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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,776 Podiatrists Daily
February 26, 2014 #4,998  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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| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
Regular Diabetic Foot Exams Reduce Per Patient Costs up to $20K: MD Podiatrist
Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic disease in the U.S., but experts says there is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to reduce the soaring cost of treating it: Get patients to take better care of their feet. The good news, doctors say, is that daily inspection and cleansing of the feet—which isn't complicated or expensive—can go a long way toward preventing foot ulcers that can lead to amputations. The CDC estimates that good foot care could reduce the risk of amputation in diabetic patients by 45% to 85%.
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Dr. Alex Kor |
Regular visits to a doctor for foot exams and to a podiatrist to have nails trimmed without damaging the feet can reduce costs per patient by up to $20,000 annually, says Dr. Alex Kor, a podiatrist at Johns Hopkins and an expert in diabetic foot care.
Source: Barbara Sadick, Wall Street Journal [2/23/14]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
NC Podiatrist Discusses When to Start Babies in Shoes
When should a baby start wearing shoes? And what kind? Before a baby starts walking, bare feet or socks are best, though any kind of shoes can be worn for decoration or warmth or to help keep the socks on, said Dr. Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, NC, and past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.
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Dr. Jane Andersen |
The bones in a baby’s foot are soft and don’t finish hardening until a child is around 5 years old, though kids’ feet keep growing into their teenage years. In theory, constricting soft feet with rigid shoes could prevent the bones from developing properly, Andersen said. “After they start walking, you want them either barefoot or in the most flexible shoe possible so their muscles can develop properly. Flexibility is the most important issue as they are developing their arch,” says Andersen.
Source: Alexia Elejalde, The Pueblo Chieftain [2/23/14]
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
FL Podiatrist Questioned in Wife's Death
Podiatrist Dr. Adam Frasch was arrested in Panama City on Saturday on charges of interfering with child custody after his wife Samira was found dead in the swimming pool at her home in Tallahassee on Saturday, Tallahassee Democrat and Indyposted.com report. The couple were separated and were going through a divorce. in 2012, The Florida Board of Podiatric Medicine reprimanded and fined him $1,000 for failing to report that he had pleaded no contest to criminal charges. Frasch was charged in 2007 with domestic battery, but pleaded no contest to a lesser offense. In 2009, he pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence.
Source: Florida Health News [2/24/14]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Complete Ankle Rupture
This 58 year old female underwent total knee replacement in June 2012. She developed a DVT, which required vascular surgery to remove. She later developed compartment syndrome, which required a fasciotomy. She then developed a Pseudomonas infection in the open wounds. Her foot has since turned into an inward position.
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Complete Ankle Rupture |
She is now wheelchair-bound and cannot ambulate. Her foot is in a rigid talipes equinovarus position. Nerve conduction study performed revealed multiple lower extremity abnormalities. X-rays clearly demonstrate a complete lateral ankle rupture. Her peroneals have minimal strength. My thought is for pain management, and to first inject Botox; then perform ankle and TN fusion one week later. I’ve considered pan-talar fusion. Any other suggestions?
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: LOPS Claim Rejection
On our Medicare diabetic patients with LOPS (loss of protective sensation) and good vascular status, we submit codes G0245 or G0246, as necessary, for the visit along with G0247 for the foot care every 6 months with the appropriate diagnosis codes for diabetes and neuropathy. Recently, our claims for G0247 are being rejected. The reason is "related or qualifying claim/service was not identified." We bill codes ICD-9 250.00, ICD-9 357.2 (polyneuropathy in diabetes), and ICD-9 703.8 which have paid previously.
John Dahdah, DPM, Pottstown, PA
Response: I tried looking in the Novitas JL Routine Foot Care LCD for the LOPS materials and could not find anything. So, I went to the Novitas JH Routine Foot Care LCD and was able to, I believe, find your problem. The JH document states that only ICD-9 250.60-250.63 and ICD-9 357.2 diagnoses codes will be accepted for the LOPS codes G0245, G0246 and G0247. Since I am aware that Novitas is trying to merge the LCDs for these two jurisdictions, that most likely is your problem.
I suggest contacting your Pennsylvania podiatry CAC representative just to be sure. You may want to ask why the JL Routine Foot Care LCD does not have any references to the LOPS policy.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
RE: New Medicare Cuts Coming
From: Michael Rosenblatt, DPM
Most of your retired patients have been "conditioned" to expect Medicare to pay for their care. For DPMs, this challenge consisted of explaining why they don't have routine foot care covered.
Medicare podiatry patients chronically "shop" to find DPMs who manufacture coverage for them. But look out. It's about to get much worse and more widespread. Government is now planning at least 6% cuts for managed care insurers, and possibly more later.
Now is the time to explain to patients what will hit them in 2015. Health costs are...
Editor's note: Dr. Rosenblatt's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLL) | |
From: Michael Forman, DPM
Little shocks me anymore. However, the initial response to PM News' poll question regarding college faculty providing testimony in liability cases threw me for a proverbial loop. I understand how my colleagues, particularly those who have been sued, feel about someone criticizing their work and attacking their pocketbook. I know that from personal experience. I also know that most malpractice suits are frivolous. As I recall, the latest statistic I read said that only 5% of medical malpractice claims go to court.
But please, for a moment, put yourself in the place of a patient who was harmed by a medical mistake due to the FAULT of a medical provider or institution. Shouldn't that person be entitled to some compensation? If there is a bad result which was not due to an error, that becomes the "sh*t happens" defense. I don't have the answer to the medical liability problem, except to say that limiting a portion of our profession, who we hope, practice at the highest level of our profession, is certainly not an answer.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Visualing Veins
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM
While attending a recent dermatology meeting, I saw a new product called the AccuVein 400 . It's a hand-held laser that lets you see the veins beneath the surface of the skin.
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Heel Heel viewed by AccuVein 400 AccuVein 400 |
My left medial heel is shown. All the veins that need to be dealt with in surgery can now be planned for in advance. Another cool tool.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $179
(Less than $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, WV, WI, & WY
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 |
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 - 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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SC
Well-established three doctor practice seeks PSR-24/36 trained associate. New office building with privileges at nearby hospital and surgical center. EMR in place. Located near lake and mountains. Two hours from Charlotte and Atlanta. Please send letter of interest to docrose@bellsouth.net.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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