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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,784 Podiatrists Daily
February 24, 2014 #4,996  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- 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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Should podiatry colleges allow faculty to testify as expert witnesses in malpractice cases? |
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Results of Last Week's Poll |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
CA Podiatrist Has Concerns Over Roll-Out of Dual Eligibles Demo Project
The state plans to roll out its dual eligibles demonstration project in seven California counties on April 1, affecting roughly 400,000 older Californians who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. A pilot project of that size and scope is bound to have a number of difficulties and attendant concerns, and this project certainly is facing its share. Dr. Karen Wrubel, a podiatrist and a member of the state's Board of Podiatric Medicine, said the initial launch targeting almost half of the state's one million duals doesn't seem much like a pilot project. She pointed out that none of the 14 other states in the national demonstration project are of similar size or scope. She said the inevitable result of transitioning so many people will be that some will fail to receive the same level of care they're getting now or they will fail to have that care paid for.
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Dr. Karen Wrubel |
"I've worked in managed care for 20 years, and I've seen instances where people move into new health plans and suddenly they can't see the same doctor or get the same care," said Wrubel, whose practice is in Hawthorne, Los Angeles County. With this high need, often cognitively impaired population gaps in coverage or payment can be dire, Wrubel said. "We just see patients being confused and overwhelmed. No one seems to know what's happening, even DHCS. Managed care can be an appropriate choice, but when they're being enrolled with their passive consent, they have no way of knowing how to navigate the system," she said.
Source: David Gorn, California Healthline [2/18/14]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
IL Podiatrist to Receive 2014 Excellence In Medicine Award
The board of directors of the Illinois State Crime Commission and the Police Athletic Leagues of Illinois have selected Dr. Severko Hrywnak to receive the 2014 Award of Excellence in Medicine. The board of directors of the ISCC is composed of the state’s most influential leaders in government, law enforcement, education, labor, business, and public policy. The Excellence in Medicine award is given to an Illinois physician who has demonstrated compassion and dedication to the citizens of Illinois and who has risen to the challenges of providing care to his community and making healthcare affordable to all who need it.
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Dr. Sev Hrywnak |
Dr. Hrywnak is the founder of Project Hugs (Helping Underinsured Get Surgery), which is a not-for-profit organization dedicating its services to helping the underinsured get surgery. A popular and highly respected medical educator throughout the medical profession, Hrywnak is also known for providing free medical clinics in the Chicagoland area for indigent patients. The award will be presented at the “Salute to Those Who Make a Difference” awards dinner on Wednesday, June 18th in Oakbrook Terrace.
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
AL Podiatrist Surrenders License Over Prescription Investigation
The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force says a doctor in Northport has surrendered his license to practice podiatry. Task force agents say they received multiple complaints against Dr. David Robinson. The pharmacies stated that Robinson had been writing prescriptions outside the scope of his practice, including Adderall and Lortab prescriptions. The criminal investigation will continue, despite Robinson surrendering his license. Investigators are expected to present the charges to a grand jury in coming months.
Source: Nate Hall, WBRC Fox News [2/21/14]
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| MEDICARE NEWS | |
Proposal Cuts Medicare Advantage Rates by 3.55%
Medicare is proposing a 3.55% cut in Medicare Advantage rates for 2015, about half of what private insurers were expecting from the federal agency. The final rule will be released April 7. The CMS based its projections on an expected decline of 1.65% in per capita expenditures in the fee-for-service portion of the senior citizen healthcare program. About 15 million or 30% of all Medicare beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurers.
The CMS estimates that the blended rate of per capita spending on Medicare beneficiaries will decline by 1.9% in 2015. “This historically low growth in Medicare per-capita spending is tied, in part, to successful initiatives undertaken to promote value over volume and help curb fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare fee-for-service program in recent years,” the agency said in its news release.
Source: Modern Healthcare [2/21/14]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT NEWS | |
Referrals and Word of Mouth Trump Online Doctor Ratings
Patients increasingly use physician rating Web sites such as Vitals and Healthgrades, but word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals from other physicians nevertheless matter more to Americans when they select a clinician, according to a research letter published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Lead author David Hanauer, MD, and co-authors also write that Americans consider online ratings for cars, movies, books, electronics, and appliances more helpful than those for physicians.
Dr. Hanauer and co-authors gleaned their findings from an online survey conducted in September 2012 that yielded 2,137 responses. When it came to selecting a primary care physician, the factor most frequently rated as very important was "accepts my health insurance" (89%) followed at a distance by "convenient office location" (59%). Online ratings ranked last, with 41% flat-out calling them "not important."
Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [2/18/14]
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Care Credit
I was wondering about experiences podiatric offices have had with Care Credit. Our understanding is that doctors receive payment within 2 days, and the patient pays no interest on their debt, but the fee is deducted from our payment. We presently accept credit cards. In what situations have you found Care Credit to be the reason a patient opted to receive the services?
Jane E. Graebner, DPM, Delaware OH
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
RE: Non-Healing Wound S/P Neuroma Surgery
The main overlooked reasons for dehiscence is the fact that these are frequently plugged with 2+ cortisone shots before surgery. Wait three months after the last shot to cut into the foot. Despite this, I had one dehisce on me in a young healthy patient about a year ago. In that patient, a bone scan was positive for RSD. That same patient had depression issues and developed anorexia after the initial surgery. Cultures were always negative and x-rays did not show any signs of osteo. The wound healed over a period of about 7 months. At that time, the neuroma pain was gone but all four limbs were painful. After the wound healed, he was referred to pain management.
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Codes for Podiatric Medicine and More! 2013/2014 (26th Edition)
Make the transition this year with minimal stress and ultimate convenience.
This two-volume set contains podiatric medicine specific ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM (cross-referenced), E/M, HCPCS, CPT, E/M, E, and V codes, modifiers, guidelines for wound care, diabetic foot care, the Medicare Diabetes Shoe Program, and more.
Telephone and email support is provided at no additional cost for help with your tough coding questions.
Accept no substitutes. My publication is the one that you hear about. Join the thousands of satisfied podiatrists using my coding manuals for over 25 years. Available for immediate shipping!
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM
My suggestion is to pay your employees for those “snow days.” My guess is that you probably did not lose patients because of the snow days; however, you simply had to reschedule them. I would also guess that you and your employees are putting in more work and time to accommodate the rescheduling. If you value your employees and appreciate how they allow you to make a living, pay them for the snow days.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM
I read recently another statement about Stark Laws as quoted here in "Physicians Practice." Stark Laws exist entirely because the medical provider industry folded like a cheap suit and allowed this travesty to occur. The Stark Laws make felonies out of practices that have been perfectly legal. Many are still legal between lawyers and nearly all business.
Representative Stark has done more damage to private medical practice than any other person in history. His policies have become "Congress' war on medical providers." In the mean time, college loans have escalated well beyond inflation, and providers are still expected to pay them back. They are excluded from bankruptcy.
If there was ever a time for all medical providers to eschew their own private internecine battles and band together, now is the time. Many actions by individual doctors are illegal. However, it is NOT illegal to band together and lobby Congress to reverse these laws. If all healthcare providers got together as a lobby, we could do it.
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
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Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE - BRONX, NY
Associate needed for 30+ year busy private practice. Applicant should be personal, independent and motivated. Bilingual a plus. Practice entails all aspects of podiatry. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for the right person. To apply please email letter of intent and CV to Bronxfootspecialist@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CAPITAL DISTRICT (NY)
Associate position with option to purchase practice. Upstate NY, Capital District. Applicants require NYS podiatric license and Medicare # ,Board certified or qualified. Position available immediately. Salary negotiable. Send CV and inquiries to: Gopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – WISCONSIN
Experienced podiatric physician and surgeon seeking a motivated associate with the ability and drive to join a multi-faceted, exceptionally busy, and firmly established Midwestern practice located within driving distance of Chicago. Those who apply need be well-rounded yet humble and willing to provide all types of foot and ankle care, from diabetic and neuropathic treatments and biomechanical exams, to minor office procedures and complex surgical corrections. Please send your CV along with a cover letter describing your treatment style along with your desire to grow with a successful practice to Associatematch@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY)
The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County is a multi-office podiatric group looking for a self-motivated, committed podiatrist with a CA license. Offices are up-to-date with EMR, digital x-ray, and laser. Duties include all aspects of podiatry including wound care, surgical cases and nursing homes. There is great surgical growth potential. Must intend to reside locally. Send CV to: srfctysc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
Immediate opening for palliative/general podiatric care provider in established clinics, nursing home and assistive living settings in beautiful Southern Kentucky. Travel involved, but transportation provided along with ability to provide a wide range of clinical care including DME. Board certification not mandatory, but must be eligible for KY state license. Base salary with incredible bonus opportunity/full benefits. Join Kentucky’s largest and most respected podiatric group. Email CV and letter of interest to: jonkim12000@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHOENIX, AZ
Part-Time Permanent Position. Ideal candidate would be independent, mature and experienced in all phases podiatry. Please send CV to pdxbaba@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NY (ROSLYN AND HUNTINGTON)
Join one of the largest podiatry groups on the East Coast. Well established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, PVR and NCV studies, PinPointe laser, and Microvas therapy. For more info, www.GreatFootCare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA
Looking for an associate with strong surgical training. Personal and energetic a must. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, and foot and ankle surgery. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for right person. To apply, please email, letter of intent and CV to premierfootpa@outlook.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – TENNESEE
Immediate full & part-time positions available for fully credentialed. Buy in/Buy out options available for this high volume practice in Knoxville area. Principal, also seeking like-minded to share semi-retirement, e.g., 2 weeks on/ 2 weeks off or 1 month on/ 1 month off, etc. Please email letter of intent and CV to:easttnpodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Multi Physician Practice – Multi Practice Locations Competitive Salary and Benefits. Experienced support staff. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO, IL
Podiatrist in Chicago. Independent, energetic Dr. needed to do house calls; schedule will be accommodated due to Dr.'s preferences; both full- and part-time will be considered. Send your inquiries to: dpms2@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – OH
Join our thriving practice of 3 podiatrists in the fastest growing county in Ohio (Delaware located north of Columbus). We are looking for a motivated, personable, caring doctor with solid training who wants to work in a positive environment and enjoys our profession every day! Contact footandanklewellnesscenter@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO, IL
Podiatrist in Chicago. Independent, energetic Dr. needed to do house calls; schedule will be accommodated due to Dr.'s preferences; both full- and part-time will be considered. Send your inquiries to: dpms2@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA STATESBORO & SURROUNDING AREAS
Beautiful weather year round. Seeking experienced, Family-oriented, podiatrist looking to build a career & long-term relationship. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with access to Surgical Center. Willing to live in a College town with rural settings. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@atlanticfeet.com.
HOUSE CALL OPPORTUNITY - CHICAGO, IL
Chicago-America’s Disabled, a not-for-profit medical group is looking for a podiatrist. You decide when you want to work and we will prepare your schedule. Competitive Compensation ($500-$1000 a day). Send CV to dberliant@totalhealthcaregrp.com or call 773-774-7300.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SW FLORIDA
Immediate position available in SW Florida. Podiatrist to join a small group. Must be Florida licensed, surgical privileges pending experience. Board Certification or Qualified preferred but not necessary. Some nursing home care and limited travel. Excellent pay and lifestyle. Send CV to: 1foot.ankle@GMail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK
Mmulti-specialty, busy practice looking for highly motivated Podiatrist. Outstanding opportunity, excellent salary and benefits, working with three Podiatrists as well as residents, high volume of surgical cases, advance wound care, broad based referrals, and Electronic medical records. Opportunity for partnership. Please submit CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TENNESSEE
Opportunity for fully credentialed podiatrist(s) needed to join or purchase a high-volume practice with enormous growth. Located on the largest medical center/hospital campus in East Tennessee. Please email CV, letter of intent, and references to PodiatryFootAnkle@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Downtown Location. Well-established with loyal referral base. Traknet EMR, Digital x-ray, equipped for office-based surgery. Uniquely positioned to thrive in today's healthcare environment. Interested party must be strong in all phases of podiatry. Outstanding opportunity for right person. Inquiries: skywayfoot@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – DELRAY BEACH, FL
Priced to sell. Owner relocating. Established practice, turn- key, EMR compliant. Net revenue of 250K+. All office- based revenue. Email for more information or call after 6pm. Bonedoc3@yahoo.com Contact phone: 561-926-8369. Serious buyers only.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN MARYLAND
Retiring in June 2014. Practice in northern Maryland (near Wilmington, DE) for sale. Grosses over $200k working less than 25 hours a week doing minimal surgery. Ripe for expansion of hours and services. Can stay for patient introductions. If interested contact Ed Strogen at strogdoc@aol.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Terrific opportunity! Profitable practice with outstanding growth potential – surgery, lots of physician referrals. Within a medical/professional office complex. EMR system with 3 computer stations. Meaningful use met thru Stage II. Very reasonably priced. Will remain through transition period. Contact 520-304-2443 in evenings (PST) or reflisa@centurylink.net - serious buyers only.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida. Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com 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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RE: (Topic)
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