|
|
|
|
.gif)
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,654 Subscribers Daily
April 12, 2018 #6,163  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 |
Quick Poll
|
|
When did you first become aware of a career in podiatry? |
 |
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Bumps on the Feet Need to Examined: CA Podiatrist
Bumps on feet can signal serious or non-serious conditions, so it's best to have all bumps properly examined by a foot and ankle surgeon. "The most common type of foot bump, ganglionic cysts, are soft, harmless, fluid-filled sacs found on the tendons and joints of the foot. Ganglionic cysts can be caused by a leaking of jelly-like fluid from the "capsule" surrounding the joint or tendon and may be on the top of the foot, near the ankle joint, or even on the side of the foot. The cyst won't disappear on its own, and the best way to prevent recurrence is to have it surgically removed by a foot and ankle surgeon,".says Michael Coyer, DPM.
 |
|
Dr. Michael Coyer |
"Plantar fibromas are another type of harmless bump found on the foot. Plantar fibromas are fibrous, hard bumps found within the ligament of the foot and are common in the arch area on the bottom of the foot. Non-surgical treatments, such as steroid injections or orthotic devices, may relieve symptoms. Surgical removal is an option for people who still have pain after trying non-surgical approaches," says Dr. Coyer.
Source: The Salem News [4/5/18]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
ND Podiatrist Urges Community to Donate Shoes for Needy Children
“Children’s feet grow and change rapidly to ultimately form a foot they will depend on for the rest of their lives,” said Rachael Renschler, DPM, Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) podiatrist. “The most critical time to care and support the foot is when children are young,”
 |
|
Dr. Rachael Renschler |
Children grow quickly. It can be hard for some families to afford multiple pairs of shoes, sandals, and boots each year. But shoes that fit properly are important, Dr. Renschler said. Shoes that don’t fit can cause blisters and prevent kids from being able to grip the ground properly, putting them at risk for injuries. To help those families, Renschler is asking the community to donate shoes for children and teens as part of the Souls for Soles program.
Source: Jamestown Sun [4/4/18]
|
|
| 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.
 |
|
Today's Featured Article |
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
Best Ways to Play the Prior Authorization Game - Part 1
There is nothing more frustrating to physicians than knowing a patient needs a certain diagnostic test or medication and having them not be able to get it because their health insurance company won’t cover it. All too often, many services require prior-authorization (PA). How can this prior authorization game be played for better odds of winning?
1) Whoever does the prior authorization (PA) needs to have the progress notes in front of them. They will be asked clinical data and it should be at their fingertips.
2) Know what needs to be documented in the chart. For example, I had a patient with knee pain who I suspected has a torn ligament in the knee. When talking to the rep to get prior authorization for an MRI, I told her the patient had a positive drawer sign. She never heard of this before and because I didn’t record the results of the Lachman test in the note, she could not approve the MRI. She didn’t know what this test was (I asked) either, but it was a checkmark on her decision tree. I record them all.
Source: Linda Girgis, MD, Physicians Practice [4/4/18]
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)) | |
RE: The Passing of Allen Levy, MD
I just got news that a great freind of podiatry in the state of NJ, Dr. Allen Levy passed away on April 8th. Along with Dr. George Sheehan and others, he was instrumental in opening up NJ hospitals to podiatry, advocated for podiatrists to be included in medical staffs of sports teams, advocated for placement of athletic trainers in high school, authored numerous books on sports medicine, and lectured extensively on sports injuries and treatment.
 |
|
Dr. Allan Levy |
He was a team physician for the Newark Bears, NY Islanders, NJ Nets, NY Football Giants, and many local high school and college teams. I and podiatry in general owe him a debt of gratitude.
John McNerney, DPM
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
The posting informs us that the patient used a bone stimulator for three months to no avail. The posting also states, an MRI revealed there was no fracture. Hence, it makes sense the bone stimulator didn't work as there was no fracture to treat. The posting indicates an orthotic was made but the assumption is this didn't work out so well as the patient still has the on and off again pain. The poster is questioning the orthopedic doctor's proposal of a sesamoidectomy in light of the fact there is no sesamoid fracture.
I don't think the sesamoid has to be fractured in order to remove it. I don't think heel spurs have to be removed when people have heel pain yet many of my colleagues remove them. What you do have is a positive finding of a intermediate tear of the plantar plate. My question to you is has there been any form of treatment to attempt that as the cause of pain? Afterall, it is a positive finding, one not addressed by the bone stimulator or the orthotics described.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
I am not sure why a bone stim was used for sesamoiditis, but I will let others comment on that as I don’t see the correlation, nor do I understand physical therapy for this. She has a “rigid pes cavus” which gives you the possible etiology of her condition. Address the cavus and her pain may also go away. Certainly a gastroc, TAL, Bauman needs to be considered for the equinus as well as a DFWO of either the first met, or cuneiform, or a Cole midfoot osteotomy if it's global, but I have no idea how severe her cavus is.
Rather than removing the sesamoid(s), you can consider removing just the plantar 50% of the sesamoid by planing with a sagittal saw, and leave the articular cartilage. Brace with proper orthoses.
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM
I have been using Synergy Global Group for my billing for four years now with excellent rapport and results. Last year, I became a consultant to the group, where I am especially helpful partnering with their clients practicing out-of-network or hybrid (in and out-of-network). The best way I can explain SGG to podiatry is that they are a 10% billing company that charges 4%. In addition, they handle but do not take a % on claims that are not insurance bound. Amit Bose, the CEO of SGG has built a platform that caters to small private practitioners as well as multi-location and grouped practices.
They have dedicated staff chasing open claims, and their monthly statements and analytics are sophisticated yet understandable. SGG has allowed me to manage my receivables with less energy and frustration and greater profit. I work with their podiatry accounts regarding coding and charting (especially biomechanics and uncovered services), and assist in maximizing OTC sales in practice.
Disclosure: I am a consultant to Synergy Global Group.
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A | |
From: Brian Kiel, DPM
I, just like many podiatrists, see patients who have been treated by Costco and urgent care facilities. I, like Dr. Jacobs, will not deal with devices that others have made. I explain that it is a useless device and I cannot and will not take responsibility for them. On the other hand, if someone comes into my office with a boot and a fracture, or an improperly treated condition of the foot, I don't feel that we can or should refuse them. If another facility screwed it up in the first place, then they probably won't get it any better the second. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to help that patient. Of course, proper charting regarding the prior care is critical, but we have an ethical responsibility to care for those patients.
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
I am not sure if all the negative comments about Costco orthotics are well guided. I, like most of my colleagues, watch shark tank - and I say kudos to the people who came up with the idea. It's rather ingenious, and from a business point of view, I think they will make money. I think it's ludicrous to point to the inferiority of the product without having seen it or tried it. That is sheer jealousy. Some of my colleagues have been known to have their secretaries cast patients, yet no one is up in arms over that. I'm not sure that I can even agree who the experts are or if there are any when, as Dr. Shavelson points out, there are no studies proving anything.
The more important question is - should the profession have been able to deem orthotics prescription products to be prescribed only by doctors, and did the profession let us down in that regard? What exactly is the Costco process? When the operator is quizzing the patron on what ails, can this be construed as a medical exam that the operator should not be doing?
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) - PART 1A | |
From: Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
I dropped out of this network several years ago when their reimbursement levels fell below my cost of providing care. Although I lost a few patients, most have remained self-pay patients. These get a 20% discount and pay at the time of their visit. We continue to receive "invitations" to join their network, which we file in the circular file.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) - PART 1B | |
RE: United Healthcare Reimbursements in NJ
From: William J. Lipkin, DPM
While I do appreciate the replies, though sparse as they were, I believe that "knee-jerk" reactions of just dropping out of ALL poorly paying insurance plans must be given great consideration (otherwise no doctors or hospitals would accept any insurance at all). Data collection would be helpful to present to a local or our national podiatric society, though, I am not certain of the clout they would be able to muster in order to achieve a fair and acceptable reimbursement for their constituents.
The purpose of the post was certainly more in line with trying to find out if any of my colleagues have had success in being able to reach a provider representative at this particular insurance company so that meaningful dialogue about fees and reimbursements could be...
Editor's note: Dr. Lipkin's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Way to recycle tropical plants? |
Source: Fulvia Bonavia via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
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)
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - RURAL NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Great opportunity in rural Northeastern NC! 20 year, well established practice with multiple locations, ready to continue to grow, seeking hard working Podiatrist/s just entering practice or with experience, to join us. North Carolina license a must, Send questions and/or CV to iiicms@aol.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 – 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 POSITION – NEBRASKA
Associate wanted for growing practice. Competitive pay with partnership track available, surgery center ownership available. All facets of podiatry available with great autonomy. Great opportunity for right person. Must be BQ/BC. Send CV and contact information to: Nebraskafas@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA
Independent contractor needed for podiatry practice in Portsmouth, Virginia. Send cover letter and CV 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.
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 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA
Established in 1976 - fully staffed podiatry practice located in Hampton roads, Virginia across from a class A hospital. The practice has in-house x-ray, ultrasound and PAD ABI waveform devices, as well as a Styker command II system. The custom design 4000 ft² medical building includes a private parking lot, 6 fully stocked treatment rooms and an OR. Tremendous growth and expansion opportunity. Send cover letter & CV to vapodiatry18@gmail.com
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 commuity. Suburbs of New York City but city-like atmosphere. recruitjobs18@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – MASSAPEQUA, NY
Medical equipment in good working condition for sale: 2 Boyd Podiatry Chairs, X-cel X-ray machine with developing tank, whirlpool, 1 steel cabinet with medical supplies (immobilization boots, orthotics grinder, 2 sterilization tanks) Equipment available after May 5, 2018. Best offer accepted. Contact Loreto Capogna (516) 752-0070 or lcapogna@aol.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
MidMark 416 Chair-Blue, Ritter Chair/Table-Blue, Osada SX Drill, Reliance Chair-Tan, X-Cell X-Ray P-700, Pelton Crane Autoclave-Omni Clave OCR, Burton Electricators, Mettler Sonicators, View Boxes, Supplies (walking and air casts, night splints, etc.) & so much more! Dr. Shevlin 772-267-5450
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
|
| |
|
|
|
