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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,458 Subscribers Daily
April 03, 2019 #6,388  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2019- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How often do you diagnose a new pre-diabetic or diabetic patient?
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| PM NEWS IN THE NEWS | |
PM News Marks 25th Anniversary
This issue commemorates the silver anniversary of PM News. This publication, which started out in 1992 as notes exchanged between a few dozen podiatrists on the Prodigy service, began formally publishing as PM News in Spring 1994. In the interim, PM News has grown from 150 initial subscribers to over 18,000 podiatrists and students, becoming podiatry’s daily newspaper.
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Dr. Barry Block |
We’d like to thank all those responsible for PM News’ success, especially our advertisers, without whom we could not supply this free service. Special acknowledgment goes to our Webmaster Al Musella, DPM who developed and maintains the software that runs both PM News and our website. Additional praise is due to Hermine Block for her superb copy editing and to David Kagan, our Associate Publisher. Last, but not least, we thank you, the readers who constantly post queries and comments. Your input provides the unique interaction that makes PM News unrivaled by publications from any other medical specialty.
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| APMA IN THE NEWS | |
APMA Launches Spring Campaign
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has announced the launch of a spring campaign featuring Today's Podiatrist, in conjunction with April's National Foot Health Awareness Month. The campaign will educate the public about the wide range of capabilities of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs), with a particular emphasis on their surgical expertise.
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Dr. David Edwards |
"There is no foot and ankle injury beyond the capabilities of Today's Podiatrist," said APMA President David G. Edwards, DPM. "We keep patients on their feet by recommending and executing the right treatment for that specific condition and individual. From performing complex ankle reconstructions to caring for diabetic foot ulcers, we are at the forefront of foot and ankle medicine and surgery."
Source: Cision {4/1/19]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE MEDIA | |
FL Podiatrist Discusses Common Running Injuries
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or you're just getting started—doctors say foot and ankle pain can strike at any time. “A lot of people when they move down to Florida, they start doing sports that they’ve never done before, and unfortunately, as an adult, our bodies do not adjust as fast, and what happens is people jump into it rather quickly, and they get injuries,” said Dr. Chelsea Viola, a podiatric surgeon on the medical staff of Lee Health.
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Dr. Chelsea Viola |
The most common foot and ankle injuries are ligament sprains and tendon strains—injuries that can be caused by over-use or inappropriate footwear. “When it comes to something like tennis or pickleball, we tend to see a lot of ankle injuries in which case we do recommend proper tennis shoes. Those are made to stabilize the ankle a bit more,” she said. For ligament sprains and tendon strains, she recommends the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, elevation. This can help decrease swelling and pain.
Source: Leslie Morton, NBC-2 [4/1/19]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 | |
OH Podiatrist Dispels Myths Abour Bunions
"Most of the common misconceptions [about feet] that I’ve heard relate to bunions, says Gordon Yun, DPM, a podiatrist with Mercy Health. Myth No. 1: Shoes cause bunions and hammer toes. It has been proven that these foot deformities are inherited. Shoes may reinforce the deformity and increase symptoms, but do not cause them. Myth No. 2: Bunions are growths. Bunions, or hallux valgus, are not growths of bone. This is a condition in which the great toe joint comes out of normal alignment. It is not the shape, but the position of the bone that creates the large prominence on the side of the foot in a bunion.
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Dr. Gordon Yun |
Myth No. 3: Splinting or strapping the toe can cure a bunion. Simple splinting or strapping the toe into a better position will not reverse the process. Once the position of the toe begins to deform, contractures of soft tissue promote the deformity and, eventually, bony changes occur to further reinforce the deformity. There is no splinting or strapping procedure strong enough to counteract these deforming forces.
Source: Hannah Bealer, City Scene [3/31/19]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 | |
CO Podiatrist Discusses Prevention and Treatment of Cracked Heels
When you’re experiencing cracked heels, don’t just immediately tend to your feet - grab a water bottle, fill it up, and start guzzling. “Make sure you’re drinking enough water,” says Garrett Moore, DPM, a podiatrist at UCHealth Stapleton Foot and Ankle Center. “Your skin can lose around a liter of water throughout the day - more in dry climates - so keeping yourself hydrated goes a long way toward preventing or soothing dry, cracked skin,” he says.
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Dr. Garrett Moore |
Whether you’re trying to prevent cracked heels or heal them, the solution is the same: stay moisturized. “Use a good moisturizer at least once a day, possibly more. While there are various moisturizers and barrier creams out there - and many reasons to use certain types - one of the biggest problems I run into with patients is lack of consistency,” Dr. Moore says. “Moisturizer needs to be applied to the feet daily - once in the morning and once at night before bed. This will help you keep fluids in your skin, minimize loss, and even attract more from the underlying tissues (or even the surrounding environment!).
Source: Tehrene Firman, msn.com [4/1/19]
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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 | |
Partnership Agreements: Why it May be Time for an Overhaul - Part 4
When was the last time you reviewed your partnership agreement? Even if you are not currently contemplating new shareholders or partners, if you haven’t looked at your agreement in the last three or more years, now may be the time. From the perspective of business operations, let’s break out some of the key questions that you should consider in every partnership agreement:
4. General compensation: How will profits be shared? Will they be distributed equally or will there be a productivity component involved? What model will you use to determine that? (e.g., relative value units, revenues brought in, etc.) How might that model change over time?
Source: Susanne Madden, Physicians Practice [3/27/19]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: CPT 64787 and Excision of a Neuroma
I see everywhere that we are to bill the CPT 64787 (Implantation of nerve end into bone or muscle [List separately in addition to neuroma excision]) separately from the excision of the neuroma, even in CCI edits. So I billed the CPT 64787, in addition to my CPT 28080 (Excision, interdigital [Morton] neuroma, single, each) for a case. It is being denied for the reason that the CPT 64787 is not paid separately.
Is there some sort of modifier that is missing? When I checked, the only reason it would need a -59 modifier is if it was secondary to an amputation, which it was not. They tell me to bill it separately but then tell me it’s not paid separately. What do I have to do to get paid for the CPT 64787 in addition to my neuroma excision CPT 28080?
Brian Brausa, DPM, Roscommon, MI
Response: You cannot submit CPT 64787 with CPT 28080. It is not a CCI edit thing. This comes from CPT.
CPT 64787 – “Implantation of nerve end into bone or muscle (List separately in addition to neuroma excision) (Use 64787 in conjunction with 64774-64786).” CPT 64787 is an add-on code that can only be used when added on to any of the CPT codes 64774 – 64786. It cannot be added to CPT 28080.
CPT codes 64774–64786 are for excision of different types of neuromas. They list a lot of different types of neuromas in that code range, but none of them specifically include “Morton” neuroma. We do, however, have CPT 28080 – Excision, interdigital (Morton) neuroma, single, each. The rule in coding is to pick the code that most closely reflects what was done. Even though there are descriptions in the CPT 64774-64786 range that sound a lot like what we are doing when removing a Morton neuroma, we are stuck with CPT 28080 because that most specifically describes the procedure of removing a Morton neuroma. We do not have the option of including CPT 64787 with CPT 28080.
Jeffrey D Lehrman, DPM, CPC, Fort Collins, CO
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: Using a DPM Degree Outside of Podiatry (Ira Baum, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM
I first heard discussion of how we don’t attend medical school from one of my attendings during my residency at the Graduate Hospital under Harold Schoenhaus. I’ve heard this several times during my time in practice. The real litmus test for this meme would be asking someone who attended podiatric medical school and then attended a medical school which rendered an MD degree. This all leads towards the discussion of podiatrists having gone to medical school or not. I went to medical school. I just didn’t go to one that yields an MD or DO behind my name.
I started becoming more militant about this point when the guy I had as a 3rd and 4th year roommate went on after podiatric medical school to get an MD. He graduated 1st in our class at Temple, and 1st in his class at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. He is currently a...
Editor's note: Dr. Secord's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
Elliot Udell, DPM, stated in his April 2 letter to PM News that we need to be “happy in our own skins.” Much has happened in the past several decades and the profession has changed considerably, stretching its practice to the point where the “skin” of the profession is about to explode. Even though our curriculum in podiatric medical school still is not equivalent to that of the MD or DO schools, it has closed in on those programs.
Having been in full-time allopathic and osteopathic medical education in senior positions for more than 30 years and in podiatric medical education as president and several times as dean also for decades, I have been in the position to carefully observe the differences between the DPM and MD/DO educational processes. For 17 years at The College of Osteopathic Medicine in Nova Southeastern University I was responsible for...
Editor's note: Dr. Levy's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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| Does this shoe have more fun? |
Source: Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
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Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
FACULTY POSITION - DES MOINES, IOWA
The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (CPMS) at Des Moines University is actively seeking applicants and nominations for a faculty position that will participate in academic, clinical patient care, scholarly, and service activities within the College, University and community. Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter to www.dmu.edu/employment. Candidate review and/or interview scheduling will commence immediately and continue until position is filled.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CLEVELAND SW SUBURBS
Excellent opportunity to join a well-established busy two office location practice seeking a PSR-36 board-certified/qualified individual. Must be hard-working, passionate, ethical, and personable. All phases of podiatry from surgery to wound care. Staff privileges at 3 local hospitals. Modern offices recently remodeled and equipped with certified EMR, digital x-rays and all aspects of DME. Please forward CV to medical123@aol.com.
PODIATRIC POSITION – NEW MEXICO
Podiatric practice located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is seeking a Podiatrist BE/BC in foot and RRA to join our practice. The ideal candidate is Spanish-speaking. Once-monthly hospital call will be required. Weekly travel to a rural outside clinic required. Competitive compensation with retirement, health insurance, malpractice, etc. Email jrossfootankle@gmail.com
FULL-TIME MOBILE PODIATRIST NEEDED - NEW JERSEY
Well-established and fast growing House-call podiatry practice (www.homefootcareservices.com) is looking for Full-Time podiatrist to do home visits to home-bound patients in mostly Central and Southern parts of NJ. Salary - 100K Plus Bonus, Health Insurance, Vacation time, 4 days work week. Email resume - Lana.Raginsky@homefootcareservices.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - PHOENIX, AZ
Multi-Specialty practice with offices in Phoenix has openings for full-time and part-time Podiatric Physicians. Must be team players who can practice with attention to detail utilizing DME and can perform surgeries. Please reply with a CV and salary expectations to AllValleyFeet@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CAROLINA/NORTH CAROLINA
Established group practice seeking a well-rounded associate to provide all aspects of foot and ankle care. Candidate must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice. Competitive compensation with 401K, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc. Large referral base in a rapidly growing area. Please send inquiries to: mwrapecpg@gmail.com.
FULL TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - GREATER NEW YORK CITY AREA
3 location group practice requiring a full-time Associate Podiatric Surgeon with minimum 3 years of surgical residency training in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, ABFAS board qualification in foot and RRA required. Must be comfortable with all foot and ankle procedures. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice as well as individual career and reputation. Traveling by car is required (not just public transportation). Interested candidates can contact via email: delucia@faasny.com
ASSOCIATE POSTION - CENTRAL NJ
Associate needed for 30+ year busy private practices in Central NJ. Applicant should be personal, independent and motivated. Practice entails all aspects of podiatry. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Competitive compensation package. To apply please email letter of intent and CV to toefx176@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ALABAMA
Love the beach? Busy, established practice located in a coastal community is looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist! ABFAS board qualification or certification is required. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and individual career and reputation. Must have great people skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Competitive pay and partnership track available. Send CV and contact information to: manager@southbaldwinpodiatry.com
PODIATRIST POSITION – BALTIMORE METRO/ PASADENA MD AREA
Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC is looking for an upcoming or recent residency graduate or an experienced practitioner to join our group of 45+ providers with 24 locations and growing. If you are enthusiastic, personable, motivated and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position with you. We are leaders in quality care and forward thinking. Please send cover letter and resume to: newdpm@footandankle-usa.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
POSITIONs AVAILABLE – EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Looking for podiatrist to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Eastern Pennsylvania. Great opportunity for full or part-time income. Positions available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ARIZONA
Explore sunny southern Arizona! Green Valley is a retirement community known for its hiking in the Sonoran Desert, beautiful sunsets, and golf. Adjacent Sahuarita is known for its great school system with younger families. For sale is a 20+ year established turnkey practice grossing well over $400,000 on only 4 days a week! Everything included to get you started from day one, with a nice mix of c&c, surgery, sports medicine, diabetic shoes and orthotics. Digital X-ray and 5 treatment rooms adjacent to other medical offices. Huge growth potential or part-time if wanted. Contact GreenValleyPodiatry@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Great opportunity for a new or established practitioner to acquire a busy and successful practice. Busy from first day with great income. Located next to hospital in a medical office complex. Real estate also available for sale or lease. Seller financing available. All reasonable offers considered. Email sandiegodpm@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - 495 BELTWAY, MD
Established 30+ year old practice for sale. Busy practice with in office surgery suite. Steady patient flow with good patient/payor mix. Opportunity to purchase building as well. Priced to sale. MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
30 year established surgical practice in rural East Central Illinois. Re-locating. Turn-key operation with 3 treatment rooms and surgical suite. Certified EHR. Generates $450K, asking $300K. Call 217-549-1887 or email drjoe@myfeethurt.net.
8,000 PATIENT CHARTS FOR SALE - MANHATTAN
8,000 podiatry patients on an external hard drive. 27 podiatric file boxes securely stored. Successful podiatry practice patients from every major medical center in New York City. Worldwide patient flow over 40 years practice. Closed one month. Immediate responses requested. dr.philwhitman1@gmail.com
SPACE AVAILABLE – PLAINVIEW NY (NORTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND)
Office available to sublet and share. Fully equipped (turn-key) with state-of-the-art extremity MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, x-ray, and the availability to become a staff member of a certified ambulatory surgical center. Call 516 476-1815 podo2345@aol.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
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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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- 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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