|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,460 Subscribers Daily
March 05, 2019 #6,367  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2019- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
|
How often do you prescribe opioids for chronic foot or ankle pain?
|
 |
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MI Podiatrist Discusses Melanomas of the Foot
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including in the lower extremities. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, often develops on sun-exposed skin. Yet, it may also start in places that receive little sun exposure, such as your foot. Because most people never check their feet for signs of melanoma, this cancer often spreads before it’s noticed.
 |
|
Dr. Conway McLean |
"Melanomas may even occur beneath a toenail, of all places. This is most common in the big toes of your feet. The cancerous cells underneath the nails can look like purple, brown, or black bruises. These also may look like dark streaks that grow vertically in the nail. Unlike nail injuries where the nail eventually grows out, these streaks don’t go away. Many people will assume these changes are fungal in origin, another good reason to have nail changes evaluated by a specialist," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Mining Journal [2/29/19]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
Repetitive Impact Increases Risk of Stress Fractures: NM Podiatrist
"Stress fractures of the foot are becoming more common in runners, especially first-time marathoners. The growing popularity of marathons among beginning runners has contributed to the increase in repetitive stress injuries, including stress fractures of the foot. Often, first-time marathoners enter a race with little or improper long-distance training. The lack of experience coupled with the repetitive impact placed on the feet during the run can produce enough stress to cause hairline breaks in the bones of the foot," says Jeff Ash, DPM.
 |
|
Dr. Jeff Ash |
"Runners at all levels of experience are also at higher risk for stress fractures if they wear improper shoes while running or training, suffer from flatfoot or other foot deformities, or have osteoporosis. Signs of a stress fracture can include pain, swelling, redness, and possibly bruising of the area," says Dr. Ash.
Source: Rosewell Daily Record [3/2/19]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Some High-End Shoes also Comfortable: NY Podiatrist
“Most designer heels provide little support,” New York-based podiatrist Allyssa Knowles, DPM told Footwear News. “This causes ankle instability and little to no shock absorption, which in turn can lead to a lot of foot and back pain.”
 |
|
Dr. Allyssa Knowles |
Thankfully, however, all hope is not lost if you have a penchant for luxury footwear. According to Dr. Knowles, there are a few high-end labels that are actually getting it right in the comfort department. And for even longer wear, she suggests taking the shoes to a local cobbler, who can add a rubber tip near the toe box and rubber heel cap for elevated shock absorption.
Source: Samantha Peters, Footwear News [3/1/19]
|
|
| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Several times a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
 |
|
Today's Featured Article |
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Key Steps to Mitigating Your Cyber Risk - Part 6
Continuing cyber attacks on healthcare providers emphasize the need for medical practices of all sizes to make cyber security an essential part of their business. Here are some steps to strengthen your practice’s cyber security position.
6. Manage your third-party vendor risks - Several of the biggest security breaches in recent years originated with third party vendors. Mitigate your third-party risk by adopting a policy that limits vendor access to your data and network. As with staff, vendors should be able to access only the data and portions of your network necessary to perform their duties.
In addition, frequently assess your vendors’ security practices. Ask vendors whether they employ security controls, provide cybersecurity training for their employees, and regularly patch and update their software and vulnerability protection. A vendor’s security practices should be no less diligent than yours.
Source: Joseph E. Guimera, JD, Physicians Practice [2/21/19]
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Rejections with CPT 9759
Our office has had a lot of rejections with the CPT 97597 code recently, even when adding additional diagnoses like diabetes with ulcer. Most often we are using the L97 codes, limited to breakdown of skin. Any advice?
Rebecca Sundling, DPM, Grand Rapids, MI
Response: ICD-10 specifically states that you must first use the combination code of diabetes and foot ulcer (E10.621 or .E11.621). That is because the guidelines state that you must then “use additional code to identify site of ulcer (L97.4-, L97.5-).”
I recommend getting the APMA Coding Resource Center (or the latest ICD-10 book) and following the appropriate guidelines. Additionally, for five years prior to the institution of ICD-10, the APMA Coding Committee provided lectures and webinars on ICD-10. I also recommend you go to the APMA Members Only website and look at these webinars and lectures at your leisure to be sure you are coding your services correctly. The webinars are based on the ICD-10 chapters so you can start with Chapter 4 on the endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E89).
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: User-Friendly Billing Software
I am looking for billing software that can submit electronic claims to insurance companies, track accounts receivable, and print monthly statements for patients that need to be billed. It needs to be able to receive electronic EOBs and, if possible, have a function to check insurance benefits. I prefer to have software I can purchase and install on an office computer as opposed to a cloud-based platform. I am not interested in an EMR package. Does such a program exist that is reasonably priced?
Judd Davis, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Richard Rettig, DPM
Dr. Graziano said regarding a Lapidus: "From a "corrective" and more "functional" standpoint, it provides superior outcomes when compared to any distal osteotomy. The stability of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint through arthrodesis and the correction obtained cannot be surpassed by any distal osteotomy, no matter what the configuration."
I do not disagree with his opinion that the correction from an arthrodesis cannot be surpassed, but I challenge it nonetheless. I have a totally different philosophy than him. I do the great majority of my bunionectomies by long plantar arm head procedures. I choose this in agreement with my patients after counseling on both procedures because in my hands, the head procedure gives almost the same quality of correction as a base wedge or a Lapidus combined with a much easier post-operative course for the patient, and with lower chances of morbidity. There is a trade-off, and my patients and I make a different choice than Dr. Graziano. I believe there is more than one "best" choice.
Richard Rettig, DPM, Philadelphia, PA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Don Peacock, DPM, MS
I agree with most of what the posters have said in this thread. I strongly disagree with the premise that the Lapidus bunion surgery correction is better than the Austin bunion correction. It depends on what the deformity is and what the goals are for both the surgeon and the patient. If you use only one bunion surgical procedure for every HAV deformity, you will experience unwanted failures and this is proven in the literature.
We know that the head osteotomy is a good procedure in HAV correction with IM deformities up to...
Editor's note: Dr. Peacock's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Inexpensive custom shoe? |
Siurce: Bart Hess via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
|
NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $229 (less than $16 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
MOBILE PODIATRIST NEEDED - SOUTHERN NJ
Well-established and fast growing House-call podiatry practice (www.homefootcareservices.com) is looking for Part-Time ( 2 week days,no weekends) podiatrist to do home visits to home-bound patients in Southern parts of NJ - Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic Counties. Email your resume - Lana.Raginsky@homefootcareservices.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NATIONALLY
If your passion is to enhance people's independence and quality of life through helping them improve their mobility, then a career as a Preferred Podiatry Group podiatrist could be for you. Flexibility, autonomy, resources, location - they're all yours! Oh, did we mention that there's very high earning potential based on patient volume? Please send an email to recruiting@PPGpc.com if you're interested in learning more about PPG podiatric care for residents in long-term care homes.
POSITION AVAILABLE - MARYLAND
One owner, group practice looking to hire business minde associate for buy-in/buy-out relationship. I will teach you to become a top earner in the field. Full benefits package including 401k w/ match. I am ready to slow down and sell 2 of the 3 locations in three years. Eventually selling the 3rd location and becoming an employee working a few days a week. I own two of the office locations as well, so real estate investments are also possible. Investment shares available in physician/hospital owned surgical center. Don't miss this unique opportunity. AtlanticFootSurgeons.com. drhenrock@yahoo.com
FULL TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - GREATER NEW YORK CITY AREA
3 location group practice requiring a full-time Associate Podiatric Surgeon with minimum 3 years of surgical residency training in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, ABFAS board qualification in foot and RRA required. Must be comfortable with all foot and ankle procedures. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice as well as individual career and reputation. Traveling by car is required (not just public transportation). Interested candidates can contact via email: delucia@faasny.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION W/BUY IN OPTION – MARYLAND
Very busy established practice looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist! We are participating with three local hospitals and all insurances. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills including ulcer care, diabetes, surgery and general foot care. Must have a strong office personality with the ability to maintain and attract patients. Must be willing to merge into an already established protocol-based office. Great benefit package to include 401k/health insurance/vacation time/CEU allowance and much more!! Please send C/V and cover page to: marylandpodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TENNESSEE
Well-established multi-specialty physician practice group seeking well trained and ambitious specialist to treat podiatry and wound care patients. Would be joining a podiatry group with a 40+ year-old established practice. Perfect opportunity to enter academic medicine, as the group is the faculty practice plan for a large medical teaching institution. Demonstrated experience in management of foot problems, experience in foot and ankle surgery, and an interest in teaching and training required. Submit CV’s to uch_hr@uthsc.edu
ASSOCIATE POSITION – KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Turn-key practice with a well-established patient base located 30 minutes outside of downtown Knoxville. Extremity Healthcare has an immediate opening in its Lenoir City practice. We are a 65 physician-plus podiatric super group with outstanding practice management and support services. Looking for compassionate individual with good interpersonal and critical-thinking skills. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice as well as individual career and reputation. ABFAS board qualification in foot and RRA required. Great benefit package to include 401k/health insurance/vacation time/CEU allowance and much more! Contact Director of Business Development, Dr. Ira Kraus, ikraus@extremityhc.com or Talent Acquisition Manager, Loren Erikson, lerikson@extremityhc.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY
Busy practice seeking full time Podiatrist. Competitive salary. State of the art facility. Please email resume to: Medicalofficeinquiry@gmail.com or call: 516-902-1073.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
POSITION AVAILABLE – NORTH EASTERN NEW YORK, CORNING, NY AND VERMONT
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in North Eastern NY, Corning (and surrounding area), and Vermont. Great opportunity for part-time income. Position available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
30 year established surgical practice in rural East Central Illinois. Re-locating. Turn-key operation with 3 treatment rooms and surgical suite. Certified EHR. Generates $450K, asking $300K. Call 217-549-1887 or email drjoe@myfeethurt.net.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
80 year old podiatry practice for sale. All phases of podiatry, primarily palliative care close to hospital and public transportation. Two fully equipped treatment rooms, x-ray and dark room, whirlpools, phone system, motorized entry gate long-term lease available with flexible terms. feetdpm@aol.com and drsiegel32@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL TEXAS
Small independent office for sale. Includes all equipment /turnkey. Serious inquiries only. Please call for pictures and price. Located in a lovely small community. Wonderful for families. Physician retiring. Email to Susieintx@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTERN WASHINGTON
Busy 30-Year established practice in Auburn, Washington in medical office building connected to MultiCare hospital. Practice scope included Clinic, hospital-based surgery, hospital consultations, and hospital wound care clinic encompassing forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery. Will stay on 3 months during transition. Send resume to Dgusman@hotmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - VESTAL, NEW YORK
Well established, part-time practice. Average 3 days/week. Yields personal income range of $200-$250K. Well maintained 2500 sq.’ office and equipment. Willing to introduce and train. Contact: uniquepractice@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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
|
| |
|
|
|
