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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,967 Podiatrists Daily
April 01, 2015 #5,336 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
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AT THE COLLEGES |
Irish Exchange Students Complete Preceptorship at NYCPM
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(L-R) Joel Sturm, COO, NYCPM; Dr. Michael Trepal, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, NYCPM; Aisling Farrell (NUI, Galway; Eimear Daly (NUI, Galway); Laura Wilson (NUI, Galway); Sara Cathcart, NYCPM, Class of 2016; Christopher Joyce (NUI, Galway), Dr. Robert Eckles, Dean of Clinical Education and Medical Education, NYCPM.
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The New York College of Podiatric Medicine welcomed four seniors from the podiatry discipline in the School of Health Sciences of the National University of Ireland, Galway, for a two-week rotation. They represent an exchange program that has been established between the institutions. The students arrived in early March and have spent their time engaged in a preceptorship at NYCPM as well as enjoying the city of New York. NYCPM was very happy to receive them and is looking forward to future exchange students. This exchange represents yet another example of NYCPM’s continued effort to pursue global podiatric education and institutional relationships.
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CLINICAL CONTROVERSIES |
NJ Podiatrists Clash Over X-Ray Interpretation
A few weeks ago, there was a heated argument on the Internet over the color of a dress. Some saw the dress as blue and black, others as white and gold. How could that be? Some experts opined that the light exposure of the photo caused the brain to process the image differently. Now, an x-ray reviewed by Dr. Barry Mullen and John Guiliana has sparked a new controversy. There was disagreement over whether the image in the middle x-ray (below) was of a hand or a foot. They showed the x-ray to several podiatric residents who also disagreed on what they were looking at.
One resident was so frustrated by the lack of consensus that she posted a picture of the x-ray on Twitter, and asked her followers for feedback. Hand is winning handily with 60% consensus. Can’t see what others are seeing in the middle x-ray above? This graphic can help people to see both extremities, with clearly an x-ray of a foot on the left and a hand on the right. What do you see as the middle image? Take our quick poll below.
Quick Poll
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Is the center x-ray a hand or a foot? |
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PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN CAUSES |
NY Podiatrists Return from Medical Mission in Haiti
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Dr. Patricia Nicholas treats patient in Haiti |
After the devastating 2011 earthquake hit Haiti, Haitian born podiatrist Dr. Patricia Nicholas started a relief fund called Kindest Hearts Foundation to help the people of Haiti. She has used the money reaised to build a school that now has 264 students in grade 1-6, along with 32 employees. She has also built a medical clinic with 3 treatment rooms and a pharmacy. The clinic has hired a full time MD and a lab assistant. Dr. Roy De Francis just returned from a week volunteering with Dr. Nicholas to treat the residents of d'Orouck.
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PODIATRISTS AND TECHNOLOGY |
IL Podiatrist to Launch Podiatric Drones
In this age of formulaic and high-tech medicine, a new idea has evolved. Dr. Lawrence Kosova explains to anchor Bias Cumming of WICU radio about his new enterprise, Podiadrone, a new way of delivering healthcare. “We were inspired by the advances in telemedicine and the surmounting difficulties of managing a physical practice to deliver a new type of footcare. ‘Let it go, let it go,’ is our motto as our fleet of Dr. Drones lifts above traffic jams on their way to the foot-suffering public. Drones are being used in the military; Amazon is planning to use them as well. So, we envisioned the concept of Not Being There (NBT).”
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Dr. Lawrence Kosova and the Podiadrone |
Behind the technology, Drone Air Foot Technology (DAFT), sits the IT-savvy Kosova. “Viewing high definition cameras in our offices, we can treat multiple conditions from afar with our C-3POD robot drone. We can call in our assistant drone, R2X2. Imagine drones flying high above delivering a pair of customized orthotics? Patients love it because they don’t have to sit in waiting rooms or deal with staff. Each visit is filmed, so consent is no longer an issue. Drones are programmed to speak many languages and can “sign” for deaf patients. Insurance companies will pay for adjunct personnel to treat patients as long as it is under the supervising eye of a licensed practitioner. Kosova adds, “Such is medicine today. We envision a new fleet of tech-savvy young podiatric practitioners giving up the high rents and travails of practice by using our Podiadrones.”
Source: April Fools News [4/1/15]
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APMA COMPONENT NEWS |
OH Podiatrist Takes OHFAMA Concerns to Capitol Hill
Dr. Bruce G. Blank, representing the Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association (OHFAMA), met with U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-OH on Capitol Hill as part of the American Podiatric Medical Association's 2015 Legislative Conference. The annual Legislative Conference, held March 23-25 in Washington, D.C., brings together APMA members and podiatric medical student leaders from across the nation to pound the pavement for the profession by lobbying members of Congress.
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Dr. Bruce Blank, left, meets with U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson |
Representatives of the Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association joined nearly 200 podiatrists and medical students representing 42 states who visited members of Congress to discuss issues facing podiatric medicine and communicate federal advocacy priorities for the 2015-16 session.
Source: Wheeling News-Register [3/31/15]
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Ottawa Podiatrist Benefits from Lengthy Wait for Foot & Ankle Surgery
As patients who suffer from foot and ankle ailments continue to wait for surgery to relieve their pain, Ottawa podiatrist Dr. David Greenberg can barely keep up with the growing demand. Greenberg, one of just a handful of fully-licensed private practicing podiatrists, is doing whatever he can to help patients who suffer from chronic foot and ankle pain get better faster, or at least in a reasonable amount of time.
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Dr. Daniel Greenberg (photo: Dani-elle Dube) |
And even though the wait times for his clinic are manageable now, it all may change because of the growing backlog of patients waiting for foot and ankle surgeries at Ottawa hospitals. "It can take up to two years before anyone can be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon," said Greenberg, who has been practicing for 42 years.
Source: Dani-Elle Dube, Ottawa Sun [3/28/15]
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PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW |
9 NY Doctors Indicted in Medicaid Fraud Using Homeless Patients
Nine New York doctors were indicted on Tuesday on charges that they participated in a Medicaid fraud in which homeless people were given free shoes as a way to entice them to be subjected to a raft of unnecessary medical tests and equipment prescriptions. Those tests led to $7 million in false Medicaid and Medicare billings between 2012 and 2014, the Brooklyn district attorney's office charged in an indictment unsealed on Tuesday.
A total of 23 people were indicted, including podiatrists Benny Ogorek, DPM, Avia Jackson, DPM, Simeon Isaacs, DPM, and Nemaan Ghuman, DPM .according to the indictment and a law enforcement source. After hours of testing, the homeless people received a pair of cheap shoes, the law enforcement source said.
Source: Stephanie Clifford, The New York Times [3/31/15]
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IN THE COURTS |
Providers Can't Sue State Medicaid Over Rates: Supreme Court
Private healthcare providers cannot sue state Medicaid agencies over low reimbursement rates, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Tuesday in a 5-4 decision, reversing a lower court's ruling.
Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the majority opinion that the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says federal laws reign supreme over state ones, does not allow providers to sue state Medicaid agencies over rates. Scalia also wrote that the Medicaid Act implicitly does not allow private parties to enforce a part of the law that requires state plans to “assure that payments are consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care” while “safeguard(ing) against unnecessary utilization of ... care and services.” Congress, he concluded, did not mean for the court to be able to get around that part of the law.
Source: Lisa Schencker, Modern Healthcare [3/31/15]
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HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION |
House Provision Offers Doctors More Protection Against Malpractice Suits
A little-noticed provision of a bill passed by the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support would provide doctors new protections against medical malpractice lawsuits. The bill, which requires the government to measure the quality of care that doctors provide and rate their performance on a scale of zero to 100, protects doctors by stipulating that the quality-of-care standards used in federal health programs — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act — cannot be used in malpractice cases.
The provision is nearly identical to legislative language recommended by doctors and their insurance companies. They contend that federal standards and guidelines do not accurately reflect the standard of care and should not be used to show negligence by a doctor or a hospital.
Source: Robert Pear, The New York Times [3/30/15]
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QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) |
RE: RAC Audits
I'm just wondering if there are any pods experiencing RAC audits from Medicare. I was recently audited on surgery I performed back in July and August 2012. The monies were taken 41 days after the date of the letter that was sent for an overpayment. The problem is that it is impossible to speak with someone to get a reason why the payment was recouped. When you call the auditor's telephone number, you have to leave a message. So I was wondering if other doctors have experienced this, or I am the only one? Any advice would be appreciated.
Name Withheld
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Ultrasound-Guided Injection Code
Can someone please tell me the correct code for ultrasound-guided injections for plantar fasciitis?
Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM, Williamsville, NY
Response: CPT 76942 - Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), imaging supervision and interpretation
Your documentation would have to clearly note why you required (i.e., the medical necessity for) ultrasound guidance to administer what is a commonly performed infiltrative injection around the plantar fascia. Additionally, be prepared to offer peer-to-peer published studies that back the medical necessity for imaging to significantly impact therapeutic improvement of the injection over not using imaging to place your needle.
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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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Celebrity Shoes of the Day
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Metal lock down boots worn by Nicholas Cage in the movie Face Off, autographed by John Travolta |
These are the metal lock down boots worn by Nicholas Cage in the movie Face Off, autographed by John Travolta
Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, Ontario
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MEETING NOTICES
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PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 24, 2010 – Orlando Marriott World Center
Honoring Joshua Gerbert, DPM
Richard Bloch
Sponsored by Bako Integrated Physician Services (Gold), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)
PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. Gerbert and Mr. Bloch 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 or via the APMA Meeting registration form.
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2015. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite Hyperbaric Medicine. Working with infectious disease, dermatology, as well as plastic, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com or jtfootcare@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE WANTED - SOUTHWEST, FL
ABFAS BC or BQ associate surgeon to join our expanding team. All aspect of podiatric care. Immediate position. ER, hospital call, rounds & office work. R U the Superstar for our growing premier group? CV, LOR & How you area superstar? EMR, digital x rays, modern offices, prp, amnio tx, sx suite soon to have ASC. Opportunity in a thriving, growing group. Good cash patient clientele. Partnership potential. Top end income w bonus for a hard worker. ALSO AVAILABLE: 1 year term Rreconstructive Surgery Fellowship position must have ABFAS BQ status. klamdpm@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BATAVIA (WESTERN) NY
Well established, busy practice, seeking a Full Time Associate to join growing Podiatry Practice, with goal to partnership. Small town with big city benefits. Excellent opportunity for board eligible, qualified, or certified PSR-24/36. Please call (585) 344-1677 or e-mail CV with cover letter to bfcc@rochester.rr.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA
Once in a lifetime opportunity to practice in paradise, 3 year average over 7 figures. Senior podiatrist looking to retire seeks a well rounded practitioner for a 3-5 year transition .Established 27 year practice with 2 locations in Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, Florida. Hospital privileges pending skill. 1foot.ankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LAPLATA, MARYLAND
Well-established practice with multiple offices located just south of Washington DC. Practice amenities include EHR, digital x-ray, state-of-the-art surgical suite, shoe stores, PADnet, and large support staff. Recently renovated hospital minutes away. This is an extremely busy practice with high patient, new patient, and surgical volume with both forefoot and rearfoot surgery. We enjoy a large referral base due to our own practice marketer. We are looking for a highly motivated, personable individual. Must be well trained in forefoot and rearfoot surgery at PMSR-36/RRA. Competitive base salary with bonus structure. Send CV to: feet_r_neat@aol.com
IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE - ALBANY, CORNING, UTICA AND SYRACUSE NEW YORK
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Albany, Syracuse, Corning, Little Falls, Chittenango, Utica and surrounding areas. Great opportunity for full-time or part-time income. Positions available immediately! inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL CONNECTICUT (HAMDEN/NEW HAVEN)
Seeking dynamic, ABFAS Board Eligible/Board Qualified podiatrist. Motivated individual with solid forefoot/rearfoot surgical training, PMSR-36/RRA. Local world-class hospital, available privileges/ ER call, working with prestigious residency program. Must be personable with impressive communication skills. Excellent opportunity for buy-in/future partnership. Send cover letter/resume newmedicalcareer@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PT/FT - NY (WESTCHESTER/ROCKLAND)
Well-established, cutting-edge, modern private practice in multi-specialty office with over 45 years experience looking to hire an enthusiastic and passionate Podiatrist for PT/FT. We serve the Rockland, Westchester, and entire Tri-State Areas successfully with full diagnostic and treatment facilities, including: Fluoroscope, Diagnostic Sonogram, PinPointe Laser, Juvederm, ESWT, and in-house physical therapy. Affiliated with local hospitals and privileges available. Surgical skills preferred but not required. Join our friendly and knowledgeable office staff with decades of experience! An entrepreneurial and medical opportunity combined! Guaranteed signing bonus. Send CV and cover letter to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200-bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. We rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Salary and bonus based on skills and experience, benefits including 401K. Current Florida license a plus. This a wonderful world class community. Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
You're not looking for a typical podiatry practice. We're not looking for the typical podiatrist. We need another doctor who understands the importance of creating an amazing patient experience as much as providing great medical care. You will be working with doctors who are committed to your success. If you are an entrepreneurial-minded doctor who wants to grow and eventually own part of an already successful practice, go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS
Group practice seeking motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to join our group. Must have the ability to lead your own clinic. Group is fully automated, utilizes EMR, digital x-ray, etc. Base salary starts at $125k, with incentives to grow income to $200k+, includes malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k. Please send CV to stlpodgroup@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO
Seeking ABFAS Board Qualified/Certified associate for Chicago. EMR, digital x-ray, laser, ultrasound, surgery center & amazing support staff. Join a growing group based in Chicago & Suburbs. Salary & quarterly bonuses commensurate with experience & ability to grow your location. Available 401K plan, malpractice, CMEs. Send CV to chicagopodpractice@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (NORTH HAVEN AND FAIRFIELD)
Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to: Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN (NOT METRO DETROIT AREA)
Not in the metro Detroit area. 2 offices, one DPM looking for a top notch candidate to join and then take over the practice. Email resume to podiatricsurgeonspc@yahoo.com.
PODIATRY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Neurogenx 4000 Pro with electrodes and leads (8,000 obo). Cryo-Pac MCU001US/Cryomed Device, Includes Console, power cord, Foot switch, 2 probes and hose (1,200 obo). Summit Doppler - Vista AVS Vascular Doppler, comes on a rolling stand with all attachments, Installation and training CD (2,500 obo). Please email me dapodman1@yahoo.com
IMMEDIATE BUYING OPPORTUNITY IN CHICAGO
Well-rounded medical/surgical practice; turn-key operation with ongoing schedule. will consider partnership for right person. Please respond to: chipod12@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE- OR PARTNER WANTED - CONNECTICUT
Well rounded practice in lower Fairfield County Connecticut available for sale or partnership. ER call, surgery, pediatrics, diabetic foot care, wound management, in patient care. Flexible terms. Ideal for finishing resident. Call 203-554-2565
PRACTICE FOR SALE – VIRGINIA
Well-established routine and surgical practice in one of the fastest-growing areas of central Virginia. Conveniently located in a high traffic, commercial area. All equipment and instruments included, assumable lease and ample parking. Financials and photos available after proper paperwork executed. No solicitations please. Serious inquiries only. Contact rvaprodiatry@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEAR CHICAGO
Located in Elgin, Illinois, 30 miles northeast of Chicago. Fully furnished and equipped 3 exam room office, digital x-ray, US, EMR, good demographics, buyer can be independent or partner with group. Seller financing for qualified buyers. For info email dr.tcarr@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – NORTHERN NJ
Doctor retiring. P/T practice, young patient population. Ripe for expansion of hours and services. Loyal patient referral base. Very reasonably priced. Willing to finance with small down payment. Please e-mail robharvey18@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation (will separate) 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. 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
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CALIFORNIA
Well established podiatry practice for sale in the beautiful central coast of California. We are a comprehensive, state-of-the-art practice that includes surgical, palliative, wound care, and sports medicine opportunities. Five fully equipped treatment rooms with advanced technologies: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, vascular diagnostics, etc. Our licensed medical staff are experienced and dedicated to the ongoing care of our patients. Revenues include product sales of custom orthotics, shoes, and braces. For further information, contact CaliforniaPodiatry@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT
looking to relocate or expand in Southern Connecticut here is a great opportunity to acquire an office with diversity in medical/surgical patient load plus ER coverage, wound care, and surgery at local hospital.
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 16,000 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.
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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RE: (Topic)
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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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