|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,656 Subscribers Daily
April 06, 2018 #6,160  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
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
Last Chance to Vote
Quick Poll
|
|
Where do you perform percutaneous tenotomies? |
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NY Podiatrist Offers Men's Foot Health Advice
If you are experiencing any foot pain or nail discoloration, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Krista Archer, DPM explained that some discolorations are caused by a dermatophyte, a fungal organism that responds to medical treatment. “One bug affects skin and nails,” she said. If skin is peeling and applying cream doesn’t seem to help, it’s likely a fungus and not simply dry skin. Fungal conditions are easy to pick up at gyms, pools, and even pedicure salons, according to Archer. “It jumps into your sneakers and lives there because the dermatophyte loves warm, moist, dark environments,” she said.
 |
|
Dr. Krista Archer |
You can sterilize your shoes with a UV Total Recovery shoe sanitizer, available online. By simply inserting the shoe-shaped device inside your footwear, it can help kill fungus, spores, bacteria, and odors in just 15 minutes. Now that your feet have been treated, you can show them off in a pair of sandals. However, Dr. Archer warns, when walking around a city like New York, it’s best to wear a closed-toe shoe to avoid any unsanitary conditions on the streets.
Source: Barbara Schneider-Levy, Footwear News [4/4/18]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
NY Podiatrist Explains How to Prevent and Heal Blisters
Lori Weisenfeld, DPM, a New York City sports podiatrist, explained how blisters start: friction. “So preventing a blister is all about preventing that friction from happening in the first place,” says Dr. Weisenfeld, who sees the most blisters at the start of sandal season (beware!). Her first solution is moleskin, which is a product that’s similar to a Band-Aid, but the entire inner-facing part is an adhesive.
 |
|
Dr. Lori Weisenfeld |
Once you start feeling friction, say the day you put on those new strappy sandals for the first time this season, you can just put a little piece of moleskin over the irritated part to prevent any future blisters. You can also put this on where you anticipate future friction. There are also gel products, Dr. Weisenfeld says, that go over the toes to prevent blisters.
Source: Lauren Schwartzberg, Slate via Dr. David Armstrong [4/5/18]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
PA Podiatrist Comments on $26M Sludge Plant
For months, Synagro Technologies has laid out the case for a roughly $26 million plant in Plainfield Township that would take treated sludge and convert it into pelletized “ biosolids” that can be sold as fertilizer or fuel.
 |
|
Dr. Luther Bond |
Dr. Luther Bond argued medical waste or viruses could seep into the sludge brought by Synagro. If loads containing questionable materials are accidentally spilled, “it’s going to be a big problem,” said Bond, a Pen Argyl podiatrist.
Source: Anthony Salamone, The Morning Call [4/5/18]
|
|
| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE NEWS | |
MN Podiatrist Performs Lapiplasty for Bunion Correction
A patented procedure called lapiplasty is the future of bunion surgery. White Bear Lake podiatrist Christopher Phillips, DPM is one of the first in the metro to perform the technique. “The procedure is driven to create a technique that is controlled, reproducible, and lends itself to confidence in the results,” Dr. Phillips said. “It aims at restoring anatomy back to normal by correcting the deformity at the joint. A patient can bear weight almost immediately following the surgery.”
 |
|
Dr. Christopher Phillips |
According to the company that invented lapiplasty, Treace Medical Concepts Inc., 87 percent of bunions have a metatarsal frontal plane rotational deformity. If not corrected, patients are 12 times more likely to have a recurrence.
Source: Debra Neutkens, Quad Community Press [4/3/18]
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Make Medical Billing Mistakes Less Common - Part 1
Common Billing Mistakes
1. Medical Necessity - A common billing mistake, medical necessity cases, is becoming more and more common, according to Brian Bewley, JD, a healthcare attorney at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC in Nashville, Tenn. Medical necessity infractions occur when a patient's condition doesn't warrant the services a practice bills for. For example, if a patient presented with stomach pain and a clinician ordered images of his right foot, medical necessity may come into question.
"There's not only a review of what you billed for, [payers] look at the medical records and the underlying condition of patients to determine whether or not the [billed] services meet medical necessity," says Bewley.
Source: Dylan Fisher, Physicians Practice [3/26/18]
|
|
| QUERIES (EHR) | |
Query: Kareo EHR
We have been using the Practice Fusion (PF) EHR since 2012. Because of PF, we signed-up with Kareo for practice management (billing). With the impending change in PF, my office manager spoke to Kareo about their EHR. By using both Kareo systems, we would receive a package discount that would reduce our monthly cost per doctor by $89 over the new PF model. Does anyone have experience with Kareo EHR?
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: E&M and Qualified Routine Foot Care in Nursing Facility
How often can an E&M be billed in conjunction with a nail debridement code (CPT 11720 or CPT 11721)? Once per admission? Once every 365 days? Only on the initial visit to establish the diagnosis?
Mark Spector, DPM, Garland, TX
Response: E/M services are always paid per medical necessity. An E/M must be “significant and separately identifiable” from any procedure performed on the same date of service. When you first see the new patient, an E/M can be billed to an appropriate level since you do not know anything about the patient.
There is no basis to perform a routine foot evaluation on a yearly basis just to qualify the patient for routine foot care. If the patient’s condition changes impacting the feet which could be the result of a “re-admit”, then an E/M could be payable. You need to document the scenario as to why the examination is required separate form performing the nail care.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Doug Richie, DPM
Nine years ago, I posted a blog documenting my experience with a patient who had purchased "custom" foot orthotics from Costco.
To my surprise, this blog posting became the most popular blog entry ever posted on the Podiatry Today website, primarily due to the readership of the general public. Today, over 116,000 people have read the post. The comments on this blog are also interesting, but my own message is still valid today. Commercial entities who provide low cost, ineffective foot orthoses will only increase awareness and motivate the general public to seek quality foot care interventions provided by qualified podiatric physicians.
Doug Richie, DPM, Seal Beach, CA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Steven E. Tager, DPM, Shashank Srivastava, DPM
I too saw the ad. This sort of thing is malignant in this country. All who think they can capitalize on the benefits of orthotics try to do so. It suggests to me that we as a profession lack the necessary influence over this type of misrepresentation. This is possibly because there are insufficient concrete guidelines for orthotics prescriptions?
Steven E Tager, DPM, Scottsdale, AZ
I also saw this in my Costco mailer. My feeling is that this is largely an automated process that is not under the oversight of a physician. This has been an increased trend in the DC, Maryland area with various shoe stores that offer a similar service. This was quite frankly very predictable. One of the downsides to easy digital scanning is that it opens the floodgates to this type of automation and scaling that eventually devalues the product. My feeling is that with 3D printing, this will probably be more prevalent in years to come.
Shashank Srivastava, DPM, Rockville, MD
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1c | |
From: Harry A. Harbison, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM
I always find it interesting that podiatrists seem to think "custom orthotics" are a prescription-requiring item. Please be aware that in-shoe orthotics (i.e.- ala Root style) do not require a prescription in any state or province in the USA. There are no requirements that a "medical professional" be involved in the fabrication of these items. To have these items paid for under a third-party payor may require some sort of "prescription" for medical necessity documentation.
Harry A. Harbison, DPM, Long Beach, CA
We use a scanner in our office to send images to a lab. It's not rocket science and I had no delusions that non-podiatrists would use the same technology. Chiropractors, orthotists, and PTs are making custom orthotics and some use the same labs that we use. Now it's Costco.
The question we should be asking is how to manage the patient who gets a custom set of orthotics from Costco and then asks us to make adjustments to help manage his or her foot problems. I already encountered this problem in my office and wonder how others will approach this problem.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) | |
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD
Dr. Lipkin asks for "thoughts and suggestions" pertaining to the egregious low reimbursements from United HealthCare. I have a simple solution for him or anyone else in his position. Drop out of the network today. How long can you sustain the abuse doled out from this or any other insurance company? It’s terribly sad to see the lack of self-worth that many in our profession continue to display. Drop out of these insurance plans! Remember you can see all the patients you want if you want to see them for nothing. Volume in your office does not equate to income generation. That's the best and only solution for you, Dr. Lipkin.
Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD, Clifton, NJ
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Marc Haspel, DPM
Bravo to Governor Walker of Wisconsin for signing a bill allowing podiatric physicians to delegate services to a PA. While I’m not sure if this is the first state to do so, it is a welcome sign of parity for this profession. The use of PAs has become the norm in other fields and should be allowed in this one. While many may not be able to financially avail themselves of this opportunity, some may well be able to incorporate PAs into their practices, thereby elevating the stature of their practices, expanding patient bases, and improving revenues especially in the presence of non-podiatric competition for patients in need of foot care.
Marc Haspel, DPM, Clifton, NJ
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Unique way to recycle Twizzlers? |
Source: Belgin Yucelon via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA
Independent contractor needed for podiatry practice in Portsmouth, Virginia. Send cover letter to feetloveus@gmail.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - ROCKLAND COUNTY AND WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Rockland County and Westchester County, New York. Great opportunity for part-time income. Positions available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
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 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.
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.
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.
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
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.
|
| 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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
