|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,832 Subscribers Daily
March 02, 2018 #6,135  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2018- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
Last Chance to Vote
Quick Poll
|
|
Do you autoclave your office instruments? |
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
Dancers Should Avoid Using Topical Anesthetics: NY Podiatrist
When caring for your feet or trying to make them look good, it's tempting to seek shortcuts. Bad ideas—like dangerous stretches that promise perfect lines, or ointments that were never meant to go on your toes—catch on all too easily backstage. We asked podiatrists who've seen their dance clients try it all share the habits they'd like to see gone for good.
 |
|
Dr. Thomas Novella |
Numbing agents like lidocaine or benzocaine—the active ingredient in Orajel—should never be applied to corns or blisters. These products can lead to serious skin infections. Dr. Thomas Novella, a podiatrist in New York City, says he has sent dancers to the hospital to be treated for blood infections from infected corns masked by lidocaine. If corns become painful, see a podiatrist.
Source: Dance Magazine [2/23/18]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS | |
Podiatrists Return From 13th Mercy Mission to Nicaragua
The 2018 annual mission trip to Nicaragua organized by Drs. Charles Morelli and Jeff Siegel was again very successful. The types of pathology seen again this year included tibial fractures, non/malunions, a pilon fracture, a pes cavus deformity, a pediatric vertical talus "re-do", met adductus, brachymetatarsia, polydactly, painful bunions, and soft tissue tumors. Patients from last year came back to visit, say hello, give hugs, and show the volunteers how well they were doing.
 |
|
(L-R) Drs. Charles Morelli, Elena Manning, Arjun Sandhu; Riane Teagarden, Drs. Jeff Siegel and Jared Leber |
Dr. Siegel who runs the Albuquerque VA in New Mexico applied 4 adult Ilizarov frames in 3 days and one pediatric frame, treating CP, polio, and arthrogryposis. 28 cases were seen in 4 days. There were lots of smiles, and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for this service by the residents and students from the Albuquerque VA and Mount Auburn Hospital in Boston. It was an opportunity to treat those so less fortunate.
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
CA Podiatrist Stresses the Value of "Toe and Flow" Model of Care
"We all rightly take cancer and heart attacks seriously. Diabetes, however, has not risen to that level. If one were an evil deity and wanted to sock it to humanity, one wouldn’t pick something like cancer or a heart attack. Those are often far too dramatic. One would rather choose diabetes: It is silent, sinister, and it happens in the background. No one sees it coming," says podiatrist Dr. David Armstrong.
 |
|
Dr. David Armstrong |
"Many of the patients we see here at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have already been offered amputations elsewhere. We believe that many of these amputations may not be necessary. What is so exciting here is that we can, unlike virtually anywhere else, bring a team of elite physicians, surgeons, and therapists to the patient in a coordinated program. This model, which has (at its core) vascular and podiatric surgery, has been nicknamed the 'Toe and Flow' model of care," says Armstrong.
Source: USC News [2/27/18]
|
|
| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis Effective for Treatment of Degenerative Ankle Disease
Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was effective for the treatment of degenerative ankle disease, including in patients with moderate tibiotalar coronal deformity, according to a recently published study. The study comprised 97 patients who underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, and mean follow-up was 86 months. Investigators assessed patients with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot scale, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Patients also underwent clinical and radiographic examinations.
Results showed that 94.6% of patients achieved ankle fusions. The mean AOFAS score was 83.3 and the mean FAOS score was 87.4. Investigators observed 75% good/excellent results with the AOS scoring system. The Kellgren-Lawrence score and van Dijk osteoarthritis grading scale showed that 85% and 69% of patients had no change in talonavicular or subtalar grade of osteoarthritis, respectively. Researchers observed no cases of deep infection or other serious adverse events. After arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, all but four patients were able to return to work.
Source: Monica Jaramillo, Healio.com [2/28/18]
|
|
| HEALTHCARE AND POLITICS | |
Senate Bill Would Make e-prescribing for Controlled Substances Mandatory
Legislation has been introduced in the Senate that would require healthcare providers to use electronic prescribing for opioids and other controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions beginning in 2020. The Every Prescription Conveyed Securely (EPCS) Act, S.2460, co-sponsored by Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dean Heller (R-NV), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), is the latest legislative effort to combat opioid overdoses.
According to the senators, e-prescribing for controlled substances would “generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients,” as well as “reduce the number of opioids obtained through fraudulent prescriptions or doctor shopping.”
Source: Greg Slabodkin, Health Data Management [3/1/18]
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
4 Areas for Practices to Focus on in 2018 - Part 1
In working with a variety of providers on solutions to address today’s biggest market pressures, we’ve identified four key areas in which practices should invest time and resources to be successful:
1. Clinical Research
In 2015, 1,375 community health centers provided care to 24.3 million patients, including 1 in 12 U.S. residents and nearly 1 in 6 Medicaid enrollees. Community practices are uniquely positioned to help patients access cutting-edge care through enrollment in clinical trials, but most lack the resources and access to make clinical trials available to the patients they serve.
Practices should explore partnerships that can connect them to clinical trials and research opportunities. These programs allow for a more streamlined approach to identifying, qualifying for, and enrolling in targeted clinical trials that offer groundbreaking treatment options. At the same time, they give manufacturers trusted access to additional qualified patient populations outside of their traditional clinical trial partners, and streamlined enrollment for those patients.
Source: Barry Fortner, PhD. Physicians Practice [2/24/18]
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Coding for Lapidus Bunionectomy with a Proximal Phalanx Osteotomy
A Lapidus bunionectomy procedure was performed with a proximal phalanx osteotomy of the same toe. There is an edit on these two codes, so I believe that they are not reimbursed separately unless they are performed on separate toes; however, the surgeon believes that the osteotomy should be reimbursed because it was not of the metatarsal, but of the proximal phalanx. Any insight?
Jessica Diaz, Billing Specialist, Bellevue, NE
Response: You can code for both of these procedures performed on the same ray of the same foot at the same encounter. There are two combination options:
#1 CPT 28297 for the bunionectomy and the met-cuneiform fusion (Lapidus), and CPT 28310 for the phalangeal osteotomy; or
#2 CPT 28298 for the bunionectomy and the phalangeal osteotomy, and CPT 28740 for the met-cuneiform joint fusion.
I believe either of these two combinations would be correct for coding for the procedures you described. Of these two options, I suggest the combination of CPT 29298 + CPT 28740.
Jeffrey D Lehrman, DPM, Springfield, PA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Holding Credit Cards on File
If your office is holding credit card numbers (safely offsite, in a cloud, etc.), do you charge off the balance of the account after 30 days or 60 days, or do you create a payment plan at the time of service?
Nicole Freels, DPM, Lexington, KY
|
|
| QUERIES (EHR) | |
Query: Best Tablets/Laptops for Office Use
I would like to hear the good and the bad about the tablets and laptops used in practice. I'm looking for something to use room to room and something to take with me to facilities. I can get mobile 4G service. What are the thoughts and recommendations of PM News readers?
David P. Luongo, DPM, Paramus, NJ
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Name Withheld
I read all of the posts about this subject and shake my head. Requiring residents to do research will not increase articles. When I finished my residency, it was a goal to contribute back to the profession by writing papers, lecturing, and teaching. Truth be told, today’s graduates' goal is to become consultants and lecture for industry for significant income.
I am not saying these people are bad; they are just human. Blaming ACFAS is not the solution. Requiring lecturers and committee members to publish will eliminate those who volunteer and may be great committee members and surgeons.
Name Withheld
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM ARTICLES) | |
From: Stephen C. Schmid, DPM
I first want to congratulate Dr. Scholnick on being named a “Future Star” by Podiatry Management Magazine. That’s quite an accomplishment! Reading his commentary, I agree with him. When it comes to our professional organizations, transparency and accountability are important attributes. I am writing this response, however, to express some concerns that I have with the comments made regarding APMA. I feel that Dr. Scholnick has either been uninformed or misinformed.
I would like to address a few of the specific comments that were made: “There are many conflicts of interest with the APMA… .” If he was referring to potential conflicts of interest for individual members of the Board of Trustees, you can view a clearly stated list of...
Editor's note: Dr. Schmid's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
What to wear during a new moon? |
Source: Nguyen Ngoc Thanh via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - TRISTATE AREA, MARYLAND
Great team players wanted for Group Practice with several locations. Full time associate positions are available. We offer state of the art facilities with well-trained support staff, in-office surgical center, ultrasound, DME, EMR, x-rays, etc. This amazing opportunity comes with a competitive salary, excellent benefits and bonus structure. Please email letter of intent and CV to mynewposition75@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PODIATRY GROUP IN LOS ANGELES
Join the group/limb preservation team and teaching faculty. Must be well trained in limb preservation, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Send CV to podiatricri@yahoo.com, attention Stan Mathis, DPM.
WESTERN MASS ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE SEEKING CLINIC-BASED PODIATRIST
Large orthopedic practice in Western Massachusetts seeking a full-time clinic-based podiatrist interested in general foot care, diabetes and orthotics/DME. Candidate may be board certified or board eligible. Rearfoot/ankle training not required. Podiatrist will join two fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons who are interested in creating a comprehensive foot care center. Founded over 30 years ago, we are a busy, growing practice of 16 sub-specialized physicians, recognized as the region’s top orthopedic specialists. Upcoming 2018 graduates and established podiatrists may apply. Please send CV. laurie.skole@neortho.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – DAYTON, OHIO
Highly respected and growing, four podiatrists, 4 location practice seeking PSR-36 board certified/qualified foot and ankle surgeon. Must be dedicated, hardworking, poses excellent clinical and surgical skills, high-quality patient care, wound care. Practice is equipped with certified EMR, digital x-ray, laser, ultrasound guided injections, Cutera Laser, regenerative medicine and PRP all aspects of DME. Meaningful Use attested, MIPS-ready. On staff 4 hospitals, no nursing homes. Highly trained staff. Send CV, salary requirements to ohiosurgeons@gmail.com Excellent compensation plan, base salary and bonus, 401k plan, medical insurance, malpractice, paid vacation, holidays, CME. Signing bonus, ownership via deferred compensation plan.
FOR IMMEDIATE HIRE – MARYLAND
Looking for an eager podiatrist to join our growing practice immediately. We are located in Waldorf and Clinton, MD. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and will be busy from the moment they are hired! We are looking for a well-rounded podiatrist to join our office-based practice. jelena@somdfootandankle.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA
30 year practice. Two office locations. Hospital privileges. 30–40 new patients per month. Seeking well-trained motivated podiatrist. All amenities including malpractice insurance. Good mixture of general podiatry care /surgery/biomechanics/diabetic management. E-Mail CV to: footcare2020@aol.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - NEBRASKA, MINNESOTA, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA
Preferred Podiatry Group is seeking providers to join our growing practice servicing long term care facilities in several areas. We offer a competitive commission based income as well as a benefit package to our employed podiatrists. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Contact Dr. Chris Kestner at ckestner@ppgpc.com for more details about opportunities with PPG.
PODIATRIST WANTED - NORTHERN & SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Podiatrist needed for practices in both Northern and Southern California. Professionally managed practice in long term care facilities. Excellent income potential with discretionary time. Please send CV and interest letter to dwayne8543@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND/QUEENS
Advanced Podiatry Seeking Full Time DPM for upscale practices located at the Americana Manhasset, Huntington and Queens. Excellent work environment and company culture. Latest technology with digital x-ray, laser, EHR, Ultrasound, the latest Apple software and iPads. Must be surgically trained, motivated, with a great work ethic. Very competitive salary with significant upside. Great opportunity to work in one of the country's premier practices. Visit www.LIFootCare.com and email evieira1@nshs.edu for more info.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TUCSON, AZ
Amazing associate opportunity leading to long-term arrangement/partnership in sunny beautiful Tucson, AZ. Very busy solo podiatry practice with unlimited earning potential. Tons of new patients daily. Seeking warm, motivated, personable and patient care oriented practitioner. Practice very well known with exploding constant referral sources. argfootdoc@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CAROLINA
Physicians Footcare is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary and next exam is June 2018. Exam application must be submitted 90 days prior to exam date. If you are ready to earn a comfortable six figure salary; send letter of interest and CV to: scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOUSTON, TX
Established, growing multi office, multi doctor practice seeking PSR-36 board certified/qualified foot and ankle surgeon. Must be personable, outgoing and motivated with excellent clinical and surgical skills. Practice is protocol-based, state-of-the-art equipped with the latest technologies and cutting-edge procedures with an extremely competent staff. Send CV, salary requirements to faajobs@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO & NORTHERN IL SUBURBS
Well Established 26 year Growing practice seeking an associate interested in partnership who wants to build a sports medicine oriented practice. Practice has two locations and opportunity to grow. Infrastructure in place. Surgery at local surgery center's and hospital. Contact: Mike Crosby at MCrosby518@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEWPORT BEACH, CA
Concierge Podiatry and Spa, requires only the "best". Looking for top of class, who have completed great residency, preferably Fellowship trained. Must be ethical, sharp, highly skilled, motivated, willing to work hard. Opportunity of a lifetime rapidly growing concept. Send resume to DrRoth@CPSNewport.com
FULL-TIME or PART-TIME PODIATRIST - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
PSR 24-36 Trained Multi-dimensional, Multi-office group treating a wide range of patients to include: forefoot, rearfoot, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and work-related injuries. Modern offices and equipment. A great opportunity for driven personable individual. Please e-mail Cover letter, CV, Letter of references Email: cnunez1940@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 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 davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE/ PARADISE VALLEY, AZ
A well established, successful solo practice in a prestigious medical center. Office suite recently built. All aspects of podiatric medical care for adults and children. Excellent opportunity for referrals and continued practice expansion. Doctor willing to stay and help with transition. Call 602-740-1686 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SEATTLE SUBURB
25 year old sports and family oriented practice located in a highly desirable, affluent and well insured area. For details, reply to: footdoc@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - UPSTATE NEW YORK (BROOME COUNTY-VESTAL, NY)
Unique, well established, 38 year practice. No 3rd party insurance-NONE! Patients pay full fee at time of service. I work 2.5-3.5 days/week as desired, with 6-8 weeks of vacation/year yielding an average gross income of $625K & an average net of $250K. Practice emphasizes biomechanics, utilizing video & F-Scan analysis; & PinPointe laser for onychomycosis. Modern 2500 sq. ft. office and equipment. Reply to: uniquepractice@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 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 davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
|
| 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
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- 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
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
