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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,764 Subscribers Daily
April 4, 2018 #6,158  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2018- 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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Where do you perform percutaneous tenotomies? |
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
SNPMA’s Cook-Off at NYCPM a Luscious Success
SNPMA’s (Student National Podiatric Medical Association) 2018 Multicultural Cook-Off was a great – and delicious – success. The March 6 event raised $700, half of which will be donated to the Harlem Dowling-Westside Center for Children and Family Services, a non-profit child welfare agency founded in 1836. Dishes from a wide range of cultures were presented in a number of categories. The hungry hoards in the college community made short work of the wonderful array of foods, many of which ran out early, a measure of the event’s success.
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(L-R) Kwame Doh (2020); Emma Otieno (2020); Marian Osimen (2021); Drs. Eunice Ramsey-Parker and Loretta Logan, Dawn Simone Plummer (2021); Tinisha Ricks (2020); Adenike Sonaike (2018); and James Small (2019). |
Winner of the appetizer category – Alaa Zeizoun (‘20) for his Hummus with Syrian-style pita. Winner of the entrée category – Emmanuel Casanova (Woodhull Medical Supplies) for his oxtails. Winner of the dessert category – Darshan Patel (‘21) for his mango pie.
Winner of the two free meals donated by Dr. David George from the Dept. of Medicine – Nick Lee (‘21) and Asma Jappar (‘21).
Source: Footprints [March 2018]
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| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
TX Podiatrist Provides Tips for Diabetics
If you have diabetes, it's time to think about your feet. "Diabetes is a multi-system disease," Ronald Lepow, DPM explained. "Circulation in the feet and legs may be diminished because there are problems with blood vessels that get narrowed or clogged as a result of the diabetes. "A major cause of foot problems in diabetics is lack of blood flow," added Dr. Lepow, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor. This can cause callused or injured areas on the feet to heal more slowly, which can lead to ulcers or infections.
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Dr. Ronald Lepow |
Another problem is that diabetes-related nerve damage can affect the normal oil and moisture on the skin of the feet. That results in dry and cracking skin, which allows bacteria to get in and cause infections or ulcers, Lepow said. Lepow says it's important for anyone with diabetes to wash and dry their feet and inspect them for scratches, blisters, injuries, cuts, and bruises every day. Once feet are dry, apply a cream that's at least 20 to 40 percent urea.
Source: Health Day News [4/1/18]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NC Podiatry Practice Expands to New 13,000 Sq. Foot Building
A Greensboro-based podiatry practice that describes itself as North Carolina’s largest has moved into a new site on North Church Street after 46 years of growth. Triad Foot & Ankle Center has been in its new 13,000-square-foot building for about three weeks.
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Dr. Norman Regal |
The group has added new physicians and is affiliated with Cone Health Medical Group, said senior partner Norman Regal, a doctor of podiatric medicine. Seven physicians and about 30 other staffers now work for the practice, which also has offices in Burlington, Asheboro, and High Point.
Source: Richard M. Barron, News & Record [3/28/18]
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE NEWS | |
Realm Labs Introduces NeuRemedy® Ultra
Realm Labs, LLC of Boca Raton, FL has announced the nationwide launch of NeuRemedy® Ultra, formulated in direct response to the findings of a peer-reviewed prospective study, “Long-Term, Supplemental, One-Carbon Metabolism-Related Vitamin B Use in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort” (J Clin Oncol. 2017 Oct 20;35(30):3440-3448). The study which looked at the association between the 10-year average daily dose of supplements containing vitamins B6, B9, and B12 and lung cancer risk in a cohort of 77,118 participants found that, among men, the use of vitamin B6 at greater than 20mg a day or vitamin B12 at greater than 55mcg a day - from individual supplement sources, but not from multivitamins - was associated with an increase in lung cancer risk. The risk was increased in male smokers. No association was found among women.
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Dr. Richard Mann |
“These are very significant findings,” noted Richard H. Mann, DPM, CEO and Founder of Realm Labs, “and will most likely change the way many practitioners dispense and prescribe products containing vitamin B6 and B12 to improve peripheral nerve function in the feet and legs of their patients. NeuRemedy® Ultra was formulated to meet the needs of these practitioners.” NeuRemedy® Ultra contains 150mg of benfotiamine and 6mcg of methylcobalamin in a proprietary formulation. NeuRemedy® Ultra contains no vitamin B6.
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| DEA NEWS | |
Extortion Scam Targeting DEA Registrants
DEA is aware that registrants are receiving telephone calls and emails by criminals identifying themselves as DEA employees or other law enforcement personnel. The criminals have masked their telephone number on caller id by showing the DEA Registration Support 800 number. Please be aware that a DEA employee would not contact a registrant and demand money or threaten to suspend a registrant’s DEA registration.
If you are contacted by a person purporting to work for DEA and seeking money or threatening to suspend your DEA registration, submit the information through “Extortion Scam Online Reporting” posted on the DEA Diversion Control Division’s website, www.DEADiversion.usdoj.gov.
Source: DEA via Dr. Joseph Borreggine
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
RE: The Passing of Gus Kever, DPM
Gus Kever, DPM passed away from cancer this week. He was originally from Westhaven, CT, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to entering the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. After graduation in 1962, he practiced in Ponca City, OK.
Gus was an active sportsman who was a sparring partner for George Foreman, and completed his third Marine Corps Marathon at age 70. He is survived by his daughter Kathy, son Kristos, and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Painful Vesicular Rash on Hands and Feet
A 2 year old male developed red vesicular painful rash on the palmar and plantar surface of his hands and feet which started 5-6 weeks ago and seems to be getting worse. Initially, the hands improved, but the rash has returned. There is no history of oral/throat rash, fevers, or other symptoms to indicate hand, foot, and mouth disease..
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Painful rash on palms and soles |
His parents deny new shoes, socks, detergents, changes in environment/routine. There is no family history of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. Cortisone was applied without improvement. I am currently using clobetasol. Input would be appreciated.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
RE: Therapeutic Shoe Inserts Update
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
It is important to note that as of April 1, 2018, you are responsible to use the appropriate codes for your custom therapeutic shoe inserts. Since there is no financial incentive to using the wrong code and only a financial disincentive in choosing the wrong code (refunds to Medicare), it is imperative that you choose the correct code describing your inserts.
As of April 1 2018, all custom fabricated inserts made via the: Milling process (using a virtual positive) should be coded as K0903; Molding process (using a positive physical mold) should be coded as A5513.
The fabricating process should be obtained in writing from...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) | |
RE: United Healthcare Reimbursements in NJ
From: William J. Lipkin, DPM
I have been a participating provider with all UHC products, including their Medicare and Medicaid (Community Plan) for greater than 15 years. While a fee increase based on the supposed RVU adjustments is just a sham, what I have noticed in 2018 is a marked decrease in reimbursements for many procedural codes, with the 11750 (matrixectomy) code being the most egregious. I am getting a greater than $50 decrease in my reimbursement for this procedure from those that were done in December 2017. I have seen this with strappings, x-rays, but not to the same level of fee slashing.
What is even more remarkable is that I receive much more in reimbursement from many of the same codes from the Medicaid product than from the commercial products. Have any of my other colleagues in the NJ or other markets seen this in 2018? Also, my billing company/manager has left several messages with our supposed "liason" or "provider relations representative" from United in our geographical area, but alas all calls have been unanswered. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to proceed would be appreciated.
William J. Lipkin, DPM. Hoboken, NJ
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
It may seem all well and good for you to lighten your case load by training a PA or NP to perform most of your day to day "bread and butter" podiatric procedures. How would you feel if that person you trained leaves your practice and gets a job working for an MD "across the street" and that doctor starts advertising that he or she now provides foot care by a well-trained PA or NP?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Tina R. Sechrist
Our office has been working on this issue as a mass adjustment project with Palmetto GBA since early March. The following has been posted on the claims issue log of Palmetto:
Issue Identified 3/26/2018: It has been determined that a routine foot care service edit, based on the Routine Foot Care Local Coverage Determination (LCD), L37643, has been edited incorrectly and only allowing one CPT/HPCPS code identified in the LCD per patient, per claim. This issue affects claims for dates of service on or after February 26, 2018.
The editing will be updated to reflect the LCD’s intent, which is to allow any medically necessary routine foot care services for a given patient once within a 60-day period. Providers must bill all routine foot care services for a 60-day period together on one claim for one date of service. The CMS Mutually Exclusive Edits to prevent improper payment when incorrect code combinations are reported will continue to apply to each date of service billed.
Provider Action: 3/30/2018: There is no provider action. This CPIL will be updated once the editing has been updated and Palmetto GBA will perform adjustments on affected claims.
Tina R. Sechrist, East Cobb Foot & Ankle Care, Marietta, GA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Paul Langer
Congratulations to the FPMA cycling team for your fund-raising efforts supporting the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. I have enjoyed being a riding marshal on the Long Island tour for many years. .
Paul Langer, Executive Vice President, McClain Laboratories, LLC
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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What to wear when "horsing" around? |
Source: Etsy.com
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Busy, well established, well equipped, Podiatric practice looking for a second associate. ABPS board certified is a plus but not required. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Incentives available. Associate expected to market and grow the practice. Must be a well- trained, highly motivated individual. Practitioners in Bergen/Passaic counties with established practices will be given special consideration. Email CV to: minggao@optonline.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – KENTUCKY
Associate position open for well trained, compassionate physician for busy clinic in the beautiful Danville area of Kentucky. Wide range of services to be offered with several ancillary services onsite. Generous base salary with incentive/full benefits and partnership opportunity. Email CV and letter of interest to: MCrosby518@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MARYLAND
Come join our team of top docs. Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC has associate positions available in several of our established MD locations. We have all the administrative, marketing, and assistant help in place to help make your practice, with us, a success. See patients, do your charting, and leave the rest to us. Email your resume and cover letter to newdpm@footandankle-usa.com . We look forward to receiving your information
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN/LONG ISLAND
Seeking board certified/eligible person to work on Long Island and or Manhattan. Must be in-network with most of the carriers. Must have hospital privileges and have the capabilities to perform basic podiatric surgical procedures. Offices fully equipped with x-ray MRI CT scan and is associated with a surgicenter.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ORLANDO FLORIDA
KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is revolutionizing the continuum of care for seniors living in more than 200 long-term facilities in Central Florida. We currently have an opening in the Orlando, FL area. If you are committed to helping seniors live healthy lives, this mobile-based position could be your perfect fit. Our physicians work Monday thru Friday and must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. We cover malpractice insurance, medical supplies, travel allowance, etc. Exceptional benefits include paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, and 401K retirement plan. Salary and RVU Bonus Structure. Email CV kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA/HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL
KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is revolutionizing the continuum of care for seniors living in more than 200 long-term facilities in Central Florida. We currently have an opening in the Tampa/Hillsborough County, FL area. If you are committed to helping seniors live healthy lives, this mobile-based position could be your perfect fit. Our physicians work Monday thru Friday and must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. We cover malpractice insurance, medical supplies, travel allowance, etc. Exceptional benefits include paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, and 401K retirement plan. Salary and RVU Bonus Structure. Email CV kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
ASSOCIATE NEEDED - WARREN/YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
Ankle & Foot Care Centers operates 20 locations in Northeast Ohio. We are looking to add a full-time podiatric physician to help cover expanding office hours. Tremendous growth opportunity for a hardworking individual with an interest in reconstructive surgery and wound care. To learn more about us, visit our website at www.ankleandfootcare.com Please email your letter of interest and CV to Michael Vallas, Practice Administrator at mike@ankleandfootcare.com.
NEW POSITION-PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Established practice in the Phoenix Metro area is seeking a podiatric physician. This position is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual who is looking for growth potential in a professional, well-equipped environment. Please reply with your CV at ValleyFeet@Gmail.com
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME-APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2018. 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. EOE (equal opportunity employer)
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
OFFICE FOR SALE – NEW JERSEY
Great Opportunity in NJ; ten year old podiatry office complete with two Chairs and stools, XCel x-ray, office furniture, TV, Alarm, file cabinets with active charts, computer with printer/fax, private restroom. On the ground floor. Serious buyers only. Call and leave your name and number: 347-512-2006.
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT – NYC SUBURB
Busy urban location with patients walking in every day. Ground floor accessibility. You will be busy from Day 1 if you are not afraid to work hard. Highly rewarding experience with established office-patient relationship in the community. Suburbs of New York City but city-like atmosphere. recruitjobs18@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PHOENIX METRO/EAST VALLEY
Small office, well established location. Primed for growth in family oriented area with bonus large retiree population. Close to multiple hospitals, surgery centers. New home developments/subdivisions literally around the corner. Email dlmeb5@yahoo.com for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PORTLAND, OREGON AREA
Walk to one major hospital in 3' and drive to another in 9'. Prosperous area. 4 full treatment rooms. Digital x-ray, diagnostic U.S., Doppler. Will stay 6 mos. to help transition. Respond to: OfficeofPodiatry@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at 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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- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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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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