|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
March 10, 2021 #6,903  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
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
|
Which method do you use to fixate an Austin bunionectomy?
|
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
Biologic Intervention Can Help After Serious Athletic Injury: IL Podiatrist
For athletes who undergo advanced foot or ankle surgery, additional surgical procedures like wound debridement, which involves removing any tissue that is damaged or infected, and wound grafts may be required. A devastating accident can mean an athlete may not be able to return to their sport for a year or longer, but as John Sigle, DPM, a podiatric physician at the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois (FACI) explained, advanced treatments and techniques can go a long way to aid the healing process.
 |
|
Dr. John Sigle |
“Biologic interventions like platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, autologous adipose graft, human amniotic membrane or amniotic membrane can be used as an adjunct to surgical reconstruction,” he said. “These biologics are proven therapies that are safe and used to create a more favorable healing environment.” Once physical therapy begins, Dr. Sigle said athletes will have to endure a long rehabilitation process to regain strength and mobility. Luckily, most top athletes have the tenacity and mental discipline to accomplish this.
Source: The State Journal-Register [3/8/21]
|
|
| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MA Podiatrist Joins Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
John Marcoux, DPM has started a new position as podiatric surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Dr. Marcoux received his podiatric medical degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
 |
|
Dr. John Marcoux |
Marcoux completed a podiatric residency at UPenn - Presbyterian Medical Center, and then served as podiatric residency director at Steward-St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, MA.
Source: Linkedin
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
NJ Podiatrist Discusses Walking Shoes for Pronated Feet
If you have pronated feet, "Walking shoes should have rigid outsoles which prevent the shoes from bending or flexing," says Velimir Petkov, DPM, owner of Premier Podiatry in Clifton, New Jersey. "This allows your shoes to hold your feet in a mostly neutral position without allowing them to overpronate."
 |
|
Dr. Velimir Petkov |
Whether you have high arches or low arches, it's worth investing in custom orthotics, Dr. Petkov says. These "support your arches regardless of the foot structure [and] can be inserted into most shoes and sneakers to stabilize your foot and ankle joints and prevent future pathology."
Source: Amanda Capritto, C/NET Health and Wellness [3/8/21]
|
|
| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS | |
UK Girlguiding Badge Set to Inspire Next Generation of Podiatrists
Academics from the University of Plymouth have created a new Girlguiding badge designed to inspire the next generation of podiatrists across the UK, as well as deliver life skills during lockdown. The Step up challenge badge includes activities ranging from compiling a ‘foot first aid kit’ to making foot-shaped scones, and has already been taken up by hundreds of Girlguiding members in and around Plymouth.
 |
|
UK Girlguiding Badge |
The University of Plymouth runs a Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship, getting people into the profession while earning and learning. Following the badge’s early success with Girlguiding Plympton Division, another 1,000 badges are now being made to launch the initiative nationally.
Source: Mirage News [3/8/21]
|
|
| 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 | |
6 Questions to Answer Before Preparing 2020 Taxes - Part 1
As you begin to pull together your tax information for 2020, answer these 6 essential questions to potentially reduce your taxable income 2020 tax liability.
1. Can you contribute more to your retirement accounts? While the contribution deadline for most employer-sponsored plans (such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and most 457 plans) falls on the last day of the calendar year, traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs allow individuals to beef up their savings as late as the tax-filing deadline— April 15, 2021.
Not only will contributing more to these accounts grant your funds more time to compound, but it can help reduce your taxable income. This could be an especially advantageous move for physicians whose income places them at the cusp of spilling over into a higher tax-bracket.
Source: Julianne F. Andrews, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Physicians Practice [2/26/21]
|
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: UnitedHealthcare and Orthotics
For the past year, UnitedHealthcare has been a pain trying to get orthotics paid for. They have changed their policy about orthotics and it has been more than frustrating. Have you heard any other complaints about this?
PM News subscriber
Response: When it comes to commercial health insurance carriers, remember one important point: it’s their dime and they can reimburse for whatever they choose to reimburse for. United Healthcare tends to be famous for this. With respect to orthotics, the first hurdle is to determine whether or not a specific, particular health insurance plan will reimburse for custom orthotics. You as the provider need to confirm this fact. If you have the ability to access the specific health insurance plan of the commercial health insurance carrier on line, perhaps they will provide information as to whether or not custom orthotics are covered, including the ICD-10-CM codes that are covered in addition to the HCPCS Level II codes for the custom orthotics that will be provided to the patient (i.e., L3000, L3020).
If the necessary information cannot be attained online, then the commercial health insurance carrier needs to be accessed via telephone. You need to ask to speak to a supervisor, with all due respect, in the United States. The discussion needs to establish whether or not custom orthotics are covered, reimbursed, and what the reimbursement is. If custom orthotics are covered, you need to provide the ICD-10-CM code(s) that the patient was diagnosed with and the HCPCS Level II code for the orthotics that you would like to provide to the patient. If the information that was provided to the supervisor leads to a positive response, make sure that you obtain the supervisor’s name and ID number and ask to have the supervisor’s affirmative response sent to you hard copy. This is certainly not a guarantee that you will be reimbursed, but it is probably the best shot that you have.
If the orthotics are not covered and there is nothing in the contract that you have with the commercial health insurance company that prevents you from providing the patient with services for cash, then the patient would have to pay out of pocket for the custom orthotics.
Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC, Lady Lake, FL
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Recordkeeping Requirements When Retiring
As I prepare for retirement, what are my obligations regarding retaining patients' paper charts? Notice to patients? Notice in local paper vs. individual letters? Storage options? Are there penalties for non-compliance?
John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Heights, NJ
Editor's Comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Most practice management experts recommend that you keep records for seven years past the last patient visit. The one exception is for children. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for minor children does not begin running until the child’s 18th birthday. We know of no rules requiring a specific way to notify patients. The penalty for not storing records is that you run the risk of not being able to adequately defend yourself against a malpractice suit or an insurance audit.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Role of Anakinra for Gout Flares
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
While the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist anakinra (Kineret) was not superior to triamcinolone for relieving gout flares, it had similar effects for pain reduction as the glucocorticoid, a randomized phase II study found. The mean change from baseline to 24-72 hours in pain intensity on a 0-100 scale was -41.2 for anakinra and -39.4 for triamcinolone, according to Kenneth G. Saag, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues. Consistent with current treatment guidelines, anakinra can be considered as an effective physician assessment of global response at day 8.
The anakinra group also had significantly less tenderness and swelling at 72 hours, and greater reductions in C-reactive protein levels at 72 hours at day 8. Of the 165 participants, median age was 55, 87% were men, mean disease duration was 8.7 years, and the mean number of flares in the previous year was 4.5. Adverse event incidence was similar in the anakinra and triamcinolone groups. In contrast to glucocorticoids and/or NSAIDs, anakinra has not been reported to exacerbate diabetes or promote hypertension, renal failure, sodium retention, or gastric ulcerogenesis. In addition, colchicine requires careful dosing in certain patients, such as those with kidney disease. (Walsh, N. MedPage Today February 23, 2021)
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A | |
From: Alan Sherman, DPM
The comment made by Cary Zinkin, DPM and the executive officers of the FPMA in response to this topic is not the complete story, and Dr. Sachs’ comment that they are replying to contained no misinformation. Zinkin leaves out that on Oct 9, the FPMA issued this announcement via email to FPMA members: “FPMA, on behalf of our members, sent a letter requesting the Board consider modifying the current CME rule to allow for up to 20 virtual hours during this biennium.” Since the Florida Board of Podiatry requires double that, or 40 hours of CME each biennium, the FPMA clearly first requested that the Board only allow 50% of CME to be earned online, and was granted that, as Dr. Sachs correctly states.
It now appears in this comment that the FPMA has NOW revised their request, and has NOW requested that ALL CME required by the Board be allowed to be earned online. Good for them…they have come to the right decision after an early mis-step. And it should not be forgotten that for years, the Board only allowed 20% of CME to be earned online and it was only in response to COVID that the FPMA attempted to correct this regressive policy of the Board. It is my opinion that podiatrists in all states should have the freedom to choose how they obtain all of their CME.
Disclosure: I co-run PRESENT e-Learning Systems
Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM
I feel I need to set the record straight on Dr Zinkin’s letter about Florida and the FPMA’s request to the Florida Board of Podiatric Medicine. Please see the minutes (page 4 under public comments) or listen to the audio file. You can see clearly that Dr. Zinkin and FPMA wanted to require in-person attendance and it was I who spoke up and requested all credits for this renewal cycle to be available on-line or in any way without a restriction.
Everyone should also be aware that FPMA charges each member well over a few hundred dollars each year for providing CPME credits. Nothing of value is ever free.
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM ARTICLES) | |
From: Richard J Manolian, DPM, Cambridge, MA
This article was excellent as usual and I feel it is important to emphasize the idea of attempting to keep more of the money a practice takes in yearly, etc. I am constantly amazed and have written PM previously at the enormous average cost of employee wages in this example and as noted in your most recent survey that podiatry practices carry.
In the example that Dr. Hultman provided, I would argue there are more variables to be looked at. Take for example employee wages at $187,600 dollars for a gross revenue of $673,200. This has to be 3.5 employees, so my question would be is it not feasible to utilize a billing service at 7% to eliminate the 1-1.5 employee wage base (and retirement, which was not included in this P and L), whom I assume are assigned to do billing, etc.?
Also, at a rent of nearly $6,000 per month, would it not be prudent to evaluate an office purchase to have long-term controllable costs?
Richard J Manolian, DPM, Cambridge, MA
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Trendy rocker-bottom post-op shoe? |
Source: runningwithheels.com
|
|
MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
| 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
SEEKING POSITION AS SUPERVISOR – NEW YORK
I am a highly qualified medical supervisor, currently administering large multidisciplinary Northwell Hospital practice with over 100 + staff members and doctors. I am 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 – 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 - 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
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
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 - 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
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
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.
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.
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.
|
| 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
|
| |
|
|
|
