
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Do you provide co-pay assistance or drug manufacturers' coupons to your patients? |
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOT SURGERY | |
Hammertoe May be the Result of a Plantar Plate Ligament Tear: MA Podiatrist
A renewed look at treating a hammertoe in the second toe reveals it may not be caused by the same factors that cause a hammertoe in other toes, such as the pinky toe. It may be the result of an acute injury to the hammock-like scaffolding beneath the second toe (plantar plate ligament) that spreads out the tension put on the foot.
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Dr. Michael Theodoulou |
Hammertoes may start off as mild deformities, but get progressively worse over time if left untreated. “Patients suffering from a hammertoe often have pain or irritation on the affected toe when they wear shoes and can have corns or calluses on or between the toes from the friction of the shoe,” says Michael H. Theodoulou, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon from Massachusetts and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “But, when a patient suffers a plantar plate ligament tear, the sensation is often described as intense pain in the ball of the foot or ‘walking on the bones’ of your foot. The second toe tends to appear bent upwards like a hammertoe and may even be red and swollen,” he adds.
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| ACFAS NEWS | |
MN Podiatrist Honored with ACFAS Distinguished Service Award
Troy Boffeli, DPM, FACFAS, is the recipient of the 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s (ACFAS) Distinguished Service Award, one of the College’s highest honors. Dr. Boffeli is the thirteenth recipient of this distinguished honor and was presented with the award at ACFAS’ Annual Scientific Conference in Austin on February 12, 2016. The ACFAS Board of Directors presents this award each year to recognize those members who volunteer their time, expertise, and service behind the scenes to advance the College’s mission.
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Dr. Troy Boffeli |
“Dr. Boffeli is a true role model with his tireless dedication and service to his fellow members, his patients, and the College; it is a real honor to work alongside him,” said Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS, and President of ACFAS’ Board of Directors. Boffeli is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon practicing at HealthPartners Specialty Center in St. Paul, MN.
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| PODIATRISTS AND TECHNOLOGY | |
Wearable Technology Requires a Balancing of Privacy Risks: AZ Podiatrist
The concept of wearable systems goes beyond increasing strength or stamina. Some researchers are developing technology to combat diseases or find a workaround for spinal injuries. Dr. David Armstrong, a professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, said wearable robotics could help address foot decay among diabetes patients. “We don’t think of a hearing aid, we don’t think of bifocals, as some sort of cybernetic device, but in fact they are – they augment what we do,” Armstrong said. “In the future, this is not going to be so exotic and crazy. This is just going to be another part of our life.”
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Dr. David Armstrong |
As with any new technology, especially one so heavily tied to the human body, ethical dilemmas are bound to arise. For example, governments or companies could track technology, such as implanted chips, bringing the issue of privacy to the forefront. “We have to balance the creepy factor … with the great innovations that are happening,” Armstrong said.
Source: Travis Arbon and Ziyi Zeng, The Arizona Republic [2/12/16]
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| OUTSIDE INTERESTS | |
CA Podiatrist Turns Her Passion into World-Class Winemaking
For more than 30 years, Napa Valley College (NVC) has been teaching students the ins and outs of the wine industry, and for the last few years they’ve also been crafting award-winning wines. “Many of our students go on to become excellent winemakers, such as Dr. Nicki Pruss, who eventually became winemaker at Napa’s Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars,” said Paul Gospodarczyk, who is the head winemaker and one of the instructors for the NVC’s Viticulture and Winery Technology (VWT) program.
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Dr. Nicki Pruss |
After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, the native Californian moved to Chicago where she graduated cum laude from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her podiatric surgery residency at Columbus Hospital. She returned to California as a podiatrist, but in the mid-1990s, while on a trip to France and Germany she was inspired to make a career change.
Source: Tim Carl, St. Helena Star [2/12/16]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
TN Podiatrist to Open New Orthotics Facility
Sole Supports’ new facility will create at least 54 jobs and will invest $500,000 in Lewis County. The foot orthotics manufacturer already has a factory in Hickman County and has been located in Tennessee since its inception in 1992. Dr. Edward Glaser founded Sole Supports in 1992 after several years of working as a podiatrist. Originally from New York, he moved to Tennessee because of a cross-country bike ride taken when he was a teenager.
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Dr. Edward Glaser |
“He found that Tennessee had the best people. They would invite him into their home,” plant manager Keith Copley said. “He really fell in love with Tennessee, and that’s why he founded the company here.” Glaser set out to produce his own foot supports after realizing the ones he was giving to his patients weren’t effective.
Source: Savanna Walker, columbiadailyherald.com [5/13/16]
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| SUCCESS TIPS FROM THE MASTERS | |
Bret Ribotsky: When I practiced with the Cleveland Clinic, it did not matter what license I had, just that my results with feet were excellent.
Severko Hrywnak: Those were the old days. Today, we are going into the merit-based pay system and this all changes. Last April, the government replaced the sustainable growth rate model with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). If you read MACRA, it tells you what they are looking for and how they are going to grade physicians and post the results online.
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Dr. Sev Hrywnak |
A pilot study done by Geisinger healthcare program written up in the Wall Street Journal said that when patients left the doctor's office, there was an App on their phone where they asked 10 questions such as: Did the doctor speak in layman’s language? Did the doctor spend enough time with you? Were the magazines current? If the patient answered "no" to any of these questions, a sliding bar opened and asked the patient how much money they would like back!
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Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman |
Meet the Masters airs live every Tuesday night. This week's guest will be practice management and coding expert Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman. You can register for this and future events by clicking here
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Surgical Wound Dehiscence Coding
I performed a first metatarsal-phalangeal joint arthrodesis. After two weeks, I removed the sutures. The surgical site developed superficial wound dehiscence which I cleaned. An allograft was applied. What are the proper ICD-10 code(s) and CPT code(s) for billing?
Michael Chavis, DPM, Washington, DC
Response: Superficial wound dehiscence are common post-op situations. Most respond to simple local care. You described it as "cleaning". I assume it would be on the order of a CPT 97597 - selective debridement. If you perform the procedure in the office in the post-op period, the debridement would be included in the arthrodesis allowance as post-op follow-up. If you took the patient to the operating room, you would append a "-78" (unplanned return to the operating room) modifier to the code.
Regarding the allograft, I see several problems. First, is the use of an allograft as a first-line treatment. Many insurers require 30 days of conservative treatment before using skin substitutes. Second, many payers limit skin allografts for diabetic foot ulcers or venous leg ulcers. Make sure you understand the coverage policies for each skin substitute and pre-authorize them. Third, if you apply the allograft in the office as a treatment to the dehiscence, you might have a problem with payment since, as noted above, the treatment of superficial dehiscence in the office might be included in the global surgical allowance. If the insurance company were to deny its use, you would be left holding the bag.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) | |
RE: How to Prevent Automatic Installation of Windows 10
From: Bill McShane, DPM
Microsoft has announced that in the near future, Windows 10 will become a "recommended update" which means that it will be installed unless we change our computer settings to not allow it. The update may create problems with EHR software or peripherals compatibility. My vendor, ICS, has strongly recommended to not update to Windows 10 at this time. I had to correct my computers to prevent the auto upgrade by going to Control Panel> Windows Update>Change settings>"select" option to choose which downloads to install (deselecting update automatically).
Bill McShane, DPM, Valley Stream, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Podiatrists Joining Orthopedic Groups
Ira Baum, DPM
Thanks to Drs. Jacobson, Taubman, and Rosenblatt for their candid responses. The common thread is reimbursement differentials, which are partially mitigated by joining groups, having immediate access to patients, and being able to perform procedures that podiatrists are being highly trained to perform. If there is a shortage of foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons, it does not exist in many major markets. With continued development of orthopedic surgeons entering the growing number of foot and ankle residency programs, if there is any truth to the shortage issue, it will be remedied in time.
My purpose for this discussion was to expose the core issues facing podiatry. The real questions now is whether there are remedies to ensure the future of podiatry; or is it time for a paradigm shift to accommodate the new healthcare system? Please weigh in with your thoughts.
Ira Baum, DPM, Miami, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
I have been reading the responses about the recent posting of the establishment of a new podiatry school offering the dual degrees of DPM-MD and DPM-PA. The responses so far have been equal on both sides. Those who are against and in favor are pretty much equal. Most have valid arguments on either side. The problem I see in this debate is that I assume the younger demographic may have not weighed in on this discussion. Since the responses do not indicate how long the practitioner has been a podiatrist, I cannot decipher that fact. I recognize some of the names and know them as long-time podiatrists.
I just wonder if the younger practitioners and those just entering the profession even care about this matter at all. They may care, but not want to say, or they are using some other sort of social media or blog platform to voice their opinion? It is true the...
Editor's note: Dr. Borreggine'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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Blueprint for walking on pins and needles? |
Source: Kim Bruce via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME-approved 12-month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2016. Hospital and clinic environment with on-site hyperbaric medicine. Work with infectious disease, vascular, general, and podiatric surgeons in wound management. Must have completed a 3-year PMSR program. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com OR jtfootcare@gmail.com EOE
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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Are you finishing your residency in June? Full-time associate leading to partnership. Immediate position available. Busy office with multiple locations. Full scope practice. ABPS Board qualified/certified. California license required. Benefits included. Inland Empire. Please forward resume to familyfootcenter@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH TEXAS
Are you looking for a group practice in North Texas? Do you like a fast paced environment? Are you board qualified or certified in surgery? Can you start as early as this summer? If you answered yes to ALL of these questions, please send an email to greatplacetowork@faant.com with the caption "I'm your next associate" in the subject line.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY
Well established, dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays. Sports medicine, surgery and potential partnership. No NH/ HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle second to none. CV to flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com
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 POSITION - CALIFORNIA
Fast growing podiatry group specializing in long-term care and assisted living facilities seeks Podiatrists all over California immediately. Part-time and full-time positions available. Incredible income potential for the right doctors. Must have a good work ethic, easy-going and friendly attitude. Email CV to footdoctor4u@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY
Seeking energetic podiatrist. Must speak Spanish. You must be trained in all aspects of Podiatric Surgery including forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Be willing to follow and learn proven systems for practice success. Competitive remuneration package. Position available for Summer 2016. If you meet all these qualifications, please apply with CV attached. njpod2013-1@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – WISCONSIN
Our well established podiatry practice in central Wisconsin is looking for a full-time Podiatrist to join our team and who enjoys developing long-term care relationships with their patients. Position will involve seeing patients at Clinic, Assisted Living Facilities, Surgery Centers and Hospitals. Very competitive salary tgleason@familyfoot.org.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Multi doctor group has an associate position available to join our busy practice. Candidate must have a minimum PMSR/36 with RRA training. Our practice is extremely diversified with all aspects of podiatry including wound care. If you are well trained, outgoing, personable and would like to join our team, please e-mail a cover letter and your cv to joinourgroup2016@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Excellent opportunity to join a busy high visibility office with digital x-ray, diabetic shoe store, and 5 years experience in EMR. All phases of podiatry. Good patient volume, lots of DME, and steady reliable income stream. Potential for partnership or purchase. Contact samuel10530@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NEW JERSEY
Modern offices in North and Central Jersey. Partnership potential. Competitive salary, retirement plan with company match, etc. Must be gregarious and have an efficient work ethic. Send CV to legandfootsurgeon@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MISSISSIPPI
Looking for podiatrists to provide comprehensive podiatric care to our nursing home client. Mississippi licensure or ability to apply for MS license is a must. We provide all scheduling, billing, assistant and EMR training. Required is a commitment of at least 2 full days per week and travel within a two hour radius of your home. Very competitive salary. Must be able to pass drug test and criminal background check. Please send CV to: sisaac@hcareforlife.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Unique opportunity. Upscale, Park Avenue Manhattan office on Upper East Side. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with the premier innovator in the emerging field of aesthetic podiatry. Need an experienced, motivated, caring doctor with excellent podiatric surgical skills to see in-network patients and to cover out-of-network patients. Salary based on experience with performance bonuses if earned. Part or full time. Partnership a possibility if qualified candidate exhibits outstanding performance and skills. Send CV to: Levine.Suzanne@gmail.com or call 212-535-0229.
PART-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION – HIALEAH, FL
DPM for part-time office work. No need to be board certified. Minimal routine foot care. Mostly bread & butter podiatry –warts, ingrown nails, heel spur, fractures, etc. Salary against percentage gross. In-office Shoe store Spanish helpful. Hialeah FL . Contact Dr. Horowitz @ 305-205-1854 or samsfuture@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS - DALLAS SUBURBS
Seeking well rounded individual to join our well established, modern practice. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Very competitive salary with bonus structure and benefits. Early partnership opportunity for the right person. This is a rare opportunity. Please send letter of interest and CV to: Podiatrysbest@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 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Busy well established successful turn-key podiatry practice for sale. Active adult community. Professionally designed and decorated. Office is immaculate. Good yearly gross with many new patients. Medicare and cash patients. No managed care. Owner willing to stay for transition. Excellent well trained staff. Click on link to view website.
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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| 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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