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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
March 08, 2021 #6,901  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2021- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL RESULTS |
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Results of last week's poll |
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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Which method do you use to fixate an Austin bunionectomy?
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
Wearing a Sport-Specific Shoe Can Make a Difference: NY Podiatrist
One of the worst shoe mistakes people make that hurt their feet is wearing the same workout shoes for all different types of exercise. "I appreciate the functional purpose for a shoe that's built for basketball as being very distinct from a sprinting shoe or a weightlifting shoe," says podiatrist Robert Eckles, DPM, the outgoing dean of graduate medical education at the New York College Of Podiatric Medicine. "Someone who plays racquetball once every six weeks probably isn't going to be significantly harmed by not outfitting themselves in the best technical gear," Dr. Eckles says.
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Dr. Robert Eckles |
Still, wearing the right gear does make a difference. "The shoes that people walk around in that would be 'running shoes' just aren't going to be sufficient or adequate in any way for CrossFit or high-intensity training," Dr. Eckles says. People don't understand that the shoe that functions well for walking around isn't the same when they add their bodyweight under the stress of running or some other exercise, according to Dr. Eckles. So invest in a pair of walking shoes and only use them when you are walking for exercise.
Source: Emily DiNuzzo, The Healthy [3/5/21]
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| PODIATRIC ECONOMICS | |
Podiatry Among Hardest Hit Specialties in 2020
Medicare spending on physician services decreased by $9.4 billion, or 19 percent, in the first half of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new analysis from the American Medical Association (AMA).
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Physician specialties in order of cumulative reduction in Medicare spending |
For physician specialties, in particular, the impact ranged from a 6 percent reduction in cumulative Medicare spending for nephrology to low of 34 percent for physician therapy during the period.
Source: Jacqueline LaPointe, Revcycle Intelligence [3/5/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
IL Podiatrist to See Patients in O'Fallon, MO
HSHS Medical Group has announced David Kee, DPM will now see patients in O'Fallon, MO. Dr. Kee earned his podiatric medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He performed a podiatric surgery residency at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, MO.
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Dr. David Kee |
Dr. Kee is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: Jennifer Green, Belleville News-Democrat [3/4/21]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Treatment by UK Podiatrist Gives Wounded Veteran His Life Back
A pioneering podiatrist has helped save the leg, hip, and shoulder of a wounded military veteran who spent years searching for a successful medical treatment. Andy Bain served in the Royal Navy Submarine Service but suffered life-changing injuries after a motorcycle accident in 2010. A decade later, he is now able to go out cycling and is enjoying life after Ben Haythornthwaite, director and podiatrist at The Foot and Ankle Clinic in Darlington, helped stimulate movement in Andy’s big toe.
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Ben Haythornthwaite |
Ben is at the forefront of podiatric medicine and used his expertise to begin stimulating movement in Andy’s traumatized foot. The clinic has had success in reducing lower limb pain for several other wounded veterans supported in their recovery by the military charity Help for Heroes. Among the techniques used to help Andy, Ben used fascial tissue manipulation. This involves targeting the connective tissue found beneath the skin which connects to muscle, bones, and nerves. “Since arriving at the Foot and Ankle Clinic, Andy can now move his big toe and part of his foot. As a result, he has gone from being trapped in his bed, to being able to go mountain biking and he has got his life back!”
Source: Alexis Wilson-Barrett, The Yorkshire Press [3/3/21]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Improve Your Patient Experience With These Steps - Part 4
4. Make Ease-of-Access a Top Priority
This starts with a well-managed appointment scheduling system that has realistic templates. It means understanding demand and preparing for it by having enough available appointments, based on historical same-day demand. It means starting on time and ending on time. It means keeping the office and the phone lines open during the lunch break. This can be done by staggering staff schedules (start times, end times, and lunch breaks) between physicians and staff members.
Also build in accountability by tracking patient access. Know when the next available appointments are and require your appointment schedulers to communicate when demand shifts and appointment needs are being compromised. Your practice management system and EHR can provide critical performance data. Run system reports each month and analyze them. This builds in needed accountability that focuses on improving the patient experience and the service your practice provides.
Source: Angie Villamaria, Physicians Practice [2/26/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Onychomycosis Treatment
Can you evaluate and manage onychomycosis without debridement for the purpose of treating onychomycosis for an established patient? This would be in the absence of pain and underlying conditions, specifically with Medicare patients. Is it a covered condition for just evaluation and management? Would tinea pedis be covered as a sole diagnosis for evaluation and management?
Robert Kukla, DPM, Hickory, NC
Response: Yes to both. Both are medical conditions. They would be generally lower level E/M services.
The problem comes when seeing a patient for the treatment of onychomycosis every two months for years and years. Then it starts to look suspicious that you may be really rendering routine foot care and trying to get covered as an E/M. Document that you reviewed treatment options and the patient selected option X. I see them back every three or so months for a couple of times and see if there is progress. If not, then the discussion switches to a different plan such as adding oral meds versus just topical meds, or doing nothing or that further care such as thinning the nail might be on a CASH basis.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEACH) | |
RE: Post-operative Opioid Prescribing Practice in Foot and Ankle Surgery
From: Brandon Brooks, DPM, Sumter, SC
In this study, we looked at the number of opioid pills prescribed at the time of surgery and found that podiatrists prescribe 25% less opioids at the time of surgery compared to foot and ankle orthopedists for identical surgeries. I may be biased, because I am the one that wrote it, but it’s a well done study. I used the median unit that orthopedists provide in their own literature and compared it to us.
I used an orthopedist survey study and didn’t change any of the scenarios. Across all surgery scenarios, podiatrists prescribe AT LEAST 25% less opioid at the time of surgery. I used the median to reflect the “average” instead of mean or mode to get around state laws that may impose restrictions.
Brandon Brooks, DPM, Sumter, SC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
Others may disagree, but if a patient refuses x-rays for this type of injury, or any injury for that matter, I would not continue to treat the patient. Depending on the degree of ligamentous injury, you may also need an MRI for a more complete diagnosis and prognosis, and the patient may also decline that as well. You have no idea if there is an intra-articular fracture or if there was a cyst in the proximal phalanx or any other osseous abnormality that could have exasperated this?
This is the type of scenario a lawyer would have a field day with should such a situation arise. Even if you documented that the patient refused additional diagnostic testing and there was a lawsuit, you would still be liable as you permitted the patient to dictate to you what to do and s/he is not the doctor.
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Barrett Sachs, DPM
No matter what the cost is here in Florida, we are only allowed to get 50% of our credits online or virtually. This was currently raised from 8 credits for 2 years. According to my research, Florida is one of the few states to severely limit our ability to get credits in this pandemic environment. I certainly don't want to attend any conferences where being exposed to COVID-19 is a distinct possibility. I have been vaccinated for 2 months. Florida needs to make changes!
Barrett Sachs, DPM, Plantation, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Lisa Schoene, DPM
There is a compounding pharmacy that we use located in Deerfield and Roselle, Illinois called Mark Drug. We receive the solution and then we prepare it by mixing into our lidocaine bottle to form the mixture. The price is very reasonable (less than $100) and they are licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. I reached out to the pharmacist at Mark Drug and they are happy to assist podiatrists in any of those three states. They can discuss the details and set up an account for the individual practice.
Lisa Schoene, DPM, Parkl City, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES) | |
From: Don Peacock, DPM, MS
In my 20+ years of practice and surgical correction of first MPJ arthritis, I have learned a lot the hard way. Implants seem to work well at first, but given time, some fail. Fusions work when performed perfectly, although shoe fit and the inability to move the toe bothers many patients. I have done many fusions and many implants; however, I have not done a fusion or implant in about 7 to 8 years since learning MIS techniques.
There is a description of a procedure in minimally invasive foot surgery described by the DePrado which I have used very successfully. I have used the procedure up to stage IV hallux rigidus with success and long-term satisfaction with...
Editor's note: Dr. Peacock's extended-length letter can be read here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS) | |
From: Lloyd Nesbitt, DPM
A recent PM News Quick Poll revealed those not planning on taking the vaccine to be about 7%. Could their reasons be that the vaccine was “authorized under an emergency order” and not technically “approved” by the FDA? Or that the studies were quite limited (no animal studies, minimal number of participants, etc.)? Are all the truths being presented to the American public regarding big pharma and government?
Apparently, the vaccine is risk-free to the drug companies, as the government has provided funding and there will be no liability to the pharmaceutical companies. It may be interesting to hear some comments, especially from those not planning on taking the vaccine as to their reasons.
Lloyd Nesbitt, DPM, Toronto, Canada
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Perfect for walking backwards? |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Al Musella
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MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
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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 $249 (less than $17 per CECH)
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
* NY podiatrists whose licenses expire from 3/2/20-5/1/21 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2021. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. Working with infectious disease, dermatology, as well as, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE employer.
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in New Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous, guaranteed bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and CME time off. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your Podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
PODIATRIC SURGEON – SOUTH CAROLINA
Physicians Footcare, SC largest provider of podiatric services, is seeking a highly skilled and personable physician to join our TEAM. If you are ready to live, work, and play comfortably; send letter of interest and CV to: scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - BILLINGS, MONTANA
Tired of COVID and the city? This is your chance to have the position you've been dreaming about. Need board qualified associate wanting to work hard & enjoy the rural life of Montana. Work ethic and personality will deliver you an above average income. Join the largest group in the region. Base salary plus bonus, malpractice and other benefits. Email for details and to set up interviews. craig.mclaws@mt-podiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CENTRAL, PA
www.martinfootandankle.com is looking for a professional and energetic associate. Practice is high volume and full scope. Practice includes: 5 offices, 4 PT gyms & 2 shoe stores. Competitive compensation & benefits. Send letter of interest and CV to jbowen@martinfootandankle.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST, FL
Immediate position for busy practice in Sunny Southwest, FL. ABFAS RRA BC/BQ. EMR, E x-rays, US, DME. Base salary + bonus w, PTO, 401K, fees, health benefits. Also 1 ACFAS fellowship avail, must be BQ ABFAS by start of program 8/2021: DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN RURAL NORTH CAROLINA
20+ year old practice in North Carolina, all aspects of podiatry. Loyal patient following, physician referral base. EHR, staff in place. Low overhead. Great potential for any type of podiatrist. Will stay for transition if desired. 252-813-3136.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Well established practice is looking to expand and have eventual partner and possible even transition to possible buyout. Compensation along with 401K, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc. Look for pleasant person, who is desiring to become Rearfoot and Ankle certified along with skills in wound care and general foot-care. We have a large referral base and new office, digital x-ray, lasers, EMR, etc. Please send CV to scfootdoc@gmail.com
SUPERVISOR POSITION – NEW YORK
Highly qualified medical supervisor, currently administering large multidisciplinary Northwell Hospital practice with over 100 + staff members and doctors. Seeking full-time position with a large podiatry, medical, surgical practice in the Queens, Long Island area. Full benefits and compensation commensurate with qualifications. Respond to email address. berleys@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ABINGDON, MARYLAND
Immediate associate position for a well-trained, highly motivated and compassionate individual. Rapidly growing, well established practice with a loyal patient following and strong physician referral base. Offering competitive salary with bonus structure, 401K, PTO, CME allowance, health (including vision and dental) and malpractice insurance. All aspects of podiatry with emphasis on wound care/diabetic surgery/limb salvage. Please email cover letter and CV to michael@mkblockdpm.com
OFFICE COVERAGE NEEDED – MANHATTAN
Well established Park Avenue female practice seeking experienced, affable podiatrist for part time office coverage. Email healthyfeetny@gmail.com with short intro and CV with references. Full scope of podiatric medicine and surgery with in-office fluoroscopy, digital x-ray and nail laser.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Our podiatry group is a well-established, busy practice in Orange County, CA. Part-time or full-time associate positions available for immediate consideration. Offering competitive compensation. Must have completed 3-year surgical residency and board qualification or certification. Email CV and bio to asbpodiatry@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN COLORADO
Looking for an associate/partner for a small practice in a small town. Must have ABPS board qualification/certification and must be able thrive in a rural setting lacking the conveniences of a metropolitan area. For more detailed information text 970 209-3776.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH FLORIDA
Energetic, compassionate, and capable individual. All aspects of podiatry with focus on sports medicine and surgery. New state-of-the-art second office. Near the coast. Full or part-time position. Competitive salary and benefits package. Must be BQ/BC. Please email CV, Reference letters, and a brief paragraph about yourself. nffhumanresourcesac@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO
Available immediately. Home visits/ some facilities/ some office hours . Illinois license is required. Existing patients’ base. Net $250-325K. logistics are provided. Full- and part-time are available. Contact vadim.goshko@gmail.com or 312-375-6430.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA
Once in a lifetime opportunity for a highly motivated physician. We are located in the fastest growing county with a top-rated school district. Our newly expanded office features digital x-ray, MLS Laser, EPAT, DME, 4-D Orthotics, ABI, extensive OTC products including orthotics and footwear. We service a large hospital system and train residents in a 3-yr PMSR. Must be BQ /BC FF/ RRA and interested in Limb Preservation. Offering six figure salary with sign on bonus, PTO, full medical/dental, STD/LTD, 401K, malpractice insurance, all dues and CME paid, partner opportunity. Send CV to footpainpros@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ
Associate position available for busy Northern New Jersey practice seeing all aspects of podiatric care. Seeking part or full-time associate who is highly motivated and well trained to start in July. Offering base salary plus incentives. Email CV to mhdpm1@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
ACTIVELY SEEKING TO ACQUIRE A FOOT ORTHOTIC COMPANY
Well-funded group looking for both solvent and insolvent Orthotic companies. Join an established industry partner who has successfully integrated numerous acquisitions over many years. In strictest confidence, Please contact enquires@Brandcontrol-holdings.com to explore further.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY
Podiatry practice and/ or professional condo for sale in Western Suffolk County, Long Island,. NY. Long standing full time practice, presently part time, with potential to full time. Call/text 516 398 6168 or email mamcdpm@aol.com.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
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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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