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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,217 Subscribers Daily
March 08, 2016 #5,616  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2016- 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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Which presidential candidate has the best healthcare plan? |
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| NEW CME ARTICLE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE |
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March 2016 CME |
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $210 ($14 per credit)
CLICK HERE
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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| PODIATRISTS AND RESEARCH | |
Low Levels of Vit D May Increase Risk of Stress Fractures: PA Podiatrist
The role of vitamin D in the body has recently become a subject of increasing interest owing to its many physiologic effects throughout multiple organ systems. Investigators tested the serum concentration of 25(OH)D, which is used to determine vitamin D status, in patients with confirmed stress fractures. "By assessing the average serum vitamin D concentrations of people with stress fractures and comparing these with the current guidelines, we wanted to encourage a discussion regarding whether a higher concentration of serum vitamin D should be recommended for active individuals," explained lead investigator Jason R. Miller, DPM, FACFAS, Fellowship Director of the Pennsylvania Intensive Lower Extremity Fellowship, foot and ankle surgeon from Premier Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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Dr. Jason Miller |
"Based on [our] findings, we recommend a serum vitamin D level of at least 40 ng/mL to protect against stress fractures, especially for active individuals who enjoy participating in higher impact activities," explained Dr. Miller. "This correlates with an earlier study of 600 female Navy recruits who were found to have a twofold greater risk of stress fractures of the tibia and fibula with a vitamin D level of less than 20 ng/mL compared with females with concentrations above 40 ng/mL
Source: Science Daily via Elsevier Health Sciences
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| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MD Podiatrist is Co-Director of Limb-Saving Clinic
Losing a limb — a devastating event for anyone — is far more likely in patients with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other complex conditions that impair circulation to the legs. Preventing that bleak outcome is the mission of University of Maryland Medical Center’s (UMMC) recently opened Outpatient Limb Preservation Clinic, which fuses the talents of several types of specialists to evaluate and provide comprehensive treatment plans to patients in a single visit.
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L- R Drs. Jacob Wynes and Areck Ucuzian |
Nearly all lower limb amputations begin with a non-healing ulcer or chronic wound in the foot, according to Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD, chief of the division of vascular surgery at UMMC and a professor of surgery at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Drs. Areck Ucuzian, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of surgery, and Jacob Wynes, DPM, a faculty member of orthopaedics, serve as co-directors of the clinic with Dr. Sarkar.
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| ON THE LECTURE CIRCUIT | |
FL Podiatrist Lectures at AAD Annual Meeting
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) held is annual meeting in Washington, DC March 4-8, 2016. Bret Ribotsky, DPM presented one of his signature "sensory overload" lectures at the event. Ribotsky survived a life-threatening boat accident and is slowly getting back on his feet. Ribotsky and his wife, noted dermatologist Dr. Marta Rendon also led an expert panel on skin disorders in the Latino population, highlighting increased skin cancer risk and laser therapy treatments for hyper-pigmentation.
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Dr. Bret Ribotsky |
Also attending the AAD Meeting were American Society of Foot and Ankle Dermatology (ASFAD) board members, Drs. Joel Morse and Annette Joyce. Those who missed this event can hear Dr. Ribotsky as well as other top podiatrists and dermatologists who will be at the Dermfoot/Cherry Blossom Dermatology Seminar in April 2016.
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
DT Medtech Acquires Hintermann Foot & Ankle Assets
DT MedTech announced that it has acquired the Hintermann lower extremities assets for an undisclosed amount, including the H3 total ankle replacement and revision system and the Kalix II implant designed to treat flat-foot deformities. DT MedTech said it's owned by publishing firm Data Trace Partners and Robeama, a Swiss consulting shop. Dr. David Reicher, a podiatrist, is also chairman and CEO of Data Trace.
"Working diligently alongside Prof. Beat Hintermann, we plan to expand worldwide distribution of the Hintermann Series H3 total ankle replacement and will introduce Prof. Hintermann’s innovative, two-piece total ankle replacement device in the very near future. We want to assure all surgeons who currently use these products that the newly acquired devices will remain exactly the same in structure and materials. Additionally, we foresee no disruption in terms of product availability,” said DT Medtech president & CEO Dr. David Reicher.
Source: Brad Perriello, Mass Device [3/4/16]
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| SUCCESST TIPS FROM THE MASTERS | |
Bret Ribotsky: How are fingernails different than toenails from a dermatologist’s perspective?
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Dr. Chris Adigun |
Chris Adigun: Number one is shear speed. Fingernails develop twice as fast as toenails, and therefore we need to be on the lookout for pathology twice as quickly. Number two, fingernails are in a more cosmetically sensitive area, so people have much more anxiety over them. Number three, fine motor skills often require functional fingernails as often employment opportunities are related to the need for functional fingernails.
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Drs. Jon Hultman, Michael Cornelison, and Steven Wan |
Meet the Masters airs live every Tuesday night. This week's guest will be Drs. Jon Hultman, Michael Cornelison, and Steven Wan, past presidents of the California Podiatric Medical Association and members of the Task Force for Medical Parity. You can register for this and future events by clicking here
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Pediplast
I am considering using Pediplast for interdigital corns. Can anyone comment on your experience with this product? How long does the mold last? How much do you charge? What is the effectiveness vs. gel padding?
Troy Harris, DPM, Swansboro, NC
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Continued Noridian CPT 11055 Denials
I just received an EOMB from Medicare denying ONCE AGAIN all the CPT 11055, etc. codes for the past 4 months. So much for fixing the problem. When we called Noridian, we were directed to an LCD that only covers symptomatic hyperkeratoses and ulcers, nothing for at-risk patients. So what happens now? I don't believe I can now bill the patients. Do I tell them in the future that Medicare only covers for pain, and everything else is cash?
Beverly Spurs, DPM, Concord, CA
Response: The most important step is to obtain, read, and follow the LCD, if there is one. If Medicare is going to re-define what they will cover, which is what they have done, then be prepared to educate your patients accordingly. If the patient wants/needs care that is not covered by Medicare (or any insurer for that matter), we always recommend the provider obtain a properly executed ABN. ABNs have value even when they are not required - it shows the patient was fully notified and does help the patient consider the cost. The only thing worse than a patient declining a service is for them to accept it when you will not be paid.
Of course, collect your fee on the date of service and file the claim for the patient so they can see the denial. There is no need to apologize for Medicare's policies, though patients may not be happy paying out-of-pocket.
Richard Papperman, MBA, CHBME; Cape Medical Billing, Cape May Court House, NJ
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: AAOS' Choosing Wisely List
From: Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM
I just returned from the AAOS and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Annual meeting in Orlando today. The AOFAS evidence-based committee surveyed membership about support for the five points on the existing Choosing Wisely List. More than 90% of those responding indicated they "strongly agree" with the following five points:
1. Don't perform surgery for a bunion or hammertoe, without symptoms.(97%)
2. Don't use shoe inserts for symmetric flat feet or high arches in patients without symptoms.(92%)
3. Don't perform surgery for plantar fasciitis before trying six months of non-operative care.(96%)
4. Avoid x-ray evaluation of the foot & ankle without standing (weight-bearing), in the absence of injury.(90%)
5. Don't use alcohol injections for Morton's neuromas. (94%) saying that alcohol can permanently damage the nerve, but without effective pain relief. At five years follow-up, alcohol injection for Morton's neuroma has both a high recurrence and a high rate of complications, including bruising, scar formation, dysesthesia, severe pain, and infection.(94%)
Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM, Des Plaines, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
RE: Which Wound Care Organization Is for You?
From: Jengyu Lai, DPM
Since the majority of chronic ulcers are located in the lower extremities, podiatrists are considered the experts in wound care. I remember when I just started my practice, I saw many wounds. With the increasing geriatric population and diabetic patients, more providers enter wound care. Not surprisingly, there are many more wound care organizations competing for membership. How do you know which is the best for you?
You may recall that last year Medicare omitted Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from the definition of the licensed or certified medical professionals who could perform the in-person functional assessments on patients with amputations affecting the foot. Do you recall which professional organizations stood up for the podiatrists? Besides the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), only the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing (APWH) did.
The rebuttal to the LCD draft by Medicare is a prime example of how APWH works to help physicians, particularly placing DPM at the same level as MD/DO. This is the only physician specific wound care association. If you are still wondering which wound care organization to support, make no mistake. Support the organization that supports podiatry.
Jengyu Lai, DPM, Rochester, MN
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESEARCH) | |
From: Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM
I have been a member of Lions Club International (LCI) for over 30 years. In Nevada, I am the chairperson for the Lions Task Force Against Diabetes and other Lions diabetes awareness and action programs. LCI is the largest community service organization, with over 1.3 million Lions Clubs volunteers worldwide. No doubt, some of the subscribers to PM News are Lions Club members. About 6 years ago, I and a few other podiatrist-Lions club members created a program named, "Lions Hunt for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) Free Foot Screening Program."
Trained and supervised by podiatrists, both health professionals and non-medical club members go to health fairs and other wellness events to screen persons for DPN using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Performing the test in a standardized manner is easy to learn, and when a problem is found, screened persons are urged to follow up with a visit to a podiatrist. All adults are welcomed to be screened, but signage at events urges diabetics, pre-diabetics, and those who have a family history of diabetes to be screened. I am always amazed at the number of pre-diabetics (who usually say they have "borderline" diabetes) who are insensate.
Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: David Secord, DPM
I’m finding this a little confusing, as it appears to be the exact, same procedure patented, used, and then abandoned by Dr. Edward Chairman from Philadelphia. He took the cells from the calf area, but found that once liberated from the site and their incipient blood supply at the panniculus, they were resorbed, and the cushioning effect lasted only 3-6 months. The following is listed on Dr. Chairman’s website: The Contemporary Podiatric Physician Liposuction and Lipoinjection of the Foot.
David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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This shoe is designed for high flyers! |
Source: Masaya Kushino via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1- ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Excellent opportunity to join our team. Minimum PMSR/36 with RRA training or experienced podiatrist with same qualifications. Candidate should be outgoing, personable, have a strong work ethic and be highly motivated. All aspects of podiatry including wound care. Part-time leading to full-time will be considered. Please send a cover letter and CV to: tricountypods@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CARROLLTON AND VILLA RICA, GEORGIA
Immediate position available. GREAT opportunity to join a 40 year old thriving practice 45 minutes west of Atlanta. One established physician is leaving and another will be retiring in two years, so you will be on the fast track to partnership. If you are energetic, self-motivated, and ready to hit the ground running with a full load of patients from day one, email cv to kdanis@westgapodiatry.com or fax to 770-832-3518.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Well respected, established practice seeking board eligible/board certified associate. Excellent opportunity for a motivated, hardworking, ethical and personable individual. Must be willing to practice all aspects of podiatric care. 2016 Residency Graduate OK. Practice in a new, modern office. Email CV, njpodiatric@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN
Well-established practice on Park Avenue seeking part time (Wednesdays and 9-12 mornings) long-term associate. You must be skilled in trauma, nail surgery, nail laser, and all aspects of current protocols on pod med and surgery. Good social and clinical skills, ACFAS Board Certification or Qualification with private practice podiatric medical and surgical experience with EHR and ICD-10 a must. NO RESIDENTS. Please email CV and cover letter to healthyfeetny@gmail.com or fax to 212-889-6150.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY
Seeking energetic podiatrist. You must be trained in all aspects of Podiatric Surgery including forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Be willing to follow and learn proven systems for practice success. Competitive remuneration package. Position available for Summer 2016. If you meet all these qualifications, please apply with CV attached. njpod2013-1@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND
Large and expanding multi-office state-of-the-art group with offices in Nassau and Suffolk counties, seeking a well-trained F/T podiatrist. We offer a competitive salary, benefits and partnership opportunity. We are associated with outpatient surgical centers, hospitals, wound care centers and a residency program. Requirements: Hard-working, board qualified/certified, self- motivated, surgically trained, willing to live nearby. 2016 graduating residents who would start in July welcome. Please email CV to: drbrook@countryfootcare.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Unique opportunity. Upscale, Park Avenue Manhattan office on Upper East Side. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with the premier innovator in the emerging field of aesthetic podiatry. Need a motivated, caring doctor with excellent podiatric surgical skills. Must have in-network provider insurance status to see in-network patients and to cover out-of-network patients. Salary based on experience with performance bonuses if earned. Part or full-time. Partnership possible if candidate exhibits outstanding performance and skills. Send CV to: institutebeaute885@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST TEXAS
A well-established practice is seeking a full time associate podiatrist. Must be BC or BQ by ABFAS. Practice offers a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary and benefits/Partnership buy-in. Email CV and letter of interest to office manager at toejob40@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Excellent opportunity to join a busy high visibility office with digital x-ray, diabetic shoe store, and 5 years experience in EMR. All phases of podiatry. Good patient volume, lots of DME, and steady reliable income stream. Potential for partnership or purchase. Contact samuel10530@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Are you finishing your residency in June? Full-time associate leading to partnership. Immediate position available. Busy office with multiple locations. Full scope practice. ABPS Board qualified/certified. California license required. Benefits included. Inland Empire. Please forward resume to familyfootcenter@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH JERSEY
Successful Practice in North Jersey with 2 locations is seeking a full-time associate with Partnership in one year. Must be surgically trained. Six figures starting salary with benefits and bonus. Send resume to njfootandankle@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - SOUTHWEST OF BOSTON
Well rounded established practice outside of Boston seeking well trained associate BQ/BE to join the practice immediately. Excellent referral base and high volume of new patients. Opportunity for partnership for the right person. Please contact pmlepdpm@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT
40 Year old busy three-office practice in CT seeking full time BQ/BC podiatrist. Established patient volume with salary and bonus, malpractice and health insurance, profit sharing and CME allowance. Email CV and letter of interest to jtread6692@aol.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – YONKERS, NY
Well established podiatry practice is looking for part-time podiatrist to work 2-3 days per week, including some Saturdays. Will work to get you on as many plans as possible. Competitive compensation package with bonus structure & partnership/ownership opportunity for the right individual. Please submit resume: Podiodoc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA/COASTAL
Seeking associates with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com
FELLOWSHIP – DIABETIC FOOT & WOUND (TEXAS)
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2016. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to latonya.rosales@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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 (800) 284-5451.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2- PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
SPACE FOR RENT – FORT LEE, NJ
Great Location on Anderson Ave, Fort Lee NJ! Ample street parking. Updated office zoned for professionally licensed. Chiropractic office for 40 years. Furnished, 800 sq. ft., 2 treatment rms./ Large waiting room/2 private offices- Rent $1,500/mth with HHW included. Click here to see office. Email@ RTSQUARED2@GMAIL.COM
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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 (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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