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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,764 Podiatrists Daily
March 03, 2014 #5,002  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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Results of last week's poll |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Cartilage Regeneration Benefits Athletes and Boomers: PA Podiatrist
Foot and ankle surgeons are gathering this week at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) to study revolutionary advances in cartilage regeneration for foot and ankle injuries. According to Pennsylvania foot and ankle surgeon and conference presenter Stephen A. Brigido, DPM, FACFAS, presentations will review bioengineered scaffolding for reconstruction surgery, microfracture techniques, and stem cell cartilage regeneration that are being used to create cartilage-like scaffolds where voids once existed.
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Dr. Stephen Brigido |
“With today’s scientific advances,” Dr. Brigido notes, “joint reconstruction surgery with cartilage regeneration offers real hope for long-term functionality. Patients benefit because these techniques require less reconstruction and nurture the body’s own ability to heal itself—with a little boost from technology and a knowledgeable surgeon.” Whatever the cause of cartilage loss, research and testing to-date has shown much promise in returning both athletes and boomers to their former, and sometimes greater, functionality and mobility.
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| ACFAS NEWS | |
ACFAS Members Elect New Board of Directors
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national surgical association of over 7,000 foot and ankle surgeons installed its 2014-2015 Board of Directors at the annual business meeting conducted at the ACFAS 72nd Annual Scientific Conference in Orlando, Florida:
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Dr. Thomas Roukis |
President: Thomas S. Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACSAS
President-Elect: Richard M. Derner, DPM, FACFAS
Secretary-Treasurer: Sean T. Grambart, DPM, FACFAS
Immediate Past-President: Jordan P. Grossman, DPM, FACFAS
Directors: Laurence G. Rubin, DPM, FACFAS, John S. Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS, Christopher Hyer, DPM, FACFAS, Kris DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS, Christopher Reeves, DPM, FACFAS, and Byron L. Hutchinson, DPM, FACFAS
Division Presidents Council Chair: Aksone M. Nouvong, DPM, FACFAS
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| QUERIES CLINICAL | |
Query: Pernio vs. Raynaud's Disease
With diabetes and neuropathy, it may be difficult to differentiate pernio vs. Raynaud's disease in patients. The neuropathic patient may not feel pain or itching, which is the complaint at times with pernio. Both are vasospastic and otherwise look similiar. In this frigid weather, we are seeing these cases more commonly.
Are there any real differences in treatment? For those who recommend oral nifedipine, what is the recommended dosing? Other than topical or oral L-arginine, warms socks, etc. does anyone have any pearls as it relates to these conditions?
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
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| QUERIES (EMR) | |
Query: Consequences of Not Advancing to Stage II
What happens if I stop attesting for meaningful use this year, even though I have attested for Stage I over the last three years? I do not want to advance to Stage II either because of the expense in doing so or I just do not think it is worth it in the long run?
Joseph Borreggine, DPM Charleston, IL
Response: There will be penalties if you do not continue to attest to meaningful use each year. Penalties for meaningful use start in 2015 (1%) and are scheduled to increase 1% per year to reach a maximum of either 5% or 3% of your total Medicare payments (e.g. if you earn $100,000 from Medicare, you will be penalized $3,000-$5,000). The maximum percentage depends on the number of eligible providers that achieve meaningful use (starting in 2018). If 75% or more are meaningful users, the penalty is 3% max. If less than 75% are meaningful users, then the penalty is 5% max.
Of course, all of this may change depending on passage of the SGR fix and how they incorporate MU into that. More information can be found on the APMA website at apma.org in the archived webinars.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Estelle Albright, DPM
I agree with Dr. Borreggine completely. The only 'survivors' in private practice in about 10 years' time will be those who practice in wealthy enclave communities, who do not accept insurance nor Medicare/Medicaid/Obamacare, and are cash-only for services. Essentially, this is the way it operates in countries with 'universal care' models. This has been the goal of our government for some years, and Obamacare is the 'crowning glory' of his legacy.
Medicare and others simply do not want to deal with individual physicians. Rather, they are subtly pushing sole and small group practices into hospital-based, government, or similar controlled groups, where physicians will work for these entities on salaries, rather than fee for service.
The crushing student loan debt burden felt by new (and old) graduates, plus practice, med-mal/other insurance costs, office overhead,in the face of dwindling and more difficult to obtain fair and timely payment for services, will drive solo physicians to extinction. This is not only true for podiatry, but for all medical services.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE) | |
From: Michael Lawrence, DPM
The editor of this forum chose to publish certain information about me that was technically correct. But as we see so often in the media, important elements and facts are not included.
Years ago, I was confronted by an agent of the DEA regarding controlled medications that I had procured and used for humanitarian work. The federal government investigated for over two years and found nothing to refute what I had told them. I was guilty of "improper record keeping." Simply stated, I did not...
Editor's note: Dr. Lawrence's extended-length letter appears here. The Tennessee discipline reports can be read here and here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2A | |
From: David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Hal Ornstein, DPM
Five thousand is a big number. It constitutes a full surgical career. It would be double a consecutive games streak for a hall of fame ballplayer. Please allow me, however, to offer another number into this mix: one. One man has, through persistence and ability created the equivalent of our specialty's bulletin board. This one thing will outlive him and us. Hopefully, the impact it has and will make will allow all of us and many of our mentees to better touch the next 5000 people they see in their offices and clinics throughout the world. Congratulations, Barry. Our specialty is better with you in it.
David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Tucson, AZ
5,000 issues of PM News is monumental! A landmark reflecting the commitment of Barry Block to our podiatry community and also need to recognize the frequent contributors who spread such a wealth of clinical and practice management knowledge. All this makes our profession all the stronger and united.
Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ
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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 (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2B | |
From: Robert C Chelin, DPM
Barry, congratulations on this milestone. Your up-to-date information not just of North American podiatry happenings, but on news on global podiatry has been both informative and enlightening. You have been a global thinker, and by doing so, you have expanded the knowledge of international podiatry. Far too often, we get comfortable in our own environment, but you have been able to think outside the box and reach out to podiatrists everywhere. You have made them feel inclusive, more knowledgeable, and have sparked great debate about our profession.
Robert C Chelin, DPM, CEO, International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP)
Editor's note: We would like to thank all those who have sent congratulatory letters. To read some of the additional letters, click here.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 3 | |
From Edmond F. Mertzenich, DPM, MBA
Reading statistical information can be full of pitfalls. One needs to look at the mean and median. Both give useful information. By comparing the two, one can ascertain if there are outliers that affect the results. For example, if a sample of 10 providers has one earning $1,000,000 and the other nine $100,000, the average (mean) income is $190,000 but the median income is $100,000. Just using that information, one can tell there are some outliers that could affect the results. One also needs to know how and where the basic information came from. As for the income of $116,440, this seems to be a realistic value. The same website gave a mean wage of $132,470. One other thing, I don’t think we have a gross job and proudly provide care to all who come.
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
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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 |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PINPOINTE FOOT LASER
$16,800.00 OBO, FDA-cleared to treat Onychomycosis. Purchased May 2011, Machine was maintained under warranty and is in working order. Includes; manuals, keys, thermometer, 1 hand piece, new fibers, cleaver, 3 pairs of eye goggles, original packaging. Contact -Darren @ 801-870-4161 or email: dman1hansen@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Position available leading to buy in after 6-12 months for the right person. Well established practice all aspects of care. Modern facility and latest technology. Need a self-starter ambitious person to work and grow the practice. Send Resume and cover letter to DRFOOT44@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Immediate associate position available. Applicant should be personal, self-motivated and independent. Will provide diabetic treatments, biomechanical exams, minor office procedures, major surgical corrections, in-home care. Great surgical growth potential. Competitive compensation package. Send letter of intent and CV to: admin@blaskodpm.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.
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 - 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 - 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.
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
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.
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