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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 22,044 Subscribers Daily
March 14, 2024 #7,709  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2024- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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Was your practice affected by the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack? |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Advantage Plans for Seniors Under Fire: MI Podiatrist
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "American healthcare is a system in crisis. Many Americans have no health insurance and are one injury away from homelessness. Debts resulting from medical care too often lead to bankruptcy or worse. And though there are a multitude of factors at play, many experts believe it is due in part to our profit-driven healthcare system. Extensive lobbying efforts resulted in the passage of laws nearly 20 years ago, allowing the major insurance companies to provide seniors with insurance. This, in effect, allowed them to compete with Medicare."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"These plans were termed ‘Advantage’ plans, although they were marketed in such a way that our seniors were uncertain of what they were getting or who was providing it. The answers to such important questions is always buried under slogans and reams of fine print. The tactics utilized by the major insurers are numerous, with pre-authorizations, outright denials, and various methods of obfuscation used to delay care, deny or withhold payments. One of their most successful methods of increasing their profits is to refuse to pay for services rendered. Tens of millions of denials have been issued inappropriately each year, according to a recent federal audit," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [3/12/24]
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MA Podiatrist Attends ADA’s Call to Congress
David Alper, DPM attended the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) “Call to Congress” Match 11th and 12th in Washington DC. A semi-annual event, ADA arranges visits to key Senators and Congressmen’s offices to advocate for legislation that affects funding and research for areas of care for those with diabetes.
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| Dr. David Alper |
Dr. Alper is a member of the ADA National Advocacy and Legislative Committee for ADA and has attended the last six events. He also serves as an APMA Trustee.
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| 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.
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Today's featured article |
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
8 Strategies for Improving Employee Loyalty and Commitment
Building a culture of loyalty and commitment takes time, consistency, and effort. By effectively implementing these strategies, you can create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their best, leading to improved retention, productivity, and overall success.
5. Promote work-life balance
Encourage a healthy work-life balance by respecting employees' time and well-being. Provide flexible scheduling options, offer breaks and vacation time opportunities, and promote self-care practices. By showing concern for your staff's overall well-being, you create an environment that values their commitment and loyalty.
Source: Mike Szczesny, Keith A. Reynolds, Physicians Practice [3/1/24]
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| QUERIES (MEICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Is a Foreign Language Interpreter Required Under the ADA?
Regarding providing assistance to disabled persons (like sign language interpreting for deaf patients), must a clinic provide an interpreter for simply not being able to speak English? We have a patient who speaks only Spanish, claims they do not have any person they can bring to interpret, and insists that we provide an interpreter. They have no "medical" disability -- they simply can't speak English. I am aware we could find someone --- as could they --- but my question is, are we REQUIRED to do that under ADA or any other federal law?
R. Alex Dellinger, DPM, Little Rock, AR
Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Yes. The best source for a free language interpreter is to see a patient at a hospital clinic (if you have privileges to do so). Some apps or devices such as Wooask allow you to communicate with foreign speaking patients.
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Podiatrists Who Have Had Trigger Finger Surgery
I am wondering if anyone has any experience with trigger finger surgery. I have a busy mobile practice and I debride a lot of mycotic nails. As a result, I have developed a trigger finger of the 4th finger of my dominant hand. I’ve had 2 cortisone injections which provided temporary relief and two different hand specialists say they’ll only give two injections and then the treatment is surgery.
My question is, if you’ve had this condition and surgery, how much time did you realistically need to take off before you could resume debriding nails? One surgeon said it would be a week but I am not sure this is realistic so I am looking for some experience from those that have had the surgery.
Name Withheld
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (BILLING & CODING) - PART 1B | |
From: R. Alex Dellinger, DPM, Eddie Davis, DPM
According to CMS, the MUE (Medically Unlikely Edits) for CPT 28230 is ONE. That means CMS only pays one unit per date of service. I have found most private insurances follow these edits that CMS have created. I imagine this is your issue, and my guess is you can appeal and appeal and appeal and it won't get paid. But they certainly should pay one time. More information can be found here:
R. Alex Dellinger, DPM, Little Rock, AR
The code 28230 is for an open flexor tenotomy of a single or multiple tendons. As such, attempting to bill it per toe would be rejected as it is only to be billed once. The code 28232 is for an open flexor tenotomy for a single tendon. It may be rejected if billed more than once because the insurance company would consider multiple tenotomies to be billed under the existing multiple code, 28230.
What procedure was actually performed? I usually would perform such tenotomies in the office, not as an open procedure. The traditional flexor set procedure is a percutaneous flexor tenotomy/capsulotomy. The code 28272 is for such a capsulotomy and is performed individually.
Eddie Davis, DPM, San Antonio, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (BILLING & CODING) - PART 1B | |
From: Donald R Blum, DPM, JD
In a previous PM News an expert recommended:
CPT 28232 - T_
CPT 28232 - T_ - 59
When I go to NOVITAS (the Medicare carrier for my region), the descriptions might be the reason for the denial.
CPT 28230 - Incision of foot tendon(s)
CPT 28232 - Incision of toe tendon
The 28230 could be for multiple tendons because of the "s" and described as "foot" tendon(s) vs 28232 which is singular (no "s") and states "toe" tendon. According to the Novitas fee schedule, the 28230 reimburses about 15% more than the 28232 code.
Donald R Blum, DPM, JD, Dallas, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) | |
From: Meghan M. Arnold, DPM
We need to as a profession eliminate the foot/rear foot separation within the board credentialing. Orthopods are laughing at us behind our backs because of this. You don't see the orthopedic board saying, well you didn't do a hand fellowship, so no hand surgery for you. We have literally shot ourselves in the foot as a profession with the limitation of privileges at hospitals and with state boards with this restriction of rear foot or foot certification. This also tracks back to our board certification as a whole; it is ludicrous that we separate medicine and surgery into two separate boards. And then within the surgery board, separate the foot and ankle into two separate certifications.
We are already a subspecialty fighting for our lives. We need to be more cohesive as a profession with no restriction based on training and board certification. Truly the board certification should be much more about the width and breadth of podiatry. Anyone who states that we are doing this to protect podiatry as a profession is...
Editor's note: Dr. Arnold's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
RE: Kudos to AMERX (Ted Mihok, DPM)
From: Lawrence Rubin, DPM
I was very happy to learn from his PM News post that Dr. Ted Mihok is a fellow member of Lions Clubs International. I applaud his and his club members' and AMERX's outstanding charitable wound care project. And, I would like to add some information about Lions Clubs. Probably, there is at least one local club close to where everyone reading this lives.
I became a member of Lions Clubs International (LCI) in 1965, in Morton Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I have moved my residence several times since then, and wherever I have moved, there was a local Lions Club that welcomed me. There are about 1.4 million members worldwide, and each member is dedicated to volunteerism and community service. Although a main Lions program has always been helping diabetic patients prevent...
Editor's note: Dr. Rubin's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
Larry Lundy was among the first podiatrists I met when I first came to Dallas. He set the bar for being gracious and kind to everyone he came in contact with. He was also instrumental in building respect for our profession among other medical professionals, that we all have benefited from today. He lived his life loved by everyone. It was an honor to know him. He will be missed.
Richard C Galperin, DPM
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Tribute to Elton John's Tiny Dancer? |
Source: Suzanne Middlemass, It's All About Shoes
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MEETINGS & 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 $299
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, PA, 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, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE | |
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 22,000 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 22,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PENNSYLVANIA & COLORADO
Anywhere Foot and Ankle Care, a national concierge mobile podiatry group is seeking part time podiatrists. General routine podiatry at patients' homes or senior living. Company values flexibility and work life balance. Structured as an independent contractor (1099), competitive compensation at 55%, choose your own schedule and volume. Company provides full office support and tech focused infrastructure for efficient operation. Send CV to: info@anywherefootandanklecare.com.
SOUTHERN CA - SOUTH BAY REGION OF LA
Established practice for sale. Owner is planning to retire and transition. Fully staffed and equipped practice. Opportunity to acquire turnkey operation. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MASSACHUSETTS
Modern, well established since 1986. Busy, 75 new patients a month. All aspect of podiatric services. Fully equipped, certified EHR, laser, digital x-ray, vascular machine, Pad net. In-house billing, well run. Located within a mile from hospital. Owner is willing to stay as necessary during transition. Contact drwaw54@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Amazing opportunity to take over a thriving established practice. Ideal for someone who wants to provide high quality foot care and practice the way you want with unlimited potential. Affordable with immediate income. Financing available. Wonderful place to live and practice. Serious inquiries only. Contact: wwfootclinic@gmail.com
PODIATRY OFFICE FOR RENT AND SHARE – MANHATTAN AND / OR PLAINVIEW, NY
Plainview Long Island and or Manhattan (22nd street between 2nd and 3rd Aves), Fully equipped, turn-key. Call (516) 476-1815 or e-mail podo2345@aol.com for details.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS |
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 22,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2024. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. Working with infectious disease, as well as, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE employer.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA & COLORADO
Anywhere Foot and Ankle Care, a national concierge mobile podiatry group is seeking part time podiatrists. General routine podiatry at patients' homes or senior living. Company values flexibility and work life balance. Structured as an independent contractor (1099), competitive compensation at 55%, choose your own schedule and volume. Company provides full office support and tech focused infrastructure for efficient operation. Send CV to: info@anywherefootandanklecare.com.
MULTIPLE ASSOCIATES NEEDED FOR QUALITY PRACTICES ACROSS THE USA
From the Panhandle of Florida, Northern Georgia, the Texas/Arkansas border, Central Pennsylvania, and other areas, we have busy successful podiatric practices needing skilled associates for long term positions. Most offer hospital privileges, competitive salaries and benefits. New opportunities are frequently available so please contact us now, competition is fierce with graduating residents in July. Email inquiries to yourpracticenow@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Seeking a well-trained physician to join a multi-office practice in northern Virginia. Good variety of pathology with multiple hospital and surgery center affiliations. Competitive salary and benefits package. Ability to work with and train residents. If interested, please email resume to: krpsgold@cox.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Looking for a podiatrist, part-time or full time, to service nursing homes in NJ with possibility to work in office for the right person. Looking to start ASAP. Please email resume to ghcp@globalhealthcarepartner.com. Days and Hours are flexible. Good compensation.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico has an exciting, immediate full-time position open for a board qualified or board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. You can view our website at footanklenm.com. Spanish speaking and Fellowship are a plus but not a requirement. Billing/coding experience is preferred. Compensation is a competitive salary plus a percentage bonus structure to start. 20k sign-on bonus for provider that starts before April 1st, 2021. Please email CV and cover letter to ACharlie@footanklenm.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
Looking for a motivated podiatrist to be part of the Foot & Ankle Concepts Inc. team in Santa Barbara California and Ventura county California. Our practice includes surgical and non surgical care of the foot and ankle. Starting salary of 250K, please send resume to alangroudi@gmail.com www.footsurgeon.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY BOROUGHS
Busy and rapidly expanding practice looking for a full time associate. Multiple locations in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, Bilingual preferred. Required to take call in hospitals. Great balance between surgery and medicine. Ideal for recent graduates. Competitive compensation. Please submit CV to careersmobilepodiatry@gmail.com
FULL AND PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE - KY, MA, and MD
Rapidly expanding podiatrist owned and operated company offering full and part time positions servicing Nursing Homes and SNFs in Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Inquire about availability in other states as well. Send CV and inquiries to info@thepodiatrycompanyllc.com
FULL-TIME PODIATRIST - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
Join a Dynamic multi-specialty 6 location group with cutting-edge equipment, storefront presence, physical therapy. Competitive starting salary of $150k, with the potential to easily earn up $200k with bonus. Send CV to Cnunez1940@gmail.com (Texasfootdoctor.org)
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSETTS
Well-established, well-rounded hospital-based group practice located just North of Boston seeking full-time DPM. Applicant must be ABFAS Board Qualified/Certified, well-trained with interest in wound care and limb salvage. We are well integrated within the medical community and are active in both hospital in-patient care and out-patient clinic. Excellent referral base and high volume of new patients. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Excellent opportunity for qualified candidate. Please email CV to footdocsma@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL, BOSTON, MA
Immediate opening for a podiatric surgeon with interest in wound care, podiatric medicine, foot surgery and clinical research. Ankle surgery and reconstructive rearfoot surgery is not available. Ideal candidate is board-certified/qualified with prior clinical experience. MGH is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and our podiatric physicians are eligible for faculty appointments through department of orthopedic surgery. Excellent salary and benefits. Please contact Dr. Landsman. alandsman@mgh.harvard.edu
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GREENVILLE, SC
Busy two-office practice with three doctors in Greenville SC seeking a full-time podiatry associate. Start date immediately. All aspects of podiatric surgery, medicine and biomechanics. Benefits include 401 K, malpractice, health and dental insurance, CME, short and long-term disability. PTO. (All other standard benefits) Please send cover letter with CV to podiatryresumes@upstatefootdocs.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ST. GEORGE, VERNAL, PRICE, MILLCREEK OR WVC, UTAH
Immediate Doctor of Podiatric medicine position for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Location: St. George, Vernal, Millcreek, Price or WVC , Utah. Competitive salary with commission structure. Benefits include: PTO, CME allowance, health and malpractice insurance. Must be confident in working solo in your own office environment. Please email Cover Letter and CV to laney@summitmedicalpartners.com
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME! - GAINESVILLE, FL
Surgically trained podiatrist needed. 40% of collections first year and equity partnership after that. Looking for someone to start now in Gainesville, FL. Located close to the surgical center and hospital. Seriously interested podiatrists please send CV to podiatry42984@gmail.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
Established 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. Benefits include: competitive six-figure compensation ranging from $155,000-$250,000, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and 401(k) plan. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your podiatric medical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – SOUTH CAROLINA
KG Health Partners is seeking full-time and part-time podiatrists to provide mobile lower extremity care to long-term care residents in these territories: Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina. Monday through Friday schedule, competitive wages, malpractice insurance, and benefits for full-time employees. Email CV to Kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Busy Sports Medicine-Surgical Practice looking to hire motivated individual with interest in sports medicine getting patients back to activities ASAP thru conservative and surgical treatments. Must be willing to learn and/or perform reconstructive Foot, Ankle and related leg surgery including Nerves and other soft tissue microsurgeries. Board qualified ABFAS necessary. Potential partnership. Competitive salary, malpractice, health insurance, vacation, 401K and CME allowance. email CV to DrRunUSA@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Full time associate with partnership opportunity for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Competitive salary with commission structure. Benefits include PTO, CME allowance, health and malpractice insurance. Must be confident in surgical and wound care practices. Please email Cover Letter and CV to dgvc88a@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LATHAM, NY
Expanding, busy practice seeking BQ/BC well-trained, hardworking and motivated associate. Great opportunity with competitive salary, performance base incentive, comprehensive benefits package including potential equity offering at 18 months. Email: CV to rbauer.dpm@gmail.com www.summitfootandankle.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA
PT to possible FT mobile positions throughout sunny Florida for responsible DPM team players. Primarily home visits and ALF/ILF's. No call. No ER. Flexible 9-5. Weekends optional. Generous commission salary. Great for new grads, semi-retired, or those looking to help fill their schedule. Serious applicants email contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC
Busy multi-doctor podiatry practice with 5 locations across 3 boroughs looking for a DPM ready to work. Part-time and full time available. Candidates should be personable, driven and hard working. All phases of podiatry including forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Generous salary, malpractice, 401k, vacation days and holidays. For inquired, please contact drlevy@starrettpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - VANCOUVER, CANADA
Busy, well-established practice looking for motivated podiatrist with excellent clinical and people skills. 2 office locations. CASH PAY. Lots new patients monthly. Huge growth potential. Practice allows great work-life balance. NO CALLS. Competitive pay structure and sign-on bonus. Non-Canadian, new graduate, experienced DPM applicants welcome. Email CV to podiatryvancouver@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN (OAKLAND COUNTY/DETROIT SUBURBS)
Outstanding opportunity, well established group practice, general podiatry, surgical forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full time). Responsible, motivated team player with good communication skills, base salary + bonus,+ benefits, malpractice, continuing education. Confidential reply CV & letter of interest to: DPMposition@AOL.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALGARY, CANADA
We are looking for a podiatrist comfortable with all aspects of podiatry, ranging from surgery to foot care. We have four exam rooms and an accredited in-office surgical suite, digital x-ray, shockwave and EMR. Must be able to work in Canada. Partnership opportunities available. Please contact lalani@alpinefootankle.com
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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.
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