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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,233 Subscribers Daily
March 14, 2016 #5,620  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 RESULTS | |
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| Results of Last Week's Poll |
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Which type of x-ray system do you use? |
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
NYCPM Dean Joins Forces with DOs in Washington
Recently, NYCPM’s VP for Academic Affairs, Michael Trepal, DPM joined with osteopathic colleagues from over 30 colleges of osteopathic medicine in a legislative action day on Capitol Hill. The event was sponsored and coordinated by The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
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(L-R) Drs. Robert Goldberg and Michael Trepal; Gabriell Jasmin, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), Dr. Peter Dane, and Mikail Kamal. |
The issues addressed that day similarly affect all osteopathic and podiatric medical students, most notably student loans, GME funding, and loan forgiveness programs. Joining Dr. Trepal were Dr. Robert Goldberg, Executive Dean, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Peter Dane, Dean, Academic Affairs, College of Osteopathic Medicine, NYIT; and Touro DO students Gabriell Jasmin and Mikail Kamal.
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| APMA COMPONENT STATE COMPONENT NEWS | |
SCPMA Letter to Lawmakers with $2 Gets Attention But Opens Ethics Question
The South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association (SCPMA) sent $2 in a letter to each S.C. House member, asking for their support on a bill that the group favors. The proposal would allow podiatrists to work on ankles, which they now are barred from doing. The letter went out to all 124 House members, including House Ethics Committee chairman Kenny Bingham, R-Lexington, who said he was surprised to find the $2 in a letter asking his support for a bill. Bingham responded by sending a letter to all House members instructing them to return the $2 to the Ethics Committee.
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Dr. Kevin Ray |
The letter — from Dr. Kevin Ray, the association’s president — opened with an appeal noting the amount of money that patients spend out of state to see podiatrists – $20,000 a patient. “With the estimated number of patients, this could exceed $4,000,000 per year not including the aggravation to the patient,” Ray wrote. The letter concluded by saying South Carolina has less than half the licensed podiatrists it should have and asks lawmakers to support the bill “and help move South Carolina forward in equal parity with 46 other responsible states.”
Source: Jamie Self, The State [3/11/16]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
CO Married Podiatrists With Military Experience Open Practice
Two doctors with extensive military service in the podiatry field have opened a new office near Swedish Hospital called Pro Active Podiatry. Dr. Eric Steen has Lions Club credentials with his father Dwight Steen, who is one of the driving forces in the Denver Lions Club where Eric is a new member.
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(L-R) Drs. Kay Vaikayee and Eric Steen |
Together with his wife, Dr. Kay Vaikayee, they are working in the new family business. Eric served in the Army for 10 years prior to commencing his studies at Methodist University in North Carolina in microbiology and chemistry. He graduated in 1998 with his Bachelor of Science degree and moved on to podiatry school at Des Moines University. He then returned to the military service on active duty at Fort Bragg where he completed his residency.
Source: Bob Sweeney, The Villager [3/9/16]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Twice 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.
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Today's featured article |
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| MEDICARE NEWS | |
Medicare X-Ray Reimbursement Cuts on the Horizon
In December 2015, President Obama signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016. Included in the 2000-page document is a special rule for diagnostic radiology that incentivizes imaging providers to adopt more advanced x-ray technology by cutting reimbursement to older technology beginning in 2017.
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Medicare Reimbursement Cuts to X-ray by Technology |
Beginning in 2017, claims submitted for x-rays performed on analog equipment will receive a 20% reduction in payment. As most organizations replaced analog equipment, this will likely impact a relatively small number of providers. But while few providers still use analog x-rays, some organizations replaced these units with computed radiography (CR), defined as cassette-based imaging, before digital radiography was widely available. Beginning in 2018, claims for x-rays performed using CR technology will be reduced by 7%. The cuts will increase to 10% beginning in 2023.
Source: Erin Lane, The Advisory Board Company [1/22/16]
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Credit Card Guarantee
I recently went for blood work at Labcorp. I was greeted with a form requiring my signature and credit card info stating that Labcorp will attempt to receive payment from my insurance; however, should they be unable to do so, they will charge my credit card a maximum of $75 for services rendered. I am curious if we have the legal ability to implement this or some other version of this in our practice?
Eli Eisenberger, DPM, NY, NY
Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. In general, this practice is allowed as long as the patient is informed of this policy prior to treatment and provides a written authorization. Note that patients still have the options of either cancelling their credit card or disputing a credit card charge with the credit card company.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
RE: Diabetic Bullae Dermopathy
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
This looks like a case of bullous pemphigoid or pemphigous and occurs in the elderly and those with lowered immune sytems. Here are some references: Click here and click here. Or it could be: Bullosis diabeticorum. Therefore, a punch biopsy of no less than 3mm in multiple areas is recommended.
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A | |
From: Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM
Dr. Ron Werter wants to know how value-based payment systems apply to podiatry? There are many emerging models for paying physicians a pre-determined amount for care of medical conditions instead of the physician submitting and being paid for individual components of this care (fee-for-service payment model). Healthcare payers, which include insurers, employers, unions, and similar organizations, are planning to limit payment to those physicians who participate in some type of at-risk contract. These “pay-for-performance systems” link compensation to measures of work quality or goal. They can include (but may not be limited to) your being willing to accept a bundled payment allowance (sometimes dubbed, “packaged reimbursement”), participation in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), or being a member of a negotiating and billing podiatry specialty network.
The bottom line: Forewarned Is Forearmed. The economics of private practice are about to change dramatically. As Dr. Werter alluded to, thinking about applying the concept of hospital DRGs to your practice may be a good transitional starting point.
Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM
In a capitalist system such as ours, prices for goods and services are determined by the people either selling the goods or providing the services. That is the way it should be. The corollary to this is that healthy competition keeps prices/fees from going through the roof. Unfortunately, as long as the payors are in charge of the "value" of your services, you will ALWAYS be undervalued since they already have collected the premium dollars and do not want to share them with you.
I have now lost count as to how many times I have seen posts such as this and I have commented on the willingness of doctors to lay down and be victims of the system rather than the highly trained, highly valued doctors that they deserve to be. As a doctor who runs a cash practice, I can proudly say that I...
Editor's note: Dr. Kornfeld's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
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Talk about a corny ad |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Joseph Borreggine
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MEETING NOTICES
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PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 15, 2015 – PHiladelphia Marriott
Honoring Bret Ribotsky, DPM and James Lamb
Sponsored by Bako Integrated Physician Services (Silver), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)
PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. Ribotsky and Mr. Lamb inducted in the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame, including roasts by special guests.
All ticket proceeds go to the APMA Educational Foundation Student Endowment Fund. Reserve your tickets now by sending $75 per ticket to: APMA Educational Foundation, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 or via the APMA Meeting registration form.
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $210
(Only $14 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, IA, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1- ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE WANTED – BOSTON, MA
Resident or practicing podiatrist wishing to relocate to Boston; great opportunity to become full partner in a practice with no investment. Please e-mail resumes to tritownpodiatry@gmail.com or fax to 781–641–1020
F/T PODIATRIST – PENNSYLVANIA
Expanding, well rounded, multi-site, state-of-the-art group with offices throughout Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. We offer: Competitive salary Benefits Partnership opportunity We're associated with hospitals, wound care centers, and a residency program. Requirements: Hard-working, self-motivated, board qualified/certified, and surgically trained. 2016 graduating residents welcome. Please email CV to: recruiting@foi-solutions.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Busy practice looking to expand. Looking for a well-trained, well rounded, energetic podiatrist. Should be competent in forefoot, rearfoot and ankle surgical procedures as well as wound care. All aspects of podiatry, pediatrics, orthopedic and surgical. Competitive salary, bonus, benefits and buy-in potential. Send cover letter, CV to footdocva@cox.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
Podiatry group specializing in long-term care and assisted living facilities seeks podiatrists all over California immediately. Part-time and full-time positions available. Also need a doctor for an office-based practice in Los Angeles area. Must have a good work ethic, easy-going and friendly attitude. Email CV to footdoctor4u@gmail.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 WANTED - SOUTHWEST OF BOSTON
Well rounded established practice outside of Boston seeking well trained associate BQ/BE to join the practice. Excellent referral base and high volume of new patients. Opportunity for partnership for the right person. Please contact pmlepdpm@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST 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.
F/T PODIATRIST – PENNSYLVANIA
Expanding, well rounded, multi-site, state-of-the-art group with offices throughout Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. We offer: Competitive salary Benefits Partnership opportunity We're associated with hospitals, wound care centers, and a residency program. Requirements: Hard-working, self- motivated, board qualified/certified, and surgically trained. 2016 graduating residents welcome.Please email CV to: recruiting@foi-solutions.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Successful, growing full-scope practice with offices in Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura and Santa Barbara seeking a full time podiatrist with excellent patient skills to add to our team. Competitive salary and benefits offered including health insurance and 401K. Potential for partnership. Please send CV to Kelly@footsurgeon.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 – 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 - 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
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 |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ULTRASOUND
SIUI CTS-5500 with rolling stand with a 7.5 MHz probe is ideally suited for soft tissue and some bone and joint applications. Mitsubishi printer with 5 rolls of thermal paper, plus Sonicgel and US Gel. $5,000 OBO. Please contact Amanda Reidhead @ amandar@aafaz.com or (480) 559-8404.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: CAST REMOVAL INSTRUMENTS
Stryker 940 cast saw, Ortho Vac 864 portable vac, 2 new blades, new cast spreader and new cast shear. Excellent condition. Complete package with shipping. $1,800. Please email hjddpm@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
30 year busy solo practice. Close to Boston, mountains and ocean. High growth potential with surgery, diabetic and wound care. Large patient base. Hospitals close by. EHR & ICD-10. $250k gross and asking one year's gross. Please contact officeforsalenh@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Practice available in a small town in Central Florida. Podiatrist retiring. Was full 4 day practice but now 2 days due to illness. Easily expanded. Same location over 30 years. Surgical and hospital privileges available but not required. Purchase equipment and assume patient care . Send inquiries to: DDave9388@aol.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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- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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- 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
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- 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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