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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,769 Podiatrists Daily
March 15, 2014 #5013  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
FINAL DAY TO VOTE
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS | |
Podiatry Institute to Hold Diabetes Workshops in Nigeria
In its effort to sensitize Nigeria’s medical community about the risk of leg amputation for people living with diabetes, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki, is scheduled to hold Nigeria’s first Podiatry and Diabetes Foot Care Workshop. Announcing this at a press conference in Lagos, the Medical Director of the centre, Dr. A. R. Isiavwe emphasized that the workshop was aimed at educating key players in the medical community on how to look after the feet of persons with diabetes in a bid to reduce the rate of amputation currently experienced in hospitals nationwide.
The workshop would be held in partnership with members of the Podiatry Institute, Georgia, USA. “We are trying to stand in the gap,” Isiavwe said. “As of today, we do not have any foot care training policy in Nigeria, so we are partnering with the Podiatry Institute from the USA, which members would be the facilitators of the workshop.”
Source: Solomon Elusoji, This Day Live [3/13/14]
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NBPME Seeks Nominations for Board Seats
The following positions on the Board will be open for election to a three-year term at the Annual Meeting in August, 2014
• A candidate who is a podiatric physician currently in practice.
• A candidate who has served as a member of his or her state’s professional licensing board within the five years prior to the initial term.
• A candidate currently serving as a director of a podiatric residency program approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.
Interested individuals should forward a letter and curriculum vitae no later than June 1, 2014 to: nbpmeofc@aol.com or NBPME, P.O. Box 510, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
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| MEETING NEWS | |
AAPPM Midwinter Conference Biggest, Best Ever!
The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) continued its commitment to helping practices prepare and understand the multitude of changes taking effect this year by hosting its most successful Midwinter Conference ever. Held in Pittsburgh earlier this month, the AAPPM featured seven different tracks at this year’s Midwinter Conference. Speakers touched on topics from healthcare reform to ICD-10; from tracks designed specifically for pediatrics to tracks designed to bring out the best in podiatric assistants. Judging from the comments received by the 300-plus podiatrists, assistants, and executive managers in attendance, the 2014 Midwinter Conference was a resounding success!
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Participants in AAPPM's Unique Roundtable Format |
The AAPPM Board of Trustees also welcomed its newest Trustee, Michael J. King, DPM of Fall River, Massachusetts. Charley Greiner, DPM, AAPPM President noted, “the addition of Dr. King to the AAPPM Board will add not only a top notch speaker on billing and coding topics that all podiatric practices need, but his leadership experience will help the AAPPM remain a premier podiatric specialty association for years to come. I’m excited to be working with him on this Board.”
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
Nomir Medical Announces FDA Clearance for Noveon NaiLaser
Nomir Medical Technologies, Inc., a leader in antimicrobial photobiology, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted clearance to the company’s Noveon NaiLaser for the treatment of onychomycosis. The FDA Clearance states, "The Noveon® is indicated for the temporary increase in clear nail in patients with onychomycosis (e.g., dermatophytes - Trichophyton rubrum and T mentagrophytes) only when used together with topical antifungal drug therapies approved to treat the accompanying tinea pedis and/or approved to treat onychomycosis."
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Dr. Warren Joseph |
Dr. Warren S. Joseph, a specialist in lower extremity infectious diseases and editor of JAPMA noted, "Few of the other lasers have the results of their clinical trials published in the peer-reviewed medical literature. However, results with the Noveon show 85% of the eligible treated toenails showing improvement by clear nail in their pivotal trial published in JAPMA. I am pleased with the new and unique indication for use language, as it distinguishes the Noveon laser as now being in line with the established understanding that describes the necessity of tinea pedis treatment along with onychomycosis therapy, as the two conditions are inexorably linked.”
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Muscle Spasm One Year S/P Avelox
My patient is a 29 year old female with a history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A year ago, her PCP put her on Avelox (a fluroquinolone) for a sinus infection due to her allergies to many other medications. She then suffered from tendonitis of her extensor tendons. After several months, that had resolved. Then she developed severe muscle spasms as well as frequent seizure attacks. She has tried various muscle relaxants and even taken Valium. She said that the Valium made her worse, so she went back to taking Flexeril with minimal resolution. She was wearing an ankle brace, was strapped, and wore a cast boot. She only feels better in the cast boot, although her foot is in a rigid supination during the attacks. Any other thoughts of treatment options are welcome.
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Certification of Diabetes & *Q* Modifiers
How often does a patient for covered foot care have to be re-certified by their primary care physician, vascular doctor, or endocrinologist for covered routine care? I know that they have to have been seen within 6 months of their visit for covered routine foot care by a podiatrist.
Arnold Beresh, DPM, Hampton, VA
Response: There is no requirement to have the primary care physician "certify" the diabetic status of the patient (with exception within the therapeutic shoe program for persons with diabetes).
If there is an active management requirement with an asterisk (*) systemic condition qualifier of routine foot care services, the MD/DO managing the patient's diabetes - for example - must be listed on the claim, their NPI, and date last seen by that doctor for the management of the systemic condition (they must have evaluated, managed the patient within the past six months). There is no "certification" required to qualify these services.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
I appreciate Dr. Oloff's response to my recent post and thank him for his kind reflection about my prior posts. I have also received several private e-mails from colleagues expressing intense disagreement with my contention that soluble steroid preparations have no utility in podiatric musculoskeletal treatment. However, it seems as though my remarks were interpreted as if I stated that it is wrong or inappropriate to use soluble steroids. I had no such intention.
In support of Dr. Oloff's charge that my information is inaccurate, he states that he knows rheumatologists who use the soluble preparations, which in part is a retort to my observation that the orthopods and rheumatologists that I know never use them. Obviously, I did not and do not mean to ...
Editor's note: Dr. Markinson's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/ LEGAL) | |
From: Richard Orlandi, DPM
It is a very unfortunate position that the Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA) has decided to take. They failed to step up to the plate, go to bat and cover Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine’s shortfall for fellow podiatrists who were left in the dark. What do they do? Barry University had failed to notify FL licensees prior to terminating its (decades-long) state-required CME home study courses.
The FPMA didn’t budge. They arbitrarily chose a date 30 days in advance (for taking the required Laws and Rules home study CME) of the biennial renewal without notifying...
Editor's note: Dr. Orlandi's extended-length letter can be read here.
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Codes for Podiatric Medicine and More! 2013/2014 (26th Edition)
Make the transition this year with minimal stress and ultimate convenience.
This two-volume set contains podiatric medicine specific ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM (cross-referenced), E/M, HCPCS, CPT, E/M, E, and V codes, modifiers, guidelines for wound care, diabetic foot care, the Medicare Diabetes Shoe Program, and more.
Telephone and email support is provided at no additional cost for help with your tough coding questions.
Accept no substitutes. My publication is the one that you hear about. Join the thousands of satisfied podiatrists using my coding manuals for over 25 years. Available for immediate shipping!
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Ira Baum, DPM
Let’s calculate that fee. $293.40 for two hammertoes. Even if it takes 10 minutes/toe, that’s 20 minutes, plus pre-op, prepping, post-op discussion with family, dictation plus travel time (not including delays). Conservatively, it's 1.5 hours out of office. Plus a 90-day global. Post-op visits 1,2,3 - maybe 4. Four visits: undress foot, cleanse foot, redress foot, x-ray at some point, medical assistant's time, and Dr.’s time. Let’s say each visit lasts 10-15 minutes (never happens because of preparation, dressings, etc). Not including materials, x-rays, and other overhead costs, Dr. and medical assistants spend about an hour. Now up to 2.5 hours. That equals a little over $100/hour. How does one pay for supplies, rent, insurance other employees etc.? I didn’t speak to the potential risks, and if you don’t think there have been malpractice cases for complications associated with hammertoe repair, think again.
Compare cutting toenails. Remove shoes and socks, cut nails, apply medications, put on shoes 20 minutes/$35. 3X$35= $105. Not much risk, no travel time, minimal material cost, no delays. Hmmmm. Not that I’m a proponent of cutting toenails, but does doing surgery make financial sense?
What is the rationale why insurance companies value our services so low, and why do podiatrists put up with it? I haven’t even touched on the disparity of reimbursement for that same procedure performed by foot and ankle orthopedists. I love this profession, but it has lost its way.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM, David Rizzo, DPM
I was disappointed to read the blurb on Dr Rizzo:
1) publicizing that you are willing to accept 45 dollars for evaluating and treating patients and going to visit them shows the world what you think you are worth. I think his service is worth more. It cheapens the profession.
2) It would have been better if the doc was practicing universal precautions and wearing gloves while he was debriding/trimming the toenails. Then again, at 45 bucks for the visit, gloves might be too costly.
Response: For those readers who are wondering, I always swab down my hands with a cotton ball loaded with isopropyl alcohol after each patient. Steve Lopez (the reporter) saw me do it. After 38 years of never using gloves, I have no onychomycosis on my fingers.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $179
(Less than $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
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Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- NORTHWEST SUBURBS OF CHICAGO
Diagnostic Ultrasound System for sale, asking $7500.00. CTS-8800 Plus system manufactured by SIUI. Purchased new July of 2013, barely used. Price includes cart, supplies, diagnostic books, and access to lifetime training/support through Fischer Biomedical website. Please email to: tomjohns2022@yahoo.com
SPACE TO SHARE - EAST SIDE MANHATTAN
East Side Manhattan - reception, waiting area, lab - 3 furnished treatment rooms - Staff available - Immediate availability. email off61dpm@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MANHATTAN
High End Lucrative Practice for Sale on Fifth Ave. in Manhattan. Ground Floor. Street entrance.1,000Sq. Ft. Doctor owned Co-Op, lease secured for 10 years. Priced to sell. Will be available through transition. Contact Email pied106@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida. Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Multi Physician Practice – Multi Practice Locations Competitive Salary and Benefits. Experienced support staff. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KENTUCKY
Immediate opening for palliative/general podiatric care provider in established clinics, nursing home and assistive living settings in beautiful Southern Kentucky. Travel involved, but transportation provided along with ability to provide a wide range of clinical care including DME. Board certification not mandatory, but must be eligible for KY state license. Base salary with incredible bonus opportunity/full benefits. Join Kentucky’s largest and most respected podiatric group. Email CV and letter of interest to:jonkim12000@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SC
Well-established three doctor practice seeks PSR-24/36 trained associate. New office building with privileges at nearby hospital and surgical center. EMR in place. Located near lake and mountains. Two hours from Charlotte and Atlanta. Please send letter of interest to docrose@bellsouth.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Position available leading to buy in after 6-12 months for the right person. Well established practice all aspects of care. Modern facility and latest technology. Need a self-starter ambitious person to work and grow the practice. Send Resume and cover letter to DRFOOT44@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Immediate associate position available. Applicant should be personal, self-motivated and independent. Will provide diabetic treatments, biomechanical exams, minor office procedures, major surgical corrections, in-home care. Great surgical growth potential. Competitive compensation package. Send letter of intent and CV to: admin@blaskodpm.com.
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Well established 65 year old practice looking for full time associate upon completion of a 36-month residency. Salary and full benefits including medical and malpractice included. Purchase opportunity available after probationary period. Full scope modern practice with 2 office locations. Great opportunity. Please email your CV to bkatzman2@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA (ATLANTA, NORTHERN SUBURBS)
Largest physician-owned equity based super group model (EHI, Inc.)- seeking multiple practitioners to work in highly successful clinical environments. Physicians must have minimum of 5 years practice experience in high volume clinical setting (s), ABPS board eligible/certified, highly motivated, hardworking, and extremely ethical. Unique setting encompassing practice owned surgery centers, pathology lab (s), imaging service(s), vascular access center (s), hyperbaric center(s), compounding pharmacy, anesthesia service(s), & more in development. Practice mergers considered for the right cultural fit. Competitive initial salary plus ancillary bonuses with full benefit package and ownership opportunities. Please send all inquiries via e-mail to dhelfman@extremityhealthcare.com and mhilsen@extremityhealthcare.com include cover letter and CV.
POSITION AVAILABLE – BROOKLYN / QUEENS, NY
Full-time podiatrist needed for a growing podiatry practice in Brooklyn and Queens. Excellent compensation. Please fax your resume to 888-788-6447.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - GEORGIA (ATLANTA)/TEXAS (AUSTIN, DALLAS, HOUSTON)
Largest Physician Owned Equity Based Super Group Model (EHI, Inc.)- seeking ethical hard working practitioners interested in joining EHI’s Southwest expansion. Our model is proven to produce successful practice groups and ancillary services, some of which include physician owned surgery centers, pathology lab (s), imaging service(s), vascular access center (s), hyperbaric center(s), compounding pharmacies, anesthesia service(s), & more in development. This is your opportunity to join EHI’s strategic national expansion focusing on secure wealth creation in an uncertain regulatory healthcare market. Only successful group (s) and/or solo practitioners will be considered. Send inquiries via e-mail to dhelfman@extremityhealthcare.com and mhilsen@extremityhealthcare.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE - BRONX, NY
Associate needed for 30+ year busy private practice. Applicant should be personal, independent and motivated. Bilingual a plus. Practice entails all aspects of podiatry. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for the right person. To apply please email letter of intent and CV to Bronxfootspecialist@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT
Well-established, growing practice in Darien, Connecticut is looking to bring on a new hard-working Podiatric Associate with PSR-36 Training. This is a GREAT opportunity for a young physician coming out of residency. Please email your CV and letters of reference to: sweiss4@stamhealth.org
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN
In-network associate position PT/FT east side midtown Manhattan position available for motivated podiatrist in all phases of podiatry including surgery . Please send CV with list of plans that you are in enrolled in to johnj10022@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO/TRIAD AREA
Busy, state-of-the-art group practice seeking full time associate. PSR 24 or above training preferred. Excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and ethical applicant. Competitive income and benefit package. Hospital privileges available. Board certified/qualified applicant, send CV and letter of interest to triad.podiatrist@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Non-surgical associate wanted for busy Central Florida practice. Duties to include palliative care, diabetic foot care, wound care and minor office procedures. Competitive salary plus incentives, malpractice insurance, health insurance, fees and dues, are covered. Please reply to: footcareforyou@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA
Looking for an associate with strong surgical training. Personal and energetic a must. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, and foot and ankle surgery. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for right person. To apply, please email, letter of intent and CV to premierfootpa@outlook.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – TENNESEE
Immediate full & part-time positions available for fully credentialed. Buy in/Buy out options available for this high volume practice in Knoxville area. Principal, also seeking like-minded to share semi-retirement, e.g., 2 weeks on/ 2 weeks off or 1 month on/ 1 month off, etc. Please email letter of intent and CV to:easttnpodiatry@gmail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com 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.
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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
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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
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